A hostel close to the centre of Granada, the Bearded Monkey is friendly and lively without being dominated by hard-partying backpackers.

Arranged around a central courtyard lit with twinkling lights, the (public) bar sells local beers, decent food and its own compilation CDs, as well as running DVD nights from the owner's great selection, for a small donation.

Check the noticeboard for good value Spanish lessons by local teachers (Anjelica is recommended) and trips to the nearby Lago de Apoyo, where the Bearded Monkey has a cabin, the Monkey Hut, with terraces running down to the lake - an excellent swimming spot.

Avenida 14 de Septiembre, opposite the bomberos (fire station).

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A locally produced, high-quality rum sold almost everywhere in Nicaragua.

It's more like whiskey in taste and comes aged up to 21 years or directly from the still.

Definitely worth buying at Duty Free as it's still hard to find outside Nicaragua and much more expensive.

Any large shop or supermarket in Nicaragua.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Tiny sushi bar Bian - not to be confused with the also brilliant Bien restaurant on Shortland St - supplies the local area with lunch every day, pumping out a fantastic selection of donburi, soups, nigiri and maki rolls. Lovely fresh tuna and salmon, along with more unusual fillings such as deep-fried oyster, rare beef, and sesame-fried green beans. The wasabi is fresh, home-made, and free of additives. And it's self-service, so you can pick a mixed selection of your favourites.

The busy, cheery kitchen will make up a roll for you if they run out of anything. Reliable, friendly and surprisingly cheap - and it's also BYO and open at night. You can't really go wrong.

183 Symonds St, Auckland
Phone: 09-309 5609

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends