Athens isn’t just about ancient ruins and lively plazas — it’s become a surprisingly flavorful city for those seeking vegan and vegetarian culinary experiences. The city’s growing plant-based scene means you can find innovative street foods, cozy vegan spots, and even hands-on cooking classes. Our favorite? The Athens: Gastronomic Vegan Group Walking Tour, which offers a lively 3-hour stroll through some of the city’s most exciting vegan eateries while introducing you to local flavors like vegan feta and bohemian neighborhoods. It’s a perfect way to combine sightseeing with a delicious exploration of Greek vegan cuisine.
What makes Athens stand out for vegan and vegetarian tours is its mix of traditional tastes and modern twists, all served up in a city that’s proud of its culinary heritage. From street food like vegan souvlaki to private tasting tours in bustling markets, there’s something to suit every appetite. Whether you’re after a quick two-hour snack crawl or a three-hour deep dive into local vegetarian dishes, Athens delivers authentic flavors that challenge stereotypes about Greek food. Read on to discover the seven best tours that will turn your visit into a savory adventure.
A quick overview of the tours included
Our list features a variety of vegan and vegetarian-focused experiences — from group walking tours to private tastings and even a cooking class. Each offers a different way to taste the city’s plant-based side, with options for quick bites or more comprehensive tastings. For a structured walking food tour that covers many neighborhoods, check out the Vegan Group Walking Tour. If you prefer sampling street food with a guide, the Vegan Street Food Tour is your best bet. For a more personalized experience, the Private Vegetarian Food Tour offers tailored tastings in Athens’ top veggie spots. And for those eager to learn how to cook Greek vegetarian dishes, the Greek Vegetarian Cooking Class with Olga provides hands-on fun. Let’s dive into each one to see what makes them special.
1. Athens: Gastronomic Vegan Group Walking Tour
This lively 3-hour tour captures Athens’ fastest-growing vegan culinary scene. Starting from a central spot, you’ll follow your local guide through neighborhoods that are often overlooked by travelers, including bohemian districts with vibrant street art and trendy cafes. The tour includes visits to vegan Greek dishes and hot spots where you’ll sample everything from vegan pies to local oils, salads, juices, and vegan feta. One standout feature is how the guide explains why veganism is trending in Athens, making it more than just a food tour — it’s a cultural insight.
The itinerary hits key spots like Syntagma Square, Plaka, and Monastiraki, with plenty of photo stops and tasting sessions along the way. The tour concludes at Aiolou 34, where you’ll enjoy a sweet vegan surprise. With 8 reviews and a perfect 5/5 rating, travelers love how engaging and delicious this experience is. One reviewer wrote, “The tour was very nice to follow and the food was great,” praising the introduction to Halva and the overall fun atmosphere. It’s best suited for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience that combines sightseeing with authentic vegan eats.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, 3-hour introduction to Athens’ vegan scene, perfect for first-timers wanting variety and local insight.
2. Athens: Vegan Local Street Food Guided Walking Tour
If street food is your passion, this 2-hour Vegan Street Food Tour hits the mark. Starting with an energetic walk through central Athens, you’ll visit a series of vegan-friendly restaurants and street vendors, tasting some of the best vegan Greek cuisine available. The guide will take you to spots where you can sample ice cream, souvlaki, and more, all made vegan — a rare find in a city known for its meat-heavy dishes.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on local eateries and authentic flavors, ensuring you taste unpretentious, genuine dishes. The tour is designed to leave you “extremely well fed,” with reviews like “Food and Guide were great,” and “even my 15-year-old picky eaters found more than one dish delicious.” For those with limited time but a craving for street-level bites, this quick-paced, engaging walk is perfect. It’s especially good for travelers eager to explore Athens’ vegan offerings without committing to a longer tour.
Bottom Line: A fast, flavorful introduction to Athens’ vegan street food, ideal for those looking for a taste-heavy experience in a short time.
3. The Vegetarian Food Tasting Tour
This private 4-hour tour takes you into Athens’ lesser-known vegetarian dishes in a way that’s both personal and relaxed. It’s perfect for visitors who want to explore Greek cuisine beyond the typical meat-based dishes. The tour visits local eateries and the Central Market, where you’ll discover meat-free Greek favorites. The guide customizes the experience, making sure you try vegetarian-friendly options that often surprise visitors expecting heavy meat dishes.
The highlights include sampling meatless Greek dishes and learning how local delicacies like cheese, vegetables, and grains are prepared. One traveler reports, “The places we visited and the food was amazing,” emphasizing the private, tailored approach. This tour is ideal for travelers with dietary restrictions or those curious about vegetarian Greek cuisine who want a more intimate experience. The price is slightly higher, but it offers a comprehensive, personalized tasting adventure.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for vegetarians wanting to explore Greek flavors in a private, relaxed setting, with enough time to savor each dish.
