A breathtaking hidden Renaissance cistern beneath the hills of Bologna, built in the 16th century to supply the Neptune Fountain – an octagonal underground chamber of arches and still water. Opened for guided visits on select dates (often via FAI); book ahead.
A row of 16 ancient Roman columns facing the Basilica of San Lorenzo – among the few Roman remains in Milan, and by night one of the city’s liveliest free gathering spots, where students and locals spill out with drinks. History by day, party by night.
A historic wine bar going since 1924, reborn as a destination for natural-wine lovers – a warm, characterful room pouring characterful bottles alongside good cheese and salumi. A lovely spot for an aperitivo.
The 368-metre Riga TV Tower on an island in the Daugava is the tallest structure in the European Union, a striking tripod-legged landmark. Its observation deck has been undergoing long renovation, so check whether it’s open before making the trip.
Bologna’s (and possibly Italy’s) oldest tavern, pouring wine since 1465. It serves only drinks – the tradition is to bring your own food from the surrounding Quadrilatero market and share long communal tables. Utterly unique and utterly Bolognese.
A cavernous cellar folk club in the Old Town with the city’s biggest range of Latvian beer and cider on tap, hearty modern-traditional food, and live folk music five nights a week (plus folk dancing on Wednesdays). Rowdy, warm and thoroughly local.
Tucked beside the Santa Catarina viewpoint, Noobai is a laid-back cafe-bar with one of the best terrace views in Lisbon – out over the red roofs to the Tejo and the 25 de Abril bridge. Come for brunch, sunset drinks or a lazy afternoon.
A cool, easygoing cafe-bar on a corner by the cathedral in Alfama – coffee and toasties by day, relaxed drinks and soul-and-funk sounds by night. A longtime local favourite.
A beloved, unpretentious indie and alternative club going strong for over three decades, with a packed weekend dancefloor of 80s, new-wave and guitar sounds. No frills, all fun.
A gorgeous, century-old family shop selling Portuguese tinned fish in beautifully retro wrapped packages – the tuna, sardines and cod are as good as the paper is pretty. The ultimate edible Lisbon souvenir.