Two-Minute Guides

12 September 09

Eight countries, 24 cities – get the lowdown on where to go!

FRANCE

NUMBER CRUNCHER
21 Age of influential symbolist poet Arthur Rimbaud when he gave up creative writing.

CURRENCY EURO
POPULATION 64 MILLION
LANGUAGE FRENCH
Say this… Un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît? I’d like a glass of water, please?
Not this Un verre des eaux, s’il vous plaît? I’d like a glass of all the world’s water, please?

Paris
DRINK: LE CAFE DES SPORTS
No wonder this small bar is so popular – it serves free and delicious couscous during happy hour on Mondays. As well as cheap beer and wine – €2 from 6pm to 8pm – there’s a mixed programme of DJs ranging from chanson to dub.
94 RUE MENILMONTANT, TEL: +33 (0)1 4636 4818

DANCE: LA MAROQUINERIE
Known simply as “La Maroq”, this former leather factory is now a trendy live music venue and club playing indie and electro. Gigs go on underground while, upstairs, you can have dinner in the outdoor courtyard.
23 RUE BOYER, TEL: +33 (0)1 4033 3505, WWW.LAMAROQUINERIE.FR

STAY: HOTEL MAJESTIC
A pleasant central hotel with good transport links. Inner balconies, marble bathrooms and red velvet furnishings make for a luxurious stay at budget prices
121 AVENUE DE CLICHY, TEL: +33 (0)1 5859 2222, WWW.HOTELMAJESTICPARIS.COM

SEE: LA CINEMATHEQUE FRANCAISE
An institution holding the largest film archive in the world, the curves of this Frank Gehry-designed building are no mere dust vaults. The Cinémathèque has daily screenings of cult, classic and experimental films, and also holds film history exhibitions and symposia.
51 RUE DE BERCY, TEL: +33 (0)1 7119 3333, WWW.CINEMATHEQUE.FR

Rennes
EAT: LEON LE COCHON
This welcoming eatery is popular with both locals and visitors. Arrive with a big appetite in order to make the most of the hearty French dishes served up at reasonable prices. The menu shifts regularly according to season.
1 RUE DU MARECHAL-JOFFRE, TEL: +33 (0)2 9979 3754, WWW.LEONLECOCHON.COM

DRINK: RUE DE LA SOIF
Meaning “the road of thirst”, the trendy Rue de la Soif is a magnet for the many students in Rennes, since almost every establishment on both sides of the street is a bar. This is definitely the place to get your beer on in the city.
RUE SAINT MICHEL

STAY: HOTEL DES LICES
A good, modern hotel located in the prettiest part of old Rennes, giving visitors a perfect springboard to the city, with shops, restaurants and markets nearby. The 45 rooms are comfortable and come with all mod cons. Most have balconies.
7 PLACE DES LICES, TEL: +33 (0)2 9979 1481, WWW.HOTEL-DES-LICES.COM

SEE: LES CHAMPS LIBRES
Les Champs Libres is an ambitious new structure in Rennes encompassing a museum about Bretagne, a science centre and a rotating series of exhibitions showing off arts and crafts by local and national artists. The current exhibition is of Odorico art deco mosaics.
10 COURS DES ALLIES, TEL: +33 (0)2 2340 6600, WWW.LESCHAMPSLIBRES.COM

St Etienne
EAT: LA MAISON FARINER
This artisan bakery used to be a large brewery before it swapped hops for flour. Enjoy a glass of wine with some of their renowned Beaujolais sausage bread. Workshops held on 23-24 October allow participants to become versed in the mixing, processing, fermentation and cooking of bread, followed by a meal.
168 COURS FAURIEL, TEL: +33 (0)4 7746 7935, WWW.FARINER.FR

DANCE: CLUB INBOX
A glorious mishmash of gold and turquoise furniture, chandeliers, leather cube chairs and candy-pink walls, this club is a modern take on the opulence of Louis XIV’s court. The resident DJ plays a mix of indie-electro and pop.
25 RUE JEAN-CLAUDE TISSOT, TEL: +33 (0)4 7738 0982, WWW.CLUBINBOX.FR

SEE: MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
St Etienne’s art and installation centre. Current exhibitions include an exploration of lunar landscapes and photography 40 years on from the moon landings and the impact they have had on design and architecture.
LA TERRASSE, TEL: +33 (0)4 7779 5252, WWW.MAM-ST-ETIENNE.FR

DRINK: LE FIL
A venue that puts on live concerts, film nights and combinations of the two. If you’re in town on 2 October, catch the Soirée Woodstock – “one night of film, peace and music” – from 6.30pm.
20 BOULEVARD THIERS, TEL: +33 (0)4 7734 4640, WWW.LE-FIL.COM

GERMANY

NUMBER CRUNCHER
1.3 The length in kilometres of the longest remaining chunk of the Berlin Wall.

