Birmingham is one of the UK’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, blending history and contemporary culture in a busy, diverse and multicultural mix. If you’re planning to visit the city soon for a business trip, read on to find out how to make the most of your time in the city.   Getting from the airport to the city centre Birmingham International Airport is very well connected to the main city centre the easiest way to get into the city is by train. With trains running regularly from within the airport complex to Birmingham New Street, you can expect to be in the main city centre within 15 minutes or less. If you’re visiting the National Exhibition Centre, this is connected directly to the airport and is just a short walk away within the centre complex. The Birmingham Business Park is also located a short three miles away from the airport, and is best reached by car or taxi.   If you’re heading into the city, there are ticket offices to purchase fares, or you can also buy a ticket using the automated machines available. From Birmingham New Street, you can catch connections to other parts of the city easily. As well as the train, regular buses and shuttle buses also operate to and from the airport, and some hotels have dedicated shuttle buses for guests. If you prefer a taxi, these are readily available outside the airport, and you can also organise your own car hire from here too.   Getting around Birmingham Birmingham is one of the UK’s biggest cities, and is well covered by a public transport system including buses and trains. There are eight main train lines that run across the city, which are ideal for getting to the main attractions and areas across Birmingham, including the University, shopping areas, and entertainment. Taxis are also widespread you’ll be able to find taxis from the main train stations including Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Moor Street, as well as from larger venues such as the National Exhibition Centre or any of the arenas. For visitors to Colmore Business District, located on Colmore Row, both Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill stations are within a few minutes walking distance.  With the area located just off the main road, it is also easily accessible by car. Aside from public transport, driving around the city is very easy you can find car hires almost anywhere you go. There are plenty of paid car parks around the busiest areas of Birmingham, so finding a nearby parking spot is not too difficult. Pay attention to street signs indicating parking restrictions though you could end up with a fine or even get clamped if you’re parked incorrectly!   Evening entertainment Colmore Business District has a fantastic array of bars, restaurants and cafes throughout the area, making finding somewhere to relax at the end of the day straightforward. Head to the Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatrefor a round of drinks or live entertainment, or if you prefer fine dining, the Michelin starred Purnell’s is located around the corner from Snow Hill station. You’ll also find a lot of cafés, both independent and well known chains, offering an ideal spot for daytime refreshment whenever you need it.   Outside of Colmore, Birmingham is a vibrant city with a lot going on all through the year, so you’ll always find something enjoyable in the evening. The city has two main arenas the Barclaycard Arena and Genting Arena which host a wealth of live events all year round, including major performances by national and international pop stars, comedians, as well as other performers.   The city also has a fantastic heritage of theatre and live dance performances, with a number of great venues to catch a live performance, including the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, New Alexander Theatre and Birmingham Hippodrome.You’ll find some great national touring performances on here, as well as regular contemporary events performed by the city’s own varied artists. As well as these bigger venues, there are also several smaller independent spaces that show off some of the most inventive contemporary culture in the city.   For the health and fitness conscious For a fast fitness solution close to the business area, Health du Vin is a local hotel with a fitness centre, spa and treatment room, available to guests and visitors. If you’re staying longer in the city, there is no shortage of options to help you stay fit and healthy in Birmingham from the fantastic Yoga Sweat studio, which offers a perfect place to get sweaty, flexible and strong with a regular schedule of classes, to over a dozen different large gyms across the city.   Try the Easy Gym (Corporation Street) for a great mix of workouts with a personal trainer and group classes, with affordable day pass options available. There are also several gyms which feature pools and saunas Bannatyne’s (Priory Queensway) boasts an 18m heated pool, sauna and relaxation lounge, and you can purchase a pass for a swim session or class at any time.   If you’d rather run, the main city centre can often be a difficult place to navigate as it has a lot of road traffic instead, head out to the canals to enjoy a scenic run alongside the waterfront. Retail therapy The perfect place to get your retail therapy fix, Birmingham has some truly brilliant shopping, with something for every budget, taste and need. For big brand fashion, homeware and gadgets, head to the Bullring, located within and around New Street station and home to hundreds of brands under a single shopping complex from fashion brands like Selfridges and Forever 21, to technology shops including The Apple Store, Bose and more.   There’s also a dedicated section for restaurants, so you don’t need to worry about getting peckish mid-shop pick up a burger at Five Guys, enjoy a relaxing meal at Jamie’s Italian or fuel up with a healthy juice from the Fuel Juice Bar. But there’s much more to discover beyond the Bullring..

