For thousands of years, Greece's capital city has been a center for politics, art, literature, and enlightened thought. These days,Athens is a madly bustling metropolis—but the central point in town is still the Acropolis. The most recognizable ruin at this 8,000-year-old city hub is the Parthenon, but other famous ones include the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea.

To experience something else that hasn't changed much over the millennia, dive into the hectic, haggling Monastiraki neighborhood. Cut-price retailers run small shops here throughout the week, but on the weekends, the place turns into a full-on flea market/swap meet and is always thronged with people by midmorning. The neighborhood of Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis is the oldest part of Athens' "old city" and at this point is very pedestrian-friendly... in fact, most streets are pedestrian-only, chock-full of restaurants and shops.