Tips by: Julie Alpine, a writer and Aberdeen lass through and through!
1. The Winter Gardens These giant, tropical greenhouses in Duthie Park provide a cosy, fragrant place to read, write, draw, or just hang out with terrapins, parrots and goldfish; www.exploringscotland.co.uk 2. Silver Darling Go and have a chat with the Harbour Master, who will tell you which ships are due and when, then retreat to the comfort of this fantastic restaurant and watch ferries, fishing boats and off-shore supply ships glide by while you eat; www.webcafe.co.uk/silverdarling 3. Dunnottar Castle Simply the most dramatic, romantic castle in Scotland. Wrap up warm; www.castles.org/Chatelaine/dunnottarFrom the airport The airport (www.aberdeenairport.com) is just under two miles (3km) northwest of Aberdeen. Buses to the city centre depart every 30 minutes at peak times; every 40 minutes off-peak. Approx 40 minutes; fare £1.20. Taxi: approx £10 to the city centre.
Alicante, SPAIN
Tips by: Jorge Gonzalez, who has lived all his life in Alicante but currently studies at the Universitat de Valencia
1. Museo Taurino The Bullfighting Museum has something for everyone. An interesting place filled with artifacts such as embroidered capes and costumes, swords, and even a few stuffed bulls. Seize the opportunity to learn about Spain’s historic sport; Tel: +34 96 520 2232 2. Pizza, Pasta & Fantasia If you’re fed up with paella, visit this restaurant for a relaxed and romantic evening. Make sure you ask for a Panzerotti (baked calzone) – delicious; Tel: +34 96 620 0307 3. Ale-Hop A trendy gift shop on Avenida de Maisonnave that’s hard to miss – there’s a huge plastic cow outside!
Tel: +34 96 512 1570 From the airport The airport (www.aena.es) is located 7 miles (11km) southeast of Alicante. Buses to the city centre depart every 40 minutes, from 6.30am to 11.10pm. Approx 40 minutes; fare €1.
There are also regular buses to Murcia and Benidorm. Taxi: approx €12 to Alicante; €55 to Benidorm.
Barcelona, SPAIN
Tips by: Rebeca Vidal, a Venezuelan who has lived in Barcelona for 10 years
1. Carpe Diem Lounge Club An electric, vibrant place to spend a night clubbing, or even for a relaxed drink in cool surroundings during the day. Set right upon the beach by the famous Arts Hotel, they have a great selection of tapas and main-course meals. Take the lead from celebrity visitors, who include Mick Jagger! www.cdlcbarcelona.com 2. Danzatoria Tibidabo A brilliant basement bar with a slick modernist feel and a sort of decadent, bohemian look, complete with red velvet sofas. Perfect for chilling out with friends, it’s ideally located close to the famous Paseo de Gracia; Tel: + 34 93 215 6879 3. Kynoto Sushi Hidden away from the more touristy areas, this is the best sushi restaurant in Barcelona, hands down. The food is fabulous, the staff are a delight to talk to and, if you’re finding it tricky to choose between sashimi, nigiri or maki, they will always be happy to give great recommendations; www.kynoto.com From the airport The airport (www.aena.es) is located 12 miles (19km) southeast of Barcelona. All bmibaby flights depart from Terminal A. Buses to the city centre leave every 7 to 15 minutes, from 6am to 1am. Approx 40 minutes; fare €3.75. Trains to the city centre run every 30 minutes, from 6.30am to 11.30pm. Approx journey time 25 mins; fare €2.20. Taxi: approx €20 to the city centre.
Amsterdam, HOLLAND
Tips by: local lad, Niels Broek
1. Supper Club If you’re looking for a venue with a difference, this really is it!
This restaurant/bar/club is so experimental that you never know what you’re going to get. ‘Freedom’ is the key word, so open your mind to all creative channels and just go with the flow; www.supperclub.com 2. Rembrandthuis The house that Rembrandt lived in for 20 years has recently been restored and turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work. It features a comprehensive library and more than 250 of his etchings; www.rembrandthuis.com3. Jimmy Woo’s An Oriental-themed lounge bar with a seductive, theatrical feel – complete with black leather sofas and opium table! Amazing selection of quirky cocktails (at an amazing price to match) and a large dancefloor which is always packed; www.jimmywoo.comFrom the airport The airport (www.schiphol.nl) is located 9 miles (14km) from the city centre. A shuttle service runs between the airport and city centre every 20 minutes, from 6am to 9pm. Approx 30 minutes. Trains run from the airport to the city centre 24 hours a day. Approx journey time 20 minutes; fare €3.60. Taxi: approx €40 to the city centre.
Belfast, NORTHERN IRELAND
Tips by: Karola O’Rawe, a local legend who loves her home town!
1. AM:PM This is such a great place to just hang out and listen to some funky chilled music with a bunch of friends, a cold beer and tapas on a Saturday afternoon.
