http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6772
The Forest was set up by a small group of friends who wanted to create a place where locals could gather and chat without having to spend loads of money. Seating is couches around coffee tables. It's BYO alcohol and you can often catch live music and even local short films at night.

The cafe's main thrust seems to be providing cheap, yummy, organic (as much as possible) wholefood, and a chilled atmosphere that welcomes and respects all.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6772 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6393 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6393 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6391
For those in good health, I recommend climbing the stairs of the spire. Sure, it's a particularly touristy thing to do, but climbing the spire is to Cologne as climbing the Arc de Triomphe is to Paris - it gives you a view of the city from a central vantage point, atop an amazing structure.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6391 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5564
I tried the more expensive, private hot springs experience, but preferred the public option. As well as being much cheaper, I felt more comfortable at the outdoor public baths.

While the private baths are segregated according to gender to allow for "uninhibited" nudity, the unisex public baths, where patrons wear swimming costumes, seemed a lot more laid-back and I felt there was a much more genuinely local vibe. Get down and relax with the people, I say.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5564 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5425
Set on one of Bath's most presigious streets, on a hill leading up to the university, it has lush green grounds and is far enough from the city to feel secluded. But it's just a short walk down to the town centre. Don't walk along the road; ask the staff about the shortcut that follows the edge of nearby pastures - with views across the city - and crosses lochs before reaching the town centre.

Staff are friendly, food is good value, and the rooms are cosy and - given that your roommates are obliging - comfortably quiet.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5281 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5281 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4599 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4599 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3384 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3384 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3345 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3345 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3344
The Commercial's interior is cosy but far from claustrophobic, quirky and comfortable, having been lovingly decked out with retro and hand-painted furniture. The choice of music is always startlingly suitable for a quiet drink (last time I was there they were playing the theme from Taxi Driver) and the bar staff are unusually friendly.

Oh, and historically it's associated with the Elephant Man, who is said to have lived in the caverns beneath.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3344 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6390
Another good view of the river can be found by walking along the bank opposite the old town. There's a wide flood plain that offers the opportunity for a peaceful riverside hike that lasts for a good couple of miles.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6390 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5563 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5563 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5275
The most thrilling event is the Fire Run, a Catalan tradition held on the Friday night of the weekend festivities. The people of the city pour into the streets, while mischievous devils dressed in red come running along, brandishing tall poles that spew forth fireworks.

The aim is for the people to defend the city from the invading devils - amid the hilarious chaos, you find yourself gathering with others to ambush a devil, then jump up and down a few times chanting something (I was doing that "rhubarb rhubarb" thing), and finally pinning the devil down on the ground. Then everyone gets up and does it all over again - many times. The closer you get to the devils, the less chance you have of getting hit by the fireworks. Meanwhile, duelling bands of drummers come in waves down the street playing very dance-able Brazilian-style beats.

The quality of entertainment at Merce is outstanding. Among the performers playing free concerts last year were Ben Lee (at a small, out-of-the-way square) and a trio of Spain's most prominent flamenco musicians.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5275 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4984 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4984 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4848 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4848 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4412 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4412