One of Naples’s most-loved local markets, up in Vomero – less touristy but packed with stalls of food, clothes and accessories at bargain prices, complete with folkloric shouting vendors. Great for shoes especially. It’s a market, so mind your belongings and don’t get talked into ‘leather’ that’s plastic.
In the heart of the Quartieri Spagnoli, Fernanda fries her legendary pizza fritta from her ‘basso’ (ground-floor Neapolitan home) – light, delicious and pure street-food soul, in the neighbourhood that is the real heart of Naples.
Prague’s little-known third funicular (besides Petrin and the ZOO) – a tiny red cable car in Smichov linking the two buildings of the NH Prague City hotel, free to ride. A 156 m track climbs to an upper vantage point and restaurant; the ~10-person cabin is often all yours.
One of a handful of central Prague shops selling genuine Czech-made souvenirs – beautiful hand-blown glass from the country’s renowned glassworks, plus decorated metal and wooden pieces and lovely books about Prague. Tip: for kids, pick up a figure of Krtecek (the Little Mole), a beloved Czech cartoon character.
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.