Planning to visit Amsterdam for business any time soon? Before you head over to this culturally-rich European city, find out how to make the most of your trip with some key pointers on how to get around, what to discover in the city, and some of the best unexpected treats around Amsterdam.   Getting from the airport to the city centre Amsterdam boasts one of the best public transport systems in Europe, and this includes getting to and from the airport. The fastest and easiest connection to the city centre from Amsterdam Schipol Airport is via train a direct one runs every ten minutes from the platforms within the airport’s own arrival plaza.   Simply head down to platform 1 or 2 and fetch yourself a ticket from one of the yellow ticket machines. Or buy ahead of time online, from the airport website. If you’re heading to the main business district in Zuidas, you can catch a direct train, straight from the airport, and be there within 8 minutes. But make sure that you have a ticket before you board a train as you could get fined 35.   If you’re travelling directly to your hotel or another conference venue, an Airport Shuttle bus might be your best bet. These run from the airport every 10 minutes and go to over 100 hotels throughout the city you can buy a ticket at the Arrivals 2 plaza, or at the Connexxion Shuttle Desk in Arrivals 4.   Some hotels also provide their own shuttle service for guests, so it’s worth enquiring beforehand so that you can plan ahead of travelling. Especially if you’re on a tight schedule while you’re there.   Lastly, if you want to splash out on some extra comfort and privacy, finding a taxi (or limousine, even) is easy as pie. Expect to pay around 45 or more for a trip into the city.   Getting around Amsterdam As one of the biggest financial capitals in Europe, the Financial Mile aka Zuidas is home to many of the main conference venues and national and multinational headquarters, and is easily accessible by direct train to Zuid Station. If you’re visiting Het Seriaad, another popular business location and conference venue, you can access this directly by tram, with lines 7 and 17 running to the Postjesweg stop.   If you’re working in the main city centre, then you will instantly find that Amsterdam is a very cycle-friendly city. Driving by car around the city is rare and generally met with disapproval, while over a third of all journeys are made on the seats of the million+ bikes that populate Amsterdam.   This goes for both work and leisure. For most locals, the daily commute is made by bike. Visitors to the city can rent bikes from 8 a day, and there are plenty of cycle paths to ensure safe (and scenic) cycling. You might be surprised to see that despite the masses of cyclists on the streets, hardly anyone wears a helmet this is mainly because there is far less traffic on the streets, posing very little risk of an accident.   While cycling is a fantastic way to see and experience the city up close, trams and buses are a fast and efficient way to cover ground quickly. You can purchase paper tickets that are valid for specific durations from 24 hours up to 168 hours, or buy a 24 hour card for 7.50, which can be used for unlimited travel on any tram, metro or bus. They cover almost all areas of the city and run very frequently.   You’ll need to remember to check in and out with your ticket when you get on or off any public transport. And purchasing tickets is a breeze; at any tourist desk, station or at selected machines.   If you’re travelling beyond Amsterdam or want to travel by car, then it’s possible to hire a car from any of the main hire providers, directly from the airport. While driving in the city centre is difficult, for Zuidas and other locations outside the main city, there are ample parking provisions.   Local eateries and bar hotspots Amsterdam’s café culture is world renowned, and you’ll find plenty of great eateries and bars where you can soak up some of the vibrant city atmosphere. There’s also a really diverse range of cuisines around from the city staple of French fries liberally topped with mayonnaise, ketchup or curry sauce, and much more.   For some of the best French fries in the city thick cut, crispy and freshly made head to a tiny cult eaterie, Vleminckx, (Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx Voetboogstraat 31, Amsterdam) near Spui. Open every day until 6pm, this place serves nothing but fries, with a delicious list of toppings to choose from.   For great beer, head to De Zotte(Raamstraat 29, Amsterdam) a busy bar that’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike. It serves up a wholesome range of Belgian beers, as well as a simple but filling menu of steaks, tarts and savoury snacks.   It’s not just fries and beer though. There’s a growing interest in healthier options, with plenty of vegetarian and health-conscious offerings on the menu. One of the coolest city spots is SLA(Utrechtsestraat 10HS) with three branches across the city, you’re never far from a delicious smoothie, salad or a slice of guilt-free vegan cake. You’ll also find wi-fi hotspots in many of the cafes and bars across town, making them ideal places to catch up with emails and a refreshment during the day.   Evening entertainment In search of something to help you unwind and relax after a busy day in the city? Amsterdam has a vibrant and varied nightlife scene, with plenty to discover, whatever your tastes.   Melkweg(Lijnbaansgracht 234A,1017 PH Amsterdam) combines a theatre and cinema under one roof, where you can find a range of contemporary culture including live music, dance performances and the latest popular and independent films on the silver screen.  ..

