Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

It was long time in the making, and like other things in Greece right now, it remains tricky to operate. Yet, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center—new home for both the National Library and National Opera, designed by Renzo Piano and financed to the tune of $630 million—is a wonder to look at, walk through, and relax in. The library and opera are state of the art even if the library's bookshelves aren't yet full; the 42-acre grounds are vast enough for an artificial sailing lake in the city (!). Take advantage of the center's location and drink in the 360-degree views of the Greek capital from the top balcony. This neighborhood is, after all, called Kallithea, which means "wonderful view." Aaah.

Some of the city’s most important institutions can now be found in one place: The Stravros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, located in the Athens suburb Kallithea. Stavros Niarchos Park stretches up to form a green roof for the new homes of the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera.