They don’t call her The Great Enchantress for nothing… almost everyone that comes to the Catalan capital ends up falling head over heels in love with this mesmerising beauty, who is not only stylishly decked out in a beguiling blend of Art Nouveau and modern architecture, but whose love of the finer things in life – tapas, vermouth and sex just for starters – can’t help but endear her to pleasure seekers.

Yes, she is cool and good looking and damn near perfect, but if Barcelona has a character flaw, it’s that… some of her most celebrated assets are now either overpriced or, more simply, overrun.

Yes, she is cool and good looking and damn near perfect, but if Barcelona has a character flaw, it’s that she’s just too damn sought after these days, and some of her most celebrated assets are now either overpriced or, more simply, overrun. In this Secret Seven then, I’m going to share some alternative things to do that haven’t made it into every guidebook just yet. If you edge towards a more authentic style of travel, then hopefully these tips will help you break away from the mainstream attractions and get you enjoying the city from a more local perspective.

Update: I’ve relented and added a “Famous Five” section to this list, so that you can combine the eclectic with the unmissable. Enjoy!

1# Take a Photography Tour

I’m a big fan of creative tourism, and the idea of learning a new skill, whilst at the same time exploring a new culture or place, is a win-win situation as far as I’m concerned. When you sign up for a photo tour with Shutter Kings Barcelona, you not only learn more about your DSLR camera, and various easily-implemented tips on how to take better shots, but you also get a great insider’s look at the city as you explore some of the forgotten nooks and crannies of the city. In fact, you don’t need a state of the art camera to get involved… you can take fantastic shots with your just your camera phone, and the Shutter King’s team will help show you how to pimp your Instagram profile with even the most humble of lenses. Fancy that you look better in front of the camera than behind it? They also offer professional photo shoots where you get to strut your stuff in front of some of Barcelona’s most iconic architecture.
www.shutterkingsbarcelona.com

2# Tapas & Beers

Undoubtedly the coolest food tours in town, Tapas & Beers offer several great gastronomic experiences, all designed to help you “taste the real Barcelona”. The first is their private tapas tour, a delicious romp around some of the best tapas bars and bodegas in the newly-hip Sant Antoni district, where you’ll sample half a dozen or more delicious Spanish and Catalan dishes washed down with homemade vermouths, Cava and cerveza. The second is a private craft beer tasting tour, in the company of a master brewer. Here you’ll get to sample some of the latest products of the Catalan beer revolution as you drop by some of the best cervecerias and micro-breweries in town (just try to remember that craft beers are always stronger than standard cerveza!). Perhaps their coolest experience, launched in late 2019, is their Beer Lovers Food Pairing Tour, which combines the best aspects of both their tapas and craft beer tours, as you learn to pair creative tapas with the best in local artisan ales. Check out their website for more.
www.tapasandbeers.com

3# Bunkers del Carmel Viewpoint

I probably shouldn’t even be telling you this one, but hey this is your reward for being cool enough to read Urban Travel Blog (hint: you might want to subscribe for more such rewards!). A trip up to Bunkers del Carmel is the best way to see out the sunset in Barcelona, and whilst the dilapidated old military hideout is a sorry sight, the views over the city are nothing else but spectacular. The hill is the perfect elevation to gaze over the metropolis, just high enough to gauge its scale but not so high it becomes an abstract equation. Do as the locals do and take a picnic and enjoy the city fade to orange and then indigo and black. Like all good secrets, it takes a bit of uncovering, especially as many taxi drivers won’t know exactly where to go. However if you ask your cabbie to drop you off at Restaurante Las Delicias in Carmel, address Carrer Muhlberg 1 you can easily hike up the rest. (Update: this is no longer quite as secret it used to be when I first starting going several years back. So expect a bit of a crowd of Erasmus kids and hip travellers… still a great atmosphere!).

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Watching night fall over Barcelona from the epic viewpoint of the Bunkers del Carmel. #Barcelona #bunkersdelcarmel #cloudy #nightfall #dusk #mySkrillsummer #utb #localsecret

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4# The Summer Street Parties

From May ’til the end of September there is pretty much always an epic fiesta happening somewhere in or around Barcelona. That’s because at some point during summer virtually every district in the city will celebrate it’s own festa major (grand festival) by inviting every man, woman, granny & gramps, baby and dog onto the streets for food, drink, live music, DJs and dancing. Each festa major lasts around a week (the bigger and better ones tend to span two weekends) and many have their own unique traditions, whilst nearly all include some shared Catalan traditions – such as the notorious correfoc (fire runs), where demon-masked pyromaniacs wield industrial-size sparklers at those foolhardy enough to get near, or castellers (human castles), when groups of well-trained collectives clamber on one another’s shoulders to make “castles” of up to 10 stories high. Fun, informal and full of community spirit, life doesn’t get much better than swigging a cerveza in the sultry summer night air at one of these wonderful fiestas. The most famous is Festa Major de Gracia, when locals decorate their street for the occasion, whilst the massive La Merce in September is the festa major for the whole city and is suitably epic, usually with a massive programme of street theatre, arts, workshops and wine tasting. Barcelona Life has a very useful guide.

5# Get Lost in Labyrinth Park

Gaudi’s adventures in landscape gardening make for an unmissable – albeit massively crowded – attraction, whilst Parc de la Ciutadella is undoubtedly the most lively and fun of Barcelona’s green spaces (head here if you want to see the locals engage in a bewildering diverse range of activities, from slack lining to tap dancing). But for a little lush corner of the city to explore, practically on your own, Parc del Laberint d’Horta offers a lovely change of pace. Aside from the eponymous maze, there is a canal and small waterfall and several neoclassical features, such as a pavilion, and several statues inspired by Greek mythology. The improbable fee of 2 euros and 23 cents tells you how geared up to tourism it is, but that simply adds to the charm.
Passeig dels Castanyers 1-17

6# Poetry Bordello

I’d probably put this higher on the list, except this den of vice verses is as elusive as it is seductive. If you are lucky enough to be in town during one of their sessions of saucy stanzas then be sure to turn up with a few euros in your back pocket that you can slip in the hat of any number of the poetic putas that work here in exchange for an erotic reading or two. And just in case you’re confused, there is no actual sexual interaction at the Prostibulo Poetico, just plenty of verbal caresses from the souls, hearts and libidos of these literary lovers.
www.prostibulopoetico.com

7# Vintage Shopping

Barcelona is a hipster city, sometimes slavishly so, but whatever your view on Karl Marx-esque beards, limb-covering tattoos and stretched earlobes, it is undeniably fun to play the fashion victim and spice up your image with some unique items for your wardrobe. There are two streets in Raval that are honey to hipsters, and they are Riera Baixa and Carrer Tallers. The former is a small pedestrianised avenue that often gets overlooked (as it leads to nowhere in particular), but has several cool shops like Polly Maggoo and La Vella Maia Vintage. The latter is like a sunny slice of London’s Camden Town, with a mix of hip shops (some are so cool that you pay by the kilo), specialist stores selling punk and Gothic memorabilia and a good scattering of tapas joints and bars for intershop boozing. Depending what store you go to you can pick up some amazing bargains (I picked up a blue leather biker’s jacket for €40 the other day!) – or pay silly prices for something that is, however you market it, still second hand (Holala Ibiza I’m talking to you!) – so shop around. Those who have a bit more money to burn might also want to consider taking a private shopping tour with the lovely Antiques & Boutiques. The girls at A&B are absolute gurus of fashion, design, art, furniture and antiques and they’ll take you to the very stores that Hollywood prop masters troll for iconic looks.

Bonus Tip: Explore by Bike

With its enviable weather, flat terrain and ever growing number of bike paths, Barcelona is a city made to be seen from the saddle. You get to cover much more ground than you would by walking, and yet you have full independence and the feel good factor of getting around with zero carbon emissions. Barcelona has got a glut of great bike tours, including pioneers of alternative tourism such as Steel Donkeys, and e-bike tours that will take you to some of the city’s nearby vineyards. Read more on our bicycle tours feature article here.

Famous Five

So those were the original ideas… now for the quintessential sights.

1# La Sagrada Familia

You might have heard of this one. It’s the borderline grotesque and certified over-the-top basilica that consumed virtually all of Antoni Gaudi’s later years – and still remains unfinished today. Monstrously big, impossibly intricate, adorned from cornerstone to crest with religious and natural symbology, Dali mocked it and Orwell called for it to be blown up, but La Sagrada Familia endured to become the number icon of Barcelona. In fact it’s much more beautiful inside than out, where pillars of pure white stone reach to the nave roof like some kind of Tolkien-esque forest and vast stained glass windows throw a kaleidoscopic light show upon the varnished cork floors. Owing to its popularity advance tickets are essential. You can buy skip the line tickets via Get Your Guide, or with guided tour and tower access here (recommended).

2# Park Guell

Backdrop to cult movies like Vicky Cristina Barcelona and L’Auberge Espagnole, Gaud’s park is one of the most beautiful in the world. You’ll have seen the viewing terrace in photos, with its snaking bench decorated in colourful broken tiles using the architect’s favourite trencadis technique. The park has several other fun features too, including the brightly-hued lizard guarding a sweeping staircase near the main entrance, and is particularly romantic in the evening, when the sun loses its eye-melting heat. Like La Sagrada Familia advance tickets are now essential in order to enter, and you can get yours via Get Your Guide.

3# Picasso Museum

Probably Barcelona’s best museum and definitely it’s most popular one, this tribute to the 20th century’s most creative canvas jockey charts Picasso’s artistic journey from his more realistic Blue and Rose Periods to his pioneering Cubist style. Picasso and Barcelona go way back, with the Malaga-born artist staging his first ever exhibit at the charismatic El Quatre Gats cafe and its only fitting that this huge body of work goes on display here in Catalonia. Art lovers can take a walking tour that traces Picasso’s steps in the city and finishes at the museum, or simply buy tickets to the museum. In fact, the Barcelona Card actually entitles you to free entry, so worth considering if you also plan to take advantage of some of the city’s other cultural sights and the free public transport.

