Weekend in Barcelona

WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT

The Gaudi Houses

Visit at least one of the Gaudi Houses, designed by famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi. I recommend visiting Casa Batllo, one of the most interesting and unusual houses in Barcelona.  

Casa Battlo

Passeig de Gracia 43

08007 Barcelona, Spain  

T: +34 934 880 666

Metro: Passeig de Gracia (Green Line, L3)

Casa Battlo

Park Güell

Spend an afternoon in Park Güell, where you'll see incredible buildings, sculptures and tile work designed by Gaudi.  The park can be a bit crowded with tourists but definitely is worth a visit.    

Park Güell

Picasso Museum

I highly recommend going to the Picasso Museum. Located in an old Catalan house, you'll see the artist's early drawings and paintings. It really changed my perspective of Picasso as an artist.  A must see!

Address: Montcada 15-23, 08003 Barcelona 

T: +34 93 256 30 00 

Metro: Arc de Triomf (Red Line, L1); Liceu (Green Line, L3); Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4)

Mercat de la Boqueria

The Mercat de la Boqueria (the largest market in Barcelona) is a must see.  It's full of life and colors. Make sure to bring your camera!

El Mercat de la Boqueria

Gothic Quarter 

Located at the heart of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets leading to hidden piazzas. I recommend spending 1-2 hours to walk around and "getting lost" in the medieval streets of Gothic.

Barceloneta Beach

After a long day of sightseeing and walking the streets of Barcelona, unwind at the beach. Barceloneta Beach is great independently of the weather.  When I was there,  it was cold and windy but all the surfers were out catching the waves.

Barceloneta Beach

WHERE TO EAT

La Flauta

Located near Plaça Universitat, this is the best place to try many varieties of flautas (baguette sandwiches). A warm atmosphere is created by the fine wood, good lighting and pleasant service. This restaurant is always packed, whether at the bar or in any of the two dining areas, where they also serve salads, tapas and grilled meat. It is worth having a taste of their assorted tapas, such as the Pulpo a la Galleg (octopus), chicken, or Patatas Bravas (potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce).

Address: Aribau 23, 08011 Barcelona

T: +34 93 323 7038

La Flauta

WHERE TO GO OUT

Espit Chupitos

Cap off your Barcelona experience with a stop at Espit Chupitos. Located near the Av. Diagonal, you'll have a choice of over 542 different chupitos. Each chupito has its own flavor and preparation, for only 1,50€! Try out the Harry Potter (a secret concoction set on fire) and/or the Boy Scout (you'll get to grill marshmallows over your shot)!  

Address: Aribau 77, 08011 Barcelona

Hours: Monday - Friday: 10:30pm - 3:00am

Shanghai Essentials

WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT

Old

Shanghai

Teahouse

Located in the heart of historic

Shanghai

, across the entrance to the Yu Gardens, the teahouse is a bit touristy but has a nice ambiance.

I recommend the jasmine tea, served with a real jasmine flowers; as hot water is poured into your cup, the flower petals open up!

After having a cup of tea, take a quick tour of the gardens.

Address:

Yuyuan, 385 Fangbang Zhong Lu

Dongtai Lu Antiques Market

A few blocks west of the Old City, antiques dealers' stalls line the street. You'll find porcelain, jade, and anything else worth hawking or buying. The same bowls and vases pop up in multiple stalls, so if your first bargaining attempt isn't successful, you'll likely have another opportunity a few stores down. Prices have shot up over the years, and fakes abound, so be careful what you buy!

Address:

Dongtai Lu, off Xizang Lu

(Huangpu District)

Hours:

Daily 9-dusk

Art Neighborhoods

50 Moganshan Lu (near Aomen Lu) constitutes the heart of

Shanghai

's contemporary art scene. Many artists studios and art galleries are located there.

Lane 210 Taikang Lu (near Sinan Lu) is another neighborhood (though more commercial) where artists have settled. I remember the

Deke Erh Art Center,

which - back in 2004 - had cool photography exhibitions.

