- pubs
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Cracow Life is a website about Cracow/Krakow that has soul! In particular I refer to the drink section to research good pubs and bars and night clubs for a piwo (beer), and there's usually loads of good public reviews too so you can get a flavour of what each place is like and how popular they are. They also have feature articles on things like nightlife and the various tourist attractions.
For its miserichords and church towers.
traveller.uncommontraveller.com/2007/03/25/ludlow-shropshire--st-laurences-church-and.aspx
The Sunday market is a must. Get off the Metro at Gambetta and go straight, you're there. Otherwise walk from the centre across Place de Republique down rue Gambetta and get more of the atmosphere. If you walk take a break at Le Stout for a coffee and cognac - it is the café on the corner with a bike suspended in the window. Then twenty yards later you are in the flower market and behind that the covered market. In the covered market there are plenty of treats.
A Polish stall which does the best smoked filet mignon in the world although a bit expensive at 27 euros per kilo. We call it 'baby' at home because it is so tender.
There is also a cheese stand that is good value and massive - so they always cut more than you want.
The other side of the covered is the open market. A mix of farmers' and bulk buy, but both are good value. Olives beside endives. The spice stands used to be good but they have doubled their prices recently. There is also haberdashery and second hand clothes and a fine selection of elephant-shaped underpants.
There is plenty to eat - banks of roast chicken, ribs, Chinese noodles and pies (try the cheese maroilles on a pie or traditionally dunked in coffee). All the cafés on the square are fine but I prefer those on the street on the side of the covered market as they are where all the stall holders go. In front of the church it is more trendy, very people-watching and people who have not been to bed.
There is a great family restaurant on the square but I'm not telling as they refuse to be in guidebooks. It serves a fixed menu of what is fresh and cheap. Fantastic veal liver, fish and chips (French style, no batter) and if the kidneys don't appeal there is a tender rump steak as standard. All this with a starter and a cheese plate or a dessert for 25 euros. Find it!
The market is on Sunday morning from 7am to about 2pm depending on the weather. If it isn't raining it is packed - the Lillois don't mind the cold, only the rain. France is very kid-friendly, but don't take a pushchair as all your kid will see are bums and you get stuck in pram jams.
Lots of other stuff to see in Lille: museums, medieval buildings, general Flemish architecture. A very under-rated place to visit.
Metro Gambetta
or walk through the town across Republique and down rue Gambetta
Like the Anchor down the road, another family run traditional Brummy Irish pub. Nice interior and good, reasonably priced beer.
As with the Anchor, this isn't a cosy gastro pub, but a genuine old fashioned Brummy boozer. In no ways rough, but probably not somewhere to take a date. Authenticity is a real rareity in Brum though, so this place should be appreciated by those who appreciate these kinds of places. If that makes sense.
276, Bradford St, Digbeth, Birmingham, West Midlands, B12 0QY (0121 622 2586)
The western half of the Dingle Peninsula, from Dingle town out to the Blasket islands is some of the most spectacular, friendly and fun places in the world. From the cosy bustle of Dingle and its 52 pubs, to Funghi the dolphin in its bay, to scaling Mount Brandon and taking in the views at the Connor Pass. And that's all just around Dingle town!
Head further west and you have the amazing beauty of Ceann Tra (or Ventry) strand. Two miles of pristine beach in a beautiful bay. On a sunny afternoon you have to sit out the front of Quinns pub in Ventry village and take in the glorious view.
Then head around The Slea Head Drive for the most pant-wetting views around. Narrow roads (although wider these days) and spectacular cliff faces make for an exhilarating drive. Stop of on Coomeenaul beach and get pounded by huge waves.
There's so much more to do on this wonderful peninsula, such as taking a day trip to the now abandoned village on the Great Blasket island. Watch incredible sunsets at the peninsula's western most point. Play golf on the most exposed lynx course ever. Or just get lost down the narrow fushia hedged lanes. Some of the best surfing in Europe is here too.
What more do you want?
Jump on a number 9 or 20 bus from the city centre to the always welcoming Hecla Arms (formerly the renowned "The Butty").
What is there not to praise about this warm and welcoming pub? The punters are a loud and friendly bunch, and the food on offer is absolutely top drawer! Get along for a singsong before addressing yon haggis.
Weel done cutty sark!
Hecla Arms
Hecla Avenue
Glasgow
G15 8NA
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.
The best way to see the main part of downtown Dublin and hit a few pubs in one night. It's a bit different every time, so I make a point to go whenever I'm in my favourite city. And whoever comes with me always wins one of the prizes for the trivia quiz!
They go on weekends in the winter, and every night in the summer, no matter what the weather.
You can book ahead at the Tourist Centre in the middle of Dublin. www.dublinpubcrawl.com
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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