CURRENCY EURO
POPULATION 82.4 MILLION
LANGUAGE GERMAN
Say this… Du riechst so gut You smell so good
Not this Sabberst du oder hast du Tollwut? Are you dribbling or do you have rabies?

Berlin
EAT: GUGELHOF
Feast on rustic French/German cuisine in this down-to-earth eatery. The menu manages to balance the qualities of both national cuisines perfectly, combining the flavour of French cuisine with the generous portions of German.
37 KOLLWITZPLATZ/KNAACKSTRASSE, TEL: +49 (0)30 442 9229, WWW.GUGELHOF.DE

DRINK: DR PONG
Feel a little inactive when out at bars? Work up a sweat in Dr Pong, where non-stop table tennis competitions occur as crushing techno plays. With a bat in one hand and a bottle in the other, you’re set for an energetic evening
21 EBERSWALDER STRASSE, WWW.DRPONG.NET

STAY: HOTEL PENSION KASTANIENHOF
Excellently located on Kastaneinallee, this comfortable and friendly hotel sets you up perfectly for exploring the surrounding area. The corridors have been turned into a museum of sorts, with photographs charting the history of Prenzlauer Berg.
65 KASTANIENALLEE, TEL: +49 (0)30 443 050, WWW.KASTANIENHOF.BIZ

BUY: STIEFEL KOMBINAT
People with an eye for cool junk will barely be able to pry themselves away from this vintage store, with its retro clothes, old-school suitcases, eye-catching furniture, and a globe devoted to a map of Berlin.
21 EBERSWALDERSTRASSE, TEL: +49 (0)30 5105 1234

Bremen
DRINK: STANDIGE VETRETUNG
Ständige Vertretung, or Steady Representation, was the equivalent of embassies between East and West Germany before the wall fell. Today they’re re-open with walls decked out in images of Germany’s former separation. They also pour a tasty beer.
3-5 BOTTCHERSTRASSE, TEL: +49 (0)421 320 995, WWW.STAEV.DE

STAY: PARK HOTEL BREMEN
Sitting at the heart of the 200-acre Bürgerpark, this former country residence of a German duke is a picture of elegance. It also offers in-house Hammam massage.
IM BURGERPARK, TEL: +49 (0)421 34080,WWW.PARK-HOTEL-BREMEN.DE

SEE: EMMETT WILLIAMS
The Bremen Weserberg Museum is showcasing a retrospective look at the life of Emmett Williams, co-founder of the Fluxus art movement with experimental noisemaker John Cage and pioneer of the neo-Dada scene. Until 22 October.
20 TEERHOF, TEL: +49 (0)421 598 390, WWW.WESERBURG.DE

SOMETHING RUNNY: BREMEN MARATHON
Runners looking to feel the slap of tarmac under their feet take note: 4 October sees the return of Bremen’s annual marathon. Registration is possible on site, and there’s also a half marathon and 10km track if you’re feeling short on stamina.
THEODOR-HEUSS-ALLEE (STARTING POINT), WWW.MARATHON-IN-BREMEN.DE

Düsseldorf
EAT: MONGO’S RESTAURANT
Mongolian barbecue is quickly catching up with the old ex-pat staple, the Irish pub. Finding one that’s worth visiting though is often not as simple as simply finding one. Despite the slightly off-putting name, you won’t be disappointed at Mongo’s.
10 ZOLLHOF, TEL: +49 (0)211 440 7270, WWW.MONGOS.DE

STAY: HOTEL AM HOFGARTEN
The Hotel am Hofgarten is not going to win any awards for innovative design any time soon, but it is centrally located, affordable, offers recently renovated rooms and is nestled directly beside the splendid Hofgarten city park.
5 ARNOLDSTRASSE, TEL: +49 (0)211 491 990, WWW.HOTEL-AM-HOFGARTEN.DE

SEE: DANICA DAKI
Düsseldorf Kunsthalle is presenting an exhibition of work examining societal change from Sarajevo-born installation artist Danica Daki, until 8 November. It’s set to be a telling insight into the kaleidoscope of modern identity.
4 GRABBEPLATZ, TEL: +49 (0)211 899 6240, WWW.KUNSTHALLE-DUESSELDORF.DE

SOMETHING FREE: STADT MUSEUM
Opened in 1873, Düsseldorf’s Stadtmuseum is the oldest art gallery in the city, offers free entrance to the building’s permanent collection Tues-Sun, and has a section dedicated exclusively to honorary Düsseldorfer Joseph Beuys.
2 BERGER ALLEE, TEL: +49 (0)211 899 6170, WWW.DUESSELDORF.DE/STADTMUSEUM

IRELAND

NUMBER CRUNCHER
85,000 The number of Irish people who use Irish Gaelic every day.

CURRENCY EURO
POPULATION 4.2 MILLION
LANGUAGE ENGLISH & IRISH GAELIC
Say this… Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad A light heart lives longest
Not this Is trom an t-ualach an leisce Laziness is a heavy burden

Dublin
EAT: QUEEN OF TARTS
This enchanting tearoom serves up a slice of decadence in the city’s quiet medieval quarter. Among the hearty breakfasts and light lunches are some of the best cakes in town – try the chocolate cake or the blackberry pie.
4 CORK HILL, DAME STREET, TEL: +353 (0)1 670 7499, WWW.QUEENOFTARTS.IE

DRINK: THE STAG’S HEAD
Tucked away behind a busy city-centre street, this old Victorian pub is a bona fide Dublin institution. With its mounted stags’ heads and eclectic mix of students and locals, it’s the perfect place for a pint.
1 DAME COURT, TEL: +353 (0)1 679 3687, WWW.THESTAGSHEAD.IE

STAY: THE CLARENCE
Owned by U2’s Bono and the Edge, this boutique hotel on the edge of bustling Temple Bar combines old-world charm and contemporary style. Spacious, white oak-panelled rooms offer great views across the River Liffey, while the hotel’s Octagon bar is one of city’s trendiest night spots.
6-8 WELLINGTON QUAY, TEL: +353 (0)1 407 0800, WWW.THECLARENCE.IE

SEE: CHESTER BEATTY LIBRARY
Who said libraries are dull? Housed inside the grounds of Dublin Castle, this fascinating museum showcases precious manuscripts from across the globe. And entrance is totally free of charge.
CLOCK TOWER BUILDING, DUBLIN CASTLE, TEL: +353 (0)1 407 0750, WWW.CBL.IE

Galway
EAT: KIRWAN’S LANE
Tucked away down one of Galway’s few surviving late-medieval lanes, this stylish restaurant takes traditional Irish ingredients and gives them an innovative twist. Signature dishes include oven-roasted ham hock with broad beans, garlic cream, apricots and colcannon (mashed potatoes and cabbage).
KIRWAN’S LANE, TEL: +353 (0)91 568 266, WWW.GALWAY.NET/PAGES/KIRWANS-LANE

DRINK: SEHAN UA NEACHTAIN
Quay Street is home to Galway’s biggest and brashest bars – and this wonderful 19th-century pub. Known simply as Neáchtain’s, it was once frequented by actor Peter O’Toole, and is still popular with artists and students today.
17 CROSS STREET, TEL: +353 (0)91 568 820

STAY: THE HOUSE HOTEL
This former four-storey warehouse close to the famous Spanish Arch has been converted into a modern boutique hotel. Rooms are divided into categories – all are comfortable but for a real treat choose the “swanky” option.
SPANISH PARADE, TEL: +353 (0)91 538 900, WWW.THEHOUSEHOTEL.IE

VISIT: GALWAY ARTS CENTRE
Once home to WB Yeat’s patron Lady Gregory, this exquisite townhouse has long been at the heart of the city’s cultural life. Check out the programme of concerts, readings and exhibitions.
47 DOMINICK STREET, TEL: +353 (0)91 565 886, WWW.GALWAYARTSCENTRE.IE

Mayo
EAT: ACHILL CLIFF HOUSE
Located just yards from the coast, this cosy restaurant is the best place for a bite on the beautiful, windswept island of Achill. Seafood is the order of the day – try the chowder before moving onto the grilled plaice or Atlantic salmon.
KEEL, TEL: +353 (0)98 43400, WWW.ACHILLCLIFF.COM

DRINK: MATT MOLLOY’S PUB
Matt Molloy has spent 30 years jet-setting around the world with the Chieftains but the flautist still loves a pint and a tune in his pub in picturesque Westport town. Entertainment is live, provided by musicians including, when he’s not on tour, Matt himself.
BRIDGE STREET, WESTPORT, TEL: +353 (0)98 26655, WWW.MATTMOLLOY.COM

STAY: ASHFORD CASTLE HOTEL
Built on a 350-acre estate, this 13th-century castle-cum-luxury hotel has a fairy-tale feel to it. The ancient drawbridge is still in working order and the antiques in the bedrooms convey an unmistakable air of opulence.
ASHFORD CASTLE, CONG, TEL: +353 (0)94 954 6003, WWW.ASHFORD.IE

VISIT: CEIDE FIELDS
Beneath a thick carpet of bog the remains of a Stone Age village have been preserved for millennia. Today, the excellent visitor centre brings to life this important megalithic find.
BALLYCASTLE, TEL: +353 (0)96 43325, WWW.MUSEUMSOFMAYO.COM

ITALY

NUMBER CRUNCHER
2,500 The number of journalists expected to attend Milan Fashion Week, hitting the city again this year on 23-30 September.

CURRENCY EURO
POPULATION 59 MILLION
LANGUAGE ITALIAN
Say this… Potrei avere una crostata per favore? Could i have a fruit tart, please?
Not this Potrei avere una crosta per favore? Could i have a scab, please?

Ancona
EAT: MERCATO DELLE ERBE
Step inside this steel-and-glass edifice and indulge your Italian picnic fantasies. Pastries, cheese, fruit and veg, salami and wine are all peddled in this buzzing marketplace – so bring your hamper!
130 CORSO GIUSEPPE MAZZINI

DRINK: LIBERTY COCKTAIL LOUNGE
Festooned with art deco artworks and plush seating, this upmarket drinking hole near the port is just the ticket for those who love to knock back a dry Martini to kick off a night out.
7–11 VIA DEL TRAFFICO, TEL: +39 071 203 484

STAY: HOTEL FORTINO NAPOLEONICO
This imposing hotel juts onto a pristine strip of beach south of Ancona, and is an ideal base for exploring the 5,800 hectare national park in which it also resides. Period décor and a terrace restaurant make this perfect for romance.
PORTONOVO, TEL: +39 071 801 450, WWW.HOTELFORTINO.IT

DO: MUSEO TATTILE STATALE OMERO
Get a feel for art at the only museum in Europe where you are invited to touch the exhibits. Created for blind people, visitors can experience Roman and Greek artworks ranging from a replica of the Parthenon to Michelangelo’s David.
50 VIA TIZIANO, TEL: +39 071 281 1935, WWW.MUSEOOMERO.IT

Bologna
EAT: DROGHERIA DELLA ROSA
Known for its genial owner as much as its food, this cosy restaurant, housed in an old pharmacy, has no menus but offers fantastic dishes such as guinea fowl with honey and spices, fresh fish, and tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms.
10 VIA CARTOLERIA, TEL: +39 051 222 529, WWW.DROGHERIADELLAROSA.IT

STAY: AL CAPPELLO ROSSO
Everyone, it seems, is catered for at this boutique hotel, with some of its 32 neat, modern rooms set aside for women, people with pets and even those with allergies. Plus, they’ll give you a free bike on which to zip off around the city.
9 VIA DE’ FUSARI, TEL: +39 051 261 891, WWW.ALCAPPELLOROSSO.IT

SEE: DUCATI MUSEUM
Ducati’s museum on Bologna’s outskirts takes you on a journey from its origins with the humble moped to the latest, hi-tech superbikes. You can also tour the factory. Entrance is free but reservations are required for both.
3 VIA ANTONIO CAVALIERI DUCATI, TEL: +39 051 641 3343, WWW.DUCATI.COM

DO: SAN LUCA CHURCH
Stretch your legs by traversing this 3.5km walkway that snakes up the hillside from Porta Saragozza in the west of the city to a forested sanctuary overlooking Bologna. Covered by 666 arched porticoes, it’s a beast of a trek but the views and the church itself are worth the effort.
STARTS AT VIA SARAGOZZA

Turin
STAY: TOWN HOUSE 70
Located in the heart of Turin near the lively Via Roma, this boutique hotel offers a touch of urban sophistication. The 20 rooms, 26 junior suites and one suite come equipped with LCD TVs, spacious bathrooms, and stylish, modern furniture.
70 VIA XX SETTEMBRE, TEL: +39 011 1970 0003, WWW.TOWNHOUSE.IT/TH70

SHOP: PASTIFICIO DEFILIPPIS
Feast your eyes on the pasta being folded and flipped at Defilippis, a foodie emporium established in 1872. Offering all sorts of shapes and squiggles, and varieties such as egg and tricolore, it’s the perfect place to pick up some gifts for home or a simple dinner for later.
39 VIA LAGRANGE, TEL: +39 011 542 137

SEE: TEATRO REGIO TORINO
Rebuilt on the site of the original 18th-century theatre – destroyed by fire in the 1930s – the Teatro Regio combines striking modern architecture with surviving layers of the past. Superb acoustics make this an ideal venue for operas and ballets like La Traviata (14-28 October) and The Nutcracker (11-23 December).
WWW.TEATROREGIO.TORINO.IT

DO: ASTI
Explore nearby Asti, a town famous for its eponymous sparkling wine. Drop in at one of the many vineyards for a tasting or stop off at the 13th-century cathedral. Bareback horse race, the Palio d’Asti, thunders into town on 20 September.
WWW.KNOWITAL.COM/PIEDMONT

POLAND

NUMBER CRUNCHER
37 The number in millions of zlotys that were spent by Poznan zoo on Europe’s largest elephant house. However, the chances of breeding a big herd have been scuppered by bull elephant, Ninio – he’s gay!

CURRENCY ZLOTY
POPULATION 38.5 MILLION
LANGUAGE POLISH
Say this… Strasznie lubie gotowac´! I love to cook
Not this Lubie gotowac´strasznie! I like to cook badly

Krakow
EAT: POD KRZYZYKIEM
This tongue twister on the Market Square serves up modern Polish cuisine in a colourful art nouveau interior. Dishes such as roasted duck on apple mousse will have you applauding the artisans in the kitchen.
39 RYNEK GLOWNY, TEL: +48 (12) 433 7010, WWW.PODKRZYZYKIEM.COM

DRINK: PTASIEK CAFE
A trendy spot where upmarket bohemians keep a refined lid on their drinking (bizarre behaviour indeed in Poland!) while enjoying live music and flamenco and tango shows. The name means “Little Birdie” and, thanks to free Wi-Fi, you can drop by during the day for a Twitter.
3 ULICA DAJWOR, TEL: +48 (12) 431 0341, WWW.PTASIEK.EU

VISIT: AQUARIUM
Tropical fish, turtles and eels aren’t the only pull at Krakow’s recently opened Aquarium. The sanctuary has the largest collection of reptiles in the country and more venomous snakes that your average Indiana Jones movie.
9 ULICA SWIETA SEBASTIANA, TEL: +48 (12) 429 1049, WWW.AKWARIUMKRAKOW.PL

DO: OJCOW NATIONAL PARK
Hire a bike and pedal to the national park of Ojcow. You’ll need a map, directions and legs of steel (the park is 17km away over country paths) but Ojcow’s limestone rock formations, trickling brooks, and tapestry of autumn leaves are worth the effort.
17 ULICA BASTOWA, TEL: +48 (0)51 455 6017, WWW.CRUISINGKRAKOW.COM

Lodz
EAT: ANATEWKA
Portraits of wizened faces, elegant tablecloths and violins on the walls decorate this Jewish restaurant, which celebrates a culture all but lost in Poland. The food is inventive and delicious, with sole in orange sauce and Hertzel street goose liver among the tasty treats.
6 ULICA SIERPNIA 2/4, TEL: +48 (0)42 630 3635, WWW.ANATEWKA.PL

DRINK: LODZ KALISKA
An avant garde temple to beer with a nod to culture thrown in, Lodz Kaliska is named after the renowned artistic group of the same title. Concerts, exhibitions and reviews all take place, but the emphasis is definitely on drinking and partying over the three floors and terrace.
102 ULICA PIOTRKOWSKA, TEL: +48 (0)42 630 6955, WWW.KLUB.LODZKALISKA.PL

VISIT: POZNANSKI PALACE
Izrael Poznanski was a fabulously wealthy industrialist with a taste for luxury. His family home, a sight in its own right, also houses a museum of the city’s history. A real insight into Lodz’s formative years.
15 ULICA OGRODOWA, TEL: +48 (0)42 654 0323, WWW.MUZEUM-LODZ.PL

DO: LAGIEWNIKI FOREST
Lagiewniki is the biggest forest inside a city boundary in Europe and the green lungs of this former industrial powerhouse. Pack a kielbasa and a couple of piwos in a plastic bag and set off by bike for a picnic among the trees and lakes
NORTH OF THE CITY CENTRE

Poznan
EAT: CHLOPSKIE JADLO
If you’re brave enough for a crash course in Polish cuisine, make a beeline for “The Peasant’s Kitchen”. Pork knuckle, sautéed trout and barszcz soup are among the national treasures on offer.
77 STARY RYNEK, TEL: +48 (61) 853 6660, WWW.CHLOPSKIEJADLO.PL

DRINK: SQ
A real clubbers’ club, located in the Stary Browar mall, you may feel out of place if a) you’re over 25; b) you don’t accessorise; and c) you think minimal is just a design concept. DJ Magazine voted it in the world’s top 100 clubs.
42 KLUBPOLWIEJSKA, TEL: +48 (61) 859 6578, WWW.SQKLUB.PL

VISIT: MUSEUM OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
First-time visitors to Poznan might prefer to visit the city’s Renaissance Town Hall, Cathedral or National Museum, but if you’ve ticked off the biggies then pop into this superb vault. The museum’s founder, Zdzislaw Szulc, was a fanatic and his diverse collection is well worth seeing.
45 STARY RYNEK, TEL: +48 (61) 856 8178

SEE: LAKE MALTA
Artificial it may be but Lake Malta still provides some welcome respite from city life, and a stroll or bike ride around its perimeter is an autumnal afternoon well spent. Golfing or dry-slope skiing are also on offer, or why not visit the nearby zoo?
3 ULICA WIANKOWA, TEL: +48 (61) 876 6011, WWW.MALTA.POZNAN.PL

SCANDINAVIA

NUMBER CRUNCHER
38,-52.6 The warmest and coldest temperatures (in degrees Celsius, of course) ever recorded in Scandinavia.

CURRENCY SWEDISH, NORWEGIAN AND DANISH CROWNS
POPULATION 9.2 MILLION, NORWAY: 4.8 MILLION, DENMARK: 5.5 MILLION SWEDEN
LANGUAGE AT LEAST SEVEN
Say this… How soon can you come to the summerhouse?
Not this What do you need all that paid holiday time for, anyway?

Copenhagen, Denmark
EAT: LE LE NHA HANG
A popular, trendy Vietnamese eatery that serves up fresh ingredients in a long, cool space. The ambiance is at once Asian fusion, Scandinavian and sort of New York. No reservations, so be prepared to queue.
40 VESTERBROGADE, TEL: +45 3322 7135, WWW.LELE-NHAHANG.COM

STAY: BERTRAMS HOTEL GULDSMEDEN
Convenient and tasteful, this hotel is in Vesterbro, a quarter of the city that’s fashionable but with a neighbourhood feel. It’s easy to get to and from the city centre: a bus stop is right outside the door.
107 VESTERBROGADE, TEL: +45 3325 0405, WWW.HOTELGULDSMEDEN.DK

SEE: AMAGER BEACH
Someone should get a medal for designing and engineering this recreational area in east Amager, a Copenhagen island just to the east of the city centre. With beaches, dunes and a path for walkers and rollerbladers, the effect is California comes to Scandinavia.
AMAGER STRANDPARK, WWW.AMAGERSTRAND.DK

BE SEEN: KARRIERE
This hotsy-totsy bar, café and restaurant is located in Copenhagen’s meatpacking district – no meat market jokes, please. This is an in-place with a young crowd, cocktails galore and live music.
57-67 FLÆSKETORVET, TEL: +45 3321 5509, WWW.KARRIEREBAR.COM

Oslo, Norway
EAT: RESTAURANT VICTOR
A classy but unpretentious restaurant in Oslo’s Sandaker section. It’s a tram ride from the city centre, but locals in the know eat here for the international cuisine at mid-range prices.
6 GREFSENVEIEN, TEL: +47 2222 1770, WWW.RESTAURANTVICTOR.NO

STAY: FIRST HOTEL GRIMS GRENKA
Oslo’s only boutique design hotel, the First Hotel Grims Grenka is located in the city’s Kvadraturen area, close to shops and the museums of Contemporary Art and Architecture. Don’t miss the roof bar – it’s just right in good weather.
5 KONGENS GATE, TEL: +47 2310 7200, WWW.GRIMSGRENKA.NO

SEE: OPERA HOUSE (OPERAEN)
Don’t visit the new Operaen because it’s the knee-jerk tourist mecca; visit it because it’s fascinating. Take a tour or just go straight up the great slope to the roof, from where you’ll get a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
1 KIRSTEN FLAGSTADS PL, TEL: +47 2142 2100, WWW.OSLOOPERAHOUSE.COM

BE SEEN: UNDERWATER PUB
The ambience is classy but cosy, in an enchanted sea interior; why not? The location is Oslo’s tiny St Hanshaugen quarter. Opera singers perform for you on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
4 DALSBERGSTIEN, TEL: +47 2246 0526, WWW.UNDERWATER.NO

Stockholm, Sweden
EAT: ROSENDALS CAFE
This cool, affordable lunch café and bakery is housed in an old greenhouse. It’s worth the effort to find the place deep inside Stockholm’s Rosendals Tradgarden park, on the city’s Djurgarden island.
12 ROSENDALSTERRASSEN, TEL: +46 (0)8 5458 1270, WWW.ROSENDALSTRADGARD.SE

STAY: HOTEL BIRGER JARL
Right in the middle of Stockholm, the fully equipped, well-designed Hotel Birger Jarl boasts a comfortable lobby bar. Choose from several room styles, including the retro room, “where time stands still”.
8 TULEGATAN, TEL: +46 (0)8 674 1800, WWW.BIRGERJARL.SE

SEE: INNER HARBOUR
The quays and walkways in and around Strandvagen are a great place to walk, stop for a beer and people watch. Cross the bridge to Djurgarden and see the Vasa Museum and its 17th-century Swedish warship, uncovered decades ago.
START AT THE TOURIST BOARD, 27 HAMNGATAN, TEL: +46 (0)8 5082 8500, BETA.STOCKHOLMTOWN.COM

BE SEEN: PATRICIA
This nightclub, housed in a former royal yacht, attracts a young crowd; gay on Sundays. Explore several different bars, dance or just hang out until sunlight is peeping through the portholes.
152 STADSGARDSKAJEN, TEL: +46 (0)8 743 0570, WWW.PATRICIA.ST

SPAIN

NUMBER CRUNCHER
0 The number of words in the Spanish national anthem.

CURRENCY EURO
POPULATION 40.5 MILLION
LANGUAGE SPANISH
Say this… Me parto de risa That cracks me up
Not this Estoy harto de ti I’m fed ip with you

Alicante
STAY: HOTEL AMERIGO
Crafted into the antique walls of a former Dominican Convent, this sumptuous five-star offers superb views of the city’s iconic Castillo de Santa Barbara.
7 CALLE RAFAEL ALTAMIRA, TEL: +34 965 146 570, WWW.FUENSO.COM

SEE THIS: ALICANTE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
Not only is the Alicante University Museum incredible to look at, it’s also home to a breathtaking permanent selection of contemporary art and the perfect host to engaging monthly exhibitions. Well worth a look.
SAN VICENTE DEL RASPEIG, TEL: +34 965 909 466, WWW.MUA.UA.ES

DRINK: ISLA MARINA
Look hard enough out to sea from this swish beach club and restaurant and you’ll see disgruntled holidaymakers on Ibiza looking back and wondering why they didn’t choose Alicante for the party season this summer.
AVENIDA VILLAJOYOSA, TEL: +34 965 265 728, WWW.ISLAMARINA.COM

EAT: TURRONES ESPI
This award-winning sweet shop specialises in the finest sweet turrón made by nearby Jijona. Made with honey, egg whites and no less than 64% almonds, this regional rocket fuel is nothing short of delicious. A must-visit address for visitors with a sweet tooth.
17 CALLE LOPEZ TORREGROSA, TEL: +34 965 214 441, WWW.TURRONESESPI.COM

Bilbao
SEE THIS: THE GUGGENHEIM PUPPY
Jeff Koon’s gigantic sculpture of a Highland Terrier arrived in 1997 during one of the Guggenheim’s temporary exhibitions. Over a decade later, this flower-laden masterpiece remains as unofficial mascot of the city.
2 AVENIDA ABANDOIBARRA, TEL: +34 94 435 9000, WWW.GUGGENHEIM-BILBAO.ES

STAY: HOTEL LOPEZ DE HARO
Just a short walk from the Guggenheim, this hotel was actually the base for Frank Gehry and where he apparently drew his first sketches for the futuristic museum.
2 OBISPO ORUETA, TEL: +34 94 423 5500, WWW.HOTELLOPEZDEHARO.COM

EAT: ETXANOBE
When in the Basque Country, let restaurant names beginning with an unpronounceable array of consonants be your guide to authenticity. This tongue-twisting Michelin-starred establishment in the city’s regal convention centre, for example, does the Basque’s immense culinary heritage proud.
PALACIO EUSKALDUNA, 4 AVENIDA ABANDOIBARRA, TEL: +34 94 442 1071, WWW.ETXANOBE.COM

DRINK: EL BALCON DE LA LOLA
This buzzing, 150-capacity live music venue is the best place in town to share company with the city’s “musos” and be entertained by some of the best homegrown and national bands.
10 CALLE BAILEN, WWW.ELBALCON.NET

Ibiza
SOMETHING SUPPLE: IBIZA MASSAGE
Start your holiday knot-free after an appointment with the nimble-fingered Ibiza Massage therapists, based in Ibiza’s Hotel Pacha. Choose from a range of face and body treatments starting at €15.
PASEO MARITIMO, TEL: +34 650 055 713, WWW.IBIZAMASSAGE.COM

EAT: CARDAMOM CLUB
This luxurious Indian restaurant is set within a 600-year-old farmhouse and run by a very experienced double act. Craig and Navine bring years of catering and culinary expertise to recreate regional specialities from all over India.
10 CALLE SEQUIA DES MALLAQUI, SANTA EULALIA, TEL: +34 971 330 017, WWW.CARDAMOMCLUB.COM

DRINK: BLUE MARLIN
Night owls can mingle with the White Island’s movers and shakers at this sumptuous beach club, while early birds can enjoy late breakfasts and lazy lunches overlooking the beautiful Cala Jondal bay.
CALA JONDAL, SAN JOSE, TEL: +34 971 410 117, WWW.BLUEMARLINIBIZA.COM

STAY: HACIENDA NA XAMENA
Effortlessly harmonising with the natural beauty of its 17 acres of unspoilt coastline, this hotel offers five-star luxury within classic Ibizan architecture, only 20 minutes away from the nightlife.
11 BUZON, NA XAMENA, SAN MIGUEL, TEL: +34 971 334 500, WWW.HOTELHACIENDA-IBIZA.COM

UNITED KINGDOM

NUMBER CRUNCHER
16,208 The distance in kilometres of railway track in the United Kingdom.

