athens or rome?
 

We have a daughter who will be studying abroad next semester in both Greece and Rome. We would like to visit her but don't know which place to go. We have never been to either place. She will be in Greece in September and October, and then in Rome in November and December. Which would you choose and why? We would like to stay for a week or a little longer. Thanks!!!!

I would choose Rome. I studied in Italy for a semester of college, and for our spring break we went to Athens in February and spent about 7 days there. I liked Rome better, because Athens has bad air quality and is extremely busy, at all hours of the day. Rome at least feels a little more spread out and is a great city to walk in. Either place is worth visiting at some point, though, but my vote is definitely Rome.

Can you visit her in late October and go to both Greece and Rome? I was in Athens 2 years ago and loved it. I'll be going to Rome next month and have heard nothing but good things about it. I would do both places if I could.

No, we would have to go to Athens if we go in October or Rome if we go in November or December because our daughter will be there at those times. I am leaning towards Greece simply because I believe the weather will be nicer there in October than in Rome in November. Anyone else have an answer to my question - where shall we go, Rome or Athens?

Athens is a crowded dump and about the worst place to go in Greece. It is not worth more than a day visit. Rome is fabulous.

I have been to both and would definitely choose Rome. I keep going back to Rome and have never thought about going back to Athens. Rome is my favorite city in Europe!

Have been to both. As mentioned above, Athans itself is only worth a couple of days. I did enjoy it, but spent most of my time on the islands or inland. It also has gridlock from 6 am until midnight. Rome, on the other hand, is worth a couple of weeks in the city itself. I totally fell in love with it.<BR>

Rome. No question that it wins hands down!

Hi.<BR><BR>Go to Rome. It is FULL of things and places to entertain, educate and charm you.<BR><BR>Athens will bore you to tears.<BR><BR>You're welcome.

"Athens will bore you to tears."<BR><BR>Oh, the humanity !!!!<BR><BR>

I have to agree with most people here.<BR><BR>I've been to both in the last couple of years. I'm happy I've seen Athens, but will never go back. On the other hand, Rome is an incredible city and I would go back anytime.<BR><BR>Nath

Rome and Athens are hard to compare. I think each is great but in different ways. Athens is in many respects a third world city, with a lot of sprawl, some visible poverty in spots, heavy traffic congestion (although the newly extended subway makes it easier to get around); all sitting side by side with what I think are the most amazing remains of Western civilization - - at its very birth. The Acropolis is extraordinary: a high bare mesa in the middle of the city consisting entirely of 4th and 5th century BC buildings. They're more isolated and, I think, more beautiful than the Roman forum or other ancient buildings in Rome. The Plaka has a lot of tourist schlock, but it has very pretty streets and good restaurants as well, and the archaeological museum is the best of its kind. Finally, the new subway station in Constitution Square is almost worth the trip itself. It has exhibits of what was found during excavation, giving you a clear sense of the history you're walking on throughout Athens.

I would choose Rome, because there is a bit more to see in Rome than Athens. Athens has the Acropolis and the Plaka and a really nice museum, but other than that it's a big modern city. Rome has many different walking areas and it's easier to slow down and savor the Italian way of life there.

Athens is very polluted. Not that Rome is very clean, but it is a lot better than Athens. Greece is great, but if when you go to Athens, wear a gas mask!

I have been to Rome 2x and Athens once. I would have to agree with most go to Rome. Athens is dirty and unfriendly.

OK, heres an angle... which type of food do you like better??? Which period of history moves you more???<BR>We have been to both and I would choose Rome hands down, a hundred times. But Roman history is far more interesting to me personally,,, (very much a personal choice) and as for food.. well.. I really hate feta cheese, despite the fact that millions of people RAVE about Greek food.. I can't stand it... Italian food on the other hand is a big favorite for both myself and my husband.. I plan to go back to Rome, but I seriously doubt I would plan a second trip to Athens. Just IMHO