Sights in ancient Greece and Athens, especially, take on a larger importance than in most other places in the world. They are histories of democracy, Western civilization and philosophy firsthand. You can't help but walk around the Parthenon and the rest of the Acropolis and dream about the great ones who have come before you and whose footsteps you're in.
Athens, Greece, is a must-see on any European tour. The ancient and modern merge in this city in ways that are fascinating and sometimes overwhelming. Pollution wreathes the golden stones of the Acropolis and obscures views of the Saronic Gulf. Cars bleat and belch among ranks of concrete high-rises. But then you turn down a cobbled lane and discover vine-swathed tavernas, tortoises trundling through ancient ruins, and bazaars teeming with dusty treasures. Or perhaps you will encounter a sleek cafe, art gallery or an outdoor cinema that serves ouzo under the stars. Greece's capital has been reinventing itself; the results could not be more charming.
The metro routes are extensive, and the stations dazzle with marble and antiquRead More ... ities. Congested downtown streets have been turned into pedestrian walkways, greatly reducing Athens' notorious smog and noise. Hotels, museums and archaeological sites have been revamped. Gentrified districts—such as Gazi and Psiri—host cafes, clubs and chic restaurants, which even boast smoke-free sections. Greeks are proud of their Olympic history, their renovated capital city and—most of all—their proven ability to surmount obstacles with flying colors. Athens should remain firmly on the travel map, prized for both its ancient charms and its modern makeover.
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