Built in the roaring 1920s as a car garage, this landmark now stands as a weathered industrial-heritage site and open canvas for Bucharest’s best-known graffiti and street artists. A must for urban-art fans – bring a camera, and note access has at times been restricted.
In Shkodër, people buy their fruit and veg straight from the farmers. Most mornings the streets here fill with locals selling what they have grown – a lovely, low-key walk even if you only pick up a couple of tomatoes.
One of the biggest and cheapest markets in town, running all day from early morning. Fresh fruit and veg, fish, meat and household bits – five euros buys a big bag of seasonal produce, and there is fresh fish every morning. A great slice of everyday Shkodër life.
A long-running Sunday antique and flea fair on British Square, going strong for well over a decade. Stalls brim with porcelain, glass, old radios, books, artwork and secession-era curios – held every Sunday, rain or shine, with a wonderfully local atmosphere.
A small Vegas-style gaming room on the ground floor of the Santa Claus Hotel, with slots, tables, live poker and betting. Finnish gaming proceeds traditionally support charity, and there’s even a risk-free “gaming school” to learn the games without money on the line.
A riverside strip of Western-style bars and pubs on the banks of the Pearl River, with the Canton Tower glowing across the water. A favourite for a night out and a Pearl River cruise – it really gets going after 8pm.
One of Beijing’s most famous hutongs – a lively lane mixing old courtyard homes (some former residences of Chinese celebrities) with handicraft shops and snack bars. Wander off into the side alleys for the real surprises, and try local treats like double-skinned milk and candied fruits.
A Beijing institution for over a century, beloved for traditional pastries and desserts. Locals grab them for breakfast alongside porridge. Point at the counter to pick one of each and find your favourite – try the tao su cookie or the walnut he tao pai.
A narrow, easy-to-miss hutong running parallel to the Confucius Temple approach, now dotted with stylish cafes, tea houses and little craft and jewellery shops. It comes alive late morning – a relaxed, not-too-touristy stroll after visiting the Lama Temple opposite.
A multi-storey market right by the Temple of Heaven, best known for pearls on the lower floors and a sprawling mix of stalls above. It’s tidier than it once was, but still a fun spot for a spot of good-natured haggling.