Where are the best UNESCO World Heritage sites?
From Athens to Jordan, discover the best UNESCO World Heritage sites
Athens
History, history, history! Wherever you wander in the intriguing city of Athens, you will find both the obvious attractions and hidden gems around every corner. These ancient buildings are unmissable, but if history isn’t your bag, there’s still so much to see and do in Greece’s capital.
Athens is an exhilarating blend of contemporary cool and ancient history. Even if you are all about all things hipster, you can’t fail to be charmed by the birthplace of democracy. When it comes to the ancient buildings, the Acropolis is the crème de la crème. This citadel is regarded as one of the most important ancient sites in the world and is home to some of the most spectacular views of Athens. It is also where you will find the Parthenon – a resplendent marble temple built at the height of the Greek Empire.
However, if you prefer to gaze upon the wonder of these ancient sites at a rooftop bar with a glass of retsina and indulge in a plate of saganaki, head to one of the many establishments that afford incredible views of the Acropolis and beyond. Athens is fast becoming a thriving city renowned for its expansive culinary scene – from its budget-friendly tavernas where you devour meze with the locals to restaurants offering haute cuisine which takes influence from everywhere from Syria to Ethiopian, there’s a world of flavours to explore in Athens.
6 incredible facts about Athens that will blow your mind
Think Athens is all Acropolis and Tzatziki? Think again – there’s so much more to this intriguing city than meets the eye. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Greek capital, love a cheeky factoid or have a penchant for a pub quiz, these facts about Athens will blow your mind.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Athens
One of the biggest draws to Athens is, without a doubt, the food. From traditional Greek fare in tavernas that play invigorating bouzouki music to top-quality international cuisine where you can choose from the likes of Ethiopian Shiro to Pad Thai, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to Athens’ expansive culinary scene.
From the Acropolis to the Parthenon, 5 historic sites in Athens you can’t miss
Rich with treasures, steeped in history and full of intrigue around every corner – welcome to Athens. If you love culture and history, then you are in the right place. Whilst there are many newfangled structures that you can admire, to get a true sense of Ancient Greece, you have to follow in the fabled footsteps of the Athenian greats and meander around some of the best historic sites in Athens.
Top 10 things to do in Athens
From its ancient citadels and world-famous museums to quirky street art and a pretty stellar coffee culture, Athens is an exhilarating blend of contemporary cool and ancient history. Even if you’re all about all things hipster over history, you won’t fail to be charmed by the birthplace of democracy. So, whether you’re an Athens first-timer or returning to this historic and culturally rich city, you won’t be short of things to do.
After dark: A guide to Athens nightlife
Supperclub or speakeasy? Hip hotspot or hedonistic clubs twhere you can dance the night away? To those in the know, Athens is so much more thanthe Acropolis, the ancient Agora and ouzo. Although on a night out, you can certainly channel your inner Athenian by indulging in the anise-flavoured liqueur (on which note, you might be interested to know that there is no word in the Greek language for ‘hangover’ – Γεια μας!).
Milan
Being fashion-forward and first to the hottest new trends attracts a certain crowd to Milan. To say they’re cosmopolitan, bustling and keen to snack on sushi would be a sweeping generalisation, but you’ll see why when you hit the streets. Asian gastro-influences have snuck into menus from brunch ’til midnight – this is a city that likes to eat late. And cocktails, craft beers and botanicals are edging out Italy’s Soave on the drinks menu. Though, so far, the galleries are clinging onto their masterpieces by the greats. You can, of course, hop on a walking tour of the city to take in works by the next generation of celebrated artists, though these tend to be spray painted rather than crafted from oils and watercolours.
Though, let’s not forget, Leonardo da Vinci’s most memorable piece was daubed on a wall rather than a canvas, so there’s something historic to be found in the murals too. Straying away from Milan’s art and food for a moment, though, really, why would you want to? Bring your deepest pockets for a revamp of your entire wardrobe. There’s a wealth of aperitivo options waiting to revive you, if not your wallet, when the shops close.
Shop til you drop in Milan
Can you visit one of the world’s major fashion hubs without doing a little shopping? That’ll be a no from us. Milan’s shopping centres take the shopping experience up a notch or two with huge, historic and architectural shopping arcades, department stores that scale up ten storeys and award-winning outlet stores. Everything from haute couture to international brands can be found on these streets. And, if malls, big brand bargains and designer pieces don’t fill you with retail joy, there’s an excellent recycled and vintage scene to stroll among too.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner in Milan
You’d expect Milan restaurants to come with a blend of style and sophistication baked in. We are, after all, mingling with European fashionistas, business magnates and urban go-getters in this city. What you’d likely not expect is a wok full of chilli spiced sea bream at brunch, sushi to sit alongside Italian classics or a live game (based on a Netflix hit) to liven up dinner a little. All bets are firmly off in this art-laden metropolis that serves up anything but the expected. Except when it comes to pizza. Milan takes this noble foodstuff seriously indeed.