4. Athens’s Original Vegan Food Tour
For around $75, the Original Vegan Food Tour offers a delightful 3-hour walk exploring Athens’ vegan delights. Starting at the National Library, you’ll visit the city’s top vegan pie spot and other hidden gems. The tour includes tastings of olives, honey, nuts, sesame bread, Greek coffee, loukoumades, and more than 10 local delicacies total. The tour can also be tailored to vegan dietary needs, making it flexible for your preferences.
Tour guide Agatha keeps things fun and educational, explaining Greek food customs while leading you through lively neighborhoods. A highlight is the visit to a vegan bakery specializing in Greek pies, and the tasting of local olives and honey. The reviews praise the guide’s engaging manner and the variety of flavors. This tour suits foodies who want a deep dive into Athens’ vegetarian and vegan treats with a good mix of history and taste.
Bottom Line: A fun, flexible 3-hour exploration of Athens’ vegan cuisine, great for food lovers who want a mix of local culture and tasty bites.
5. A Vegan Friendly Food Tour Of Athens
This intimate 3-hour tour caps at eight participants, making it ideal for those who want a more personal experience. Meeting at Syntagma Square, you’ll try over 10 vegan products, including juices, pies, salads, donuts, and street food. Led by guides Agathis, Alexis, and Pigi, the tour takes you through downtown Athens, uncovering local spots that serve vegan versions of Greek classics.
A key feature is the focus on local products like olives, nuts, and traditional dishes with vegan twists. Reviewers mention how the guide’s knowledge made the experience special, with one noting, “We discovered some gems and ate some of the best spanakopita ever.” The tour is best suited for travelers who want to sample a variety of foods in a smaller group and learn about the local ingredients that make Greek vegan cuisine unique.
Bottom Line: An engaging, small-group 3-hour tour perfect for those wanting diverse tastings and a chance to connect closely with guides and fellow food lovers.
6. Greek Vegetarian Cooking Class with Olga
If you’re eager to bring Greek flavors home, Olga’s Vegetarian Cooking Class offers an immersive 3-hour experience. Olga’s background in public health and her passion for authentic recipes shine through as she guides participants in preparing vegetarian Greek dishes. Her classes focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques, making the experience both educational and delicious.
The class covers a variety of dishes, with hands-on participation in making olive oil-based salads, vegetarian pies, and more. Olga’s personal approach ensures everyone learns useful skills that can be recreated at home. The small group size allows for personalized attention, and reviews praise her warmth and expertise. While the price is higher, it’s a great value for those wanting an authentic culinary skillset.
Bottom Line: A hands-on, authentic cooking experience perfect for foodies who want to learn how to prepare Greek vegetarian dishes themselves.
7. Private Athens Vegetarian Food Tour
For travelers seeking a highly personalized experience, this Private Vegetarian Food Tour is the best option. Led by a local foodie guide, you’ll explore Athens’ top veggie spots in the city center, sampling everything from phyllo pies to loukoumades. The tour’s private nature allows customization based on your dietary preferences and interests.
The itinerary includes stops at key locations like Syntagma Square, Agia Irini Square, and the Central Market. The guide shares insider tips and recommendations for more places to eat and drink, making it a wealth of local knowledge. The reviews highlight the personalized service and the variety of delicious vegetarian dishes encountered. It’s ideal for travelers who want an exclusive, flexible experience that fits their specific tastes.
Bottom Line: A tailored, private experience perfect for those who want an intimate look into Athens’ vegetarian scene, with expert guidance and personalized tastings.
How to Choose the Right Vegan & Vegetarian Tour in Athens
When picking your ideal tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re new to Athens and want a rundown, the Gastronomic Vegan Group Walking Tour offers a broad taste of the city’s vibrant scene. For quick bites and street food lovers, the Vegan Street Food Guided Tour is perfect for a short, flavorful experience. Those seeking a more personal touch should look at the Private Vegetarian Food Tour, while culinary enthusiasts who want to learn new skills will enjoy Olga’s Vegetarian Cooking Class. Planning ahead and booking early ensures you get your preferred time slot, especially in high season.
Final thoughts
Athens offers a surprisingly diverse range of vegan and vegetarian experiences that go beyond the stereotypes of Greek cuisine. Whether you prefer a guided tour, a street food crawl, or a hands-on cooking class, you’ll find options that suit your taste and schedule. The 7 tours we’ve highlighted include both group and private experiences, making it easy to find one that fits your style.
For first-time visitors, the Gastronomic Vegan Group Walking Tour or the Vegan Street Food Tour are excellent starting points. If you’re passionate about cooking, Olga’s class promises a memorable hands-on experience. No matter your choice, Athens welcomes plant-based explorers with open arms — just remember to book early, as these tours fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons.
