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Before you hurry onto a yacht or plane to any number of beautiful Mediterranean islands, discover the wealth under your feet: the Greek capital, birthplace to the most influential ideas of early Western civilization and inspiration to scholars worldwide. As it dispels a reputation earned in the 20th century as a crowded, depreciated metropolis, Athens has revitalized itself in the world of fashion, shopping and the arts, and refurbished luxury hotels thanks in large part to the 2004 summer Olympics. Experience the city as it hovers at the precipice of a mini, modern Golden Age, and explore the myriad of activities inspired by its rich history, culture and location.

Benaki Museum
1 Koumbari Street
Tel. 30.210.367.1000
www.benaki.gr
Though ancient Greek history is well-known, Byzantine history is much less celebrated. Explore the era that links ancient and modern times, where Greece's oldest museum, a breathtaking neoclassical structure in the center of the city, features more than 30,000 items that illustrate Greece's distinct history, including Byzantine artifacts, the permanent Childhood, Toys and Games exhibit and extensive collections of Coptic, Chinese and Islamic art. Relax at the cafe, which features a terrace overlooking the garden, then browse the gift shop full of decorative objects, tools, jewelry and handmade goods.

Acropolis Donyssiou Areopagitou
Tel. 30.210.367.1000
www.culture.gr
Purchase a ticket for the Unification of Archeological Sites and step into a world of antiquity. This is Acropolis: one of the world’s most revered sites of ancient urban ruins. Enter through the Beule Gate and marvel at the Propulaea’s ancient Doric and Ionic columns. Imagine life in the second century as you visit the Temple of Athena Nike. Though little of it remains, current Athenian government promises that by the end of 2006, the temple will be rebuilt with sections returned from the Acropolis Museum, and the rest will be laser-cleaned to remove soot. Athens wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Parthenon’s legendary columns, constructed in the 5th century BC. Take a picture in front of the Erechtheion, which faces the larger, though some say, less beautiful, Parthenon. Don’t let the six beautiful maidens on the Porch of Caryatids fool you—though these decorative columns look like the real thing, the originals are actually in the Acropolis Museum. When you enter the site, ask the ticket takers for an English-language guide.

National Archeological Museum
44 Patission Street
Tel. 30.210.821.7717
www.culture.gr
Called the most important museum in all of Greece, the National Archaeological Museum will be closed for a much-needed expansion until 2007. Millions have flocked to its corridors to view the Mycenaean collection at this 19th century building. Anafiotika This charming village-within-a-city, whitewashed and flush with ceramics and bougainvillea, sits at the northeast base of the Acropolis and was home to many stone workers from the islands in the 19th century. Visit some of the oldest churches in the city, such as the 18th-century Ayios Georgios tou Vrachou or the 14th-century Church of the Metamorphosis Sotiros.

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