Nowhere does ancient like Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, its recorded history stretches back 3,000 years. Most famous of all the classical traces to be found throughout Athens is the Parthenon, a temple of the goddess Athena, on the Acropolis.
Athens boasts excellent museums. The National Historical Museum is housed in the old parliament building, the Numismatic Museum covers the history of coinage and the stunning New Acropolis Museum exhibits artifacts related to the "sacred rock".
The city has been modernized greatly over the past few years, a legacy from when the world took cheap flights to Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games. The airport is relatively new and getting around the city - on the metro and electriko - is a breeze.
Like their Iberian cousins, the Greeks take nightlife seriously. Dinner starts at 10pm or later and a night out ends only at dawn.
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