4# Montserrat

This mystical mountain, with its jagged pink limestone peaks, is Barcelona’s number one day trip, and deservedly so. If the jaw-dropping natural scenery wasn’t enough, this celebrated site was also the place where the blessed Black Madonna statuette was discovered, one of the most holy relics of the Catholic church. As such a monastery has existed here since the 10th century and it is here that most tourists head to hear L’Escolania Choir, admire the abbey’s church and cloisters and – for the devout of heart – pay their respects to the hallowed icon, which is on display. From the abbey you can hike or take the cable car up to St. Jerome’s Peak for views that stretch out all the way to the island of Majorca on a clear day. There are different ways of ‘doing’ Montserrat, the cheapest of which is to buy a return train ticket from the official tourist website, which gets you to the bottom of the mountain and then gives you the option of going up via either funicular train or cable car (price included in the ticket). An even easier way is via one of the many guided tours that depart from Barcelona each day.

5# Camp Nou Experience

Of course you have to visit the most emblematic football stadium in the world, Camp Nou! Grabbing tickets for a match is obviously a lot of fun, although you’ll need to time your travels for when the team are playing at home obviously. If that’s not possible there’s always the Camp Nou Experience, which includes a tour of the stadium, dressing rooms and tunnel with a visit to the award-winning museum plus trophy room. FC Barcelona is closely tied with Catalan identity and by the time you’ve finished with the experience you’ll understand why Barca is mes que un club (“more than just a football club”!).

More Barcelona Tips…

Still hungry for more tips? Find out how I chose to spend €500 in Barcelona in two days right here. And of course, with tips on everything from the unmissable attractions to the finest bars in town, our Long Weekend guide is essential reading for anyone considering a city break in the Catalan capital.

You might as well find a few more original ideas for cool activities on my other websites, Barcelona Life and the pragmatically titled: Barcelonathingstodo.com.

For more Secret Sevens, for example of fun things to see and do in Budapest or London’s best alternative sights, click here.

About Duncan Rhodes

Duncan is the Editor-in-Chief of Urban Travel Blog, a born and bred city slicker who loves urban adventure, street art, killer bars and late night hotspots. More about Duncan here.

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So you’ve dangled yourself off the CN Tower, checked out the city’s best art galleries and shopped yourself silly at the Toronto Eaton Centre… maybe you’ve even caught a classic game of Canadian ice hockey, and done the essential day trip to Niagara Falls… but what next???

As always with our series of Secret Sevens, this is where we lay down some original ideas to spice up your weekend breaks in the world’s best cities. Perfect for those staying for longer, or visiting for a second time, or just those who hate the idea of jumping on the tourist bandwagon and rumbling down that well-beaten path with all the other fanny-packers.

Travel and food writer Sasha Arms just got back from an extended stay in Ontario’s capital (and Canada‘s biggest city), and this is what she had to report. For many many more tips check out our Toronto weekend guide by local journalist Rachel Lissner.

1# Milky Way

Toronto is a creative city and stunning street art is just one way the local creative class expresses itself. Many art-loving visitors head straight to Graffiti Alley to soak up the scene. Officially named Rush Lane, Graffiti Alley is a quiet road near the trendy Queen Street West in the Fashion District. Full of street art, it’s also full of visitors and tour groups and is well recognised by fans of comedian Rick Mercer, who films live from the alley regularly for CBC. It’s definitely worth visiting but for a more off the beaten track experience in Toronto, I would recommend heading over to Milky Way instead. Yes, ‘Milky Way’ is an actual name of a street and it’s full of colourful creations which you can admire in relative quiet, away from the crowds.

2# Pacific Junction Hotel

This isn’t a hotel at all, but rather a bar with a radio station located inside. The décor at Pacific Junction Hotel is quirky, with places at the bar named after some of Toronto’s greatest fans such as Janis Joplin. There’s a hodgepodge of seating, including a bench that used to be a bath tub. Casual finger food (alligator tacos, anyone?) accompanies a selection of local and international beers. The coolest aspect however is the all-glass booth overlooking the bar, from which the radio shows and podcasts of Girth Radio are broadcast. This is the place to become insiders with Torontonians.

3# Spa at Four Seasons Toronto

Located in the gentrified fashionista neighbourhood of Yorkville, the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto attracts travellers seeking luxury and serenity. However, even for Toronto visitors staying elsewhere in the city, the Four Seasons Toronto holds a little secret on the ninth floor. Pushing 3,000m² in size, this is where the Four Season’s spa can be found, with treatments rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub. The pièce de résistance, however, is the spa’s outdoor terrace, which offers stunning views over Toronto from a private and privileged position. Just book a facial or massage at the spa and anyone can enjoy this indulgent corner of Toronto.

4# The Vog Vault

John Fluevog Shoes are the footwear of choice for Torontonians who want to make a statement. The Fluevog store on Queen Street West is housed inside a former bank, and the creative minds behind the shoe brand decided to do something a little different with the bank’s former vault. The Vog Vault is a gravity-defying room with retro furniture and book shelves in confusing places. It’s perfect for Instagrammable photos: check out #VogVault.

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I visited the gravity defying #VogVault room in Toronto, Canada. @fluevog shoe shop on Queen St West is in a former bank + this is the previous vault! ——————————————–#toronto #torontolife #torontolifestyle #canada #canada #canada #toronto #torontoart #torontophoto #torontonian #travel #travelgirl #travelgram #travelwriter #travelblogger #travelphotography #travellife #travels #travelpic #travelbug #gravity #gravityroom #queenstwest #queenstwesttoronto #queenstreetwest #westqueenwest

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5# Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

This cinema is the place to go for documentary lovers. With a programme comprised almost entirely of documentary films, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is a place to join a Torontonian crowd who demand more than the latest Hollywood blockbusters when they go to the flicks. The cinema shows Canadian and international documentaries and has plenty of special events and independent film festivals throughout the year too. There’s a bit of history on-site too: the location has been home to theatres and cinemas in various guises since 1913.

6# Grand Hotel Toronto

The lunchtime bustle of downtown Toronto can get a little much. For some quiet time, head over to The Grand Hotel Toronto and its Citrus Restaurant. A hidden gem on Toronto’s dining scene, the food in the restaurant rivals the big foodie hitters in the city. In particular, the artichoke and squid spaghettini is to die for, embalmed in garlic olive oil, red finger chilis and topped with a crunchy squid ink crumb. In the warmer months, the intimate sun-filled patio is a great place to hang out.

7# The Monkey’s Paw

Book lovers and fans of anything retro and quirky should make enquiries at The Monkey’s Paw on Bloor Street. The shop specialises in old and unusual books and random printed artefacts. It’s a place to unearth antiquarian treasures that speak of past times. The shop also has the world’s first randomising vending machine called Biblio-Mat, where you can pick up a randomly selected old book when you insert a $2 coin.

Bonus Tip: Pork & Beer Tours

Urban Adventures are one of our go to brands when it comes to cool city activities, and in Toronto they offer two tours that stand out: Beer Makes History Better offers all the insight you’d expect from a walking history of the city, but with a hearty introduction to Canadian craft beer to make those tales of cholera, fire, war, depression and rebellion more palatable. When Pigs Fry is a similarly lip-smacking activity that introduces visitors to Hogtown’s (as Toronto is often referred to!) loves of bacon, pork, and sausage.

More Tours & Attractions

Should these tips prove a bit too alternative for your liking then Get Your Guide offer an easy booking platform for tours and tickets to all of Toronto’s main attractions, such as the CN Tower, Casa Loma and Royal Ontario Museum.

Keep Travelling!

For more Secret Sevens on the world’s best cities check out our insider tips on New York, leftfield guide to Krakow and unusual things to do in Athens.

About Sasha Arms

Passionate foodie, trend-spotter and traveller, London-based Sasha Arms has reported on everything from pop-up restaurants to prison tourism for UTB. Keep up with her latest stories right here...

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I love Seville, I’ve been living here for five years after all. But there are only so many times you can marvel at the immense grandeur of the cathedral’s Giralda Tower or pad in rapture through the maze of water features in the Alcazar Palace.

Eventually you come to realise that the true essence of the city lies in those less frequented nooks and crannies that only nosey parkers like myself tend to find. But fear not, in this Secret Seven things to do in the Andalusian capital I’ll cut out the leg work for you and take you straight to the city’s clandestine treasures… where you’ll feel like you’re the only tourist in town.

UPDATE: But…. if it is your first time here, and you haven’t checked off this sultry southern city’s unmissable attractions you’ll find a “Famous Five” selection to go with this “Secret Seven”.

1# Visit A Flamenco Social Club

Ok, so it would be a missed opportunity to come to Seville and not see any flamenco. But forget the touristy ‘tablaos’ with their steep entry fees and head instead to a ‘peña’. Peñas are best described as a flamenco social club and are home to some of the most authentic flamenco on offer in the city. I love the Peña Cultural Flamenca Torres Macarena for its fighting spirit (it was temporarily closed down by the local council due to regular complaints by a non-flamenco loving neighbour), the beautiful, orange tree bedecked courtyard and the explosive and impassioned shows that guarantee quality on every visit. Performances are only on Wednesday evenings so for weekend flamenco try the Peña Níño de la Alfalfa. Top tip: be sure to stay until the end of proceedings to enjoy the ‘fin de fiesta’ in which any flamenco artists in the audience, dancers or otherwise are encouraged to take to the stage for a flamenco free-for-all.

If you don’t feel comfortable going to a concert independently then alternatively this tour by Get Your Guide teaches you about the history and traditions of flamenco, and finishes with an 1hr long show, accompanied with manzanilla wine tasting. Or better yet go the full distance and sign up for a flamenco dancing lesson!

2# Pelicano5 Art Collective

From Moorish times Seville has been a city where family life unfolds inside the cool, interior courtyards that form the heart of many traditional dwellings. This principle also extended to working life in the form of corralones, where craftsmen’s studios lined a private central area. The corralones continue to function to this day and range from those languishing in states of decaying splendour to modern ones constructed in Berlinesque minimalist lines (check out Rompe Moldes for an example of the latter). My favourite is the Corralón de Pelicano, in the San Julián district, lying just within the old city walls. Dating back to the 19^th Century, it was the city’s first industrial estate. But don’t be fooled by its olde worldy cobbles, geraniums in pots and images of the virgin; inside there beats a very modern, creative pulse with the artsy, collective Pelicano5 featuring contemporary artists, a mad inventor and an artisan, high-end carpenter.

