Europe is one of the most popular and diverse tourist destinations. When deciding which country to visit, one can choose between a wide array of cultures, traditions, climates, sights, and experiences. For a traveler interested in the ancient culture, Rome and Athens offer the best opportunities for sightseeing, combined with a wide array of other attractions. Both cities are located in Mediterranean Europe and have similar climates and historical heritage, but at the same time, each boasts unique attractions, traditions, food, and atmosphere.
Ancient culture is one of the first things that attracts a tourist coming to Athens and Rome. Both cities are considered cradles of human civilization that had an enormous impact on the shaping of modern Europe and preserve outstanding historical sites. In Athens, the Acropolis Hill is the city’s ancient center and one of the world’s most breathtaking ruins. In Rome, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill are landmark attractions that gather millions of tourists throughout the year (Massetti 24). Apart from open-air archeological sites, both cities accommodate world-famous museums dedicated to ancient art and housing magnificent statues and historical artifacts discovered at local sites. In Athens, they are the National Archeology Museum and the Acropolis Museum, while in Rome, the most prominent collections are displayed at the Capitoline Hill Museums, the oldest public museum in the world. The historical centers of both cities boast an extraordinary amount of picturesque ancient ruins and monuments and are the center points of attraction for antiquity lovers.
In terms of other cultural and historical sites, Rome provides a wider choice. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city witnessed another period of cultural prominence in the Middle Ages when it became the home for the most talented artists of the Renaissance. The breathtaking Roman churches decorated in baroque style house the paintings, frescos, and statues created by Michelangelo, Titian, Rafael, Giotto Di Bondone, Bernini, and Caravaggio (Massetti 34). Rome is often described as an open-air museum and one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in the world, with the whole city center being an endless gallery of architectural monuments and amazing works of art. Athens does not boast such an abundance of cultural treasures. Conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the middle of the 15th century, the city did not participate in the European Renaissance and, thus, did not produce significant works of art. For tourists interested in art and architecture, Rome brings the best travel experience.
When it comes to other tourist attractions, both cities provide a wide range of options. Both Athens and Rome have picturesque parks, access to the sea, cozy cafés and restaurants, and lovely neighborhoods with charming ambiance. The central districts with a maze of narrow streets, cozy little squares, age-old cafés, pastel-painted houses, and local shops are attractive in both cities alike. The nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues open all-night, is equally vibrant and diverse in Athens and Rome.
Both cities have a good system of public transport, comprised of a bus network, metro, various railway systems, and maritime services. Rome is easier to access by air, as it has three major airports serving international destinations. Athens has one airport, which is the main base of Aegean Airlines that connects the city with even the remotest destinations. Both cities can easily be reached by sea, rail, or air, and transportation within Athens and Rome is convenient and reliable.
While the prices in Italy and Greece are not dramatically different, Rome is considered a more expensive destination than Athens. The cost of living in Rome is moderately higher, and the cost of food, activities, and entertainment also reflects this. Travel between locations in Greece is more expensive, which does not influence transport costs for tourists staying in Athens. Overall, both cities are affordable for an average tourist and provide multiple accommodations, transportation, and entertainment options for visitors with different levels of income.
Italy and Greece are famous for their cuisines and boast a wide variety of unique vegetable, fruit, meat, and fish dishes. Both cities are seaports, therefore, fish and seafood are especially recommended to try out when looking for a place to dine. While Italian cuisine is more popular internationally, with pasta and pizza being common dining options in all countries throughout the globe, Greek cuisine provides a strong competition.
Both Athens and Rome are world-famous cities that attract millions of tourists from all over the world. They are both cultural capitals with amazing ancient historical sites, monuments, and museums. Rome is more renowned, and its culture is richer and more versatile, with the city being the home of the most talented Renaissance artists and architects. Athens is less diverse in terms of cultural significance, with its main points of attraction being the ancient ruins and the picturesque city center. However, both cities are major tourist destinations that offer unique experiences, affordable accommodation, and entertainment prices, pleasant climate, amazing cuisine, and convenient transportation options.
Work Cited
Massetti, Enrico. Rome a Complete Guide. Enrico Massetti Publishing, 2015.