Tucked in a Prague Castle courtyard (in front of the Toy Museum) stands the statue ‘Youth’ – best known for the golden, well-polished detail that locals rub for good luck. A fun, offbeat stop inside the castle; combine it with the Toy Museum and the spectacular viewpoint just downhill from the main gate.
A rare 19th-century paternoster – a loop of open cabins in constant motion (the name nods to a rosary). Just hop on and off, and if you’re brave, ride over the top to do the full loop. Banned in many countries on safety grounds, but not here. Tip: you can ride paternosters free in several Prague buildings, e.g. the YMCA Palace near Republic Square.
A revamped stretch of Vltava embankment (under the Jiraskuv bridge) that’s become one of Prague’s favourite warm-weather hangouts – locals walk, skate, cycle, drink and dance by the water. It’s lined with bars, restaurants and boat venues (Bajkazyl is the buzzy heart of its nightlife), with frequent open-air concerts and parties.
A beloved Cannaregio osteria hidden on a tiny side street away from the tourist crush, where locals gather for cicchetti and a spritz before dinner. The daily menu of fresh pasta and seafood changes with the market. Book ahead – it’s popular. Tip: the assorted seafood appetiser is excellent.
One of the few late-night bars in Venice, a lively spot near the Rialto Bridge with hundreds of bras strung from the ceiling, customer drawings on the walls, football on the TV and good jazz. A fun place for a last drink; food is served but pricier. Mostly a young crowd.
The campo most loved by Venetians – a leafy Santa Croce square where kids play after school year-round and even tend a little vegetable garden, overlooked by the atmospheric San Giacomo dall’Orio church. It hosts plenty of local culture – poetry festivals, tango shows and more. Tip: check what’s on, especially in summer.
A lively Cannaregio institution best at night, when the atmosphere buzzes and bands play everything from jazz to rock’n’roll. Take a table for dinner or just nurse a glass of wine and appetizers at the bar (or outside along the canal) while you listen. Tip: check their page to see who’s playing.
Few visitors know you can cross the Grand Canal by gondola traghetto (ferry) for just 2 EUR – a bigger, undecorated working gondola, paid direct to the gondolier. It’s not a romantic ride so much as a fun local shortcut, since bridges over the canal are scarce. Tip: look for the yellow ‘traghetto’ signs – there are seven crossing points.
A low-key, small-group alternative to Berlin’s rowdy pub crawls – a local guide leads you through the city’s most unusual underground venues: a ping-pong bar (the iconic Dr. Pong), a horror-themed rock bar, an absinthe bar, squat and beach bars and burlesque clubs, ending at a techno or hip-hop party. ~5 hours; free shots and venue entry included. Bring ID and an AB transport ticket.
A relaxing ~5 km riverside walk through central Berlin, with a shifting panorama of grand buildings and green space. Easy to reach and leave via S-Bahn, with plenty of places to rest, eat and drink – S-Bahnhof Tiergarten and Friedrichstrasse bookend the route.