3# La OSA Mallol Boutique

When shopping in Sevilla, forget the big name Spanish brands like Zara and Mango and go straight to local individual designers and their studios. My favourite is La OSA Mallol, comprising ex-architect Lourdes and her ingenious, multi-use, reversible designs and theatre costume designer Isa with her own one-off pieces for women, super cute kids’ line and exquisite, couture-clothed, character dolls. But La OSA Mallol’s creativity doesn’t stop there, and if you’re in town for a little longer you might want to check out one of their workshops on upcycling and dressmaking.

4# Paddle Down the River Guadalquivir

Seville is really stunning, but god do I wish it were closer to the sea. Still, it has got the beloved River Guadalquivir and instead of just strolling along the river banks, why not take a kayak tour where you can see the bridges from the bottom up and commune with the local flora and fauna. Local tour company Not Just a Tourist offers a two hour kayak tour along the closest thing Seville has to the sea, just make sure you pick a sensible time of the day to be out in the water as the midday Spanish sun can be cruel indeed. You can book the tour securely and at the best price via Get Your Guide. (Editor: and in doing so you’ll be putting a couple of euros in UTB’s pocket so we can commission more articles from our wonderful team of writers. Gracias queridos amigos!).

5# Estraperlo Organic Food & Tapas

Sevillanos vehemently defend their cuisine as not only being the best, but also the healthiest going. Frankly, I beg to differ as after a few days of mostly deep-fried fare, my intestines generally long for some fat-free days off. Imagine my delight then when I recently discovered ‘Estraperlo’ a shop selling organic produce which is so hidden away that even I didn’t know about it. Nestled in a shady courtyard in the hip Alameda de Hercules district, Estraperlo doesn’t just sell locally grown, organic produce; it also boasts a working kitchen at the back producing a daily tapas menu to be enjoyed in situ or taken away.

6# Experience An Intimate Concert

Seeing live music is a tricky business in Seville. It’s easy to imagine oneself stepping off the plane only to be greeted by a travelling troubadour playing flamenco guitar. But in reality the city’s live music scene rather precariously relies on unlicensed venues which open and close depending on the noise sensitivity of the neighbours. Thank goodness then for music promoters La Matraka who’ve creatively manoeuvred their way round these restrictions, making use of the city’s private spaces to lay on intimate, cultural events. Redetejas, currently in its 3^rd year, is a summer season of live music gigs, comedy and theatre across the city’s private roof terraces and recently launched, Myplayz uses the same principle to encourage culture lovers to host their own events in the comfort of their own home or workspace. It’s a bit like Airbnb, but for culture. (For more on this “micro culture revolution” trend check out our feature article).

7# Lonja de Feria Food Market

Most major Spanish cities have a traditional food market and if you really want to get up close and personal with some local characters then these lively food emporiums provide an opportunity to do just that – along with tasting some great grub of course. Seville’s Triana Market upped its game a while back by opening some hip bars, thus injecting a nightlife into what was once very much a daytime location. The latest to follow suit is the food market on Calle Feria, a stone’s through away from the Alameda de Hercules. Follow your nose to the far end of the 18^th century building and there amongst the fish stalls you’ll find a buzzing tapas bar. There’s something to suit all tastes, not just the fish and seafood lovers amongst us, so expect usual suspects such as giant pans of paella or black squid ink rice, oysters and sushi, plus fish free, handmade croquettes and summer, cold soups like salmorejo, gazpacho and ajoblanco. Thursday to Sunday evenings they lay on live music, usually of a jazz or flamenco bent.

This list a bit too hipster for you? Then no worries, we rounded up all of the more conventional attractions this town has to offer…

Famous Five

For those who want to mix authentic local travel, with seeing the unmissable sights, here are our top five attractions in Seville.

1# Seville Cathedral (and Bell Tower)

Of course when in Sevilla, you can’t miss the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, and the third largest church of any kind anywhere in the world (behind St. Peter’s in the Vatican, and the Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida in Brazil). It’s a truly monstrous megalith, made even grander still by La Giralda bell tower which climbs 104 metres into the sky beside it. You can buy skip the line tickets via Get Your Guide.

2# Alcazar Palace

If this place seems like a fantasy location from Game of Thrones… well that’s because it is. This magnificent palace was extensively renovated by Seville’s Christian rulers in the Moorish style, and its breathtaking opulence made it a perfect choice for the Water Gardens of Dorne in series five of George R.R Martin’s blockbuster. You can buy a guided tour, with skip the line ticket included via Get Your Guide.

Top tip: If you plan on seeing both the Cathedral and Alcazar Palace you can save some money using this combined ticket and tour.

3# Flamenco at Museo del Baile

We’ve touched on flamenco in point 1#, but you seriously… you can’t come to Seville and not experience Spain’s sensational sultry art form in its spiritual home. Museo del Baile offer a spectacular one hour show, three times a night, Monday to Saturday for as little as €22… grab your tickets here. For something even more refined book a tapas dinner at Patio Andaluz, with their 1.5 hour show, which runs every night of the week.

4# River Cruise

A little cheesy perhaps, but who doesn’t like a boat cruise? The tongue-twisting Guadalquivir river played a key role in Spain’s colonial history so this is a chance to float on its lazy waters and take in views of some of Seville’s most important monuments while you’re at it. One of the more fun things to do in town. Tickets are just €17.

5# Pueblos Blancos & Ronda (Day Trip)

Seville is no jewel in isolation. Andalusia has a very strong claim to be Spain’s most romantic region, and nothing says Iberian charm like its Pueblos Blancos (‘White Villages’). These traditional communities are almost untouched by the passage of time, and their gorgeous white washed walls, terracotta tiles and brightly coloured shutters are a joy to behold. Many of these pueblos even enjoy dramatic locations that further enhance their beauty, none more so than Ronda, which enjoys a spectacular roost on the top of a natural gorge. If you don’t have the time, means or money to hire a car, then jump on this highly rated day trip that makes exploring these Andalusian gems easy.

Still looking for more tips and inspiration? Then head over to our Seville city break feature which not only features advice on the best things to do and see, but also runs down the best hotels, restaurants and bars in town.

Keep Travelling…

If this post hit the spot, then be sure to drop by our other posts in the Secret Seven series, such as our cool things to do in Athens, hipster hang outs in Rome and some alternative suggestions for Berlin.

Feature photo by Breen Jones.

About Mary Biles

Originally from the Isle of Wight, Mary decided to upsticks and head south to Andalusia after discovering an affinity with Spain and its people. She lives in Seville where she delights in uncovering little known treasures. Read Mary's full bio here.

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So you have ticked all the tourist boxes? Christ the Redeemer… check. Sugarloaf… check. Ipanema Beach… check. With the language barrier and lack of alternative tourist materials, how does one truly penetrate Rio de Janeiro? I have personally been diving deep into this city for years and have discovered that the most delicious memories come from moments spent in its sub-context. From libraries with 16th century scripts, Italian cafés in old casinos and Samba warehouse parties, the “other side” of Rio is truly its best side.

1# A Piece of Brazilian Music History

Literally translated to the “Flying Circus”, Circo Voador music venue has a history deep seated in Rio’s cultural past. It opened for the first time on Ipanema Beach 35 years ago. Since then, the venue has had a dramatic past including being shut down by the Mayor, traveling around Brazil as a Gypsy Venue and finally settling in Lapa where it remains until today. Circo Voador hosts some of the country’s most authentic and beloved Brazilian musicians. From MBP to bossa nova, pop and rock to funk, their calendar’s taste is eclectic. Best part of all, most shows allow you to pay a half price admission if you bring 1 kilo of non-perishable goods as a donation. To step inside a real Carioca’s night out, after the show go around the corner for a late night Brazilian meal at Botequim Os Ximenes.

2# Local Brazilian Football Match

Experience the passion that defines Brazil. If you ask any Brazilian their top two favourite things in life, be rest assured that it would include their family and their football team (in no particular order). There are four major teams in Rio de Janeiro: Botafogo, Vasco, Fluminense and Flamengo. There are several stadiums all over the city and the suburbs, but the two grandest are Maracanã and Nilton Santos. But do not think you are going to enter calmly and sit in your assigned seats. The energy is high from the get go with live drums both on the streets and inside the stadiums, with two-storey-tall team flags being waved by fans and free flowing beers. This is all designed to keep the crowd singing (literally). In Brazilian fashion, the dates and times are not often announced until the week of the game, so find someone in the know to score you a ticket and help you navigate the complicated public transport needed to arrive. Bromelia Rio (that’s my company!) offers a host of local tours such as Local Football Tours that include joining in the pre-game festivities outside the stadiums with the fans, train tickets and game passes. (When you write to me mention Urban Travel Blog and be sure of extra VIP treatment!).

Rio Championship Futebol Game at Maracanã Stadium #casabromelia

A post shared by Ｂｒｏｍｅｌｉａ Ｒｉｏ (@casabromelia) on May 2, 2016 at 9:46am PDT

3# A Royal Portuguese Reading Room

Stepping into the doors of the Royal Portuguese Reading Room (Real Gabinete Português de Leitura) is like stepping into a chapter of Harry Potter. The building was originally founded in 1822 by the Portuguese who wanted to bring their literature to the new Brazilian Empire. This Gothic-Renaissance designed landmark, hosts the largest collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal, which line the towering, rainbow book shelves. The collection of nearly 400,000 books could be easily passed up, if one did not know where this library was located. Nestled in a small backstreet of Central Rio, its unassuming exterior is the complete opposite of the sensory stimulation awaiting you inside. Do not be afraid to be nosey, there is also classic furniture and art pieces peppered throughout the entire building but not necessarily on display in the main room.

The incredible Portuguese Library in Downtown Rio. see the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal! But more than that, it feels like you are stepping into a chapter of a Harry Potter Book!

A post shared by Ｂｒｏｍｅｌｉａ Ｒｉｏ (@casabromelia) on Sep 23, 2017 at 11:03am PDT

4# Bird Cemetery on a Car-free Island

Evidently the only one of its kind in the world, the bird cemetery on Paquetá Island is curious and unusual. Located 45 minutes on a passenger ferry off of Praça XV in downtown Rio, this pedestrian-only island is a destination in and of itself. Its charming dirt roads can all be explored in a single afternoon; however, I highly recommend splurging on the 1 hour Golf Cart Island tour. It will take you into the nooks and crannies of this peacefully wild island. Inaugurated in 1888, the bird cemetery was begun to express the community’s love for birds and the freedom of the spirit characteristic of Paquetá. The tradition goes, that the dead bird’s owner checks if there is available space among one of the identical graves and places their pets in one that has room (because over time the bodies decompose making room for new ones). Since legislature surrounding the domestication of birds has changed over the years, there has been a significant decrease in fowl funerals.

Bird Cemetery?!? The only one in the world! Located on the Island of Paquetá, an hour of the coast of downtown Rio, is this little treasure!

A post shared by Ｂｒｏｍｅｌｉａ Ｒｉｏ (@casabromelia) on Sep 22, 2017 at 1:49pm PDT

5# The Art Deco Itahy Building

This hidden gem is the epitome of Brazilian Art Deco Architecture in Copacabana. The Itahy building, originally designed in 1932, blends several styles of the decade. The bright green, patina-ed entrance is topped by an “Indian-Mermaid-Caryatid” and defined by sleek aerodynamic lines typical of the architectural movement. Designed by Brazilian immigrants, raised in Europe, the building demonstrates how the architects were able to appreciate the native style of Brazil whilst blending it with fashionable Parisian ones of time time. For example, the frame of the entrance resembles that of the famous Printemps French Department Store while the inside features tiled floors that mimic ocean waves and walls with relief carvings of algae and marine life.

The Italy Building in Copacabana is the quintessential Art Deco Style that Rio is so famous for.

A post shared by Ｂｒｏｍｅｌｉａ Ｒｉｏ (@casabromelia) on Sep 19, 2017 at 3:52pm PDT

6# Italian Cafe in a former Casino

Once the highlights of Rio de Janeiro’s social scene in the pre-war era, the Casino in the neighborhood of Urca still remains a local landmark. The 1946 Federal ban on Casinos closed its doors, but not before Urca’s most famous resident, Carmen Miranda, was discovered there by a big shot Hollywood Agent. The location was reincarnated as a major TV studio in the 1960s and more recently as a Brazilian-Italian Fashion Institute. On a warm summer day, all the locals flock to the tiny beach out front of the Casino which provides a picturesque view of the Guanabara Bay. Tucked inside the Institute is a café and restaurant opened to the public. With large bay windows, Italian quality capuccinos and artisan pizzas, it still surprises me that you can always score a seat anytime of day.

What is Rio de Janeiro without Carmen Miranda? Found inside our favorite Italian Café at the Fashion Institute in Urca!

A post shared by Ｂｒｏｍｅｌｉａ Ｒｉｏ (@casabromelia) on Sep 19, 2017 at 8:10pm PDT

7# Largest Mural in the World

Defined by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest mural, “Todos Somos Um” was commissioned for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and realised by Eduardo Kobra. Fifteen metres tall by one hundred and seventy metres wide, it is an incredible message about the world’s various ethnicities and their natural beauty. Located off the Praça Mauá Square in downtown Rio, the mural comes at the end of a small strip of other raw, local street art. The colours alone are an incredible aroma for the senses, but their juxtaposition in the middle of port warehouses, dilapidated colonial buildings, the ultra-modern Museum of Tomorrow and the newly installed overground VLT public transport system, shows the beautiful contradiction that defines Rio de Janeiro.

Incredible mural on the Olympic Boulevard by Brasilian artist #kobra #casabromelia #passportready #travel #brazil #international #rio2016 #tropical #holiday

A post shared by Ｂｒｏｍｅｌｉａ Ｒｉｏ (@casabromelia) on Sep 15, 2016 at 3:06pm PDT

To discover the Kobra mural on a bike tour, along with other parts of the 2016 Olympic legacy, and some great vistas of Rio’s bays and beaches check out this tour by Urban Adventures. Otherwise, book this street art walking tour via Get Your Guide that takes you to the mural as well as other top artistic sights like the Selaron steps.

Bonus Tip: Samba Warehouse Party

Rio is Samba. Samba is Rio. While the week of Carnival and its celebrations is the ultimate Brazilian holiday fantasy, the months leading up to it offer incredible opportunities to partake in all the practice parties. Each Samba School (official group of musicians/dancers) hosts a weekly rehearsal to build the momentum of local support. Located in the centre of the city, in an enormous open warehouse, Unidos da Tijuca remains one of my all time favourite schools. While it always ends up in the top 5 Carnival winners, it still hosts authentic rehearsal parties. The bright blue-and-yellow themed school often begins its practices around midnight. A wee piece of advice: take a good afternoon nap so you can come ready to Samba hard and enjoy Caipirinhas until the early hours of the morning. And by the way, if you’re coming to Carnival proper get in contact with me via my website and I’ll reserve your tickets and be your guide

Unidos da Tijuca Samba School bringing you an authentic Carioca experience!

A post shared by Ｂｒｏｍｅｌｉａ Ｒｉｏ (@casabromelia) on Jan 12, 2016 at 6:17am PST

Can’t get enough of Rio? Then wander over to Lauren’s Long Weekend guide to the Samba city, where she share her tips on attractions, restaurants, bars and even more cool things to do.

And for more Secret Sevens check out our guides to alternative attractions in Toronto, Brighton’s unusual treasures and original ideas for exploring Krakow.

About Lauren Quinn

Lauren is a California girl who created Bromelia Rio Travel in Brazil. She is a culture diver who thrives off of tropical beaches, delicious food and conversation at a local watering hole. More on Lauren.

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Krakow boasts almost as many attractions as it does (low-flying) pigeons, and just on the Main Market Square alone you’ll find the resplendent red-bricked Mariacki Cathedral with its non-identical twin towers, the elongated cream and terracotta arcades of the Sukiennice cloth market, the clock-mounted Ratusz Town Hall tower (which you can climb for great views of the city!) and the iconic “Eros Bound” statue – a favourite with kids who like to climb inside it. Meanwhile a short walk down the Royal Way will take you to the chakra-licious Wawel Castle, the burial place of Polish Kings and a great spot to languidly gaze over the River Wisla.

Further afield and a visit to the Auschwitz and Birkenau Death Camps is a sombre pilgrimage most will want to undertake, whilst the UNESCO-listed Salt Mines are a unique marvel, also easily accessible on a day trip. But enough of the mainstream sites… we’ve already covered all these on our Long Weekend to Krakow guide!

This post is all about those alternative attractions, original tours, hip venues and cool things to do that Rick Steves ain’t got the foggiest about…

1# Eat Lunch With A Local

Restaurants are so passé in Poland… when in Krakow travellers can opt for the personal touch of eating dinner at a local’s house, thanks to entrepreneurial start-up Eataway.com. The concept is simple, local amateur chefs around the city announce the time and place (usually their own house) along with what’s on the menu, and guests sign up and pay. It’s like Airbnb for eating! Apart from outstanding home-cooked food, there’s a chance to make friends with the host and fellow diners that a formal meal in a restaurant simply can’t offer.

2# Pop Over To Podgorze

We love the old Jewish district of Kazimierz, but long gone are the days when this wonderful district could be seen as an “alternative” area to hang out in the city. These days that mantle probably should go to Podgorze. Established during the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a separate city to Krakow, across the river Vistula, the district is most famous for housing the Jewish Ghetto during World War II during the Nazi Occupation of Poland. Perhaps its tragic history also explains why it was neglected for so long, even after the fall of Communism gave other parts of Krakow a chance to regenerate. Today that history is certainly not forgotten, as remnants of the ghetto wall have been preserved and Oskar Schindler’s Factory has been turned into a museum about the Occupation, however there’s also plenty of new life in the barrio too. Hip new cafes like BAL keep Krakow’s cool cats caffeinated whilst Cinema Paradiso goes one step further by screening free cult cinema as well. Despite these new joints my favourite Podgorze hang out is still the old fashioned Drukarnia Jazz Club, one of the first bars to set up on this side of the river. When in Podgorze you should also check out Krakus Mound, which brings me to…

3# Climb Krakow’s Mounds

One of Krakow’s most original features are its four “mounds“, the most famous of which is the Krakus Mound, whose 9th century pagan origins are unknown but is said to be the burial place of Prince Krak the legendary founder of the city. Found in Podgorze it’s just about within walking distance of the centre and commands great views over the city. A more modern mound was built in the 19th century to honour one of Poland’s favourite sons, Tadeusz Kościuszko, who fought both in the American War of Independence and led a sadly ill-fated uprising against the Russians in 1794 and was described by Thomas Jefferson as “the purest son of liberty that I have ever known.” His mound is even grander than Krak’s and heading there makes for a pleasant stroll in the leafy Salwator district.

4# Hang Out At Forum

As you cross the Grunwaldzki Bridge your hipster radar should start to sound with steadily louder bleeps. FORUM Przestrzenie is arguably Krakow’s best hangout: a beach bar, restaurant, club and cultural space in the foyer of what was once the Communist-era Hotel Forum (the very place the regime would place visiting foreigners so that they could keep an eye on them). Whether you just fancy hanging out on deckchairs by the river drinking bio-lemonades during a sunny day, or you fancy popping by at night when DJs spin a crossover of urban sounds, there’s nearly always a great vibe at Forum. The fact that it’s slightly out of the Old Town helps keep it relatively tourist free… so ssshhh, let’s keep it that way.

5# Hitch A Ride To Nowa Huta

A pioneer of alternative tourism, “Crazy” Mike Ostrowski was working as a hotel receptionist in the early 00s when two American tourists asked him to show them a different side of Krakow. He picked them up in the iconic Polish deathtrap that is the Maluch Fiat 500 and drove them to the Communist district of Nowa Huta, a purpose built Soviet city built around a steelworks considered a no-go zone by many Cracovians. The Americans loved it and lo and behold Crazy Guides were born. Now one of the Krakow’s most popular tours (but so cool we had to still recommend it!) the chance to jump in an old East German Trabant, trundle off to Nowa Huta and visit a Communist-era flat and restaurant and even enjoy a shot of vodka and a pickled cucumber is not to be missed. Check out our first hand report for more info or go ahead and book your space via Get Your Guide!

