The beauty of a big, busy city is that it is constantly flourishing with undiscovered areas that are catapulted onto the radar by the arrival of new residents, businesses, bars and restaurants. We’ve sought out some of the coolest, up-and-coming parts of our favourite city break destinations, so you can veer off the beaten track next time you’re there and escape the crowds of the well-trodden tourist areas for at least a few hours.
Wedding, Berlin
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Within the ever-evolving city of Berlin, Wedding in the north-west is a peaceful break from the bustle of Mitte. The district is home to a neo-gothic fort, Brunnenplatz Castle, and a number of green spaces, including Schillerpark, where you’ll find a rose garden and impressive views from the terraces.
Silent Green is a cultural venue that was formerly a crematorium – it hosts exhibitions, talks, concerts and film screenings, and houses a restaurant and bar, MARS. You’re offered a scope of dining options in this part of town, from uber fine dining at Ernst, to Café Pfortner – a bus that has been converted into a cafe.
Wedding is also home to the Eschenbrau brewery, which has named one of its beers, the Weddinator, after its birthplace. Be sure to slip into Anita Berber for a nightcap – this late-night spot is named after the 1920s icon whose hedonistic spirit embodies Berlin’s enduring personality – avant-garde and excessive.
Smichov, Prague
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Smichov stretches along a section of the Vltava’s left bank, and is a medley of 18th-century summer palaces, contemporary art hubs and sprawling green spaces.
Portheimka is a glass museum housed in a marvellous baroque mansion, and makes for a peaceful afternoon of perusing. At the other end of the spectrum is MeetFactory – an arts complex housed in a converted industrial building. The hub includes a club, a theatre, a gallery and a cinema.
Smichov is also home to the Staropramen brewery, where visitors can embark on a tour of the premises and enjoy a tasting of the famous Czech pilsner. In the warmer months, Kinsky Garden is an excellent spot for a stroll, boasting a lake, observation decks, and the unusual wooden St. Michael’s Church.
Flatbush, New York
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Flatbush makes up the diverse heart of Brooklyn, and is a happy medley of Jamaican, Caribbean, African-American, Latino and Pakistani communities. This smorgasbord of influences means that there’s a huge array of tasty eateries to choose from, plus some curious multifunctional businesses too, including Sycamore Bar & Flower Shop and FIB Tattoo Bar.
The crimson and gold drenched King’s Theatre on Flatbush Avenue is worth the journey across the East River alone. The recently restored 1920s venue hosts talks, concerts, and happy hour tours, which include a glass of wine to sip as you marvel at the lavish interior.
With the sprawling Prospect Park positioned nearby, it’s no wonder that the area, particularly East Flatbush, has witnessed a surge of interest recently – in 2020, 18 new residential buildings are expected to be built in this pocket of Brooklyn.
Jalan Besar, Singapore
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Jalan Besar literally means ‘big or wide road’, and makes up the area between Rochor and Kallang in central Singapore. Word on the street is that the stretch has stolen the hipster crown from Tiong Bahru, with its offering of quirky eateries such as Butter Studio, where you’ll find cupcakes and pies, and The Tiramisu Hero, where you’re able to customise the classic Italian dessert to your own preferred potency, sweetness and wetness.
Nearby, you’ll find the coveted hotel, The Vagabond Club, which paris boasts a whiskey library where you can enjoy theatre performances, readings and film screenings while sipping one of a thousand variations of the spirit. The Jalan Besar Sports Centre is the home ground of local football teams Young Lions and Hougang United FC.
Butte aux Cailles, Paris
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Butte aux Cailles is a micro-arrondissement perched on a hill in the south-east of Paris. Technically part of the 13th arrondissement, here you’ll find peace and quiet throughout the day, and an authentic city buzz when the sun goes down. Bars and restaurants line Rue de la Butte aux Cailles – we recommend catching happy hour at Sputnik if you’re watching your budget. Just a short walk from this main drag sits the original outpost of Chez Gladines, the basque mini-chain that offers pleasing portions for very pleasing prices.
A mix of cultures can be found in this compact corner of the city, as street art adorns the walls, while art deco architectural treasures are preserved and celebrated, such as the popular swimming pool that opened in 1924 and is still going strong today.
Garbatella, Rome
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Construction on the commune of Garbatella began in 1920, making 2020 the neighbourhood’s centenary. It was originally built as a quarter for workers, and was designed with English garden cities in mind; the traditional blocks of flats are known as lotto – they surround lush courtyards and boast narrow leafy streets and charming steps.
Head to Bar Foschi, a classic Italian coffee bar that opened in the 50s, to sip an espresso while admiring the majestic Teatro Palladium across the road. Garbatella has a gritty side too, with colourful street art and an edgy nightlife. You’ll find a cluster of bars and clubs near to the Garbatella metro station.
