Discover hidden gems in world’s coolest cities
Veer off the beaten track to find where the locals choose to eat, drink and play
GAMLA STAN, STOCKHOLM
This attractive urban island is both the historic heart of Stockholm, and geographical centre. Knockout sights include the ancient cathedral, Storkyrkan and the inspirational Nobel Museum.
Kagges, Lilla Nygatan 21:
This small but ambitious rustic restaurant serves New Nordic cuisine: small plates might consist of smoked cabbage with trout roe, or salmon with dill mayo. Finish off with lingonberry dessert or whatever other seasonal sweet they have concocted. kagges.com
Stampen jazz pub, Stora Nygatan 5: This old pawn shop, since turned into a music venue, has been trying to shake up Gamla Stan since 1968.The antiques and oddments hanging from the ceiling are left over from its former incarnation.There’s live jazz six nights a week – Eartha Kitt and Dizzy Gillespie have all played at this legendary jazz hot spot. stampen.se
JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS, DUBAI
Directly across the Sheikh Zayed Rd from tourist magnet Dubai Marina, the high-rise residential development of JLT, wrapped around a series of urban lakes, has been causing a stir in culinary circles. Complemented by concealed licensed bars, multicultural neighbourhood diners have been knocking it out of the park.There’s a park here too, hosting an eclectic flea market.
McGettigan’s JLT, Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster J: Dubai expats want to keep this sprawling Irish pub, hidden under the Bonnington Hotel, all to themselves. It’s heaving most nights, with live bands, on-screen sport and pool tables. Food options range from roasts to light bites. mcgettigans.com/jlt-dubai
JLT Flea Market, Jumeirah Lakes Towers Park:
Manned by a community of committed
‘car booters’, this lively flea market, held monthly outside of summer, is a trove of jewellery, clothing and books. dubai-fleamarket.com
KITSILANO, VANCOUVER
Greenpeace started in this former hippie enclave on the city’s affluent west side. Now ‘Kits’ is an upscale residential and commercial district, where restaurants, yoga studios and coffeehouses line West 4th Ave, and sunseekers and runners play along Kits Beach.
Kitsilano Pool, 2305 Cornwall Ave
Not only does Kitsilano have one of the city’s most popular beaches, it’s also home to North America’s longest saltwater pool. Overlooking the beach, it boasts views of the downtown skyline, drawing lapswimmers and families who love its kid-friendly waterslides.
Beaucoup Bakery, 2150 Fir Street
It’s worth seeking out this French-style cafe for freshly baked croissants, fruit tarts and salted chocolate rosemary cookies, plus a small selection of sandwiches and savoury items. beaucoupbakery. com
SEA POINT, CAPE TOWN
Long and skinny, wedged between ocean and mountain, Sea Point’s action is largely found on two busy strips on Regent Road and Main Road with cuisine from every continent bar Antarctica.
Total garage, 345 Main Rd:
Locals head for breakfast to this gas station, swearing by its bagels, carrot cake and legendary cheesecake.The coffee is also excellent.
Lion’s Head:
Hiking up Lion’s Head is hardly a secret but few people start their hike from the Sea Point side of the mountain (at the top of Rhine Road) – so for the first section at least, you’ll likely have the path to yourself. Look out for the Shaykh Mohamed Hassen Ghaibie shrine left remarkably unscathed after a massive wildfire last year.
SURRY HILLS, SYDNEY
Once working-class residences, the terraced houses of this leafy district are now addresses for professionals where you’ll find a gentrified world of baristas, brunchtastic cafes and avant-garde dining.Vintage shops and cultural gems round out this intriguing locale.
Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire St:
Surry Hills is full of trendy bars, but this traditional pub is a real classic – a no-frills 19th-century beauty with a democratic feel and tasty meals. shakespearehotel.com.au
Zoo Emporium, 180 Campbell St:
There’s a little cluster of vintage shops around the intersection of Crown and Campbell streets; this is one of the best, with two levels of Seventies and Eighties glam.
SOUTH PIGALLE, PARIS
In the 9e arrondissement, the area, was nicknamed “La Nouvelle Athènes” in the 19th century. Vestiges from Pigalle’s red light district have been repurposed in this happening neighbourhood, today dubbed “SoPi”.
Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 R Chaptal:
Hidden down a cobbled passageway, Nouvelle Athènes mansion Hôtel Scheffer-Renan was the home and studio of painter Ary Scheffer (1795–1858), hosting salons attended by Delacroix, George Sand, Chopin et al, evoked in the
museum’s exhibits (it became the “Museum of Romantic Life” in 1987). Its flowering garden has a delightful tea room. museevieromantique.paris.fr
Rue des Martyrs:
The locals’ favourite place for food shopping, the north-south spine of the neighbourhood is lined with heady fromageries, prize-winning boulangeries and pâtisseries (some specialising in a single item such as madeleine cakes or choux pastry puffs) and wine shops.
OLD HAVANA, HAVANA
In this Andalucía architectural transplant, fountains tinkle and stained-glass windows lure visitors admiring gelato-hued classic cars and touring Ernest Hemingway drinking holes.
Bacardí Building & Cafe, Avenida de Bélgica 261 e/ Empedrado y San Juan de Díos:
The black and golden-hued art-deco former Bacardí HQ soars above the edge of Old Havana with its ziggurat tower topped by the rum’s iconic bat motif. Its facade is embedded with bronze bats and giant Bs. The wood-panelled mezzanine bar recently reopened, however no Bacardi is served.
El del Frente, Calle O’Reilly 303 e/ Habana y Aguiar:
Artist-turned-chef José Carlos Imperatori, who created a gin bar in a tiny building, expanded with this terrace bar.The cocktails are a knockout (piña coladas are huge), best ordered with ceviche-topped tostones (fried plantain) on the rooftop. facebook.com/BarEldelFrente
NAKA-MEGURO, TOKYO
Strung out along leafy canal the Meguro-gawa, this fashionable residential enclave gives the neighbourhood a laid-back vibe. Many creative-types live here, which accounts for the high concentration of one-of-akind boutiques and restaurants.
Deli fu cious, 1-9-13 Higashiyama:
Gourmet seafood burgers from a former high-end sushi chef include classic menu item the konbu fish burger; the fish, chosen seasonally, is pressed with konbu (kelp) first before being batter-fried. delifucious.com
1LDK, 1-8-28 Kamimeguro:
This gleaming boutique offers a selection of minimalist staples from cult-favourite Japanese brands such as Universal Products. For lifestyle goods, check out 1LDK Apartments across the lane. 1ldkshop.com
TOPANGA CANYON, LOS ANGELES
Reached by climbing scenic roads, this bohemian village, nestled between Malibu and Pacific Palisades, has harboured generations of artists.
Inn of the Seventh Ray, 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd:
Organic dining in an idyllic courtyard draws celebrities and respite-seekers to this LA classic.The romantic and calm location explains its popularity. innoftheseventhray.com
Topanga Beach, 18700 Pacific Coast Hwy:
Surfers flock here at the base of Topanga Canyon on Malibu’s most southern beach. Less well-suited for swimmers, it has a long right-hand break that’s good for both longboards and shortboards, and attracts plenty of wave fanatics. beaches.lacounty.gov/ topanga-beach
Secret City: The Insider’s Guide to theWorld’s Coolest Neighbourhoods, published by Lonely Planet, £16.99