6# Party At The Unsound Festival

If you haven’t booked your flights already, then consider timing your visit with October when the Unsound Festival brings a dark wave of audio madness into some of the city’s most intriguing spaces. Museums, churches and bars become the stage for experimental electronica by a roster of cutting edge artists which your mum has never heard of (and quite possibly you neither – it’s definitely a contender for the most hipster festival on the planet). The event is always great fun and the opening and closing parties are usually some of the best shindigs of the year in the city. The same team have just opened a nightclub in conjunction with the aforementioned FORUM Przestrzenie, so even if you’re not in town for October you can catch a flavour of Unsound there instead…

7# Cycle Out to Tyniec

Aside from offering a highly recommended city tour, from March to October bike company Cruising Krakow also lead a “country tour” out to the rather lovely 11th Century Benedictine Abbey of Tyniec which is around 12km outside of the town centre. The route takes you on a picturesque route along the Vistula river, passing fields, woodland, lakes and crumbling forts as you go. After a hearty lunch, and maybe small beer, at the Abbey, you’ll way your way back to Krakow stopping at Zakrzowek, a water-filled quarry, for a photogenic sunset. Cyclists keen to go further than 24km might prefer to hire a set of wheels from Cruising Krakow and make their own way to the gorgeous natural park of Ojcow instead.

So there you have it… seven fun things to do in Krakow aside from the main attractions. In fact if you take a little look around our blog you’ll even find some more cool suggestions like these subterranean cellar bars, some top spots for trying Polish pierogi, some places where you can listen to new and classic Klezmer music and a few more stories besides. And don’t forget our Long Weekend guide is a compact guide to everything you need to know for a Krakow city break.

For more in this series check out our Secret Seven to Brighton, our guide to alternative Athens and this look at some of New York’s hidden treasures.

About Duncan Rhodes

Duncan is the Editor-in-Chief of Urban Travel Blog, a born and bred city slicker who loves urban adventure, street art, killer bars and late night hotspots. More about Duncan here.

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Every traveller en route to England’s famous seaside resort is already familiar with Brighton Pier and the Pavilion, but – as always with our Secret Seven series of posts – the question we aim to answer is: what are the city’s cool and alternative things to do? To answer this question we have invited left-field lifestyle blogger, Ellie, of Ellie & Co. Inc, to steer us away from the stag and hen party haunts and overused sights and take us instead on an off-beat Brighton treasure hunt.

1# Subterranean Cocktails

Not even many Brightonians know about this place but if you happen to be out for the night in the Kemp Town, make sure a trip to the Black Dove pub is high up on your list. Order a cocktail at the bar, then quietly make your way downstairs. Turn directly left at the bottom of the stairs where you’ll find a secret room complete with eccentric décor and cosy booths, perfect for a romantic date night or long overdue catch up with a friends.

A secret underground drinking den ?? #Brighton #drinkingden #saturday #boho

A post shared by Ellie Seymour | Ellie & Co (@ellieandco.inc) on Sep 10, 2016 at 2:49pm PDT

2# A Vintage Penny Arcade

Don’t waste time queuing up with every other tourist on Brighton Pier to play the usual arcade games. Instead, turn around and make your way along the seafront where you’ll find somewhere more interesting to spend your time. I’m talking about a little place called the Museum of Mechanical Memories, an old-time penny arcade hidden under a little arch along the main seafront promenade. From ‘What the Butler Saw’ peep shows and working models of ‘The Laughing Sailor’ to puppet machines, skill games and fortune tellers, this museum has a collection of some of the rarest penny arcade games you’ll find dating back to the 1920s. What’s so good about it is you don’t have to pay to get in and for £1 you get 12 real old-fashioned pennies to use on the machines. Only open at weekends during the summer.

3# A Regency Time Capsule

If you take a walk along Brighton seafront towards Hove, past the West Pier to Brunswick Square, nostalgia lovers are in for a real treat. This beautiful enclave is home to some of the city’s most stunning Regency homes designed by an ambitious and talented architect, Charles Busby – and it’s also the site of a unique hidden gem. Head to number 13 Brunswick Square where you can enjoy a snoop inside a Grade 1 Listed Regency property, known as ‘The Regency Town House’. Founded by a man called Nick Tyson in the 1990s as a passion project, so far the building has been reconverted from flats back into a house and is slowly being restored and developed as a heritage centre and museum that celebrates the architecture and social history of Brighton & Hove between the 1780s and 1840s.

In case Romeo is looking for Juliette ?, I think she's living in Brunswick Square, #Hove ?? ?? @Brighton #thisisbrighton #regencyarchitecture #townhouse #seaside #sussex #brighton

A post shared by Ellie Seymour | Ellie & Co (@ellieandco.inc) on Nov 11, 2016 at 9:13am PST

4# A Tiny Cabinet of Curiosities

Every big city has its own Natural History Museum, but there aren’t any major versions around the world – let alone local ones – that can lay claim to being the ‘home of the diorama’. Founded in 1874, The Booth Museum in Brighton was the first of its kind at the time to display taxidermy birds in their natural habitat, an idea since copied all over the world and perfected by the likes of New York’s American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, no less. This vast gallery resembles a Victorian attic belonging to a compulsive collector, complete with the musty smell. It’s home to a spectacular collection of 300 dioramas showing every British bird stuffed for eternity in its natural environment, from seagulls and owls, to hawks and starlings. It was set up by Edward Thomas Booth, a typical affluent Victorian, exposed to hunting, the natural world and taxidermy at an early age, eventually developing a serious ambition – to exhibit an example of every species of British bird. Probably my favourite thing about this place is the collection of butterflies out the back – don’t forget to have a look.

5# A Secret Tunnel Beneath the Pavilion

Sending you into some old tunnels might sound a little odd, but then again, this is Brighton. Underneath the Pavilion, the former home of Britain’s charismatic Prince Regent George IV, is a century-old forgotten tunnel that has recently been opened to the public. The tunnel was used as a secret route from the pavilion to the Prince’s former stables in today’s Dome concert hall. The story goes that he’d become so overweight he preferred to make the journey alone to see his beloved horses. A 45-minute tour is a chance to see Brighton from a different perspective, go time travelling underground and waddle in the footsteps of the Prince and the palace staff.

6# Vintage Shopping in Snoopers Paradise

If you’re coming to Brighton looking for chain shopping, look away now, this is not a tip for you. But if you’re looking for a unique, chic and more quirky shopping boutique set in a typically charming local street, here is something you will love. Taking up almost three shopfronts on the bustling Kensington Gardens in the vibrant North Laine area of the city, Snooper’s Paradise is as its name suggests – a giant emporium filled with a maze of little concessions and crammed with all kinds of thrifty finds, bric a brac, books, furniture, home wares and memorabilia. It’s pretty much heaven on earth for vintage shopping fans, and you could easily lose hours snooping through the stacks. It doesn’t end on the ground floor, for head up the creaky stairs where you’ll find a second emporium called Snooper’s Attic dedicated to fashion and accessories. It’s another treasure trove of stuff from over 20 designers, makers and hoarders, as well as an art space.

Oh my goodness, there's a whole other floor! ???????? #brighton #shopping #vintage

A post shared by Ellie Seymour | Ellie & Co (@ellieandco.inc) on Jan 9, 2016 at 9:12am PST

7# A Secret Wild Flower Garden

Almost every day I ride past the lush oasis of Preston Park just outside the centre of Brighton. Originally called Brighton Park, it’s the largest green space in the city. This is where you’ll find locals jogging, kids playing, groups gathering for weekend barbecues… But there’s a quieter spot hidden away past the hustle of the main park. Follow the path south from the clock tower, past the swings and tennis courts towards the Victorian Rotunda café. This is where you’ll find what used to be a perfectly groomed bowling green a couple of years ago, but is now a beautiful wildflower meadow that comes to life every spring with multicoloured flowers that last all through the summer. Not only is it perfect to stare at, it also makes an idyllic outdoor oasis for soaking up rays with a picnic.

Bonus Tip: Grand Brighton Bike Tour

To see a little bit of everything this south coast resort has to offer, a good option is a bike tour – there are plenty of bike paths in town and overall the place is perfect for a little two wheel discovery. The Grand Brighton Bike Tour takes you to the top sights like the Royal Pavilion and sea front, but also to Brunswick Square (point 3 above!) and to the Bohemian North Laine zone (see point 6), as well as Preston Manor, the Fishing Quarter and a rather poignant / silly (delete according to sentimentality) pet cemetery. You can find out more and reserve the tour via Get Your Guide.

You may have guessed by now but Brighton is one of Urban Travel Blog’s favourite places in the UK, so get your booty down to this Bohemian seaside hang out soon – but be sure to read up on all our tips in our weekend guide to the city first. Our Secret Seven series of posts meanwhile cover everything from fun things to do in Athens, to Sydney’s best kept secrets and we’ll be publishing plenty more insider tips in the coming weeks and months. Subscribe if you don’t want to miss any!

About Ellie Seymour

Born in Scotland, raised in London, magazine writer Ellie moved to Brighton for a change of scene and immediately took to its seaside eccentricities. Find more of her secret Brighton tips on her blog.

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Thanks to movies, music and TV, no traveler approaches New York with a clean slate. The promise of New York glamour has seeped into the back of your mind: the glimmering lights of Broadway and the trendy restaurants frequented by celebrities, just for starters. But the bane of New York’s self-fulfilling hype machine is than any new spot or attraction hailed as the next big thing inevitably becomes just that. So while New York is home to sensational Broadway shows and the Michelin-starred tables of celebrated chefs, these are all massively in demand — meaning unnavigable mobs, intolerable waitlists and outrageously inflated prices. And for every one of these truly exceptional experiences, a dozen tourist traps spring up to ensnare the unwitting foreigner, looking appealing from the outside but lacking any substance.

Skip some of the artificial theme park attractions to discover some of what makes this concrete jungle truly astounding.

So what to make of this dizzying array of distractions on the island native New Yorkers now snidely refer to as “Disneyland”? I encourage visitors to uncover a different side of Manhattan. Yes, see Times Square and catch a glimpse of Lady Liberty, but don’t leave it at that. Here are seven spots and activities to get you started off the beaten path. They each offer a less stereotypical take on New York, ranging from the uncommon to the practically unheard of. Skip some of the artificial theme park attractions to discover some of what makes this concrete jungle truly astounding.

1# Drink in the Roaring 20s

New York’s goings-on after dark justify its reputation as the city that never sleeps (the 4am closing time for bars here is later than other big cities in the States). With so many bars and clubs going into the wee hours, it’s almost impossible to imagine New York when alcohol was outlawed. As a vestige of that gravest American political error now known as Prohibition, New York has the speakeasy: ‘hidden’ establishments where patrons imbibe behind closed doors in the backs of restaurants, barber shops, or unassuming alleyways. No modern speakeasy captures the deviant thrill of Prohibition-style drinking like The Back Room. It claims to have been an actual working gin-joint in the 20s. Entering through the unmarked alleyway in the city’s Lower East Side, it certainly feels like it belongs to another time. Inside, amid Victorian-era furniture, a bronzed ceiling and a crystal chandelier, you can sip cocktails from tea cups as gangsters and playboys did in their heyday. It’s the type of place where you’ll find yourself wondering “is there a hidden passageway behind that bookcase?” (The answer is yes, but the private room is reservation-only). Mondays are your best bet. Those in the know can quickly crowd the small venue on more popular going-out nights, and live music is on-hand to make the jazz-era transformation complete. Don’t forget to check the Facebook page for the daily password before you go.

2# The Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park

When you’ve had your fill of Times Square’s insanity and are ready for a respite, salvation awaits far uptown, at the very edge of Manhattan. Beyond Columbia University and Harlem in Washington Heights, The Cloisters Museum is the antithesis of midtown Manhattan. Built in the 1920s and 30s atop a hill to replicate a medieval monastery, the museum is hidden to the traffic below by towering trees and a maze of uphill footpaths. The art and artifacts within transport the wonder of medieval Europe to Manhattan. The paintings, tapestries, and intricate gold filigrees may be a bit highbrow, but anyone can bask in the beauty of its sun-filled atria, excavated brick by brick from Europe and reassembled here for the enjoyment and edification of the Empire State.

Medieval in Manhattan

A photo posted by Jared Spears (@as_seen_by_jared) on Apr 10, 2016 at 2:11pm PDT

The Cloisters is the crown jewel of the sprawling greenspace of Fort Tryon Park, a gift to the city by the philanthropic son of John D. Rockefeller, American industry magnate. Many more discoveries await those who amble along its twisting pathways, including the Heather Garden, the city’s largest open-access garden. But the highlight is the view across the Hudson from the Billings Terrace, overlooking New Jersey’s Palisades Park (Rockefeller purchased this parcel of untouched woodlands as well, entrusted specifically to preserve the view from the New York side).

3# Jazz Upstairs at Ryan’s Daughter

There’s nothing secret about this two-a-penny Irish sports bar on the Upper East Side. But one wonders how many patrons file into the ground-floor bar for top 40 tunes and a few free-throws on the arcade basketball shooter oblivious to the goings-on upstairs. The second story bar is a stark contrast to the crowded pub below: soundproofed, spacious, and plush, with couches and armchairs scattered around small tables with board games. Here, on Friday evenings, some of the city’s most veteran musicians gather to play, have fun and unwind, completely free of any frills—and free of charge, too. It’s an intimate affair of aficionados, but anyone is welcome and there’s no dress code. Respect and appreciation are the only rules of entry. Walter, the full-bearded barman, is typically on hand pouring pints of the affordable house red ale. A visual artist and full-blown character, Walter is good for a drink as well a story. He’s likely to be spotted wearing a straw hat, or a taxidermy bird on his shoulder, or some other flair of eccentricity. Asked nicely, he may even show off some of his paintings.

4# The Burger Joint

When you inevitably find yourself overwhelmed in Midtown Manhattan, hungry and desperate for quick eats, it’s difficult to avoid the familiar neon glare of the global fast food chains. But sometimes treasures can be found in the most unsuspecting places. Duck into the lobby of the uber-swanky Le Parker Meridien hotel on 56th St, where tucked away behind a tall velvet curtain, you’ll uncover an 80s-era throwback: a wood-panelled hole in the wall for greasy grilling aptly named The Burger Joint. The concept is all nostalgic Americana, reflected by its starkly uncomplicated menu. Burger Joint has only been opened since 2002, but you wouldn’t know it from the decades-old movie posters hanging on walls covered by years of Sharpie signatures, the vestige of patrons come and gone. The whole thing has been a conceit of the hotel management from the start, but their study in downhome authenticity is virtually flawless, right down to the paper hats worn by the cooks behind the counter.

No words needed.

A photo posted by burger joint (@burgerjointnyc) on Oct 5, 2015 at 12:17pm PDT

5# Wax Lyrical at East Village Books

Manhattan below 110th street can be overwhelming for its unabashed consumerism and displays of wealth. On weekends, New York’s bourgeoisie line Manhattan sidewalks for their weekend brunch ritual, taking to cafés and restaurants for bottomless mimosas, shopping bags at their side. The conspicuous consumption can be enough to make those of us less luxurious travelers feel a bit uneasy. For these moments, we can find solace in places like East Village Books, one of New York’s more eclectic used book shops located in several city universities. Here you can indulge in an altogether different type of fare—nourishment for the mind and soul.

Crammed unceremoniously into a basement on St. Marks Place, this alleyway of plywood shelving is stocked floor-to-ceiling with used books, vinyls and CDs. The titles reveal an incomparable trove of introspection: philosophy, critical theory, religious studies. There’s also a plentiful supply of classic poetry and fiction—particularly collections of American modernists like the Spartan Hemingway or the more frivolous Fitzgerald. For less than the price of a shrimp cocktail, you can walk out of this shop with months’ worth of food for thought.

6# Alphabet City’s Community Gardens

If perusing Marx and Focault really put in you in a radical mindset, continue the theme in Alphabet City’s nearby community gardens. Between Avenues A and D, a number of small fenced-off gardens occupy empty lots in a starkly residential pocket of Manhattan. The cityscape in this neighborhood is notably indy and undeveloped. You won’t find any Starbucks here, and there’s definitely no double-decker tour busses passing through. In fact, the gardens are the gathering places among community groups actively resisting the commercial development that has come to dominate much of the surrounding neighborhoods. La Plaza Cultural, one of the larger gardens on Avenue C, is a prime example. This sprawling urban oasis is lined with art made of recycled materials. Roosters roam freely within the garden’s gates, and in summer flowers and vegetables overflow. Behind the goldfish pond at the back of the garden, a cultural mural of Latin American heritage adorns an overgrown brick tenement wall with the words “our struggle continues.” This is the side of New York that Hollywood isn’t as keen to export.

Community spirit #summer #StreetArt #nyc

A photo posted by Jared Spears (@as_seen_by_jared) on Jul 16, 2016 at 2:49pm PDT

The best way to take in the gardens is to wander the area and discover them yourself. Don’t let the neighborhoods rough exterior deter you: provided you observe the visitor hours and rules marked at each garden’s gate, you’ll be greeted with nothing but communal hospitality by caretakers. Placquards bearing names like “Secret Garden” and “Orchard Alley” each promise their own unique treasures behind their gates. For a little more history and context, look into the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space’s exhibitions, events and guided community tours.

7# Vol de Nuit

This Belgian brasserie on West Village is as elusive as the name “Night Flight” (or somewhat more poetically, “Fly-by-Night”) suggests. The bar itself is set back behind its neighboring 4th Street storefronts, the only marking on the brick archway entrance is a small crest hanging over with the name scrawled across a chalkboard in hand-lettering. The recessed entrance allows for a courtyard, dimly lit by tone-setting red light. The din of conversation, the folding-chairs scraping the concrete, the cigarette smoke curling up through the red all evoke a late-night outing in some European metropolis. It’s an altogether singular ambiance for hectic New York — the whole place exudes an approachably intimacy perfect for a night-cap after a night out in company. The list of Belgian and German beers is exceptional, as are the quintessential mussels and frites.

Bonus Tip: The Ruins of Roosevelt Island’s Smallpox Hospital

This historic landmark is only technically a part of the Manhattan borough, sitting on the edge of nearby Roosevelt Island in the East River. But if you’re into people’s history or urban decay, these foreboding ruins are still fairly accessible from the city center by either the F subway train or Roosevelt Island cable car. Here, during the industrial revolution, thousands of New York residents stricken with smallpox were quarantined from the rest of the city. It was built as an impressive public work in a city on the rise, fashioned from the neo-gothic imagination of architect James Renwick Jr., better known for the more highly visible St. Patrick’s Cathedral in mid-town. Now, it remains as eerie reminder of the only disease to be eradicated by human ingenuity. Gawkers can walk freely up to inspect the façade of the ruins, but a fence stands between the crumbling structures and any would-be explorers.

Still craving more NYC travel tips… be sure to call by our Long Weekend guide for a mix of mainstream and alternative tourist attractions along with hotel, restaurant and bar recommendations, or else check out some of our features on the Big Apple, such as this funky Brooklyn street art activity or our photos from the awesome High Line park project.

For more unusual attractions in great cities around the world check out our Secret Seven to Barcelona, our alternative things to do in Budapest and our local Sydney tips. (Ps. did you know we’re on Instagram and Facebook? We’d love you to stay in touch with us!).

About Jared Spears

Jared Spears is an American writer, solo traveler and consummate French learner currently residing in New York. Jared's interests include languages, literature and culture. His writing has appeared on Mental Floss, LitHub and The Awl, among others.

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When people ask me, “What do you like about Sydney?” I find it hard to answer them. The truth is that there are so many different ways of exploring my vivid and diverse home, such as via its art and architecture, or more sensually via its food and drink, as well as by the great natural landscapes that surround it, that to pick one or two highlights is tough. So I’m grateful to Urban Travel Blog that on this post I get to choose seven!

Many people in the past have written Sydney off as a young and gauche city next to the world’s most famous metropolises, but what they failed to see is that Sydney has its own story to tell and its own unique things for travellers to see and experience. This city was built by migrants from all walks of life, and its legacy of welcoming different cultures has seen new chapters emerge from where our various pasts converge. There is much to celebrate in contemporary Sydney, both our eclectic mix of people and and our ambitions in writing the next chapters in our history.