Address:

No. 2 Lane 210 Taikang Lu

Old China Hand Reading Room

The owner of the

Deke Erh Art Center

also owns a great tea/reading room, which I used to love going to when I lived in Shanghai.

Address:

Han-Yuan, 27, Shaoxing Lu

WHERE TO STAY

Astor House Hotel

Taste a bit of Shanghai's colonial history by booking a room at the hotel that claims to be China's oldest. The original structure was completed in 1846 and it has played host to the likes of Charlie Chaplin, former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, and Albert Einstein on their tours through Shanghai. It's the site of China's first telephone and electric light. More recently, it was a hideout for Chinese Communist Party luminary Zhou Enlai when he hid from Nationalist forces before the Communists managed to overthrow the government. Zhou, as the right hand man of Mao Zedong, rose to become Premier. The hotel offers a base on Shanghai's Bund overlooking the Huangpu River and near the top restaurants and nightlife spots in the city. Room rates are very reasonable and can be booked online in English. At US$76 for a double room (+10% service charge) including buffet breakfast for two, they are worth it. Especially compared with the cost of the more expensive standard hotels in the city.

Address:

15 Huangpu Road, Shanghai 200080

Tel:

+86 (0)21 63246388

Website:

http://www.pujianghotel.com/

BARS/RESTAURANT

Cloud Nine & Sky Lounge

Great for happy hour.

The view from up there is amazing (see photo below). Just make sure you go on a clear day, otherwise you'll be above the clouds and won't see a thing!

Address:

Grand Hyatt

Jin Mao Tower, 87th floor

88 Century Boulevard, Pudong

Tel:

+86 (0)21 5049 1234

Metro:

Lujiazui

Hours:

Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun noon-midnight

View from Cloud Nine - Photo Courtesy of Emily Valentine

People 7

Great fusion restaurant in the French Concession. The decor is superb and it's a fun place to have a drink and/or dinner. You need a "secret passcode" to get in so you MUST call to make a reservation.

Address:

805 Julu Road, near Fumin Road

Shanghai

, 200031

Tel:

+86 (0)21 5404 0707

Face

Beautiful ancient colonial house turned into a bar/restaurant. Don't know what it's worth these days but it used to be very hip when I was there. Great for happy hour!

Address:

Ruijin Guest House Gardens

118 Ruijin Er Lu,

Building 4

Shanghai

Tel:

+86 (0)21 646 64328

Hours:

2pm-2am

M on the Bund

I went there for drinks and for the incredible view of the Bund. I

think the restaurant is pricey but it's worth going there for a drink

before dinner.

Address:

7F, 5 The Bund

Shanghai

, 200002 

Tel:

+86 (0)21 6350 9988

Email:

reservations@m-onthebund.com

Hours:

lunch:

11:30a-2:30p Tue-Fri; brunch: noonam-3p Sat-Sun;

dinner: 6:15p-10:30p daily

SHOPPING

Shanghai

Trio

Very cute store located in Xintiandi. A bit more upscale (hence slightly more expensive) than what you'll find on street markets but definitely worth it! Their designs are super nice. Great place to buy presents for family and friends.

Address:

Lane 181 Taicang Lu (Close to Huangpi Nan Lu)

Xintiandi

, Shanghai

WHAT NOT TO MISS

Early Morning Tai Chi

Get up early one morning and go to The Bund (between 6 and 7am). If you're up for it, join the locals for an early morning stretch, tai chi or dancing. A must see!

Early Morning Taichi - Photo Courtesy of Emily Valentine

Globe-Trotting Contributors: Marie-Adélaïde Mol, Rick Carew, Emily Valentine

Two Days in Paris

DAY 1

Marché de Buci
The Marché de Buci is a colorful Parisian market, located rue de Buci, off the Boulevard St Germain in the 6th arrondissement. Open every day of the week.
Metro stop: Odéon

Lunch at "Pères et Filles"
Typical Parisian bistro with a great ambiance and decor (look out for the beautiful old black and white photographs of Paris). Great spot for traditional French food at a decent price.

Pères et Filles ("Fathers and Daughters")
81 rue de Seine (2 minutes away from the Marche de Buci)
6th arrondissement
+ 33 (0)1 43 25 00 28
Metro stop: Odéon

Crêpes à Gogo
You can't go to Paris without having a crêpe.  Around the St Germain area, you'll run into numerous little crêpes stands.  If you're on a diet, have a sugar & lemon crêpe. Otherwise, go for a more decadent nutella & banana crêpe.  To get the full experience, head over to the Pont des Arts and enjoy your crêpe on the bridge.  You'll have a stunning view of Paris and feel very Parisian!

If you'd rather go to a sit-down crêperie, we recommend the following two options in the St. Germain area:

little BREIZH (photo courtesy of Aimee Chang)

1. little Breizh
11 Rue Grégoire de Tours (parallel to rue de Seine, where Pères et Filles is located)
6th arrondissement
Metro stop: Odéon

2. La Crêperie des Arts
27, rue Saint-André-des-Arts
6th arrondissement
Metro stop: Saint Michel

Boat Ride on the Seine River
If the weather is nice, take a Bâteau Mouche for a boat ride on the Seine River.

Coffee Break at Le Café de Flore
Famous French writers such as Jean Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Albert Camus met there to have drinks and discuss philosophy!

Café de Flore
172 Boulevard St Germain
6th arrondissement
Metro stop: St-Germain-des-Prés

DAY 2

Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou - the MoMa of Paris (4th arrondissement)

Have lunch at "Le Georges" located on the top floor of the museum. There is a beautiful view of Paris from there. Don't miss la Fontaine de Beaubourg right outside the museum!

Jardin du Luxembourg

Take a stroll in the Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the most beautiful and largest parks in Paris. The Luxembourg is the garden of the French Senate, which is housed in the Luxembourg Palace. Art amateurs, look out for the statues and sculptures throughout the park, and music lovers, stop by the gazebo where free musical performances often take place. The park, located in the 6th arrondissement, is just a few minutes away from the Pantheon.

The Senate - Palais du Luxembourg

Pond where children play with miniature boats

Parisian Bus Ride
Skip the tourist bus tours and take bus #84 from the Panthéon to the Place de la Madeleine. You'll have a stunning view of all the major landmarks in Paris and you'll get to experience the way locals get around the city (other than by metro). 

Note: the final bus stop is indicated on the front and on the side of the bus, next to the bus number:

**From the Pantheon, take the bus towards Porte de Champerret
**From Madeleine, take the bus towards Panthéon

P.S.: metro tickets can also be used on buses 
 

French Pastries
For authentic French pastries, go to Ladurée. You MUST try the macarons, which Ladurée is famous for. They're absolutely delicious!

The original Ladurée is located on rue Royale.  Below are three 3 different store locations, including the flagship store:

Ladurée Royale (flagship)
16, rue Royale - 8th arrondissement
Metro stop: Concorde; the 84 bus also has a stop nearby

Ladurée Champs Elysées
75, avenue des Champs Elysées - 8th arrondissement
Metro stop: Franklin Roosevelt

Ladurée Bonaparte
21 rue Bonaparte - 6th arrondissement
Metro stop: St Germain des Prés

Ladurée Bonaparte

New York Eats

WEST VILLAGE

Blue Ribbon Bakery (American Nouveau)
35 Downing Street (corner of Downing and Bedford Sts)
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-337-0404
Blue Ribbon is one of the few restaurants in New York City that bakes its own bread. You'll enjoy "street life" upstairs and the delicious smell of baking bread downstairs. Both are fun and charming, and the food is equally tasty. We highly recommend the chocolate bread pudding for desert. Make a Reservation!

Cafe Cluny (American Nouveau/French)
284 W 12th St (corner of W12 and W4 Sts)
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-255-6900
Cafe Cluny is so nice and cozy you'll feel at home instantly. The food is delicious and the portions aren't too big. We recommend the French Toasts for brunch!

Little Owl (American Nouveau/Mediterranean)
90 Bedford Street (corner of Bedford and Grove Sts)
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-741-4695
Charming little restaurant in the heart of the West Village. Great spot for a low-key romantic dinner. Make a Reservation!

Barbuto (Italian)
775 Washington St
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-924-9700
Located at the border of the West Village and the Meat Packing district, Barbuto's lofty/warehouse-style is quite unique and very "New York." The large glass doors are open in the summertime. Make a Reservation!

Barbuto (photos courtesy of Matt Stark)

En (Japanese)
435 Hudson St (at Leroy)
New York, NY 10014, USA
+1 212-647-9196
The scene is reverent and mellow despite this "japanese brasserie's" high ceilings and industrial appearance. A great setting to relish in the details of unique japanese food preparation and presentation and to ponder the deep sake list.

EAST VILLAGE

Freeman's (Early American)
End of Freemans Alley (off Rivington between Chrystie and the Bowery)
New York, NY 10002
+1 212-420-0012
Plaid, beards, and taxidermy ... oh my! All are sure to be found on any given trip to this hipster hotspot. With a staff and clientele that seem to effortlessly straddle the line between L.L. Bean and American Apparel, this place isn't merely style over substance. The food more than lives up to its surroundings (read: WARM AND COMFY). We're particularly partial to the brunch; the poached eggs with cheddar cheese grits, roasted tomato, and sourdough toast is perhaps the best cure for a cold, wintry morning - or a hangover in the heart of summer. Buyer beware: be prepared to wait. Luckily with two bars (our favorite is the one in the back), you'll have no trouble trying one - or two - of their delicious cocktails. Make a reservation (in advance)!

NOLITA

Public (Fusion/Australasian)
210 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012, USA
+1 212-343-7011
Hip decor, eclectic cuisine and great atmosphere. The appetizers are particularly delicious so try a couple of them. Make a reservation!

Peasant - Downstairs (Italian)
194 Elizabeth St # A
New York, NY 10012, USA
+1 212-965-9511
Scratch the reservations at the upstairs, and head to the rustic "wine cellar" where you can have homemade gnocchi con conglio or pizza by candlelight. While sitting at one of the long common tables, you'll probably share an amused look at your fellow diners as the servers weave about the small space, and you'll certainly dig the great Britpop on the bartender's iPod.

ALPHABET CITY

Esperanto (Brazilian)
145 Avenue C (corner of Avenue C and E9th St)
New York, NY 10009, USA
+1 212-505-6559
Have a mojito and/or a caipirinha while waiting for an authentic Brazilian meal (they even serve farofa!). Fun atmosphere, good crowd and very reasonable prices. Live Brazilian and Cuban music every night!

CHELSEA

Red Cat (American Nouveau/Mediterranean)
227 10th Ave
New York, NY 10011, USA
+1 212-242-1122
Located in the heart of the Chelsea Art Galleries district, Red Cat offers an innovative type of cuisine in a classy (though not formal) environment. The Quick Saute of Zucchini is a reason in itself to have dinner there. We also recommend trying out the cocktail prepared with crushed strawberries and prosecco (I forget the exact name). Make a reservation!

UPPER WEST SIDE

Barcibo Enoteca  (Italian)
2020 Broadway (corner of Broadway and 69th St)
New York, NY 10023, USA
+1 212-595-2805
This unassuming yet sophisticated neighborhood wine bar offers intimate seating at tall tabletops, small plates, panini and risottos and a decently priced wine selection. Ideal for before or after a show at Lincoln Center. No reservations.

Barcibo Enoteca (photo courtesy of Matt Stark)

Globe-Trotting Contributors: Marie-Adélaïde Mol, Matt Stark, Tim Monaghan