BY SARA HIRSCHORN
ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND
THE INSIDER… Stuart Girling, a student of English at Aberdeen University, has managed to find time between trips to the uni bar to discover the city.
HIS TIPS…
THE LIGHTHOUSE: It’s not every day you get the chance to scale a spiral staircase and behold some of the area’s most magnificent sea views. Grab the opportunity to see one of these eerily beautiful buildings and chat about ships with the harbour-master. www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk
PROVOST SKENE: Built in the 17th century, this house museum has seen many historic owners cross its threshold, most notably George Skene, Lord Provost of Aberdeen from 1676-1685. Free entry. Guestro, Aberdeen; tel: +44 (0)1224 641086.
UNION TERRACE GARDENS are sunk well below the street levels of Union Street, Union Terrace and Rosemount. They’re at their glorious colourful best in spring and summer. Union Terrace Gardens, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is just under 3km north-west of Aberdeen city centre. Buses to central Aberdeen depart once an hour six days a week; and once an hour from 11am on Sundays. Journey approx 35 mins; fare £1.30. Taxi fare approx £15. www.aberdeenairport.com
ALICANTE, SPAIN
THE INSIDER… Sandra O’Neill, founder of property company White Villas in Spain (www.whitevillasinspain.com), left rainy England for a new life in sunny Alicante.
HER TIPS…
ORIHUELA is easy to get to via a scenic two-hour train ride from Alicante. Once at this beautiful town, lose yourself in its narrow alleys, indulge in local dishes in the cafés and gawp at the cathedral. www.alicante-spain.com/orihuela
EL ZOCCO MARKET: Alicante boasts the biggest street market in Europe (in Torrevieja), but for something more intimate and simply bursting with local charm, head to El Zocco market in Quesada. Sundays, 7.30am-2pm, AP7 autovia, Torrevieja north junction.
THE VENUE: Glitzy with a capital G, this place adds more than a touch of cheeky sparkle to dinner, with a flamboyant cabaret and after-dinner dancing. It’s bold, it’s brash and it’s a bargain at a set dinner-and-show price of €20. www.thevenuecabaret.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 9km south-east of Alicante city centre. Buses to central Alicante depart every 40 mins. Journey about 40 mins; fare €1. There are also regular buses to Murcia and Benidorm. Taxi fare approx €13 to Alicante, €58 to Benidorm. www.aena.es
ALMERIA, SPAIN
THE INSIDER… Shannon Daniels left the USA to study Spanish in Spain. Six months later, she’s mastered both the art of Spanish conversation and the best spots to visit around Almeria.
HER TIPS…
FORT BRAVO has an impressive CV, having played host to the filming of Hollywood’s finest Westerns, including The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Start practising your John Wayne impression for a visit here. www.fortbravo.es
ALHAMBRA CASTLE: With intricate architecture reflecting its African Islamic past, this castle glows red and is arguably one of Granada’s finest. Well worth a day to explore. www.alhambradegranada.org
CABO DE GATA: This old village is one of the most tranquil and attractive places on the Almerian coast. Perched overlooking a wide bay, sitting between two zones of volcanic rock, until recently this fishermen’s port had only a few dozen inhabitants. While now discovered, it remains a little gem. www.degata.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport (Aeropuerto de Almeria) is 11.1km east of the city centre, at the far end of the AL-12 dual carriageway. Airport buses depart every 45 minutes weekdays, every half hour weekends. Journey about 30 mins, fare €1.15. Taxi fare approx €15. www.spanish-airport-guide.com
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
THE INSIDER… Thiago Soares, a managing editor from Brazil, has been living it up in Amsterdam since moving here with his job five months ago.
HIS TIPS…
PEDAL POWER: Two wheels are the best way to breeze around the city. www.macbike.nl
CAFÉ MANKIND: This cosy diner next to the Rijksmuseum knocks out tasty specialities generous in size and easy on the pocket. www.mankind.nl
BETTY TOO COFFEE SHOP: Visit for a taste of the city’s notoriously quirky side. 29 Reguliersdwarsstraat; tel:+31 (0)2 0627 0333.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 14km from Amsterdam city centre. A shuttle service runs between the airport and city approx every 10 mins, from 6am to 9pm. Journey approx 20 mins; fare €11 one-way, €17.50 return. Trains run from the airport to the city 24 hours a day. Journey approx 20 mins; fare €3.80. Taxi fare: approx €45. www.schiphol.nl
BARCELONA, SPAIN
THE INSIDER… Neill Higgins trained to teach English as a foreign language in Barcelona three years ago, with a view to working around the world, but he fell in love with the city and now calls it home.
HIS TIPS…
HARLEM JAZZ CLUB: No bigger than the average living room, the nightly live Flamenco and jazz-infused performances draw a crowd to the dance floor. www.harlemjazzclub.es
GALLERIES OF EL BORN: After the Picasso Museum, make your next stop the Mercado, a small gallery with an ever-changing repertoire of up-and-coming local artists. www.mercadodelborne.com
DANCING WATER FOUNTAIN: At 5 o’clock watch the giant fountain dance to classical music.
Plaça d’Espanya.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 19km south-east of Barcelona city centre. All bmibaby flights depart from Terminal A. Buses to central Barcelona leave every seven to 15 mins from 6am to 1am. Journey approx 40 mins; fare €4.05. Trains to the city centre run every 30 mins, from 6am to 11.30pm. Journey approx 30 mins; fare €2.50. Taxi fare approx €20. www.aena.es
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
THE INSIDER… Erik Eiserland, from Norway, moved to Belfast with his wife three years ago and has finally mastered the Northern Irish accent.
HIS TIPS…
BELVOIR PARK FOREST: Runs along the south bank of the River Lagan and is a great retreat from the city. Belvoir Drive; tel: +44 (0)28 4377 2252.
CARGOES CAFÉ: Take your pick from the deli counter, then head to the terrace to enjoy lunch al fresco. 613 Lisburn Road; tel: +44 (0)28 9066 5451.
CROWN SALOON has elaborate snugs: fully enclosed booths complete with doorbells. www.crownbar.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 29km north-west of Belfast city centre. The Airport Express 300 service to central Belfast departs every 10 mins, Monday to Friday; every 20 mins on Saturdays and every half hour on Sundays. Journey approx 40 mins; fare £6. Taxi fare approx £25. www.belfastairport.com
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND
THE INSIDER… Steven Hendrix moved to Birmingham from Texas with his IT job five years ago and is lapping up the laid-back pace of life.
HIS TIPS…
SAREHOLE MILL AND MOSELEY BOG: This ancient woodland was the childhood playground of JRR Tolkien. Thought to have fuelled his imagination for his bestselling stories in later life, this place has to be seen to be believed. Cole Bank Road, Moseley; tel: +44 (0)121 777 6612.
BOURNVILLE: Built by chocolate-maker George Cadbury, step back in time with a visit to this fairytale-like village. Now a conservation area, the cottage-lined village green hosts fêtes and even good old-fashioned dances round the maypole. www.birminghamuk.com/bournville
BIRMINGHAM WHEELS RACEWAY: From March to November, Birmingham Wheels’ 330m asphalt oval plays host to a range of racing formulas including bangers, hot rods, stock cars and oval legends. www.incarace.co.uk
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 13km south-east of Birmingham city centre. Airport Link buses to central Birmingham leave every 20 to 30 mins. Journey approx 15 mins; fare £1.50. Take the free Air-Rail monorail (90 seconds away) for trains to the city centre. Taxi fare approx £17. www.bhx.co.uk
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
THE INSIDER… Louise Hurren, a freelance writer from Brighton, moved to the south of France with her family six years ago and has loved every minute.
HER TIPS…
LE CAFÉ JAPONAIS: A favourite with the young and trendy, Café Japonais is a well-priced noodle and sushi bar opposite the Utopia art house cinema. Dabble in a little shopping after lunch and wander over to the pretty Place Camille Julien. 22 rue Saint Siméon; tel: +33 5 5648 6868.
JEGHER AT GALERIES LAFAYETTE: Homesick Brits can check out this café serving light lunches and afternoon teas within the Galeries Lafayette department store. Owner Colum Crichton-Stuart makes the best scones in town. 11 rue Sainte Cathérine.
SEEKO’O HOTEL: A striking example of contemporary architecture, this imposing all-white (“seeko’o” is Inuit for iceberg) luxury hotel is the last word in trendy, minimalist comfort. Facing the Garonne quayside, it’s perfectly located for brand-new shopping centre Le Quai des Marques. www.seekoo-hotel.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 11km west of the city centre. Buses depart for central Bordeaux every 45 mins from 7.45am to 10.45pm. Journey approx 40 mins; fare €7. Taxi fare approx €30. www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr
CARDIFF, WALES
THE INSIDER… Wendy Machin, a nanny from New Zealand, has traded in one land of sheep for another, and enjoyed life in Wales for four years.
HER TIPS…
BARRY ISLAND: What could be more enticing than an island called Barry? You can reach the little town by train, rather than boat. Just a half hour ride from Cardiff will take you here and, while its main attraction is the pleasure park, its best-kept secret is its idyllic little beach, great for all the family. www..barryislandpleasurepark.co.uk
ROATH PARK is just a 20-minute stroll out of town. Go boating on the large serene lake dotted with ducks, explore flora in the greenhouse or pick a picnic spot under the shade of one of this park’s many trees. www.cardiff.gov.uk/parks
MCARTHUR GLEN DESIGNER OUTLET: Just half an hour up the road is Wales’ largest designer outlet centre where you can experience retail therapy. Laid out in an attractive covered village, decked with stores on imitation streets, there are over 80 famous designer names here offering discounts from 30-70%. www.bridgenddesigneroutlet.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 19km west of Cardiff city centre. Airbus Xpress buses to central Cardiff run regularly Mon-Sat, hourly on Sun. Journey approx 40 mins; fare £3.40. Taxi fare approx £24. www.cwlfly.com
CORK, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
THE INSIDER… Ruth Barker, from London, is a science teacher in Cork with no intention of heading back to the big smoke now she’s discovered the Emerald Isle.
HER TIPS…
THE ENGLISH MARKET: Trading since 1788, this covered market buzzes with people buying and selling exotic produce from around the world, as well traditional fare, like buttered eggs, crubeens (pigs’ feet) and Cork favourites, tripe and drisheen (black pudding). www.corkenglishmarket.ie
FITZGERALD PARK: This haven of landscaped gardens is a great escape for a serene walk and breath of fresh air. Wander among rosebeds, grassy knolls and along the oak-lined riverbank, then stop for a cuppa and a bite to eat in the park’s café. www.discoerireland.com
JACOBS IN THE MALL is behind a discreet entrance masquerading as a boring office front. Once inside the sumptuous interior of this delectable restaurant, every dish is divine and, while not cheap, it’s worth every last penny. Be sure to save room for dessert. www.jacobsonthemall.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 8km south-west of Cork city centre. Buses to central Cork leave regularly. Journey approx 30 mins; fare €4.10. RoadRunners, an airport-to-city shuttle, departs every 30 mins; fare €5. Taxi fare approx €18. www.corkairport.com
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
THE INSIDER… Jacqui Rankin is from Australia and has been in Edinburgh for three months as part of a round-the-world escapade.
HER TIPS…
SHEEP HEID INN: Nestled at the base of Arthur’s Seat, try your hand at old-school skittles in this historic pub. With two long, raised wooden platforms as lanes and bowling balls with no finger holes, a pint or two of the local tipple is sure to help you take aim. www.sheepheid.co.uk
VALVONA & CROLLA is Scotland’s oldest deli. Stock up on goods from their impressive selection of Italian wines, Scotch whiskies and international meats and cheeses. Choosing may be tricky but your selection will make a divine picnic on Arthur’s Seat. www.valvonacrolla.co.uk
THE DEEP SEA CHIPPY: Have chips with salt and sauce, followed by a deep-fried Mars bar for dessert in this local chippy claiming to be birthplace of deep-fried confectionery. Established in 1920, it’s nestled perfectly between the city bars for an end-of-evening feed. 2 Antigua Street, Leith Walk; tel: +44 (0)131 557 0276.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 13km west of the city centre. Express buses to central Edinburgh depart every 10 mins from the early morning until after midnight. Journey approx 25 mins; fare £3. Taxi fare approx £15. www.edinburghairport.com
FARO, PORTUGAL
THE INSIDER… Laura Nastri gave up la dolce vita in Rome and moved to Faro with her Portuguese husband four years ago.
HER TIPS…
AQUI D’EL REI: Spend a warm spring evening here people-watching and tucking into local specialities like barbecued sausages and spiced olives. 6-8 Rua do Repouso; tel +351 2 8980 1451.
PRAIA DOS CANEIROS: One of the coastline’s most treasured spots for swimming and snorkelling. Use the beach as a base and bear left to discover schools of colourful fish. www.visitportugal.com
VILAMOURA MARINA is the place to book a tour – take inspiration from the selection of adventures on offer. www.marinadevilamoura.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 8km from Faro city centre. Buses to the city centre depart regularly. Journey approx 20 mins; fare €1.65. Taxi fare approx €10. www.ana.pt
SCOTLAND,
GLASGOW
THE INSIDER… Sean O’Connor is an engineer from Ireland now lapping up the Glasgow scene while he helps shape the skyline working on the city’s major building projects.
HIS TIPS…
WALK THE RIVER CLYDE The historic riverfront offers a chance for some inner-city peace. www.clydewaterfront.com
LOCHGOILHEAD: Jump in a hire car and head north into Argyle to see some truly unforgettable Scottish landscapes. Lochgoilhead, north of Loch Lommond, is picture-postcard pretty, nestled in the hills and only accessible by car on a single-track road. Don’t expect to be entertained here – this is tranquillity at its most decadent. www.goscot.co.uk/west/lochgoilhead
LAUDERS BAR: For little more than a five-pound note you can get tasty local tucker aplenty at Lauders Bar. Venture something with serious Scottish bite, like haggis with “neeps and tatties” (that’s swede and potatoes to you and me), which really does taste a hell of a lot better than it sounds! 76 Sauchiehall Street; tel: +44 (0)141 331 5181.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 13km west of Glasgow city centre. Buses to central Glasgow depart regularly from early morning until after midnight. Journey approx 25 mins; fare £4.20. Taxi fare approx £20. www.glasgowairport.com
JERSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS
THE INSIDER… MEERA VEDI, originally from Nepal, has dared a complete change of scenery and moved to Jersey a year ago with her English husband.
HER TIPS…
LUNCH IN A VINEYARD: Pop into La Mare Wine Estate and take a tour, eat on the terrace or ask for a picnic hamper to enjoy in the orchard. www.lamarevineyards.com
NOIRMONT: Fortified by the Germans during the war, their large underground command bunker on this headland is fascinating. www.jersey.com
GREEN ISLAND: Around a small headland that marks the western-most point of Le Hocq Bay is Green Island Bay. Check out the archaeological site where 18 neolithic graves were discovered. www.jersey.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6km west of St Helier. Bus No 15 to St Helier departs every 20-30 mins, from 7am to 10pm. Journey approx 15 mins; fare £1.50. Taxi fare approx £12. www.jerseyairport.com
KNOCK, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
THE INSIDER… Agata Skrypnk, a nurse from Poland, moved to Ireland three years ago and has been thoroughly enjoying Knock for the last 12 months.
HER TIPS…
CALVARY: Named after the hill of the crucifixion in Jerusalem, this is a magical setting in the Knock Shrine grounds for taking a walk, reflecting and simply enjoying the silence. www.knock-shrine.ie
TACKY SOUVENIR COMPETITION: Without wishing to knock Knock, the shrine itself is a place of beauty and solitude but the souvenir stalls outside seem fraught in a tacky souvenir showdown. Dive into their gaudy delights, from luminous Virgin Mary statues (musical hymn-playing optional) to flashing iconographic cards. Buy something for sheer kitsch value. www.knock-shrine.ie
COLLECT SOME HOLY WATER: A more original gift than a mug or thimble, a sample of holy water is easy to obtain from the fountains around the shrine area, which are flowing with the blessed stuff. Bring a vessel to put s ome in. www.knock-shrine.ie
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6km from Charlestown in County Mayo. Buses to Charlestown depart eight times a day; fare €5.50. Taxi fare approx €25 to Knock. www.knockairport.com
LISBON, PORTUGAL
THE INSIDER… Gabriela Albano, from Argentina, is studying medicine at Lisbon University and spends her breaks exploring every inch of the city (especially its bars!).
HER TIPS…
ALCOCHETE: Take a short scenic boat trip out of the city to this picturesque old village for a wander, then enjoy dinner facing the river. A stop on Vasco da Gama bridge at low tide reveals nesting flamingos. www.cm-alcochete.pt
RIDE THE METRO to see stunning examples of contemporary azulejo tilework. Olivais, Cais do Sodré and the Oriente stations are especially good examples.
PARQUE EDUARDO VII: North of the city centre, beyond Avenida da Liberdade and the Pombal statue, lies this park named after the British King, who visited in 1903. From the viewing platform at the northern end, see the city spread beneath your feet. Praça do Marquês de Pombal.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6km from Lisbon city centre. Aerobus No 91 to central Lisbon departs every 20 mins from 7.45am to 8.15pm; fare €3.35; valid all day. Taxi fare approx €15. www.ana.pt
MAHÓN, MENORCA
THE INSIDER… Jonathan Clarke has worked as a bar manager all over Europe but it’s only Mahón that has stopped him in his tracks for more than a year.
HIS TIPS…
TASTE THE LOCAL TIPPLE: If gin’s not your thing, you obviously haven’t tried Xoriguer (pronounced sho-rigair). Mahón’s secret recipe, including wine, aromatic herbs and juniper berries from the Mediterranean mountains, is a must-try. Better yet, stock up at the local distillery. 91 Andén de Poniente; tel: +34 9 7136 2197.
WATERMELON SHOPPING: Head for Mahón’s daily market, bursting with fresh produce and fruit galore. Plaza del Mercat, Ciutadella, daily from 10am to 2pm, except Sundays.
CAL BISBE: Take this narrow street beside the cathedral entrance in Ciutadella. Pretty and café-lined, look out for the Palau Episcopal, the first building on the right, and peek into the gates at ornate gardens and rear cathedral views. www.visitciutadella.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 4.5km from the city centre. Buses depart every 30 mins, 5.55am to 10pm. Journey approx 15 mins; fare €1.60. Taxi fare approx €10. www.menorca-airport.com/en/index.php
MALAGA, SPAIN
THE INSIDER… In 1999, Jo Ramsay-Whale moved from Devon to Spain for love (and marriage!). She’s director of AbAx Properties, selling properties in the Malaga region. www.abaxproperties.com
HER TIPS…
FRIGILIANA: This glowing white-washed village in the mountains is decorated with flowers and clings to the hillside, retaining a sense of the undiscovered. www.costadelsol.net/web/frigiliana
THE SUNDAY MORNING FLEA MARKET is the place to see real Spain in action. It’s next to La Rosaleda football stadium, selling everything from shampoo to shoe laces. Estadio La Roseleda, Paseo de los Martiricos, Sundays, 9am-2pm.
LA CASA DEL ANGEL: Tuck into tapas amid the owner’s eccentric collection of antiques and paintings, displayed around the tables in this elegant building. 29 Calle Madre de Dios; tel: +34 9 5260 8750.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 8km south-west of Málaga city centre. Buses to central Málaga depart every 30 mins, 7am to midnight. Journey approx 45 mins; fare €1. Buses to Marbella vary depending on season. Journey approx 45 mins; fare €3.65. Trains to Malaga depart opposite Terminal 2, from 7am to 11.45pm; fare €1. Taxi fare approx €15 to Malaga; €50 to Marbella. www.aena.es
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
THE INSIDER… ANDREW FAIRHURST, from South Africa, has been living in Manchester for three years.
HIS TIPS…
CHILLFACTORE has the country’s longest indoor ski slope and a 60m luge track. www.chillfactore.com
THE CURRY SQUARE MILE: Every kind of curry restaurant. www.rusholmecurry.co.uk
WINTER HILL: Great for walking, cycling and even gliding. www.winterhill.org
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 16km south-west of Manchester. All bmibaby flights operate from Terminal 3. Five to six trains an hour go to the city. Journey approx 15-20 mins; fare £3.60. The No 43 bus departs every 10-30 mins from 5am to 11pm. Journey approx 50 mins; fare £2.50. Taxi fare approx £20. www.manchesterairport.co.uk
MURCIA, SPAIN
THE INSIDER… Juliet McShannon, from South Africa, has been living and working in Murcia as a holiday rep and waitress for a year.
HER TIPS…
SPRING IN BENIZAR: Take a scenic trip to this small village 48km north-west of Murcia, jaw-dropping in April and May as endless fruit, almond and olive trees burst into spring bloom, colouring the hillsides. www.murciaciudad.com
PASEO DEL MALECON: A stroll along this promenade weaves by the botanical gardens and takes in fabulous views of the old town and cathedral. Ideal for café hopping and people watching. Paseo del Malecon.
FUENSANTA: Just a short bus ride south-east of Murcia, the sanctuary church at the top of the hill offers views across the countryside. On Easter Sunday the Madonna is carried in a procession from the sanctuary to Murcia’s cathedral. www.murciaciudad.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 48km south-east of Murcia city centre. Bus No 73 to central Murcia departs at 5.45pm, 7.15pm and 10.45pm. Journey approx 45 mins; fare €7. Taxi fare approx €42. www.aena.es
NEWQUAY, ENGLAND
THE INSIDER… NICOLE TANSLEY left Australia for London in 2007 but, unable to resist her love of sea and surf, she set up camp in Newquay six months ago.
HER TIPS…
CRANTOCK BAY is almost always empty and is ideal for surfing or just chilling. www.visitnewquay.org
CRAZY GOLF: A little course in Trenance Gardens’ 26 subtropical acres. The hunt for balls has never been so much fun. www.newquaysfinest.co.uk
HUMAN SUNDIAL: Perched above Towan Beach, stand on the correct month on the stone and your shadow tells the time. www.historic-cornwall.org.uk/csus/towns/newquay/nq_ca7.pdf
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 8km north of Newquay. Bio Travel (tel: +44 (0)1637 880006) provides a taxi and minibus service running on biodiesel. Minibus approx £4 (€4.35); taxi approx £14 (€15.28), pre-booking advised. www.newquay-airport.co.uk
NICE, FRANCE
THE INSIDER… Tamsin Beaube married French hubby Fabrice last year and now they live in Nice.
HER TIPS…
WALK TO VILLEFRANCHE, which will take two to three hours. Follow the harbour past Château de l’Anglais for breathtaking sea and harbour vistas. Buses whisk you back to Nice in 15 minutes. www.villefranche-sur-mer.org
CIMIEZ: This part of town is lined with grand villas, ruins and olive trees. Hop onto bus 22 from Place Masséna to the Cimiez monastery perched high over Nice, then walk back down. www.nicetourisme.com
LOU PILHA LEVA: It may be no more than a serving hatch, but its outside tables are ideal for people-watching while you eat the best socca (chickpea crêpe) in town. 10 rue du Collet; tel: +33 (0)4 9313 9908).
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 6km west of Nice city centre. Buses to Nice take 15 mins; fare approx €4. Buses to Cannes (€12.40) and Monaco (€14) take 50 mins. Trains to Nice leave from the Gare Nice St Augustin (500m from Terminal 1). Journey approx 15 mins; fare €4. Taxi fare approx €25; €70 to Cannes; €75 to Monaco. www.nice.aeroport.fr
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND
THE INSIDER… Savvas Christou, from Cyprus, is studying archaeology at the University of Nottingham.
HIS TIPS…
YE OLDE TRIP TO JERUSALEM: Drink in the oldest inn in England; originally the brewhouse for Nottingham Castle. The date on the wall is 1189, the year Richard the Lionheart was crowned and embarked on the Third Crusade. Down lashings of ale in the warren of small caves and bars. www.triptojerusalem.com
GALLERIES OF JUSTICE were used as courts and prisons from the 1780s to the 1980s. Discover the gruesome history of highway women, grotesque uses for the courtroom, dungeons and executions. If you’re feeling brave try the ghost tour. www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk
SCREEN ROOM: With just 21 seats, this is the world’s smallest cinema, making a night at the movies an intimate experience. Given the limited capacity, do book in advance. www.screenroom.co.uk
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 21km south-west of Nottingham city centre. Skylink buses to the city centre depart every 30 mins. Journey approx 45 mins; fare £5. Airline shuttles to Derby run hourly; fare £2.60. Taxi fare approx £26 to Nottingham, £24 to Derby and £33 to Leicester. www.eastmidlandsairport.com
PALMA DE
MAJORCA, SPAIN
THE INSIDER… Arron Zitver switched Poland for Spain last year and works as a waiter at Bar España in the centre of Palma. He’s quickly got to know the town inside out.
HIS TIPS…
THE COURTYARDS: Wander Palma’s old streets and alleys and keep your eyes peeled for open gates and doorways for a peek at hundreds of hidden elegant courtyards. Many date back to the 13th century.
TORRENT DE PAREIS is tiny beach between two mountains in a canyon close to the village of Sa Colobra. It’s reached by a short walk along the sea and through pedestrian tunnels in the rock. A couple of hundred meters in to the gorge you’ll lose the tourist mob for a peaceful view. www.panoramicearth.com/1221/Mallorca/The_Torrent_de_Pareis_Gorge
MESÓN CA’N PEDRO: Jump in a taxi to this gem of a restaurant in Genova, 5kms from Palma, then tuck into hearty local dishes like pa amb oli (toasted bread rubbed with garlic, tomatoes and salt) and snails in a peppery broth. www.mesoncanpedro.com
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is located 11km south-east of Palma. Buses to the city centre depart every 15 mins, from 6.10am to 2.15am. Journey approx 15 mins; fare €1.85. Taxi fare approx €17. www.aena.es
PARIS, FRANCE
THE INSIDER… SUSIE HOLLANDS, a Scottish expat, runs a company highlighting the best in arts, culture and events for those moving to Paris (www.ivyparis.com).
HER TIPS…
PICNIC AT THE PALAIS: Indulge in pastries from Boulangerie Pâtisserie au Grand Richelieu (51 rue de Richelieu) eaten in the Palais-Royal grounds. Place du Palais-Royal.
LE MEURICE HOTEL: Rumoured to serve the best cocktails in Paris. www.meuricehotel.com
CANAL SAINT-MARTIN is the place to wander along and stop off at a café.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 23km north-east of Paris. Buses to Paris depart every 15 mins, from 6am to 10.30pm. Journey approx 45 mins; fare €8.40. Trains to Paris depart every 15 mins, from 5.24am to 11.58pm. Journey approx 35 mins; fare €8. Taxi fare €45. www.adp.fr
PERPIGNAN, FRANCE
THE INSIDER… Jane Mann, a photographer from Cornwall, moved to Perpignan nine years ago.
HER TIPS…
THE ARAB MARKET: Nowhere captures the town’s Moroccan and Algerian influences more colourfully than the market at Place Cassanyes. Coriander, mint, Moroccan bread and halal meat are sold daily. www.perpignantourisme.com
LE GASTRO: Run by a husband and wife team, this friendly rustic restaurant serves divine French-Catalan dishes. The Burgundy Beef is braised and tender and the fresh seafood is out of this world. 15 rue Jean Payra; tel: +33 (0)4 68351938.
SERRAT D’EN VAQUER: This magnificent fort on the highest hill of the plain of Roussillon has panoramic views to the sea; a breathtaking beauty spot for walking, bike riding and picnics. Serrat d’en Vaquer, Avenue Charles Deperet; tel: +33 (0) 4 6866 3048.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 5km north-west of Perpignan. A shuttle bus runs to the city railway station. Journey approx 15 mins; fare €5.Taxi fare approx €15. www.aeroport.fr/les-aeroports-de-l-uaf/perpignan-rivesaltes.php
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
THE INSIDER… Michelle Davies, an English teacher from Sydney, has been living in Prague and teaching Czech children their ABCs for two years.
HER TIPS…
U SUDU: The staircase at the back leads down to a maze of candlelit tunnels and caves, made for sipping cheap Czech beer into the night. Brave a shot of Becherovka, a local spirit, if you dare. www.usudu.cz
U PRINCE: This medieval hotel nestled on the Old Town Square boasts a well-kept secret on a heavily-trodden tourist track. Take the lift to the roof terrace restaurant and sup cocktails and castle views over dinner; breathtaking by day or night. www.hoteluprince.cz
LETNA PARK: Walk from Chechuv Bridge up the steps into the park. Turn right and meander with a backdrop of red roofs, spires and the river Vltava before visiting the beer garden. Letenské sady.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 19km north of Prague city centre. Catch the No119 bus to Dejvicka metro station or the No 100 to Zlicín, and continue underground to the city centre. Journey approx 45-60 mins; fare CZK20. Taxi fare approx CZK600. www.csl.cz
TOULOUSE, FRANCE
THE INSIDER… Owen Peery has lived in Toulouse for a year as an English teacher and writes a website (www.francetales.com) dedicated to expat life in France.
HIS TIPS…
LE MARCHÉ ST AUBIN, a Sunday morning farmers’ market surrounding the church of St Aubin, has performances by Brazilian drum groups, Flamenco guitarists, gypsy dancers and puppet shows as well. www.uk.toulouse-tourisme.com
LA CRI DE LA MOUETTE: This venue on a small boat has no address other than Le Canal Brienne. Check out the music program online and allow time on the night to find the boat! www.lecridelamouette.com
LE P’TIT SALON DE LA PLACE DUPUY: A café with wifi, so you can eat as you log on or hang out for poetry readings, plays, music, talks and debates. 33 rue des Frères Lion; tel: +33 (0)5 6113 9624.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is located 6.7km north-west of Toulouse. Buses to the city leave every 20 mins daily, from 7.35am to 12.45am. Journey time approx 20 mins. Fare €4 single.
Taxi €22 (day), €25 (night). www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/US pl.