Take a look at these hangouts for just a sample of how we Sydneysiders live our city:

1# Spice Alley & Hawker Lane

Sydney offers some of the world’s most developed flavours in Asian fusion, a recipe we’ve perfected by mixing tradition with the contemporary. In recent years, we’ve built entire food courts in the style of Southeast Asian hawker lanes. The uninitiated should head to the suburb of Chippendale, just a stone’s throw away from the main city area. Nestled in the Kensington Street precinct is Spice Alley, a series of authentic Asian food stalls sprawled in a painted laneway. Twenty minutes away from the city is Chatswood, with its newly furbished Hawker Lane dishing out authentic lamb cumin kebab sticks, Peking duck fries, and the messy yet satisfying ramen burger.

2# Contemporary Art Outdoors

Sydney has brought contemporary art outdoors, rather than leaving it hidden in art galleries. Just a skip away from the busy areas of Chinatown is Kimber Lane, a narrow alley completely remade with the mystical brushstrokes of local artist Jason Wing. There’s a sense of wonderment cramped in this tiny space. As part of a series of artworks titled In Between Two Worlds, Jason’s murals aim to call on the spiritual beings of nature inspiring by folklore carried from a mix of Chinese and Aboriginal cultures. For beach-lovers, keep your eyes peeled for the yearly Sculpture by the Sea exhibit. This huge outdoor sculpture display stretches across one of the city’s most famous coastline walks from Bondi to Tamarama. With artworks involving surreal and at times interactive sculptures, even visitors who couldn’t care less about art can’t miss a stroll through this exhibit (check out photos and our full report of Sculpture by the Sea here). Vivid Sydney is another artistic triumph Sydney has perfected over the years. Held in the middle of each year, the most identifiable buildings around the city are lit up with colourful, interactive light displays. The festival has grown into the largest of its kind in the world – come nighttime, the entire city takes on a whole new persona. This year, our Vivid festival went wild, with a record-breaking drone performance held for five days, where a hundred lit-up drones took to the sky to perform a spectacular choreographed light show to synchronised to live orchestral music.

3# The Hidden Bar Scene

Sydney’s nightlife has drastically changed in the past few years, with strict lockout laws in place that ban entry into a bar after 1.30am. Sure, any hopes for long-winding pub crawls have all but died here, but none of us are heading home early just yet. In the spirit of New York’s 20s prohibition era, the modern-day speakeasy is well on the rise. Venture away from the well-trodden road, and behind some of the city’s shadiest looking dark alleyways, you’ll find underground playgrounds rife with intoxicating fun. A local favourite is The Baxter Inn, a basement bar nestled behind a nameless dark alley in the city. Recently named one of the world’s best bars, Baxter’s comes with an incredible selection of whiskey. Even if whiskey isn’t your thing, come along for the free pretzels and a tasty blend of apple whiskey.

4# Unbeatable Cafe Culture

Access to good coffee is so prevalent in Sydney that we locals here pretty much treat it as a human right. Venture into any small, unassuming cafe and you will still find that the barista almost always makes delicious coffee. If you’re looking for a morning pick-up in the city, the busy streets are stocked with delightful coffee stores. A favourite of mine is Workshop Espresso, which sits just off the intersection outside Town Hall. The shop space is unbelievably cramped, and in the mornings the congregation awaiting their coffee crowds the busy pavement outside like a group of prepubescent fans cheering for their favourite pop band. For those who like to grab a sneaky bite with their coffees, head down to Delisse – less hyped they may be, but their incredible pastry selection will melt your tastebuds.

Falling in love takes only one glance ? #pastryporn

A photo posted by Amy Cai (@amyyyycai) on Mar 21, 2016 at 4:48pm PDT

5# Outdoors Cinema in Summertime

Sydney’s searing hot summer is famous for giving cooking ovens a run for their money. If you’re here during the Christmas period, you’ll see everyone who’s anyone either camping out in shopping malls or baking at the beach. By the time the sun sets though, the climate is perfect for outdoors gatherings and there can be no start to the Sydney summer without the outdoors cinema season also opening up across the city. First up, there’s the Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema, replete with live music before the movie and an unlimited supply of free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for the audience. Whilst for movie-lovers who enjoy a good view, you can’t miss the St George’s Openair Cinema, dubbed the world’s most beautiful cinema.

6# Legendary Desserts

Foodies in Sydney have quite seriously formed cults over some of the city’s sweet offerings, and for reasons people often overlook. First up, the creative ice cream scene is truly mouth-watering. The makers of Cow and the Moon in Newtown, a small family-run gelato bar, were famously crowned the world’s best gelato-makers for their almond affogato flavour. This place churns out rich flavour combinations all the time – these guys love to experiment and mix their flavours right behind the counter. Another dessert venue that has gathered a fervent following is Black Star Pastry. This small, unassuming bakery sells what is undoubtedly Sydney’s most instagrammed cake, the strawberry and watermelon cake. Recently, the bakery opened a small shop front in the city area – the lines start to build up quickly after 5pm with workers on their way home.

7# Wattomolla

Australia to most foreigners immediately conjures up images of endless golden beaches. The truth is that while even us locals will tell you our beaches are a delight, come summertime and our sandy bays turn into magnets that draw a good chunk of Sydney to the shores. If you’re looking for a place to think your existential thoughts away from the presence of Sydney’s entire population, take up hiking and you’ll discover plenty of hidden beaches scattered across the more isolated bay areas. Speaking as a true Gen Y, there are very few things on this planet that can convince me to go on a nature hike. One of them I highly recommend even the most cynical traveller to check out is Wattomolla. Hidden in the Royal National Park, Wattamolla is a secluded beach that connects to a running waterfall and a lagoon. If you’re looking for a place to leave behind the noise of the city, come here for shallow, calm waters, a small beachfront and an incredible view.

Bonus tip: Tank Stream Tour

If you’re running out of things to do, keep your eyes peeled for our local history tours. Believe it or not, the most exclusive thing to do in Sydney is the Tank Stream Tour, run twice a year taking travellers underground to Sydney’s first water supply. A ballot is run with about 160 lucky people typically chosen out of 4,000 who put their name down. For anyone thinking there’s no fun in learning a bit of history, prepare yourself for the countless unwritten anecdotes lurking behind Sydney’s glittering veneer.

Looking for even more fun things to do in Sydney? Then check out our weekend guide to “The Harbour City”. Here we cover everything from the unmissable attractions like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to some of the cool suburbs you should check out if you have a bit longer. We also have hotel, bar and restaurant recommendations aplenty. And if you’re carrying on exploring the rest of Australia, then be sure to check out our Melbourne city guide too!

World travellers we’ve got more local tips in our Secret Seven London attractions or our hidden Barcelona posts. And don’t forget to subscribe to stay in touch!

About Amy Cai

Amy is a journalism and law student hailing from the city of Sydney. When she's not buried behind her textbooks or filling her Pinterest board with armchair travels, she's off exploring different worlds and taking photos along the way.

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I first visited Budapest in the winter of 2012. Hungarian winters are cold and dreary, so I spent most of my trip soaking in the healing thermal waters of various baths all over the city. In the evenings, I stayed up late at one of the many ruin pubs on Kazinczy Street. When I returned to the city in summer time, I visited Castle Hill, the Terror House museum, and even took a river cruise… all of the standard tourist attractions. Something about Hungary kept enticing me to return and eventually move to Budapest for work. That’s when I discovered a whole other side to the city, the attractions and experiences which make it such a special place. In this “Secret Seven guide” to the Pearl on the Danube, I’ll provide some suggestions which will allow you to experience the city in more depth on your next visit.

1# Szimpla Kert Farmers’ Market

Pretty much every traveller to Budapest discovers Szimpla, a legendary bar that has (deservedly) featured in every Budapest guidebook for the last decade, and a simply great place to party until sunrise. But what most visitors don’t know about the mother of the city’s emblematic ruin pubs is that it turns into a local farmer’s market every Sunday morning, with a fantastic selection of locally produced salamis, homemade syrups, every flavour of jam, and much more on offer. The mission of the farmers market is to bring healthy, farm-fresh and home-grown products to the city. Usually the market also features live music from local bands, not to mention the opportunity to thoroughly explore this eclectic ruin bar in all it’s glory during daylight hours. More info here.

2# Underground Caving

Did you know there is a huge network of underground caves scattered around the city? You can take a tour of this subterranean world, dressed in a tough miner’s suit and helmet – which are absolutely necessary to prevent unwanted bumps and bruises as you wiggle your way through some tight spaces. You can book via Caving Under Budapest or Get Your Guide. This activity isn’t for the faint of heart, as there are many places in the caves where you must lay down and inch your way through the narrow tunnels. But if you’re into extreme sports and you’d like a unique experience, the adventurous crawling and climbing tour through the Pál-völgyi cave system might just be the highlight of your trip.

3# Vajdahunyad Castle

There is more than one castle in the city and this lesser known one is located within the City Park. The largest skating rink in Budapest is located directly in front of the castle during winter months and its fairytale appearance makes the perfect backdrop for pictures taken on the ice. Although the castle looks quite old, it was actually built in 1896 as a tribute to the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian basin one thousand years ago. It is possible to climb one of the castle’s towers for an excellent view over the park and visit a museum about Hungarian agriculture within the castle complex. The Romanesque Church of Jak within the castle complex is one of the most popular churches for weddings in Budapest, but you don’t have to attend a wedding to have a look inside at the beautiful medieval style cloister and detailed decorative motifs.

4# KonyV Bar and Restaurant

The name of this restaurant comes from the Hungarian word “könyv”, which means book. Accordingly, the restaurant offers a themed menu that changes weekly based on the current book selection. Appetizers, entrees, and even desserts are named to reflect the characters and contents of the chosen book, but are always prepared with Hungarian flair. For example, when the book of the week was Harry Potter, butternut squash took the center stage in many of the dishes along with traditional Hungarian “palacsinta” thin, crepe-like pancakes for dessert. On another visit, the book was The Prince and the Pauper and I enjoyed the most amazing “royal pheasant broth” and a “rich and poor” coffee chocolate cake. Best to reserve in advance.