Don’t forget to come back on Sunday morning; the Sunday Brunch with delicious food and unlimited champagne is definitely not to be missed! directory. visitsouthbelfast.com/ampm 2. Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park [right] This is a beautiful park filled with colourful flowers that’s great no matter what the weather. The woodlands and wildflower meadows make it seem like a rather magical place to spend the afternoon; www.gotobelfast. com 3. Harbour View Teppanyaki and Oriental Restaurant The food is divine and the view just amazing. The Harbour View is perfect for a long romantic evening, and if you are a seafood lover like me, this restaurant is a must. The freshest choice of scallops, lobster, sushi… need I say more? Order a fabulous bottle of wine and enjoy! www.harbourviewbelfast.co.ukFrom the airport The airport (www.belfast.airport.com) is 18 miles (29km) northwest of Belfast.
The Airbus service to the city departs every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday; every 30 to 60 minutes on Sundays. Approx 40 minutes; fare £5. Taxi: approx £25 to the city centre.
Birmingham, ENGLAND
Tips by: Pete Ashton, who lives in Birmingham and is passionate about promoting creative hotspots in the city; check out www.createdinbirmingham.com
1. The Hare and Hounds The Bacchus Bar in Kings Heath used to be a dirty boozer with a sideline in live music. It’s recently had a bohemian overhaul and now puts more emphasis on live music from local bands. You’re more likely to see outlandish stuff here than in any other venue. I’d particularly recommend the Curates Egg nights, run monthly by local band The Courtesy Group; www.myspace.com/thecourtesygroup 2. Car Park Sunsets For the best view of the city, drag yourself out of bed to watch the sunrise from the top of concrete car parks at dawn on a Sunday as the city sleeps. Try the one above Snow Hill station. 3. Digbeth Digbeth, the old heart of Birmingham, used to be a very undesirable place to find yourself in. Now it’s being redeveloped – a project that will take 10 years. However, if you are a fan of urban decay, you should make you way to the roads around Fazeley Street before it all becomes shiny and new. From the airport The airport (www.bhx.co.uk) is 8 miles (13km) southeast of Birmingham.
Airport Link buses to the centre leave every 20 minutes (weekdays) and every 30 minutes (evenings and weekends); fare £1.20. Take the free Air-Rail monorail (just 90 seconds away) for trains to the city centre. Taxi: approx £17 to the city centre.
1. Be a drama queen The glorious Victorian architecture and intimate atmosphere of Cork’s Everyman Palace Theatre [right] make it a wonderful location for drama, comedy, concerts and opera as well as home-grown productions; www.everymanpalace.com 2. Have a laugh Visit City Limits Comedy Club and laugh till your sides ache. Every Saturday night; www.thecomedyclub.ie 3. Wine & Dine at Capella, Castlemartyr No stay at Castlemartyr would be complete without a visit to Midleton Farmers Market to choose ingredients for your evening meal – which Chef will then prepare for that evening’s special dinner in the Bell Tower. You’ll also enjoy a tour of Midleton Distillery and whiskey tasting all topped off by a lavish picnic on the estate; www.capellacastlemartyr.comFrom the airport The airport (www.corkairport.com) is located 5 miles (8km) southwest of Cork. Buses to the city centre leave regularly. Journey time approx 30 minutes; fare €3.80. RoadRunners, an airport-to-city shuttle, departs every 30 minutes; fare €5. Taxi: approx €15 to the city centre.
Cardiff, WALES
Tips by: Ed Townsend, who lives and works in the Welsh capital
1. Boat tour to the Bay Cardiff Bay is a short bus ride from the city centre, but why not take a water bus to add a slightly more adventurous touch to the journey? It gives you the opportunity to see the capital of Wales from a different angle. Catch the water bus at the Millennium Stadium and get off at Mermaid Quay; www.cardiffcats.com 2. The Senedd Come for the free tours of this new home for the National Assembly for Wales. As well as offering an insight into devolved democracy in action, they do the best carrot cake in Cardiff in the firstfloor café. Play ‘spot the politician’ while you’re there; www.wales.gov 3. Wales Millennium Centre This building dominates Cardiff Bay. It’s more of an arts village than an opera house, with free lunchtime concerts in the atrium and a choice of coffee shops: Bar One (my watering hole of choice) with snack meals, or the full menu at Brazz. A tour of the building will give you a feel for how this centre embodies aspects of the Welsh nation; www.wmc.org.uk From the airport The airport (www.cwlfly.com) is 12 miles (19km) west of Cardiff. Airbus Xpress buses to the city centre run regularly from Monday to Saturday, and hourly on Sundays. Approx journey time 40 minutes; fare £3.70. Taxi: approx £20 to the city centre.
Edinburgh, SCOTLAND
Tips by: Helen Roberts, a writer who lives in Edinburgh
1. City Art Centre Just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street is the prestigious City Art Centre. It is home to the city’s outstanding collection of Scottish art and is one of Scotland’s finest temporary exhibition spaces. Admission is free, so make sure you take advantage of this wonderful gallery; www.cac.org.uk2. Joey D’s An Edinburgh fashion designer with a real flair for the most unique ideas in cutting-edge design. Urban clothes for men and women, and a good selection of accessories. If you’ve ever desired a handbag with an artillery gun belt incorporated into the design, this is the place to find it; www.joey-d.co.uk3. The Writers’ Museum To discover a rich piece of Scottish history, delve into the lives of famous Scottish writers at the Writers’ Museum. Sir Walter Scott, Rabbie Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson, and many others, all feature. Gaze at Burns’ writing desk, Scott’s chessboard, and wait for literary inspiration to come!; www.cac.org.ukFrom the airport The airport (www.edinburghairport.com) is located 8 miles (13km) west of Edinburgh.
Express buses to the city centre depart every 10 minutes from early morning until after midnight. Journey time approx 25 minutes; fare £3. Taxi: approx £15 to the centre.
Faro, PORTUGAL
Tips by: Luis Mendes, a student at the University of the Algarve
1. Parque Natrual Ria Famosa Hire a car and drive to the deservedly famous Ria Famosa. Near Olhao, this beautiful beach features a lagoon where thousands of pink flamingoes and other bird species live. 2. Almancil Only 13km away from Faro, the quaint town of Almancil lies slightly inland, and therefore is not so popular with beach-seeking tourists of the Algarve. Look out for the church of São Lourenço. Built in 1730, the building is adorned with beautiful blue tiles telling the story of the saint whom the church is named after. 3. Bizarro Bar A quirky bar with spectacular views over the Algarve. Try to arrive early in the evening so you’ll be there in time for the sunset, then stick around for the Latin music later on; Tel: +359 289 512 824 From the airport The airport (www.faroairportguide.com) is located 5 miles (8km) out of Faro. Buses to the city centre depart regularly. Journey time approx 20 minutes; fare €1. Taxi: approx €10 to the city centre.
Glasgow, SCOTLAND
Tips by: retired couple Moira and Archie Bennie, who have lived in Glasgow all their lives
1. Kibble Palace Situated within Glasgow’s magnificent Botanic Gardens, Kibble Palace is one of the biggest and best known glasshouse structures from the Victorian era. It contains a wonderful collection of palm trees, ferns, orchids and begonias and is the perfect place to go to get away from it all.
The palace was first built in 1863 for John Kibble’s estate on the shores of Loch Long. After 10 years, it was transported into Glasgow along the River Clyde on a huge raft pulled by a steamer. Open daily from 7am till dusk; Tel: +44 (0)141 334 2422 2. The Willow Tearooms Opened in 1904, everything from fixtures and fittings down to the last teaspoon was designed by the famous Glaswegian Charles Rennie McIntosh. Ask for a table in the Salon de Luxe and nibble buttered shortbread and potato scones; www.willowtearooms.co.uk3. The National Piping Centre [right] This is a fascinating venue dedicated to Scotland’s national musical instrument. Equipped with rehearsal rooms for budding pipers, performance halls and a museum showcasing the origins of the Scottish pipes, this is a meeting place for pipers from all over the world; www.thepipingcentre.co.ukFrom the airport The airport (www.glasgowairport.com) is located 8 miles (13km) west of Glasgow. Buses to the city centre depart regularly from early morning until after midnight. Journey time approx 25 mins; fare £3.50. Taxi: approx £20 to the city centre.
Geneva, SWITZERLAND
Tips by: Laura Jackson, who married a Swiss man and now lives in Geneva
1. Come Prima This unusual boutique shop in somewhat of a Geneva institution. Delight at the intricate handcrafted wooden puzzles, fantastic quality leather goods or unique accessories. Make sure you talk to the owner, a lovely woman who likes to meet a happy customer; Tel: +41 22 310 7779. 2. Platinum Glam Club Clubbing aficionados will find themselves flocking to this energetic, loud and neon-lit venue.
It attracts big-name DJs, so don’t be surprised to see Boy George or Bob Sinclar headlining. Open until 5am at weekends; www.platinum-club.ch 3. Parc des Bastions Make a beeline for the impressive five-metre-high Reformation Wall, featuring the four great figures of the movement, Guillaume Farel, John Calvin, Theodore de Beze and John Knox; www.geneva-tourism.chFrom the airport The No.10 bus departs every 10 minutes and the No. 28 every 20 minutes, direct to the centre of Geneva. Journey time 15 minutes; fare CHF3. Train: all trains stop at Cornavin station in the city centre. Journey time 10 minutes; fare CHF3. There are also direct trains from the terminal to Swiss and French ski fields.
Taxi: take a taxi from outside the terminal and get to the city centre in 15 minutes, for CHF30-50.
