Athens

of history, politics and edginess, its cultural and social life unfolding in and around landmarks that are centuries – if not millennia – old. The relics of Ancient Greece get most attention, of course; the Acropolis is ever-present, a daily reminder to citizens of their magnificent heritage, but there’s great architecture from later periods, too. Thousand-year-old Byzantine churches stand unruffled on busy streets and hillsides. Ottoman traces are present in buildings and in food, while the Neoclassical style of the 19th century lends elegance all over the centre. Though citizens have endured tough times since the economic crisis began 10 years ago, the city crackles with energy – in politics, street art and fashion. Leave room in your