One Night In Athens

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ANTHEE CARASSAVA, TIME correspondent I would start off with a stroll through the meandering streets of the ancient city to the foot of the Acropolis to catch a performance at the Herodus Atticus theatre. Whatever the show, it's worth soaking up the dramatic ambience. I'd then dine at Varoulko downtown for a platter of baby calamari sautéed in basil sauce and a dessert of fruit soup and cinnamon ice cream.[an error occurred while processing this directive] You can burn it off afterward by bopping and bouncing among Athens' chichi socialites at Balthazar in the city center. But if there's a full moon, the Parthenon is the place to be. A frenzy of free events and entertainment has crowds clambering until 3 a.m.

FOTIS A. KARAYANNOPOULOS, attorney Begin with a martini at the Hilton's panoramic Galaxy Bar, where you can watch a glorious Greek sunset. Move on to the Panathinaia open-air cinema to catch a vintage 1940s film and smell the jasmine flowers that adorn the cement wall. Then, take to the balcony of the Attikos restaurant for a great view and a scrumptious sofrito veal meal. Head for the trendy Gazi clubbing district for a final round of drinks and some late-night flirting and dancing. Should Tyche, goddess of Fortune, hitch you up with a new acquaintance, head up to Kaisariani hill where you can lie under the pine trees in the courtyard of a Byzantine monastery, gazing at the stars.

NIKOS DIMOU, author Take the new tram (it's slow but delightful) from the center of Athens to the Phaliron coast. Once there, you have two choices: steer left for the Paralia — a strip of seaside nightclubs and famous bouzoukia (clubs with live Greek music). Or veer right, as I would, toward the Peace and Friendship Stadium. From there, walk half a mile to discover Greece's most picturesque small harbor, Mikrolimano. Then, visit the Dourambeis restaurant for a dinner of fresh fish and luxurious salads.