CURRENCY POUND
POPULATION 61 MILLION
LANGUAGE ENGLISH
Say this… A Rich Tea biscuit? Yes please!
Not this No thanks,I prefer things that have a flavour

Glasgow
EAT: TWO FIGS
At this budget version of multi-award-winning urban restaurant The Left Bank you can expect imaginative combinations of seasonal foods sourced from local and independent suppliers.
5 AND 9 BYRES ROAD, TEL: +44 (0)141 334 7277, WWW.THETWOFIGS.CO.UK

DRINK: UISGE BEATHA
Pull up a church pew and have a wee nip of whisky at this traditionally decorated bar near Kelvingrove Park, where stag heads adorn the walls. Kilted bartenders will serve you from a menu of 140 malts.
232-246 WOODLANDS ROAD, TEL: +44 (0)141 332 1622, WWW.UISGEBEATHABAR.CO.UK

VISIT: THE NECROPOLIS
Perched atop a hill above Glasgow Cathedral, this 19th-century cemetery is based on the Père Lachaise in Paris. A veritable showroom of Victorian design, nestled among the monuments and mausoleums is a Celtic cross by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
50 CATHEDRAL SQUARE, TEL: +44 (0)141 552 3145, WWW.GLASGOWNECROPOLIS.ORG

SHOP: BRAZEN STUDIOS LTD
This jewellery store comes complete with an in-house studio for bespoke designs. It showcases work by Scottish art graduates, including quirky pieces like Tina Lilienthal’s Tim Burton-inspired silver skull and antlers necklace.
58 ALBION STREET, TEL: +44 (0)141 552 4551, WWW.BRAZENSTUDIOS.CO.UK

Leeds
EAT: SUKHOTHAI
Serving up 250 authentic Thai dishes in atmospheric dark wood and low-lit surroundings, this popular restaurant is always busy. Go for birthdays and the staff will perform a traditional song as they bring out the cake and candles.
ST ANNE’S ROAD, HEADINGLEY, TEL: +44 (0)113 278 1234, WWW.THAIFOOD4U.CO.UK

DRINK: A NATION OF SHOPKEEPERS
A new contender on the Leeds scene, this multi-functioning venue plays host to live alternative music and DJs, as well as art installations, book swaps, record sales and vintage fashion fairs. Free entry every day except late on Saturdays.
27-37 COOKRIDGE STREET, TEL: +44 (0)113 203 1831, WWW.ANATIONOFSHOPKEEPERS.COM

SHOP: ROSE & CO
Step inside this charming apothecary for vintage cosmetics, perfumes, ostrich feathers, retro lingerie and scented soaps. Their patisserie box of aromatic bath cakes is the perfect spoil-yourself gift.
24 COUNTY ARCADE, VICTORIA QUARTER, TEL: +44 (0)113 245 4701, WWW.ROSE-APOTHECARY.CO.UK

DO: LIGHT NIGHT
For 24 hours on 9 October Leeds becomes a haven for free art. Events encompassing performance, visual arts, theatre, audio tours, fire-walking and ghost stories take place at over 50 venues including clock towers, barges and prison cells.
CITY-WIDE, WWW.LIGHTNIGHTLEEDS.CO.UK

London
EAT: ALBION
Rather than trying to impress with painstakingly sculpted microfood on massive plates, the Albion actually does impress the old fashioned way: with excellent, hearty dishes served on plates that can barely contain them.
2-4 BOUNDARY STREET, TEL: +44 (0)20 7729 1051, WWW.ALBIONCAFF.CO.UK

DRINK: THE CRESCENT CHAMPAGNE BAR
Really laying on the bling with champagne cocktails, reflective surfaces and private rooms (one of which boasts a dancing pole), the Crescent appeals to VIPs with a taste for the finer things.
3A NORTH END CRESCENT, TEL: +44 (0)20 7603 2058, WWW.THECRESCENTBARW14.CO.UK

PUFF: THE GARDEN ROOM
Smoking ban getting you down? Get yourself to the Garden Room at the swanky Lanesborough in Knightsbridge and find yourself surrounded by the world’s finest cigars and cognacs, and of course an ultra-sophisticated crowd.
HYDE PARK CORNER, TEL: +44 (0)20 7259 5599, WWW.LANESBOROUGH.COM

SEE: DARWIN CENTRE
Standing alongside the famous Natural History Museum is its new companion, the Darwin Centre, which houses the Cocoon, a repository of over 20 million plant and insect specimens from around the world.
CROMWELL ROAD, TEL: +44 (0)20 7942 5000, WWW.NHM.AC.UK