Antwerp: Tram 12 – local travel
Spotted by: Ysabel Jongeneelen
If you are tired of tourist bus tours, I can recommend a ride on tram 12. There are eleven trams in Antwerp, but this one is the most interesting. Board at its terminus at the famous Antwerp courthouse and you are sure to get a seat.
The route begins at the trendy South, where you can see Antwerp in all its glory. Tram 12 drives you over the Leien (also called "den Boulevard"), the former ramparts of the city. You pass the nice building of the National Bank and the beautiful opera house on Frankrijklei. Then you'll see the impressive Central Station.
By now the tram is probably full of people, and you will be travelling into a very different part of Antwerp. First: the notorious De Coninckplein. On this square addicts and tramps gather. But remember: behind the glass you are safe! From here Tram 12 goes on through the poor part of Antwerp where around 161 different nationalities live.
Eventually you'll get to the Sportpaleis, the big arena for events (Proximus Diamond Games, concerts). On its way back Tram 12 also shows you Chinatown and a piece of Africa. Although it doesn't travel through the old city centre it does give the visitor a deeper insight into the city.
Tip: A 10-ride card (€8 (£7)) is valid for 10 rides on all city trams for one hour.
• Details about this spot: Tram 12, Bolivarplaats – Schijnpoortweg, Zuid. Ticket (in tram) €1.60; 5:40am-12:40am daily (every 10 or 20 minutes). Show on map
Milan: Osteria dell'Oca Giuliva – cosy atmosphere
Spotted by Audrey Smith
If you find yourself around the Porta Romana area, this is a good honest restaurant to try. I would recommend it as a place to take a small group of friends.
They do some good pasta and the pizza isn't bad. Last time I had the pappardelle with trevisano and speck and it was very tasty. The range of pasta with seafood is also recommended. Good news if you are on a budget – the house wine is usually good quality, not always the case in some restaurants.
The waiters can try to joke around a bit, and sometimes their humour is a little strange, but regardless, you should enjoy a meal here.
• Details about this spot: Osteria dell'Oca Giuliva, Viale Bligny, 29, Porta Romana; +39 (0)258312871; Three-course meal with wine €35; Open 7-11pm daily. Show on map
Paris: Reclining chairs – enjoy a 'sieste' in public gardens
Spotted by Fred Moussaïan
Green spaces in Paris are divided into parcs, which are big and generally in peripheral areas, and jardins which are smaller, more central and beautifully decorated by palaces and statues, but generally have no – or very little – grass to lie on.
But to me, what makes a critical difference is that in the jardins, you can find the greatest piece of (urban) furniture on earth – the reclining Chaise Luxembourg. Having a nap on one of these reclining chairs is a must during a stay in Paris.
You can find them in the Jardin du Luxembourg, but also in Tuileries (pictured) and Jardins du Palais Royal Paris, close to the ponds and fountains, the edge of which is an excellent place to stretch your legs.
If all chairs are already occupied when you arrive (as often happens at Palais Royal):
1) Don't give up by taking another uncomfortable straight chair.
2) Walk around the pool and carefully observe everyone who is sitting on these chairs, using your psychological skills to guess when they might leave.
3) Be the first (run, jump, fight if necessary) when a chair becomes available again (usually you won't wait more than five or 10 minutes).
4) Forget gallantry and courtesy towards old people (after all, they can come back whenever they want if they're retired).
5) Enjoy! You won't regret it.
• Details about this spot: Recline chairs, Jardin des Tuileries/Louvre/Les Halles. Free. Check the opening times of the gardens. Show on map
Stockholm: Valand – the no 1 retro cafe in Stockholm
Spotted by Suzanna Schwarz
Ten years ago Sara, a friend of mine, introduced me to this incredible retro experience: at Valand nothing has changed since opening in 1954. Everything, from the Svenskt Tenn bracket lamps, the Italian stone floor and dark wood panels to the selection and presentation of cakes and sandwiches are authentic.
So forget about caffe lattes or paying for your coffee with a credit card – at Valand you'll be reminded of how recent the North American/Italian coffee culture is to Stockholm's cafe scene. Apparently, the only thing that has changed since the 50s is the opening hours; back in the day Valand used to be a busy hotspot till 11pm.
When television replaced the cinema, the local four theatres closed down and Valand became increasingly empty. Now it is a fairly quiet cafe where mostly local teens and the odd visitors go. Valand is a true original and a great place for a quiet drink or to indulge in a bit of nostalgia.
• Details about this spot: Valand, Surbrunnsgatan 48, Vasastan. Coffee & tea, SEK 25 (£2.35); Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Show on map
Warsaw: Przysmak – the taste of childhood
Spotted by Magda Przedmojska
My first and sweetest memories of a bar in Warsaw are connected to this place. My father used to come here for "obiad" (Polish for lunch, but in Poland obiad is usually bigger than supper) so I knew the name. Many years passed, my father became a great cook himself so lunches at Przysmak are no longer needed.
However, this is still one of my favourite bars for a budget lunch. It is located in a flat, which means there is not much space and you sit next to people you don't know. There is a huge pot of "Kompot", the drink usually served for lunch in Poland, on a windowsill.
The thing that is most important to me, however, is that the ladies working in the kitchen and behind the till, can still remember my father and I am always called Andrzej's daughter. I don't know many places that can compete with that personal service, at least not in Warsaw.
• Details about this spot: Przysmak, ul.Lwowska 11, Sródmiescie; +48 226224188. Pancakes with spinach PLN 12 (£2.65). Mon-Fri 12-5pm. Show on map