5# Zwack Unicum Museum

You’ve seen the Museum of Fine Arts and The Hungarian National Gallery? Are you ready for a different “museum” experience? Although the Zwack Unicum is not a museum in the traditional sense, it is an interesting glimpse at one family’s perspective of the city’s tumultuous history over the past 200 years. Unicum is Hungary’s most popular liquor and was originally introduced during the reign of Emperor Franz-Joseph of Austria-Hungary. Today, the company produces more than 200 different types of liquors and spirits which are available in every Hungarian bar. A visit to the museum includes a 20 minute video about the history of the family business during the First and Second World Wars as well as during the Cold War. Amazingly, the secret family recipe which has been passed down for six generations was never uncovered throughout all of these conflicts. Those interested in marketing and advertising will enjoy seeing the company’s long history of ads for various alcoholic offerings and collectors will enjoy viewing the largest miniature bottle collection in Central Europe, featuring 17,000 bottles. Did I mention you also receive three samples of Unicum’s signature apertif?

6# Hang Out at Muszi

Part community center, part art gallery, part late night hangout spot and part event space, Muszi is difficult to define. There is always something going on in this space, from board game nights to photography exhibits to improv comedy, Muszi serves as a community center like no other in Budapest, catering to a young urban crowd of 20 and 30 somethings. Finding the entrance is a bit of a challenge, but once you see those green doors plastered with all manner of stickers, press the buzzer and you will be let in. Make your way up to the third floor, where you’ll find the bar and a kiosk with info about what’s happening. Digital nomads, solopreneurs and others planning to stay longer in the capital, might be interested to know they also offer co-working spaces available to rent by the day.

7# The Hospital in the Rock

If you didn’t get enough of Budapest’s underground caverns on the caving tour, or if you aren’t quite up for spelunking, here’s a much safer and simpler way to see what’s lying underneath Castle Hill. Several small caves naturally existed here which were joined together to create a bomb-safe hospital, used extensively during the Siege of Budapest in 1944 – 1945, as well as during the 1956 Revolution. Wax figures in every room help visitors to imagine what the hospital would have looked like during these times. Most of the equipment featured is time-period original, so the wax figures help to further set the stage. Patients with lost ligaments and bloodied heads lay on stretchers, while many with pale faces lie three to a bunk. The hospital was so terribly overcrowded following some devastating airstrikes during the Second World War that doctors decided to move some patients into adjoining spaces in the caves to prevent the spread of disease. Those interested in the history of the city over the past seventy-five years will get an interesting summary by joining a guided tour of this unique attraction. English language tours routinely run every hour on the hour.

Bonus Tip: Bites & Sights Food Tour

Foodies looking to delve into the world of Hungarian gastronomy, should consider this top-rated tour offered by Urban Adventures. The itinerary takes you to five separate authentic locales for food tasting, each very different from one another. For example you’ll visit the Central Market Hall, where you’ll taste slices of salami and sausages and get acquainted with some of the country’s classic foods and food etiquette, as well as an award-winning chocolate factory sequestered in Central Pest and known for its pure chocolate and and fair trade production, plus several authentic bars and restaurants where you’ll get to sample goulash soup (obviously!), Hungarian strudels, freshwater fish and even some kosher food made by the city’s Jewish community.

Bonus Tip: Gellert Hill Hike

Nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors within the confines of the city, by following the footpath that heads up Gellert Hill. You can begin walking up the paved trail directly across from the entrance to the ever popular Gellert Spa (you can buy a skip the line ticket here if hitting the famous baths is a priority!). As you walk up, you can have a look at the Chapel in the Rock, a church carved directly into the rock face of Gellert hill. The hike goes up quickly, and visitors only need to allow about two hours to go up, have a rest, possibly take a look at the Citadella monument and come back down. Several lookout points along the way provide stunning views over the Danube and the city below. The hike is well paved and suitable for all ages and athletic abilities.

So there you go, nine great tips for you, and that’s even before you check out our feature article on Exit Rooms… these cryptic vaults require you to answer a succession of clues before you can escape from your self-inflicted prison. It’s a trend that has spread across every major European city, but it started right here in Budapest. You’ll also find our review of the world famous Sziget festival and round up of the very best rooftop bars in the city right here on this blog, amongst other Budapest travel stories.

You can find even more activity options on Get Your Guide, along with genuine traveller reviews and ratings. From bike, scooter and Segway tours, to Danube River Cruises there’s plenty to choose from (over 300 in fact!), including some great day trips and the worthwhile Budapest Card. (Nb. and if you do book through GYG we get a small commission that helps fund more free content like this!).

Finally for more Secret Seven posts, check out our recently published list of alternative attractions in Athens or cool things to do in Seville, Spain. And if you’re new to the blog don’t forget to join 50,000 travellers a month by subscribing for free travel guides via our fortnightly newsletter.

About Taylor Geiger

Taylor writes about traveling with her black labrador across Europe, healthy habits on the move and life as an English teacher on her blog. She also contributes regular travel articles to 008 magazine, theculturetrip.com and pinkpangea.com.

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You might not need Urban Travel Blog to tell you about the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, the Athenian Rivera or Gazi… but what about some of the city’s less well known, alternative and quirky treasures? Our ongoing Secret Seven series of posts introduces travellers to carefully selected original ideas for things to see and do in any given city, all designed to elevate your city break from typical to supercool, with a little bit of fresh thinking. This time around it’s the Greek capital in the spotlight. Yes we heard about the crisis and a possible #Grexit, but until we learn otherwise it’s still safe to travel to this ancient beauty, and right now the nation’s always hospitable people will be more pleased than ever to pour you a glass of raki and welcome you to their capital.

So without further ado here’s our local expert, Marissa, with her seven favourite things to do in the city…

1# Gypsy Market

Athens has its share of markets with Monastiraki’s Sunday market being the most central and popular. A more “hidden” market taking place at the same time is the Gypsy Market just a few kilometers away. It’s where locals, who love the neat and valuable things that can be found in amongst the downright rubbish, head to and find themselves bargaining for it all with gypsy pedlars. The market is spread out on tables and blankets in an open-air area surrounded by the walls of an abandoned warehouse. Please note, the gypsies don’t like their pictures taken so watch where you aim your camera.
94 Iera Odos, Sunday from 7:00 – 16:00.

2# Strefi Hill

In the shadow of its sister hills of the city, including the Acropolis, is Strefi Hill. Located right in the funky, anarchist/hipster/alternative  neighborhood called Exarcheia, you can hike up to the top for a 360 panoramic degree view of all of Athens and a super view of the Acropolis and beyond to the Athenian Riviera. Stay clear at night since some areas are frequented by drug addicts who love a dark and secluded path. However, in the light of day into sunset – it’s very safe. You’ll find locals jogging, kids playing at the basketball court at the foot of the hill, dog walkers and young Greek lovers who stop to adore a view of their city that they know most tourists don’t know anything about.

3# Freeday Friday Bike Ride

Athens is great for lots of outdoor activities and riding your bicycle… isn’t one of them.  That’s what makes  Freeday so cool. With the lack of biking infrastructure, Athenians have found a way to spread the word that the bicycle is an alternative, environmentally conscious and budget friendly way to get around the capital. They’re doing that by temporarily stopping traffic on a Friday night, with assistance from local police and volunteers, on what would be some of the most crowded streets in the city. The event has grown to attract up to a thousand people, including families, kids with all kinds of bicycles. Rent a bike from Athens By Bike or Funky Ride. Freeday riders meet every Friday night at 21:30, Thiseo Square outside of the Thiseo Metro. Lasts four hours.

4# Romantso Hub Space

A printing plant in the 1960s for the popular romance story magazine Romantso, this historic building is now an innovative and cultural hub in the city center. By day, Romantso is the home to innovative start-ups who rent out creative work spaces known as “incubators”. By night, it’s a hub for rock concerts, indie film screenings, theatre performances and art exhibitions. You can also go for a drink in its post-industrial minimalist bar. Oh, and there’s a yoga class weaved into the day and night schedule too. Check out what’s new on their website at: www.romantso.gr

5# Faros Psychico

In an area called Faros Psychico, outside of the city center, you can find a little street of café-bars that locals love to go to and travelers rarely frequent. Faros refers to a locally known intersection off of the main road of a leafy Athenian suburb called Neo Psychico located a few kilometers outside of the downtown limits. Choose a place to quaff a coffee and sit back and people watch like a true Greek. The coffee sipping crowd morphs into the well-heeled nighttime crowd on the weekends.That’s when you can frequent the same places to sip a pretty cocktail and people watch like the Greek people do. Head to tiny but elegant Ombra for prosecco and Gaspar Food n Mood is popular for both coffee and cocktails.
Dimitris Vasilieou Street in Faros, Neo Psychico.

6# The Calm of Kifissia

A half an hour train ride from the Athens brings you right to a place of calm – the historic and leafy green northern suburb of Kifissia. From the train stop at Kifissia Square walk on to the suburb’s pedestrian shopping area known for its high-end and small boutiques, cafes and great restaurants. Nearby Kefalari Square is a beautiful small park and surrounding it you’ll spot some of grand historic villas the community is known for. In April or May each year, The Kifissia Flower Show presents hundreds of different species of flowers, from Greece and from around the world.

7# The Olympic Architecture of Calatrava

If you are headed to or from Kifissia on the train, hop off the Eirini station for a visit to The Athens Olympic Sports Complex. Here you’ll find the futuristic architecture of one of the world’s greatest architects, Santiago Calatrava (if you’ve been to Valencia you’ll recognise his style!), remains a permanent fixture of the Athenian skyline – it was first unveiled over a decade ago for the 2004 summer games. An intricate network of steel pipes and glass make up the stadium roof as well as an immense archway towering over a complex walkway. Except for scheduled events and big concerts, the complex remains empty. Locals joke that is already another Athenian ruin. Frequented or not, the complex is a sight of impressive modern architecture in a city known for its ancient landmarks.

Still got an appetite for more exploring? Then you can also follow Marissa on a “meet the artists” cultural tour of Athens, or check out all the many tips on our weekend guide to the capital (with advice on everything from where to stay to where to party).

We also recently published our Secret Seven things to do in Rome and our favourite alternative attractions in Seville.

About Marissa Tejada

Marissa Tejada is an American journalist, travel writer and author living in Athens. She's a regular contributor to Forbes Travel, Wine Enthusiast, GQ and Urban Travel Blog. Full bio here.

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