Vesterbro is the old working-class district of Copenhagen that starts just behind the Main Railway Station. As Denmark is turning more and more xenophobic, introvert and ‘American’ in its denial of its own weaknesses, Vesterbro still keeps alive its reputation from World War II as a haven for tolerance and community spirit.

Today it is a cultural melting pot with many good working-class and student pubs/cafes. You can also find cheap (but not unfashionable) clothes shop and some of Denmark's best ethnic restaurants - check out the Turkish, one of which once received 4 chef hats in Politiken's (the main newspaper) restaurant reviews.

This is the Copenhagen that you don't hear about in the glitzy brochures but where real Danes live and struggle to put food on the table. Enghave Plads is the centre of Vesterbro.

Exit the Main Railway Station towards Istedgade (the waning red light district).

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These two neighbourhoods in the inner city are trend central. Sydney's inner-city is always interesting, but Darlinghurst and Surry Hills are an easy walk from the city centre. I just love wondering round the back streets finding a mixture of cafes and art galleries and interesting shops. There is also something about the architecture. The old stone houses, and the new apartment blocks – it's a great, exciting mix.

The main shopping street of Surry Hills is Crown Street, and it is here you will find inventive homeware stores. Some of Sydney's best restaurants are here as well.

Walk up Oxford Street from Hyde Park, and on the left is Darlinghurst, and on the right is Surry Hills

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Tucked away in the Marais, this little museum is housed within 2 mansions but somehow manages to span life in Paris all the way from prehistory to the present day. The buildings have a kind of faded elegance and their contents is fascinating but best of all is the courtyard which is a sun-trap and, compared to the rest of the tourist trail, tranquil.

23 Rue de Sévigné. 75003 Paris. Tel, 42 72 21 13. Neareast stations are Saint-Paul and Chatelet Les Halles

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A charming family run english bookstore in the heart of the latin quarter. I found it whilst in paris in late september and spent an afternoon rifling through a huge selection of new and used books. There is a wonderful message written by the former owner - the 'don quixote' of the latin quarter - on a chalkboard outside which is worth the visit alone. I cannot recommend it highly enough for any lover of literature, particularly those who are a bit tired of the ubiquitous chain-stores. A one off delight.

37, rue de la bucherie - 75005 PARIS

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The Swedish dish of fermented herring isn't to everyone's taste, mainly due to the horrendous smell of it, but it's worth a try. You eat it on flatbread with chopped onions and cold boiled potato (almond potatoes) and sometimes a kind of fermented milk, a bit like creme fraiche. An acquired taste but worth risking.

Usually served in summer at outdoor cafes.

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No visit to Lisbon can possibly be complete without a trip to the Graça. The Graça has the feel of a small town that is separate from the city. It has lots of cheap restaurants and cafes and two patios that offer spectacular views over Lisbon.

Take the 28 tram from the city centre and travel through the narrow winding streets, past the Cathedral and the magnificent Church of São Vicente de Fora and the steep cobbles Rua Voz do Operário, then get off at the Largo da Graça and make your way to the outdoor cafe on the Miradouro da Graça.

If you're feeling a little more energetic, then take the 10-minute walk up to the Miradoura da Nossa Senhora da Monte - the view is reward in itself. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll down to one of the many cafes and restaurants for an unbelievably cheap meal.

If you go on a Tuesday or a Saturday, then don't miss the Feira da Ladrã flea market that is held behind the Vicente de Fora church - you can even have a meal at the church's cafe, and eat on the roof with stunning views over the Alfama rooftops and the River Tagus.

www.golisbon.com/sight-seeing/graca.html;
To see photos go to flickr.com/photos/lusobrandane/76608466/

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