1. The Jersey War Tunnels Jersey was occupied by the Germans during World War II, and they went so far as building a system of tunnels and fortifications readying them for extending their attack into the UK. Today, the tunnels have been turned into a museum, meaning visitors can walk through them and discover the effect the war had on the island; www.jerseywartunnels.com 2. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Park This small island has one of the largest wildlife parks in the British Isles – the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Park provides 31 acres of habitat for all kinds of endangered species. The park is home to gorillas, lemurs, orangutans and aye-ayes; plus the staff are dedicated to education, meaning you can find out what on earth an aye-aye actually is; www.durrell.org 3. aMaizin! A maze created entirely by the cereal crop maize, this is a great place to take the kids. While the maze itself is only open in the summer months, the adventure park is open from April to September and is heaps of fun, with a toboggan run, crazy golf, go kart track and a barnyard with twice daily ‘meet the animals’ sessions; www.jerseyleisure.com From the airport The airport (www.jerseyairport.com) is located 4 miles (6km) west of St Helier.
Bus No.15 to St Helier departs every 20-30 minutes, from 7am to 10pm; fare £1.50. Taxi: approx £10 to the city centre.
Knock, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Tips by: Grainne Kilcoyne, who lives in Knock and works for Failte Ireland West; www.irelandwest.ie
1. The Lidenhall Arts Centre Liden Hall was built in 1790 by the infamous Lord Lucan. Today, it is an excellent facility housing an exhibition centre, coffee shop, music and drama, workshops, festivals and a film club through the winter months; www.thelidenhall.com 2. Kilcullen’s Edwardian Bath House Just over the border in County Sligo, 75km from Knock Airport, is this unusual bath house where you can treat yourself to a real seaweed bath. Feel the tension seep away; http://homepage.eircom.net/~seaweedbaths 3. Foxford This charming village on the banks of the River Moy (32km from Knock Airport) is famous for salmon angling and also as birthplace of Admiral Browne, founder of the Argentine Navy. History comes alive through a multi-lingual historical tour in Foxford Woollen Mills, the village’s restored and working woollen mills. Watch skilled craftspeople produce the world-famous rugs and tweed or intricate gold and silver jewellery. Enjoy healthy homecooking in the It’So Restaurant and stroll through the wonderful Mill Shop for beautiful rugs, tweeds, homewares, pottery, gifts & linens; www.museum.ie/countrylifeFrom the airport The airport (www.knockairport.com) is located 4 miles (6km) from Charlestown in County Mayo. Buses to Charlestown depart regularly. Taxi: approx €25 to Knock; Tel: +353 94 936 7222
Madrid, SPAIN
Tips by: Simon Hunter, who is a writer based in Madrid
1. Casa Mingo The agony of choosing what to have off the menu is not a problem at Casa Mingo, where all that’s available is delicious roast chicken and tangy fresh salad. The real attraction though is the Asturian cider, which your waiter will pour from above his head into a glass held down to the floor. Paseo de la Florida 34. Metro: Príncipe Pío; www.gomadrid.com/rest/casa-mingo.html 2. Casa Granada Ring on the doorbell at street level to get buzzed in and then ride the lift all the way to the top. Awaiting you is a tapas bar perched on the seventh floor. Enjoy the view of the kids playing in the square by day, and the twinkling of the city lights by night. Calle Doctor Cortezo 17. Metro: Tirso de Molina; www.notesfrommadrid.com/category/by-barrio/tirso-demolina/ 3. Ataranzas Market El Perro de la Parte Atra's del Coche It’s the bar with the longest name in Madrid – although bizarrely, it translates to the very snappy ‘Nodding Dog’. A wobbly dance floor and some of the best tunes in town are also attractions, as are the huge whisky cokes. Calle Puebla 15. Metro: Callao.http://11870.com/pro/20004/bless From the airport The airport (www.spanish-airport-guide.com/madrid-airport.html) is 9 miles (15km) from the centre of Madrid. Buses to the city centre depart every 15 minutes, 0.45am to 6am. Approx journey time 35 mins; fare €2.40. The airport Metro station is located in Terminal 2. Trains to the city centre run daily from 6am to 2am. The journey takes 40 minutes; fare €1.10. Taxi: approx €15- €20 to the city centre.
Lisbon, PORTUGAL
Tips by: Sara Domingos, who studies at the University of Lisboa
1. Alacantara Cafe' This very trendy café opened in 1989 and remains one of the coolest spots in Lisbon to eat, meet and drink. Based in a renovated 500-year-old warehouse, it has been designed with an inventive flair with beautiful art deco furniture, exposed marble and striking green walls. The food is unusual: a combination of innovative recipes and traditional Portuguese fare. It may be a little expensive, but is worth investigating! Tel: +351 21 363 7176. 2. Teatro O Bando This is one of the most interesting theatres in Portugal. Formed by director João Brites in 1974, it is often referred to as the epitome of experimental Portuguese theatre. Find it 50km southeast of Lisbon, in the small village of Palmela; www.obando.pt 3. Celerio In case you’ve had your fill of traditional Portuguese food, you can visit the organic health-shop, with a restaurant located in the basement of the shop. The health-food trend is becoming a big part of Portugeuse life, and this place is as good as any for organic, macrobiotic and gluten-free produce; www.celeiro-dieta.pt From the airport The airport (www.ana.pt) is 4 miles (6km) from the city centre. Aerobus No.91 to the city centre departs every hour, from
7.45am to 8.15pm. Fare €3.10; valid all day. Taxi: approx €15 to the city.
