There’s nothing better than wandering the streets of a foreign city and accidentally stumbling across a hidden alleyway, jam-packed with bars, restaurants, shopping, and architecture. Away from the tourist-filled hotspots, these secluded pockets of local culture are a great way to get off the tourist trail and experience something that’s truly authentic.
If you’re looking for good food, a good drink or simply a good time, check out some of our favourite, secret back streets to discover on your next big city vacation.
Golden Gai, Tokyo, Japan
Tucked away in a corner of Shinjuku, an area of Tokyo known for its skyscrapers, city-slickers, and nightlife, is Golden Gai. This block of six narrow laneways is home to almost 200 bars, some seating as little as 4 people at a time. This seemingly run-down district is a far cry from the city’s flashier hotspots, but is an ideal hideaway for those who want to go where the locals go, no matter how bizarre it may be. The attraction of Golden Gai is its wonderfully eccentric bar scene, with everything from hospital-themed venues to bars lined with troll toys.
Where to stay: Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo, starting from €112 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights from Dublin to Tokyo from €560**
Croft Alley, Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, is famous for being a revolving canvas of graffiti from local, national and internationally acclaimed street artists. But you don’t need to look far to find an abundance of equally cool laneways dissecting the city, such as AC/DC Lane, Centre Place, and Croft Alley. Nestled between Bourke St. and Little Bourke St. in Melbourne’s Chinatown district, Croft Alley is a narrow dead-end populated with garbage bins and crates. During daylight hours it doesn’t look like much, but when the sun sets this Melbourne corner comes to life and attracts a hip crowd drawn to The Croft Institute, one of the city’s best little bars. Made to satisfy your inner science nerd, the laboratory-themed venue offers a range of top notch spirits, served in beakers, syringes and test tubes.
Where to stay: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, starting from €101 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights departing from Sydney to Melbourne from €972**
Cerro Alegre, Valparaiso, Chile
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaiso is a colourful town just a few hours from Chile’s capital. The city has an undeniably alternative feel and over the years has attracted artists from all over the world, particularly street artists. Cerro Alegre (literal translation: cheerful hill) is a winding neighbourhood of small lanes and alleyways and is one of the best places to appreciate Valparaiso’s vibrant street art. The vivid art displays sit alongside 16th-century churches and modern restaurants, making it a lively area to explore.
Where to stay: Diego De Almagro Valparaiso, starting from €85 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights from Dublin to Santiago from €922**
The Shambles, York, United Kingdom
This old street in York couldn’t be more Harry Potter-esque if it tried. With cobblestones and timber-framed buildings, a walk down this quaint lane in York will take you back in time. Once upon a time the term ‘shambles’ referred to an open-air meat market and in its heyday the street was filled with butchers (at one point there was at least 25 of them). Today, the butchers have gone and an array of local eateries, bakeries, tea rooms and bookshops have taken their place. One of the best things about The Shambles is its five adjoining laneways, known as ‘Snickelways’ – this charming, medieval maze is a great place to eat, drink, and get lost.
Where to stay: Hilton York, starting from €95 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights from Dublin to Leeds from €31**
Nanluoguxiang, Beijing, China
A fusion of old and new culture, Nanluoguxiang is a pedestrian laneway located in Beijing’s Dongcheng district. Just shy of a kilometre long, the laneway is trendy and tourist-friendly with a tonne of cafes, restaurants and hotels. The real magic, however, is to be found in Nanluoguxiang’s hutongs or side alleys – they’re a little less crowded and maybe even better, with everything from fresh fruit, ice cream, and beer available to passersby (the perfect antidote to humid weather). Built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368), there are also many traditional tea houses here and if you’re keen to take home a souvenir, elevate your green tea game by treating yourself to an intricately designed set of handmade Chinese tea cups.
Where to stay: The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, starting from €126 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights from Dublin to Beijing from €421**
*The hotel prices above are for double occupancy and (including taxes and fees) were collated on KAYAK.ie on 9 February 2017 for travel in March 2017. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
**The flight prices shown above are for one return economy seat (including taxes and fees, excluding baggage fees) and were collated on KAYAK.ie on 9 February 2017 for travel in March 2017. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
