The birthplace of democracy, Athens is one of the world's most culturally significant cities. And, far from spartan, it has developed a taste for the finer things in life as well as simple pleasures. While the restaurants at the Hotel Grande Bretagne are top-notch (I recommend watching at least one sunset from the Roof Garden; shown here in the video), there are pleasures to be found elsewhere in the city as well.

You'll no doubt be exploring the Acropolis and other historic ruins while you're in town; on your way out of Constitution Square, stop at Ariston (10 Voulis St., two blocks from the square) and pack some spanakopita or other filled phylo pies — they have the best selection in Athens — for lunch; it'll be cheaper than around the ruins. After a day exploring the ancients, ease back into civilization with dinner at Abreuvoir, Athens' oldest French restaurant. Enjoy classic dishes such as duck à l'orange or Chateaubriand under a canopy of mulberry trees in the garden.

Not all is old-fashioned and ancient is Athens, however. Restaurants such as 48 and Hytra are taking traditional dishes and ingredients to haute new heights. 48 takes cues from El Bulli's Ferrand Adria, transforming classic dishes like Greek salad and spanakopita into molecular-gastronomic delights, while Hytra offers updated, nouveau versions of dishes from Chef Yiannis Baxevanis' home of Crete. Meanwhile, Michelin-starred Varoulko wows diners with stellar seafood, innovative interpretations of working-class dishes and a stunning view of the Acropolis. Book in advance.