Local Travel Guide to Big Cities

Local Travel Guide to Big Cities

Based on tips from locals on what to do in their home countries and here are some secret destinations in big cities unbeknownst to tourists. Avoid the tourist traps and discover local recommendations!

1. Bondi, Sydney, Australia

Recommended:

Brown Sugar

Address: 106 Curlewis St, Bondi NSW 2026, Australia

Phone Number: +61 2 9130 1566

Opening Hours: Monday – Closed | Tuesday to Thursday – 6:30PM–12AM | Friday to Sunday – 8:30AM–2:30PM, 6:30PM–12AM

Locals rave about the signature fish pie in this neighborhood bistro. Dishes on the a-la-carte menu are seasonal, as Brown Sugar emphasizes the use of locally-sourced, ethically-harvested produce.

Icebergs Dining Room

Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

Phone Number: +61 2 9365 9000

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 12PM–12AM | Sunday – 10AM–10:30PM

Dishes to try would be the locally-sourced oysters and the beetroot meringue. You can enjoy your meal while enjoying amazing views of Bondi Beach.

The Living Room at the Corner House

Address: 281 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026, Australia

Phone Number: +61 2 8020 6698

Opening Hours: Monday – Closed | Tuesday to Saturday – 5PM–12AM | Sunday – 1–10PM

The second floor of The Corner House houses the cocktail bar The Living Room, using salvaged railway timber, and acid-distressed steel floors. The bar provides a special setting to enjoy their uniquely-named cocktails like Coco Loco and This Ain’t No Latte.

Art Gallery NSW

Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday – 10AM-5PM | Wednesday – 10AM-10PM

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works are on display here in the Australian Galleries. The temporary exhibitions are also exciting, with the 20^th Biennale of Sydney currently available until 5 June. There are also landscapes by Monet and Hockney, and an upcoming show on the art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

=Where to Stay=

1. Hughenden Boutique Hotel

Price: from USD97

Address: 14 Queen St, Woollahra NSW 2025, Australia

Phone Number: +61 2 9363 4863

2. QT Bondi

Price: from USD162

Address: 6 Beach Rd, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

Phone Number: +61 2 8362 3900

 

2. Brussels, Belgium

Recommended:

Leonor

Address: St. Bernardusstraat 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium

Phone Number: +32 2 544 02 08

Opening Hours: Sunday and Wednesday – Closed | Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday – 12-3PM, 7-10PM

The five-course menu comes highly recommended, but diners are also advised to try the prawns in garlic, tapas, and salmon on aniseed mousse. The brasserie setting gives a warm dining atmosphere to enhance the enjoyment of the meal.

La Quincaillerie

Address: Rue du Page 45, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium

Phone Number: +32 2 533 98 33

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 12–2:30PM, 7PM–12AM | Sunday – 7PM–12AM

The old-time charm of this restaurant explains why it is a local favorite. Formerly an ironmonger store, it now specializes in seafood platters and is also an oyster bar.

Ultime Atome

Address: Rue Saint-Boniface 14, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium

Phone Number: +32 2 513 48 84

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday – 8AM–12:30AM | Friday – 8AM–1:30AM | Saturday – 9AM–1:30AM | Sunday – 10AM–12:30AM

This popular local watering hole is extremely stylish, with Art Deco influences. Terrace seating is available, as is an extensive list of Belgian beers, although the variety cannot be beaten by the next bar listed.

Delirium Café

Address: Impasse de la Fidélité 4, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Phone Number: +32 2 514 44 34

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10AM–4AM | Sunday – 10AM–2AM

Famous of having 3162 types of beer on offer, bar-hoppers must try the odd beer flavors that Delirium provides, such as coconut, chili, or even Speculoos! There is also live music every Thursday evening.

Magritte Museum

Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Phone Number: +32 2 508 32 11

Opening Hours: Monday – Closed | Tuesday to Friday – 10AM–5PM | Saturday to Sunday – 11AM–6PM

Founded in 2009, the Magritte Museum is a repository of Surrealist art dedicated to Belgian artist René Magritte with a chronological arrangment of the artist’s œuvre. Visit this for a little touch of culture while in Brussels.

=Where to Stay=

1. Aloft Brussels Schuman EU Hotel

Price: from USD89

Address: Place Jean Rey 3, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium

Phone Number: +32 2 800 08 88

2. Hôtel Bloom!

Price: from USD86

Address: Rue Royale 250, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Belgium

Phone Number: +32 2 220 66 11

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Recommended:

Aromi

Address: Náměstí Míru 1234/6, 120 00 Praha 2-Vinohrady, Czech Republic

Phone Number: +420 222 713 222

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 12–11PM | Sunday – 12–10PM

According to locals, Aromi has the best Italian food in Prague. The seafood is always fresh and made-to-order and risottos are dishes to try. It also stocks an exclusive list of rare grappas, so save room to taste these treats after dessert.

Bukowski’s Bar

Address: Bořivojova 86 (across from Nad Viktorkou), Žižkov, 130 00 Prague

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7PM-3AM

Savour post-dinner cocktails in this kooky setting if the grappas at Aromi weren’t your cup of tea. They also have free sangria for ladies on Tuesday, which is definitely the best day for female travelers to go.

Jewish Quarter

Nearest Metro Station: Staromestska (line A)

Nearest Tram Stop: Staromestska (trams 17, 18)

Also known as Josefov, the graveyards in the Jewish Quarter will offer a slice of history up for observation. It dates from the 13^th century, where Jews were banned from living anywhere in Prague. Adolf Hitler even decided to preserve the Jewish Quarter during the  20^th century as a “Museum of an Extinct Race”.

=Where to Stay=

1. Hotel Purpur

Price: from USD80

Address: Řeznická 1360/15, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic

Phone Number: +420 731 118 113

2. Motel One Prague

Price: from USD80

Address: 1048, Na Poříčí 30, 110 00, Czech Republic

Phone Number: +420 222 334 500

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Recommended:

MASH

Address: Bredgade 20, 1260 København K, Denmark

Phone Number: +45 33 13 93 00

Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday – 12–3PM, 5:30–10PM | Thursday to Friday – 12-3PM, 5:30-11PM | Saturday – 5:30–11PM | Sunday – 5:30–10PM

Try one of the best steaks you will ever taste while taking in the relaxed ambience at MASH, an acronym for Modern American Steak House. The brand has become so popular that the MASH owners, who have been called ‘rock stars’ in the Danish dining industry, have decided to open a branch in London.

Noma

Address: Strandgade 93, 1401 København K, Denmark

Phone Number: +45 32 96 32 97

Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday – Closed | Tuesday to Saturday – 12–4PM, 7PM–12:30AM

This highly-acclaimed Danish fine-dining restaurant is a gastronomic mecca for people who travel all over the world to taste Chef Rene Redzepi’s 20-course meals, which have pioneered the trend of foraging. It is so popular that reservations must be made several months in advance, but it will definitely be worth it.

1105

Address: Kristen Bernikows Gade 4, 1105 København, Denmark

Phone Number: +45 33 93 11 05

Opening Hours: Sunday to Tuesday – Closed | Wednesday to Thursday – 8PM-2AM | Friday – 4PM-2AM | Saturday – 6PM-2AM

Named simply for its postal code, 1105 is an elegant bar serving classic cocktails made to exquisite perfection. The crowd is in their 30s and 40s, with a mix of Motown and jazz music.

K Bar

Address: Ved Stranden 20, 1061 København K, Denmark

Phone Number: +45 33 91 92 22

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 4PM–2AM | Sunday – Closed

Expert bartenders whip up experimental alcoholic beverages right in the centre of Copenhagen, if that might tickle your fancy. The renowned Monster Martini is recommended by local guides.

Malmöhus Castle

The collections of the Malmo Museums at the castle are of great cultural interest, and so are the castle grounds and the moat.

=Where to Stay=

1. Copenhagen Star Hotel

Price: from USD289

Address: Colbjørnsensgade 13, 1652 København V, Denmark

Phone Number: +45 33 22 11 00

2. Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Copenhagen

Price: from USD460

Address: Hammerichsgade 1, 1611 København, Denmark

Phone Number: +45 33 42 60 00

5. Paris, France

Recommended:

Hôtel du Nord

Address: 102 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris

Phone Number: +33 01 40 40 78 78

Opening Hours: Daily – 10:30AM-1:30AM

This restaurant is often patronized by locals when they are craving true-blue Parisian cooking that is beautifully plated. The bistro is decorated with film posters in black and white frames, adding to the visual appeal for a pleasant dining environment.

Le Cambodge

Address: 10 Avenue Richerand, 75010 Paris, France

Phone Number: +33 1 44 84 37 70

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday – 12–2:30PM, 7–11PM | Friday – 12–2:30PM, 7–11:30PM | Saturday – 12–11:30PM | Sunday – 12–11PM

Oriental flavors are best presented here, which locals visit when they have a hankering for non-conventional cuisine. The most popular dishes are the bobun with shrimp and the spring rolls. They also offer a great variety of food for vegetarians.

La Fourmi

Address: 74 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris, France

Phone Number: +33 1 42 64 70 35

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday – 8AM–2AM | Friday to Saturday – 8AM–4AM | Sunday – 9AM–2AM

Named one of the Top 100 Bars in Paris by Time Out, the bar’s name means ‘the ant’ and is highly affordable compared to other bars in the Parisian quarter of Pigalle. Couple that with an extensive wine list, and visitors can understand why locals love this bar so much.

Chez Jeannette

Address: 47 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris, France

Phone Number: +33 1 47 70 30 89

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 8AM-2AM | Sunday – 9AM-2AM

Cheese and cold cuts accompany informal drinks amongst the locals who just got off work in one of the most happening spots in town. Come here for some Parisian conversation and candlelit drinks after 8PM. Their lunch sets are also delectable for those who are nearby during lunchtime.

Musée d’Orsay

Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Monday – Closed | Tuesday to Wednesday – 9:30AM–6PM | Thursday – 9:30AM–9:45PM | Friday to Sunday – 9:30AM–6PM

Skip the crazy queues at the Louvre and head to this repurposed train station instead, where 25 masterpieces of van Gogh can be found. Many other French artists are also represented here, in a much more conducive setting than the Louvre.

=Where to Stay=

1. Hôtel Oceania Paris Porte de Versailles

Price: from USD102

Address: 52 Rue d’Oradour-sur-Glane, 75015 Paris, France

Phone Number: +33 1 56 09 09 09

 

2. Saint James Albany Paris Hôtel Spa Louvre Rivoli

Price: from USD191

Address: 202 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Phone Number: +33 1 44 58 43 21

 

6. Bali, Indonesia

Recommended:

Mama San

Address: Jl. Raya Kerobokan No. 135, Br. Taman, Bali., Kuta Utara, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Number: +62 361 730436

Opening Hours: Daily – 12–3:30PM, 6PM–12:30AM

Mama San was opened by award-winning Chef Will Meyrick, and is one of the most hyped-about restaurants in Bali. The chef has adeptly managed to reinterpret Asian food in a polished setting, with highly-acclaimed dishes such as the fried ice cream dessert and the roasted Peking duck with red bean sauce.

 

The Fire Station

Address: Jl. Danau Poso, Sanur, Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Number: +62 361 285675

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 4PM-1AM | Sunday – 12PM-1AM

This lively pub and grill is found in the Sanur part of Bali and is a perfect locale to relish a laidback BBQ meal, in particular the Blackened Mahi Mahi. Pair it with entrées such as the Quail Egg and Ricotta Ravioli served with burnt butter, and Scotch Eggs.

 

Potato Head Beach Club

Address: Jl. Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Number: +62 361 4737979

Opening Hours: Daily – 10AM–2AM

This beautiful beachfront club is stylistically distinctive and has unusual cocktail selections, where mixologists update classic cocktails with their modern techniques, adding a new twist of flavor to them.

 

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Number: +62 361 971304

Opening Hours: Daily – 8:30AM–6PM

Find serenity while trekking through this sanctuary, also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest. It is also a Hindu temple complex home to three temples. Although it is a popular destination, with more than 10,000 tourists passing through it each month, once you are there, you will understand why it enthralls locals as well.

 

=Where to Stay=

 

1. Prama Sanur Beach Bali

Price: from USD93

Address: Jalan Cemara, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Number: +62 361 288011

 

2. Ubud Green Resort Villas

Price: from USD171

Address: Jalan Sriwedari No.8, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Number: +62 361 9000555

 

7. Singapore, Singapore

Recommended:

Min Jiang

Located in: Goodwood Park Hotel

Address: 22 Scotts Rd, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221

Phone Number: +65 6730 1704

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 11:30AM–2:30PM, 6:30–10:30PM | Saturday – 11:30AM–2:30PM, 3–5:30PM, 6:30–10:30PM | Sunday – 11AM–2:30PM, 3–5:30PM, 6:30–10:30PM

A slightly upmarket restaurant known for its dim sum or Cantonese bite-sized delicacies.

 

P.S. Café at Harding Rd

Address: 28B Harding Rd, Singapore 249549

Phone Number: +65 9070 8782

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11:30AM–12AM | Friday to Saturday – 9:30AM–2AM | Sunday – 9:30AM–6:30PM

Situated in the lush corners of Dempsey Hill, this is a spot that most locals know but which most tourists would not even pass by. A slight walk in from the bus stop reveals a beautiful setting for weekend brunches or post-dinner dessert and drinks. Their cakes and puddings are a delight and the generous portions will certainly leave you satisfied.

 

28 Hong Kong Street

Address: 28 Hongkong St, Singapore 059667

Phone Number: +65 6533 2001

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 5:30PM–1AM | Sunday – Closed

28HKS is a speakeasy bar that many locals do not even know about. Slide open its nondescript door and discover a shelf full of more than 700 bottles of liqueurs and liquors sourced from all over the world, and seat yourself at the bar counter for a lively chat with the friendly bartenders. Only bar snacks are available, so make sure you have dinner before coming here.

 

CÉ LA VI

Located in: Marina Bay Sands

Address: 1 Bayfront Ave, 018971

Phone Number: +65 6688 7688

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday – 12–2:30PM, 6–10:30PM | Friday to Saturday – 12–2:30PM, 6–11PM | Sunday – 12–3PM, 6–10:30PM

One of the most popular rooftop bars in Singapore, Cé La Vi (formerly known as Ku De Ta) is perched atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Party the night away with a view of the city skyline after treating your palate to some sensational Modern Asian cuisine.

 

National Gallery Singapore

Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, 178957

Phone Number: +65 6271 7000

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 10AM–7PM | Friday to Saturday – 10AM–10PM

The National Gallery Singapore was just opened in 2015 and was previously the Supreme Court and City Hall of Singapore. Housing a large collection of modern and contemporary Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, there are also exciting exhibitions that continually change, making this a good place to spend your afternoon. Visitors can also see the former holding cells in the Supreme Court Wing of the museum.

 

=Where to Stay=

 

1. Lloyd’s Inn

Price: from USD118

Address: 2 Lloyd Rd, 239091

Phone Number: +65 6737 7309

 

2. PARKROYAL on Pickering

Price: from USD171

Address: 3 Upper Pickering St, 058289

Phone Number: +65 6809 8888

With this guide, now you are armed to take on traveling in major cities without entering tourist traps!