Alfresco clubbing in Helsinki, a rare open-air drinking haunt in Dublin, and island hopping out of Oslo – all in this month’s instalment of tips from blog network Spotted by Locals

Glasgow: Pakistani Cafe – feast of colour and flavour

Spotted by Paulo Cruz

Pakistani Cafe is a very small, eccentric restaurant that serves “good Punjabi cooking [with] no artificial rubbish”.

The menu (handwritten) is not as extensive as elsewhere, but what is on offer (and there is comparatively quite a lot for vegetarians) is exceptionally tasty and good value.

Anyone wishing to enhance the subtle spiciness of most dishes should try “Ahmed’s Pickle Mix”, while those wishing to put out any fires, should have some Gulab Jamun with ice-cream.

The cafe is a “bring your own bottle” sort of place, although they have the usual selection of soft drinks, lassies and hot drinks (e.g. Lahori Chai with cream and almonds).

Colourfully decorated, it has bunting flags on the ceiling, poems painted on the walls, books on shelves, CDs hanging from hooks on the service counter walls and a random selection of music blaring from its stereo (e.g. opera and the Cardigans played back to back).

A meal at Pakistani Cafe is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace that matches the relaxed service. As it’s a small place, popular with the locals, it’s worth booking in advance (particularly on weekends). Oh, yes, bring cash.

• Pakistani Cafe, 607 Pollokshaws Road; +44 (0)141 423 5791. Main, desert and drink £11. Open 1-10pm daily. View on map

Helsinki: Kuningassoundi – the most laid-back summer club

Spotted by Nea Barman

A translation of Kuningassoundi means king sound. There is no entry fee, but the acts are still the best on the Finnish music scene. The main outdoor area has a good-size dance floor and bar space. Or you can relax on the nearby green – where you can still hear the music. On some Fridays there are more than 500 people enjoying the beats.

The music is live Finnish hip-hop and reggae. But even if you don’t understand the language, you can still enjoy the feeling, the people and the relaxed beats. You don’t need fancy club clothing – just come as you are.

• Kuningassoundi, Viikintie 1. Main performer starts at 7pm. See on map.

Dublin: The Pavilion Bar – drinking in the sunshine

Spotted by Damian Byrne

The Pav is a bar situated at the back of the sports grounds in Trinity College.

Now, if you are over a certain age, sitting outside a cricket pavillion surrounded by students knocking back cans of cheap, nasty lager may be your idea of hell. Bear with me on this one, however.

The fact is that there are remarkably few places in Dublin to sit outside and enjoy an alcoholic drink on a sunny day (and we do get the odd one). Foreign visitors to the city in the summer time must be bemused by this. Our government is addicted to banning, regulating and controlling public behaviour, so having a drink in the park or any other public space is a complete no-no. The few pubs that have outside seating areas fill up quickly, and are usually in the shade anyway.

This is what makes the Pav a real Dublin institution, even for people like me who never went to Trinity. There is simply nowhere else to stretch out on the grass on a sunny day and enjoy a cool beer without incurring the wrath of the Nanny State.

Even the Pav experience itself has been spoilt somewhat in recent years by a far heavier security presence. Given the lack of alternatives, however, it’s still a great spot. As an added bonus, the cans of beer and cider are wonderfully cheap by Dublin standards, and you get to feel like you are 19 again. Almost.

• The Pavilion Bar, Trinity College, South city centre. Four cans of beer €8. Opening times vary. See on map.

Oslo: Hovedøya – island hopping in the city fjord

Spotted by Kaja Marie Lereng Kvernbakken

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, stick your toe in the water or just sleep in the sun, then Hovedøya is for you.

Hovedøya is one of the many islands in the inner Oslo Fjord, very close to the city centre. Walk or take bus number 60 to Vippetangen, and from there take a boat using a regular public transportation ticket. If you get on the fastest boat, you’ll be out on the island within 10 minutes.

The island has a main beach if you walk across the island from the dock. This is a popular place for families, since the water is quite shallow – which also means the water can be a bit murky. But you can also find lots of secluded places where you can lay in peace and the water is clear. Be aware that there can be red jellyfish around. These sting, so don’t get too close.

Apart from the Hovedøya, Langøyene and Gressholmen are also nice places to go, while Bleikøya, Lindøya and Nakholmen have private cabins and are only accessible if you want to go for walks.

• Hovedøya. 24-hour public transport ticket NOK 70. Open all year around, but boats run more frequently in the summer months. See on map.

Lisbon: Tempero de Minas restaurant

Spotted by Cláudio Carneiro

First, a warning: this is not a restaurant for those who are on a diet. Second warning: expect to eat more than you ever thought you could, because I for one find it humanly impossible to hold back from trying every delicious recipe they serve here.

The dishes are mostly from a region of Brazil called Minas Gerais, mainly known for its exquisite flavouring, which uses a lot of onions, garlic, green pepper and parsley. You will also find black beans, meat, chicken, fish and vegetables. And when you have had the most delicious meal, then comes the dessert buffet with all sorts of gluttonous treats.

What I mean, by all this enthusiastic exaggeration, is that everything you eat there is not just good, but delicious.

Then, of course, you can taste the famous “caipirinhas”, the tropical Brazilian juices and enjoy the good mood and service of the restaurant staff and owners.

• Tempero de Minas, Av. Luis Bivar, 83, Avenidas; +35 (0)121355 5038. Buffet €10. Open Mon-Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 8am-4pm. See on map.

This month’s instalment from blog network Spotted by locals uncovers a secret city beach on the banks of the Danube, a dose of culture in a former medical factory in Zagreb and the revival of an historic arts centre in Paris

Budapest: Duna Beach & Sunbathing Park – your personal beach

Spotted by: András Nagy

I spotted it by accident on a lonely bike trip around the natural side of Újpest in the IV district. No sign or online source tells you about the place, which explains why only a few people are around whenever I go to swim. Just be confident and don’t turn back if you find a bunch of ships waiting to be repaired, as it’s the dirt road running along the river that will bring you to the entrance. The beach itself is pretty small – it reaches from the bank of the Danube toward Váci road starting with the buffet and the colourful changing rooms. The orange building makes a nice contrast with the blue pool that’s surrounded by a hedge on three sides. The pool was apparently designed for bathing rather than swimming but it’s still enjoyable and there’s a tiny pool the size of a big bathtub for children, too. The rest of the area is covered with grass, while extra facilities include a volleyball court, table tennis and three little cabins for rent. The whole atmosphere is really chilled – the furniture, the design, the music coming from the speakers that take you back to the “good old days”. Don’t expect much English to be spoken – it would ruin the 60s-feeling anyway.

• Duna Beach & Sunbathing Park, Üdülő sor, Outer Pest. Open daily 8am-6pm. Entry 1,000 forints (£3)

Copenhagen: Loppen – underground delights

Spotted by: Tue Rasmussen

Loppen has existed for about 35 years, and during that period, just about every kind of music has been performed there. Though originally called The Viking Jazz Club of Christiana, there have been electro, punk metal, soul, funk, folk and jazz, of course – often the music is quite “dance-friendly”. With its white chalky walls, wooden floors, wooden pillars and small wooden tables, it creates a very intimate atmosphere. Check out Loppen’s website, or ask a local if they know who is playing while you’re in town – but I suggest you go there no matter what. Even though this review is specifically about Loppen, I just have to say a couple of words about the location: Christiania serves as a sanctuary for anyone who is tired of the consumerism and the routine of everyday life. With its many activities, shops, music venues, restaurants, parties and social gatherings, it is the true centre of Copenhagen, and Denmark as well.

• Loppen, Sydområdet 4B 1, Sal; +45 3257 8422, loppen.dk. Gigs: 9pm. Entry: from 30 kroner (£3.30)

Paris: Le Bellevilloise – sound and vision

Spotted by: Tamara Mesaric

La Bellevilloise is one of the most important nightlife spots in Paris. There are lots of places where you can “live culture” during the day in the city, but they are not so easy to find at night. In its current version, Bellevilloise was opened in 2005 on the spot where there used to be (in 1877) a workers’ cooperative. In those days, it was dedicated to the education and entertainment of the workers living in the area. Today, the motto is “dedication to light and creation”, although nowadays you will meet mainly “bobo” people there, but not exclusively. A music club, an exhibition space, a bar and a restaurant with a stage (separated in four different rooms) all at the same time, La Bellevilloise hosts rock or world music concerts, DJs, interactive workshops, film festivals and even organic markets.

• Le Bellevilloise, 19,21 rue Boyer, Belleville, +33 1 4636 0707, labellevilloise.com/english.htm. Open Wed-Fri 5:30pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am

Zagreb: Medika – a dose of culture

Spotted by: Karla Loncar

The Autonomous Centre for Culture Medika is located in the vast spaces of a former medical factory. After months of striving to make this squat suitable for different cultural and educational events, Medika Initiative (an association of organisations and independent collectives) finally reached an agreement with Zagreb’s city council. In doing so, it became the first legalised squat in the city. This place offers an open-door policy for anyone who wants to share their art, or organise educational workshops and flea markets. Art exhibitions, movies, theatre and contemporary dance take place here, as well as parties, concerts and club nights. The complex has a large number of different rooms, so when you come here for a night out, expect at least two music/dance floors. Beer, rakija and wine are cheap.

• Medika, Pierottijeva 11, Lower Town. For opening times check pierottijeva11.org

Dublin: The Loft Market – local talent

Spotted by: Claudia Rodriguez

I like to explore the latest designers and artists of any city I happen to visit. Often, you find these by chance as I did when I first moved to Dublin; in all honesty, this spot won my heart from the moment I walked in. Not only are you able to see talent all around you, but you can also meet the designers and artists in person, often while they are hard at work on their latest projects. You are welcome to browse, admire, touch, experience – and buy – the items on display. One of my favourite vendors is the team from Aliquo with their classy and whimsical pieces. Thanks to the Loft Market, you are not only participating in a more intimate exchange of goods with the young creative minds of the city, but you are also supporting the local economy and promoting its artistic community. I suggest stopping by at noon on a Friday, as it is less crowded and vendors have more time to chat with you.

• The Loft Market, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 59 William Street South. Open Fri & Sun noon–6pm, Sat 11am-6pm

Irish airline Aer Lingus has revealed that they are to open four new routes from Britain to Shannon. Opening up the south west of Ireland to more people than ever before the new flights will fly from a range of airports across Britain as the airline carrier makes continuing increases to its operations.

Following on from the launch of franchise activity from Cork and Dublin, Aer Arann operated Aer Lingus Regional said that Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol will all have new Irish routes launched. Allowing for tourists up and down the country to easily access the country, daily flights will be available from Glasgow and Manchester whilst a six weekly service will be operated from Birmingham and Bristol.  Explaining that they had noted a strong demand for additional flights to be implemented to Shannon chief executive officer of Aer Arann, Paul Schutz, said that the new operations had come about due to both the tourist and business sectors showing increased desire to access the city. "We are providing a unique product that combines the best of both Aer Arann and Aer Lingus and offers both business and leisure passengers a quality service with excellent frequency," he added.

The increased operations may prove particularly popular with tourists who, in the post recession period, are looking for ways to reduce spending and go on cheaper holidays. And with Ireland continuing to be a cultural and desirable holiday location, increased access to area's of the country which some may not have seen before may prove particularly popular with those looking for cheap flights and a quick getaway.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight

A new campaign is being rolled out in Great Britain with the aim of encouraging more people to arrange summer trips to Ireland.

The initiative, which is the country’s largest ever mid-year overseas marketing drive, was launched by government minister Mary Hanafin earlier this month and will be rolled out by Tourism Ireland across the UK.

Coming at a cost of around €20 million (£17.2 million), the campaign will focus on the value that is available in Ireland and seek to take advantage of a trend towards late bookings.

Government authorities decided to launch the promotion after figures for the first two months of 2010 indicated a fall in the number of visitors to the destination, particularly from Europe and the UK.

Ms Hanafin said: "While 2010 continues to be a very difficult year, we still have everything to play for in terms of winning the business that is out there – over 60 per cent of our overseas visitors arrive between May and September.

"We must get out there and fight for that business which is the lifeblood of this industry."

People planning to visit Ireland can catch flights to Dublin, Cork, Knock and other destinations.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2009 – Just The Flight

A new campaign is being rolled out in Great Britain with the aim of encouraging more people to arrange summer trips to Ireland.

The initiative, which is the country’s largest ever mid-year overseas marketing drive, was launched by government minister Mary Hanafin earlier this month and will be rolled out by Tourism Ireland across the UK.

Coming at a cost of around €20 million (£17.2 million), the campaign will focus on the value that is available in Ireland and seek to take advantage of a trend towards late bookings.

Government authorities decided to launch the promotion after figures for the first two months of 2010 indicated a fall in the number of visitors to the destination, particularly from Europe and the UK.

Ms Hanafin said: "While 2010 continues to be a very difficult year, we still have everything to play for in terms of winning the business that is out there – over 60 per cent of our overseas visitors arrive between May and September.

"We must get out there and fight for that business which is the lifeblood of this industry."

