It's impossible to visit Athens without being reminded of its immense history, from the iconic Acropolis, Roman ruins and mosaic-filled Byzantine churches to stellar archaeological and ethnographic museums. But Athens is also very much a vibrant, contemporary metropolis, with lively alfresco cafes, a flourishing dining scene that embraces both the traditional and inventive modern Greek cuisine, and energetic nightlife that spills out on to beach clubs in summer. It's a dichotomy encapsulated by the Acropolis Museum, a striking building designed by superstar architect Bernard Tschumi to house the Parthenon Marbles, including - eventually - the Elgin Marbles. *Sightseeing in Athens *Athens hotels *Athens restaurants & cafes *Athens bars *Athens shops *Athens maps