Athens in 1 Day for Friends - Walk the historic Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)
In Collaboration with Food around Athens. Updated on February 23, 2026.
A 2‑hour guided walking tour with local hosts Michalis and Rachel that introduces where Athenians buy and eat. Visit the city’s spice, fruit, meat and fish markets, explore Evripidou’s delicatessens and spice shops, and finish with a traditional Greek coffee from a historic coffee shop. Note: no food is provided during the tour; you’ll be shown authentic tavernas and bars to try afterward.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Food around Athens, inspired by the tour Discover and shop in the food markets of hidden Athens. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Walk the historic Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)
- Browse spice shops on Evripidou Street
- Traditional Greek coffee prepared the old way
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at the start point on Athinas Street for a local-led walking tour around Athens’ market quarter and nearby neighborhoods. The schedule includes short walks between stops and time to browse and buy items such as spices, olives, olive oil and natural soap.
Psyrri – lively bars and tavernas (intro)
This is where the Athenians go to have fun. Locals out enjoying traditional bars and tavernas whilst often listening to live Greek music. Very vibrant and buzzy area.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — streets are narrow and partly cobbled.
- Carry small change for quick purchases; some small businesses prefer cash.
- If photographing performers or patrons, ask first and be respectful of private tables.
Heart of downtown — orientation stop (Monastiraki area)
We will end our tour in the heart of downtown Athens where you can clearly see evidence of the 4 most significant periods of Athenian history.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep personal items secure in crowded squares and use a zippered bag or money belt.
- There are public transport connections (Monastiraki metro) nearby if you need to continue independently.
- If you need an ATM, use a bank-branded machine rather than an independent exchange kiosk for better rates and security.
Varvakios Agora — markets of Athens (meat, fish, fruit & veg)
We will visit the markets of Athens - meat, fish, spices, fruit and vegetables.
Tips from local experts:
- The market is busiest early morning; bring a reusable shopping bag for purchases you want to take home.
- Sellers often sell by weight — if buying olives, oil or bulk spices ask for packaging suitable for travel (sealed tins or jars).
- Some stalls close around midday — plan purchases earlier in the tour for best selection.
Evripidou Street — delicatessens and spice shops
Home to our plentiful delicatessens and spice shops. Bursting with fresh produce and shopping opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring small resealable bags or lightweight containers for loose spices or dried herbs if you plan to buy samples.
- Ask shop staff to pre-pack or double-seal products for carry-on luggage; many shops are used to tourists and can help.
- The tour includes a Greek coffee from a traditional coffee shop nearby — this is a short seated stop to demonstrate how it’s made.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Nightlife, Neighborhood, Shopping |
