Avoid the UK stag parties around Central Station, and discover the local brown bars for beer, gin and good conversation.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

During a trip to Australia in 1997, I was lucky enough to have been invited to have dinner at Doyle's on the beach in Sydney.

One of the enduring images and impressions I have of that very warm February evening, was to see the sun set over the harbour looking towards the city far away in the background.

The sun was sinking fast behind the skyscrapers - it was an amazing sight, and at that moment I had the urge to call home. I took the mobile out of my pocket, and rang to speak to my mum and brother. It was early in the morning in the UK (11 hours behind Sydney at that time of year) and I said to them, "Has the sun come up over there yet?". They replied: "Yes, just about. Why?"

My response was: "I just realised this is about the only time of the day we can see the sun at the same time from opposite sides of the world."

www.doyles.com.au/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Lots of nice pubs and good corner shops for well priced food. Worth checking out Krua Thai for Thai food and Runtgang for records and gewgaws.

Also most of the interesting clubs and nights happen up there, and there is Folketspark for wandering about and on special occasions, like Christmas, a funfair.

Follow Sodra Forestadsg. as far as the supermarket ICA - about 1km from the centre of town - beyond the shopping centre at Triangeln.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The Ouseburn Valley is perhaps Newcastle's best-kept secret: family friendly, a stone's throw from the city centre and stuffed full of characterful pubs, music venues, art galleries and culture hubs. It's got Seven Stories - the Centre for Children's Books - next to 36 Lime Street; a rabbit warren of artists' studios next to the Round; a brand new theatre in the round specialising in theatre for young people which is next to the Cluny, Newcastle's famous live music venue.

Up the hill is the Stepney Bank Stables, the City Farm is over the road, there's the anarchist cinema The Star and Shadow nestling up to the ArtWorks Gallery and the Tanners pub.

The river itself winds through the valley, passing most of the sights - a wander along the path next to it is a relaxing way to get your bearings.

The whole area is bursting with fun and unusual activities for all ages. Highly recommended, whether you want to enjoy a nice beer on the Green or spend a whole day exploring the best of Newcastle's culture.

Lime Street is the heart of the regenerated Ouseburn, slap-bang underneath Byker Bridge. Nearest Metro stops are Manors and Byker. Nearest bus stop is St Dominics (cross the road to the Tanners and head down Stepney Bank towards the massive factory chimney). The Q2 Yellow Bus stops at St Anne's Steps, a 5 minute walk from the Ouseburn.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I lived in Madrid for two years. The best place has to be the birthplace of La Movida. In this barrio you can find excellent alternative bars from cafe Isadora to bar el 2 de. To get a feel for the area sit on the western side of the square in Bar Arco (the other side is full of tourists.) Enjoy.

Malasaña district. Metro station: Tribunal (Lines 1 & 10)

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Whatever you do, remember that Sweden operates a state-run alcohol retail outlet - Systembolaget. This has very precise opening times so make sure you know them, otherwise you will be very frustrated. The good news is that booze bought at the Systembolaget is far cheaper than at bars. There is also a fantastic choice of wine.

Systembolagets are in most towns and have a very distinctive logo.
www.systembolaget.se

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A cracking microcosm of life in London - stalls selling things you never knew existed, from clothes to food to jewellery to furniture to art. stunning food served too, really cheap but authentic food from all over the world.

To get a taste of what London really is about, go to Camden Market.

Camden Town tube

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Attractive square for drinking and eating in the sun. But when we were there (July 2005), the venue for what seemed like the All-German scaffold throwing championships, as some sort of event was packed away.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends