While for many travelers Greece is one of those summer destinations that requires at least two weeks to visit (this is true for most Americans, South Americans, Asians, etc.) For many others that live within a two to three-hour flight radius, it has become a weekend destination. Many of these short-stay Europeans flock to Greece, even during the summer for a quick 2-3 days in Mykonos or one of the other islands.

In the past few years, Greece’s two leading cities, Athens and Thessaloniki, have developed into year-round weekend destinations. In Athens, even during the worst financial crisis, the city is booming with life. Everything from restaurants, bars, nightclubs, museums, art galleries, and live music venues are going through a cathartic period.

While certain neighborhoods have felt the full force of the crisis, other neighborhoods have greatly benefited from it. There is a multitude of cultural institutions under development like the Museum of Modern Art and National Opera House. Popular cultural institutions include the Onassis Cultural Foundation and the New Museum of the Acropolis.

At the same time, up north in Greece’s second-biggest city Thessaloniki, the urban culture is totally different. While Athens is all about who knows who to gain access to the hip & trendy nightlife, Thessaloniki is more open and down to earth.