Athens, once the capital of Greek knowledge and culture is now a bustling metropolis of 5 million inhabitants. Jokingly referred to as "the city that the Greeks loved to hate," Athens was in a state of stagnation before preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games were begun. Soon as the city´s bid to host the Games was approved, Athens started a campaign of beautification and progress that continues to bring more positive changes to the city even today.

These changes include a new and improved infrastructure system, a fast and efficient new Metro with newly furnished stations, where one can find on display historical artifacts discovered during its construction, and of course, the construction of a new international airport which is now deemed one of the finest in the world. The city´s renovation of its roads also greatly reduced traffic, made transportation by car more efficient and reduced the smog and smoke that used to blanket the metropolis in the early hours of the morning.

However, despite the modern changes, Athens still puts more emphasis on its reverence for its history. Old historical monuments are lovingly preserved by the city, and all efforts are made to make ancient sites more accessible to the public by linking them all to the promenade, all set side-by-side with modern coffee shops, cafes, art galleries and renovated mansions within walking distance.