Malaga, SPAIN
Tips by: Mark Rouston, who lives in Malaga and works for Andalucian English language newspaper The Olive Press; www.theolivepress.es
1. El Palo A stroll along the beach front here is like a step back in time: fishermen in their salt-encrusted cottages live cheek by jowl with small restaurants offering fresh seafood caught that morning. 2. Church of Our Lady of Victory Built upon the site on which the Catholic monarchs Isabel and Ferdinand launched their conquest of Malaga from the Moors in 1487. Visit on a Saturday and you may find yourself an impromptu guest at a Spanish wedding.
Don’t forget the rice! www.malagaturismo.com 3. Ataranzas Market Who said wandering around a fish market can’t be fun? This fantastic place is located on calle Ataranzas, two streets north of the main Alameda thoroughfare. You’ll come across things from the sea you never knew existed… never mind ever thought edible! Once the senses can take no more, pop in to one of the many surrounding bars for a cold glass of fino and a tapa of snails or fried fish; www.sandalucia.com/travel/shopping/atarazanas.htm From the airport The airport (www.aena.es) is 6 miles (9km) south-west of Malaga. Buses to the city centre depart every 30 minutes, 7am to midnight. Approx journey time 45 mins; fare €1. Buses to Marbella vary depending on season. Approx 45 mins, fare €3.65. Trains to Malaga depart opposite Terminal 2, from 7am to 11.45pm; fare €1.
Taxi: approx €15 to Malaga; €50 to Marbella.
Manchester, ENGLAND
Tips by: Stephanie Lord, a student at the University of Manchester
1. Matt and Phreds For live music head to Matt and Phreds on Tib Street, in the up-and-coming Northern Quarter. This is the only club in the north dedicated to live jazz music, and naturally, the atmosphere is a unique and memorable experience; www.mattandphreds.com 2. Livebait Hidden down a small street next to the Town Hall is Livebait – the best place for fresh fish in the city. The spicy monkfish is a speciality, but there’s a vast selection of almost anything that lives in the sea; Tel: +44
(0)1618 174 110. 3. Gallery of Costume Gallery of Costume is housed in the elegant surrounding of Platt Hall, an 18th-century textile merchant’s home. The collection consists of all kinds of clothes worn by people in Britain from the 17th century to the present day. Many of the clothes represent high fashion from their era. Other, much rarer items represent the basic but equally as interesting dress of working people, such as clogs and shawls made by Lancashire weavers. Definitely worth checking out; www.manchestergalleries.orgFrom the airport The airport (www.manchesterairport.co.uk) is 10 miles (16km) southwest of the city centre. All bmibaby flights operate from Terminal 3. Public transport: Skyline shuttle buses to the city centre depart every 30 minutes, from as early as 3am. Journey time approx 40 minutes. Trains depart for the city centre every 10 minutes. Approx journey time 15-20 minutes. Taxi: approx £20 to the city.
Nice, FRANCE
Tips by: Tara Pearse, a translator who lives in Sussex but lived in Nice for half her life
1. La promenade des Anglais This is a quintessentially Mediterranean stretch of pavement right on the seafront. Nip down a side road to escape the mass of tourist restaurants and head to Le Boccaccio. This restaurant is unusually decorated; once inside, you feel like you’re in the depths of a very old ship. The seafood is wonderful – be sure to try the Bouillabaise; Tel: +33 4 93 87 71 76 2. La Petite Maison This restaurant is considered to be one of the best in Nice. Situated in the heart of the town, very close to the Promenade des Anglais, friendly staff serve up French and Italian haute cuisine. Typical Nicois décor and a wonderful outdoor terrace; www.lapetitemaison-nice.com3. Muse'e Matisse A large collection of Henri Matisse’s works housed in the villa in which the artist actually lived; www.musee-matisse-nice.orgFrom the airport The airport (www.nice.aeroport.fr) is located 4 miles (6km) west of Nice. Buses to the city centre take 15 minutes; fare approx €4. Buses to Cannes (€12.40) and Monaco (€14) take 50 minutes. Trains to the city centre leave from the Gare Nice St Augustin (500 metres from Terminal 1). Journey time approx 15 minutes; fare €4. Taxi: approx €25; €70 to Cannes; €75 to Monaco.
Murcia, SPAIN
Tips by: Debbie Jenkins, who
lives in Murcia and runs a Spanish lifestyle website for expats; www.nativespain.com
1. La Muralla Visit the Cuban-style La Muralla cocktail bar, located underground right in the centre of the city, where you can drink a large gin and tonic lounging against the fully restored Arabian city walls. A quiet and cool place to relax on a Saturday afternoon, or turn up on a Thursday evening and enjoy the free jazz; Tel: +34 968 211 180 2. Santa Eulalia If walls are your ‘thing’, then be sure to visit the Wall Of Santa Eulalia, one of Murcia’s newest museums. Free daily, guided tours show you the development of the city’s urban defences from the 9th century; www.totana.net/santa-eulalia.asp 3. Plaza de las Flores Buy flowers for the one you love in Plaza de las Flores. This small plaza right in the heart of the city is not only famous for its flower stalls, but is an excellent place to Tapaer – to take a tapas tour. There are all styles of tapas to be enjoyed at the Cervecerías and bars while sitting outdoors and watching the world go by. Or pick up a home-made cake at the Pastelería. From the airport The airport (www.aena.es) is located 30 miles (48km) southeast of Murcia. Bus No.73 to the city centre departs at 5.45pm, 7.15pm and 10.45pm. Journey time approx 45 minutes; fare €7. Taxi: approx €42 to Murcia.
Nottingham, ENGLAND
Tips by: Hannah Ellison, a postgraduate student at the University of Nottingham
1. Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem claims to be the oldest pub in the country, dating back from 1189. A small and friendly place, definitely worth a visit for an afternoon drink or a pub lunch; www.triptojerusalem.com2. Wax Bar This is one of the smallest but nicest establishments in the Hockley area. Most nights there is a DJ playing everything from motown to electro, and good deals on cocktails; www.waxbar-nottingham.co.uk 3. Sherwood Forest [right] Located 19 miles north of the city, you can see the ancient oak tree that Robin allegedly hid in from the Sheriff of Nottingham’s men; www.sherwoodforest.org.uk From the airport The airport (www.eastmidlandsairport.com) is located 13 miles (21km) southwest of Nottingham. Skylink buses to the city centre depart every 30 minutes. Approx 45 minutes, fare £5. Airline shuttles to Derby run hourly, fare £2.60. Taxi: Approx £26 to Nottingham, £24 to Derby and £33 to Leicester.
Palma de Mallorca, SPAIN
Tips by: Svenn Rudow, the manager of the divine Hotel Tres in the old part of the city; www.hoteltres.com
1. Es Trenc The best beach in the area is Es Trenc. But you would need a car, because it’s about 45km away from Palma. Expect white sand and turquoise water. There is also an area if you want to undress and enjoy the sun stark naked! www.mallorcawebsite.com/balearik/estrenc.html2. Santa Catalina Go out in the Santa Catalina area for a drink in one of the many wonderful bars. There are several cool places on Avenida Argentina that get very crowded at weekends. Lots of locals enjoy socialising around here; www.aroundmallorca.com3. Cala Deia This is a fantastic little bay with pebble stones and great fish restaurants. Not luxury, just nice and rustic and very Mallorquin. Book a room at the fabulous Hotel La Residencia up in Deia in case you drink too much wine over lunch; www.secretplaces.com/sp/1/hotels/Hotel_La_Residencia. asp From the airport The airport (www.aena.es) is located 7 miles (11km) southeast of Palma.
Buses to the city centre depart every 15 minutes, from
6.10am to 2.15am.
Jourmey time approx 15 minutes; fare €1.85. Taxi: approx €17 to the city centre.
Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
Tips by: Markéta Chaloupková, who lives in Prague and works for the Czech Tourist board; www.czechtourism.cz
1. Wine drinking in Grebovka Vineyards These small vineyards, located in the idyllic Havlíckovy area, were created in the 14th century. Visitors can taste the vineyards’ finest wine in the newly reconstructed wine pavilion. A great place for day excursions and special occasions; www.vinicni-altan.cz 2. Crazy nights in Vinohrady The people of Prague love to party, and clubs in the city are often so packed it’s hard to breathe! Popular with locals is the noble quarter Praha 2-Vinohrady. Retro, one of the biggest music clubs, is great for rock music. Other lively clubs can be found in Vinohradska Street; www.retropraha.cz3. Charles Bridge Legend has it that the ever-popular Charles Bridge [above] withstood wheeled traffic for 600 years, thanks to having eggs mixed into the mortar. It was made pedestrian-only after World War II; www.prague-guide.co.ukFrom the airport The airport (www.csl.cz) is located 12 miles (19km) north of Prague. Catch No.119 bus to Dejvicka metro station or the No.100 to Zlicín, and continue your journey by underground to the city centre. Journey time approx 45 to 60 minutes; fare CZK20. Taxi: approx CZK600 to the city centre.
Paris, FRANCE
Tips by: Jen Botha, a South African who recently studied at the University of Sorbonne
1. Le Bre'bant Le Brébant is a trendy café/bar ideal for lunch, coffee or drinks. Relaxed and airy during the day, exciting and dramatic after dark, it is always busy and centrally located close to the popular shopping district; 32 Bd Poissonnière, 75009, Tel: +33 (0)1 4770 0102
2. Carre' Rive Gauche Situated on the Left Bank and home to over 120 antique merchants, this is the best place to find something unique and special in Paris. Grab a bargain on furniture dating from the Renaissance right up to the 21st century, wander round the galleries and enjoy un café at one of the charming coffee shops; www.carrerivegauche.com3. Catacombs The Catacombs are a completely different type of attraction in Paris. This cemetery below the city tells many a story and although it may be slightly creepy, it can also be strangely moving; 1 Pl Denfert-Rochereau, 75014, www.triggur.org/cata/ From the airport The airport (www.adp.fr) is located 23km (14 miles) miles northeast of Paris. Buses to central Paris depart every 15 minutes, from 6am to 10.30pm.Journey time approx 45 minute; fare €8.40. Rapid RER trains to central Paris depart every 15 minutes, from 5.24am to
11.58pm. Journey time approx 35 minutes; fare €8. Taxi: approx €45 to the city centre.
Rome, ITALY
Tips by: Shelley Ruelle, the writer behind At Home in Rome (www.reallyrome.com/blog), a blog that takes a behind-the-scenes look at
the Eternal City – her home since December 2001
1. St Peter’s Dome Surprise the others in your group by bringing them here and telling them only to look through the keyhole in the door of the headquarters of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. To see this masterpiece of 18th-century architecture and artistry by Piranesi, head up to Aventino Hill, taking Via Santa Sabina to the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta (Metro B: Circo Massimo). 2. Roman cats You see them all over calendars and postcards, but where are all those famous Roman cats hiding? They’re relaxing in the ruins of four Roman temples from the Republican era, said to be the actual spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Nowadays the site shares space with about 250 homeless cats up for adoption; www.romancats.de3. Bone Crypt of the Cappuchin Monks If you want a bit of a scare, stop by the Capuchin Crypt, where the décor of the chapels in the creepy church basement is made up of the bones of 4,000 Cappucin friars; www.cappucciniviaveneto.it From the airport The airport (www.adr.it) is 20 miles (32km) from the centre. Buses depart every 30 minutes, from
6.37am to 11.37pm. Journey time approx 40 minutes; fare €3. A direct, non-stop train to Roma Termini station leaves every 30 minutes. Journey time approx 30 minutes; fare €8.80.
issues archives 
1. The Winter Gardens These giant, tropical greenhouses in Duthie Park provide a cosy, fragrant place to read, write, draw, or just hang out with terrapins, parrots and goldfish; 
1. Museo Taurino The Bullfighting Museum has something for everyone. An interesting place filled with artifacts such as embroidered capes and costumes, swords, and even a few stuffed bulls. Seize the opportunity to learn about Spain’s historic sport; Tel: +34 96 520 2232 
1. Carpe Diem Lounge Club An electric, vibrant place to spend a night clubbing, or even for a relaxed drink in cool surroundings during the day. Set right upon the beach by the famous Arts Hotel, they have a great selection of tapas and main-course meals. Take the lead from celebrity visitors, who include Mick Jagger! 
1. Supper Club If you’re looking for a venue with a difference, this really is it!
1. AM:PM This is such a great place to just hang out and listen to some funky chilled music with a bunch of friends, a cold beer and tapas on a Saturday afternoon.
1. The Hare and Hounds The Bacchus Bar in Kings Heath used to be a dirty boozer with a sideline in live music. It’s recently had a bohemian overhaul and now puts more emphasis on live music from local bands. You’re more likely to see outlandish stuff here than in any other venue. I’d particularly recommend the Curates Egg nights, run monthly by local band The Courtesy Group; 
1. Be a drama queen The glorious Victorian architecture and intimate atmosphere of Cork’s Everyman Palace Theatre [right] make it a wonderful location for drama, comedy, concerts and opera as well as home-grown productions; 
1. Boat tour to the Bay Cardiff Bay is a short bus ride from the city centre, but why not take a water bus to add a slightly more adventurous touch to the journey? It gives you the opportunity to see the capital of Wales from a different angle. Catch the water bus at the Millennium Stadium and get off at Mermaid Quay; 
1. City Art Centre Just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street is the prestigious City Art Centre. It is home to the city’s outstanding collection of Scottish art and is one of Scotland’s finest temporary exhibition spaces. Admission is free, so make sure you take advantage of this wonderful gallery; 
1. Parque Natrual Ria Famosa Hire a car and drive to the deservedly famous Ria Famosa. Near Olhao, this beautiful beach features a lagoon where thousands of pink flamingoes and other bird species live. 2. Almancil Only 13km away from Faro, the quaint town of Almancil lies slightly inland, and therefore is not so popular with beach-seeking tourists of the Algarve. Look out for the church of São Lourenço. Built in 1730, the building is adorned with beautiful blue tiles telling the story of the saint whom the church is named after. 3. Bizarro Bar A quirky bar with spectacular views over the Algarve. Try to arrive early in the evening so you’ll be there in time for the sunset, then stick around for the Latin music later on; Tel: +359 289 512 824 From the airport The airport (
1. Kibble Palace Situated within Glasgow’s magnificent Botanic Gardens, Kibble Palace is one of the biggest and best known glasshouse structures from the Victorian era. It contains a wonderful collection of palm trees, ferns, orchids and begonias and is the perfect place to go to get away from it all.
1. Come Prima This unusual boutique shop in somewhat of a Geneva institution. Delight at the intricate handcrafted wooden puzzles, fantastic quality leather goods or unique accessories. Make sure you talk to the owner, a lovely woman who likes to meet a happy customer; Tel: +41 22 310 7779. 2. Platinum Glam Club Clubbing aficionados will find themselves flocking to this energetic, loud and neon-lit venue.
1. The Jersey War Tunnels Jersey was occupied by the Germans during World War II, and they went so far as building a system of tunnels and fortifications readying them for extending their attack into the UK. Today, the tunnels have been turned into a museum, meaning visitors can walk through them and discover the effect the war had on the island; 
1. The Lidenhall Arts Centre Liden Hall was built in 1790 by the infamous Lord Lucan. Today, it is an excellent facility housing an exhibition centre, coffee shop, music and drama, workshops, festivals and a film club through the winter months; 
1. Casa Mingo The agony of choosing what to have off the menu is not a problem at Casa Mingo, where all that’s available is delicious roast chicken and tangy fresh salad. The real attraction though is the Asturian cider, which your waiter will pour from above his head into a glass held down to the floor. Paseo de la Florida 34. Metro: Príncipe Pío; 
1. Alacantara Cafe' This very trendy café opened in 1989 and remains one of the coolest spots in Lisbon to eat, meet and drink. Based in a renovated 500-year-old warehouse, it has been designed with an inventive flair with beautiful art deco furniture, exposed marble and striking green walls. The food is unusual: a combination of innovative recipes and traditional Portuguese fare. It may be a little expensive, but is worth investigating! Tel: +351 21 363 7176. 
1. El Palo A stroll along the beach front here is like a step back in time: fishermen in their salt-encrusted cottages live cheek by jowl with small restaurants offering fresh seafood caught that morning. 2. Church of Our Lady of Victory Built upon the site on which the Catholic monarchs Isabel and Ferdinand launched their conquest of Malaga from the Moors in 1487. Visit on a Saturday and you may find yourself an impromptu guest at a Spanish wedding.
1. Matt and Phreds For live music head to Matt and Phreds on Tib Street, in the up-and-coming Northern Quarter. This is the only club in the north dedicated to live jazz music, and naturally, the atmosphere is a unique and memorable experience; 
1. La promenade des Anglais This is a quintessentially Mediterranean stretch of pavement right on the seafront. Nip down a side road to escape the mass of tourist restaurants and head to Le Boccaccio. This restaurant is unusually decorated; once inside, you feel like you’re in the depths of a very old ship. The seafood is wonderful – be sure to try the Bouillabaise; Tel: +33 4 93 87 71 76 2. La Petite Maison This restaurant is considered to be one of the best in Nice. Situated in the heart of the town, very close to the Promenade des Anglais, friendly staff serve up French and Italian haute cuisine. Typical Nicois décor and a wonderful outdoor terrace; 
1. La Muralla Visit the Cuban-style La Muralla cocktail bar, located underground right in the centre of the city, where you can drink a large gin and tonic lounging against the fully restored Arabian city walls. A quiet and cool place to relax on a Saturday afternoon, or turn up on a Thursday evening and enjoy the free jazz; Tel: +34 968 211 180 2. Santa Eulalia If walls are your ‘thing’, then be sure to visit the Wall Of Santa Eulalia, one of Murcia’s newest museums. Free daily, guided tours show you the development of the city’s urban defences from the 9th century; 
1. Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem claims to be the oldest pub in the country, dating back from 1189. A small and friendly place, definitely worth a visit for an afternoon drink or a pub lunch; 
1. Es Trenc The best beach in the area is Es Trenc. But you would need a car, because it’s about 45km away from Palma. Expect white sand and turquoise water. There is also an area if you want to undress and enjoy the sun stark naked! 
1. Wine drinking in Grebovka Vineyards These small vineyards, located in the idyllic Havlíckovy area, were created in the 14th century. Visitors can taste the vineyards’ finest wine in the newly reconstructed wine pavilion. A great place for day excursions and special occasions; 
1. Le Bre'bant Le Brébant is a trendy café/bar ideal for lunch, coffee or drinks. Relaxed and airy during the day, exciting and dramatic after dark, it is always busy and centrally located close to the popular shopping district; 32 Bd Poissonnière, 75009, Tel: +33 (0)1 4770 0102
2. Carre' Rive Gauche Situated on the Left Bank and home to over 120 antique merchants, this is the best place to find something unique and special in Paris. Grab a bargain on furniture dating from the Renaissance right up to the 21st century, wander round the galleries and enjoy un café at one of the charming coffee shops; 
1. St Peter’s Dome Surprise the others in your group by bringing them here and telling them only to look through the keyhole in the door of the headquarters of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. To see this masterpiece of 18th-century architecture and artistry by Piranesi, head up to Aventino Hill, taking Via Santa Sabina to the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta (Metro B: Circo Massimo). 2. Roman cats You see them all over calendars and postcards, but where are all those famous Roman cats hiding? They’re relaxing in the ruins of four Roman temples from the Republican era, said to be the actual spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Nowadays the site shares space with about 250 homeless cats up for adoption; 