People planning to visit Ireland can catch flights to Dublin, Cork, Knock and other destinations.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2009 – Just The Flight

Travellers looking for a destination for a culinary break this year might be interested in booking flights to Dublin to attend a high-profile event in Ireland’s capital city.

Iveagh Gardens will once again host Taste of Dublin, which is described by its organisers as "the world’s greatest restaurant festival", from June 10th to 13th.

More than 30,000 food lovers are expected to visit the location to sample food and drink provided by some of the capital’s top dining establishments.

Balzac, Salon des Saveurs, Jaipur and Eatery 120 are among the restaurants that will be participating in the festival this year.

Visitors will also be able to attend demonstrations and workshops that will help them improve their own culinary skills, while the Taste of Thailand area will offer an insight into the exotic cuisine and culture of the Asian country.

Travellers planning a city break in Dublin this year can catch flights to the city with Aer Lingus, bmi, Flybe and other carriers.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2009 – Just The Flight

Holidays to Prague are the cheapest city breaks on offer outside of the eurozone, according to a new survey by the Post Office.

A City Costs Barometer report has shown that the 11 staple items for a holiday, including food, drink, accommodation and sightseeing, cost £106.17 in Prague, despite the sterling buying 7.4 per cent less Czech koruna than in 2009.

Other Eastern European destinations including Warsaw and Budapest also performed highly.

In Europe, taking a flight to Lisbon this spring will also prove to be good value as it came in second on the list.

Much improved on previous years was Dublin, which was found to be the second cheapest city in the eurozone, costing £174.86 for holiday items.

Contributing website Hotels.com also found that accommodation in Dublin had dropped in cost by 11 per cent on last year.

Alison Couper, communications director at the website, said: "Now is a great time to visit the Irish capital as hotels there haven’t been so affordable for years."

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2009 – Just The Flight

Over two million Britons are set to take advantage of the Easter break between April 1st and 6th by setting off on holiday.

Abta – The Travel Association said that Spain continues to be the "outright favourite" for holidaymakers.

The Canary Islands, and Tenerife in particular, have been proving popular among Easter travellers, who can look forward to "excellent" weather, Abta revealed.

Elsewhere, Turkey and Tunisia have sold well and Egypt has maintained the growth it experienced in 2009, while Florida and the Caribbean have attracted the interest of people planning long-haul getaways.

In the city break market, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Milan and New York have seen strong demand, while people planning to stay in the UK will be heading to London, Edinburgh and Manchester in high numbers.

Abta chairman John McEwan said: "Easter is the traditional curtain raiser to the summer and I am delighted to see that hundreds of thousands of our customers are taking the opportunity to take a well-earned break both here in the UK and overseas."

Heathrow Airport is set to handle 575,000 departing passengers during the Easter period, while Manchester Airport will be the busiest regional base with 141,000 travellers.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2009 – Just The Flight

One of the aspects of Ireland that make it a unique destination is the personality of its local people, according to the national tourist board.

A spokeswoman for Tourism Ireland said the experience of meeting and speaking to locals makes the destination "that bit different from other countries".

She was commenting after the release of a new Lonely Planet guide to Ireland, which claims that the traditional image of the region is slowly disappearing as it becomes increasingly similar to other European destinations.

Offering some tips for travellers planning to visit the country, the spokeswoman said: "We always encourage people to stop and ask the locals, they’re experts.

"It’s like any city really, if you go into a city and you do tourist things, that’s what you expect. Get off the beaten track and ask local people where they think you should go and restaurants that they recommend."

People planning trips to Dublin or Belfast over the coming months will be able to experience the cities’ celebrations of Chinese New Year and St Patrick’s Day.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2009 – Just The Flight

One of the aspects of Ireland that make it a unique destination is the personality of its local people, according to the national tourist board.

A spokeswoman for Tourism Ireland said the experience of meeting and speaking to locals makes the destination "that bit different from other countries".

She was commenting after the release of a new Lonely Planet guide to Ireland, which claims that the traditional image of the region is slowly disappearing as it becomes increasingly similar to other European destinations.

Offering some tips for travellers planning to visit the country, the spokeswoman said: "We always encourage people to stop and ask the locals, they’re experts.

"It’s like any city really, if you go into a city and you do tourist things, that’s what you expect. Get off the beaten track and ask local people where they think you should go and restaurants that they recommend."

People planning trips to Dublin or Belfast over the coming months will be able to experience the cities’ celebrations of Chinese New Year and St Patrick’s Day.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2009 – Just The Flight