A hidden bar tucked inside an old lodge, beloved by fans of alternative music from techno to indie rock. The tiny interior is a proper dancing den that goes until dawn, while the larger courtyard is perfect for a laid-back drink. There’s no sign from the street, so follow the map to find it.
An Elvis-themed souvlaki joint where the grill does things differently – skewers served with fresh fried potatoes, lemon and bread rather than wrapped in pita. Relaxed, cheap and open late, it’s the go-to after a night out in Kerameikos, best eaten on the square right outside. Go for the pork.
A charming little 100-metre street in Osterbro lined with some of the most colourful facades in the city – a lovely, low-key alternative to Nyhavn. The neighbourhood around it is full of design shops and good cafes; come on a weekday to photograph the houses without parked cars in the way.
A Portland institution and the largest independent bookstore in the world – a whole city block of new and used titles spread across colour-coded rooms. Easy to lose an afternoon here; grab a coffee and follow your curiosity down the aisles.
Lugano’s tap water is famously excellent, and the many public fountains dotted (and half-hidden) around the city and lakefront are a genuine local treat on a summer day. Carry a bottle, skip the single-use plastic, and refill as you wander – some of the prettiest fountains are just outside the centre.
Also known as the Noailles market, this is the most colourful – and cheapest – market in Marseille, where you can stock a week of fruit and veg for a handful of euros. The surrounding streets spill over with the scent of spices, pastries and North African specialities; don’t leave without trying a mahjouba, a tuna brick or a fricasse.
Amsterdam’s own city beach, on the man-made island of IJburg, where the whole city rushes out the moment the sun appears to swim, sunbathe and hang out. The beach bar does surprisingly good food, and the fun rolls on into the evening with parties on the sand and inside.
On the first Sunday of the month the old Westergasfabriek gasworks turns into a hip market of food, art, fashion and design – free tastings of Greek wine, Lebanese falafel and Spanish ham alongside second-hand clothes and handmade crafts. It feels like a little town-within-the-city, and it’s the place for a truly one-off souvenir.
A beloved swimming and wading spot on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, close enough to downtown to skip the rideshare and reached by an easy, pretty trail. Perfect for dipping your feet on a hot Texas day – just note the water can run high right after heavy rain and thin out during dry spells.