Alive Alive-O Dublin may be small in size compared to other capitals, but it never lacked for stature. It’s influence on the world of commerce is considerable. Google, Facebook, Hubspot, Paypal, Microsoft, Yahoo and Airbnb, these are just some of the global giants who have chosen Dublin as their European headquarters. Business travellers from all over the world travel to Dublin to attend conferences and corporate events and to meet their industry peers.   But What Does Dublin Offer to the Business Traveller? The good news is that Dublin is a very vibrant, friendly city, full of character and full of characters, from the buskers of Grafton Street to the fruit & veg stalls of Moore Street. The Georgian architecture has a timeless elegance and you won’t find any tall skyscrapers casting shadows. Like every other city on the planet, Dublin hosts a myriad of hidden treasures that lie undiscovered by the business travelling masses. Local bars, places to eat, and even a decent place for a run, all of which you might not find in your convention welcome package. So here are some personal highlights of Dublins Fair City…   Getting from A to B If you’re heading to a conference, chances are it will be fairly central in the city with the Convention Centre  or the RDS being two of the most popular corporate venues in the city. At a stretch you might need to head out towards the Citywest Business Campus. The good news is Dubin is a fairly compact city and heading out towards any of these venues from Dublin Airport is no big deal. If the postcode address of your hotel is an odd number, then you’ll be staying north of the Liffey. If it’s an even number, you’ll be heading south of the river. You can pick up a taxi right outside the main exit from the Arrivals terminal. Hailo and Uber are gaining in popularity. To be honest, these days there is no shortage of taxis in Dublin. With extensive bus/taxi lanes running through the narrow city centre roads to alleviate traffic congestion, and a miriad of one-way traffic streets, it’s probably best to take this route rather than renting a car. The quickest and most direct way through the heart of the city is the Luas (local tram system) or if you heading along a coastal route, the DART train. As mentioned above, Dublin is pretty compact, in fact it’s tiny compared to the likes of London, and you’ll notice loads of people seem to commute by bicycle these days. If you want to keep your carbon footprint down, then hop on a Dublin Bike to move from your hotel to your conference venue.   A Bite to Eat First thing’s first, if your time is in short supply and you just want to prepare for a client meeting, then here’s a link to the 10 best places where you can grab a coffee and get free Wifi. If you’re looking for pub grub then you won’t go wrong at Doyle’s pub where the furniture and décor haven’t changed in decades. It’s good food though and conveniently located just across the street from the bus stops at Trinity College. If you find yourself visiting clients in the IFSC (International Financial Services Centre), then a quick trip into The Harbourmaster is a must. The lunch and dinner menus are epic and great value for money, and if you’re incredibly lucky to have a bit of sunshine, then you can sit outside by the dock. For those that prefer something lighter, then Chopped has a few locations around the city one of which is in Ballsbridge just a short walk from the RDS. This café lists an array of healthy options on its menu, and you can create your own salad.   Evening Highlights If you have time to unwind in the eveing, then sure a stroll around Dublin can be very relaxing. If you find yourself in the vicinity, stop off for  a pint in the city’s oldest pub The Brazen Head or the ever popular O’Neill’s, which is just around the corner from The Central Bank, but that’s what all the tourists do. For a truly authentic and timeless pint pulling experience, where you’re likely to bump into the a few larger than life characters, try Neary’s pub. There is never a dull moment in this type of old-school pub where music and TV have no place and conversation is considered obligatory. Sure it would be rude not to. You’ll find this bar right by the back door to Ireland’s most famous theatre, The Gaiety. And while you’re in town why not indulge in a bit entertainment in O’Donoghues where there is live traditional music seven nights a week.  But if, on the other hand, you’d prefer to taste some locally brewed ales then check out The Porterhouse in Temple Bar, where there’s an ever-changing menu of beers to sample.   Be warned however that the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, while hosting some interesting pop up art shops and contemporary galleries, turns into something of an endless street party after hours. Some may enjoy the craic, but for serious business travellers, it’s might be best to avoid the throngs, and instead stroll down the nearby Georges Street and into a quiet snug in the Long Hall pub for what is quite possibly the best pint of Guinness in Dublin.   Keep Active Phoenix Park, is one of the largest walled city parks in Europe and it’s the perfect location for a morning or evening run if you’re staying nearby. The wide expanse of greenery, the local wildlife and crisp morning dew air make this park something of a Mecca for locals that want to get their jog on. If swimming is more your thing, then you can pay a small fee to make use of the swimming pool and sauna at the Mespil located only five minutes from both St. Stephen’s..

  The After Hours Guide to Office 2016 at ExCel London This year we had an exciting time exhibiting our hotel booking platform at Office 2016 in the ExCel Centre. We know the area well so if you’re planning on going, make the most of your trip to London with a sneak peek at our insiders guide to the area. It might be perfect for business events, but the ExCel Centre hasnt got much to offer in terms of entertainment. Thankfully it’s seamlessly connected to the rest of the city, so there’s no excuse not to explore after hours.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Big Ben  Getting Here Fly into City airport if you can, it’s just a stone’s throw from the centre so you’ll waste no time travelling. All the hotels by ExCel are just a five-minute taxi but you can get on the DLR to Canning Town if you’d rather. It’s perfectly possible to walk too, if you don’t mind carrying your bags. If you’re coming from Gatwick it will take about an hour travelling, get a fast train to London Bridge, then use the London Underground and take the Jubilee line and connect to the DLR. From Heathrow Airport you’ll need to get on the Piccadilly Line to Green Park, then Jubilee Line to Canning Town and change for the DLR.                               London Tube Getting Around To plan your routes use the Citymapper app or TFL website. You can use your contactless bankcard to pay for travel, just tap in and out at the barriers. The ExCel Centre is close to Royal Victoria (usually the quieter option) or Custom House stations, so you can rely on the DLR to get around. This connects to the Jubilee line and will take you more central should you wish. The river taxis are a fun way to get over the river, as are the cable cars that depart regularly from The Royal Docks. These take about ten minutes and provide a breathtaking birds-eye view that’s even more fabulous at night, when all of London twinkles beneath you in the darkness.   Local Eateries and Bar Hotspots Grabbing some breakfast on the way to the event? Look no further than the Garden Community Café. For lunch on site there’s a splattering of restaurants to choose from, I’d recommend La Barrique and The Bagel Factory. If you’ve got a little more time to stretch your legs, walk 20 minutes to Trinity Buoy Wharf, home to London’s only lighthouse. It’s currently used as an old school art space and café. For after hours dining get dressed up and go to Canary Wharf; a great place to arrange any business dinners or client entertainment. Watch the sunset over the river from Smollensky’s or Roka. Sticks and Sushi is good for groups, order the miso marinated black cod and thank me later. Alternatively, for a low-key affair, the best curry in town is The Tale of India, on West India Dock Road. All foodie paths lead to Borough Market by London Bridge, it’s about 30 minutes away on the Jubilee Line and packed with artisan snacks and fresh produce. Find the Scotch Tails cart for the best Scotch egg and sweet potato you will ever eat, then grab a coffee at Monmouth.                                                                                                        Burough Market Stalls                                                                                                 Scotch Tails   Evening Entertainment  Camden is easily reachable and great for live music gigs. Catch Hannah Trigwell at BarFly on Wednesday 11th May or, if you’re more rap than acoustic pop, Wretch 32 is playing at hot local venue KOKO on Thursday 12th May. Vue cinema in Stratford is ideal for seeing the latest flicks and is surrounded by cool bars and restaurants to discus the plot in afterwards. Game of Thrones fans can see Rob Stark (aka Richard Madden) in Romeo and JulietatGarrick Theatre. To see him in action get the DLR to Canning Town and hop on the Jubilee line until you reach Westminster. The 02 is another popular choice for shows and Il Divo are in town on Friday 13th. Make a night of it with cocktails at Ny-lon bar, the Vera margarita is guaranteed to help.                                                                                                                                 Camden Town Subway Station       Amy Whinehouse  Street Art in Camden For the Health and Fitness Conscious Stock up on vitamins with a fresh fruit juice in the morning from Naturally Good, the place to go for healthy eating on site. Most..

Are you visiting Paris for the Intermat conference from 23rd-28th April? Don’t want to waste the opportunity to experience the highlights of one of the world’s most iconic cities? We’ve rounded up the best places that will fit around your busy schedule. Getting Around Paris  If you’re coming in from Charles De Gaulle Airport (Paris-CDG), your journey to the conference couldn’t be easier. Jump on the RER Line B towards Paris and Pac des Expositions is the first stop. Five minutes and you’re there! From Orly Airport, it’s a slightly longer trip – but still a breeze. Take the ORLYVAL to Antony, change onto the RER Line B going towards Roissy CDG, and alight at Parc des Expositions. The Paris Metro’s 300 stops not only connect up every corner of the city; the iconic Art Nouveau signs and earliest stations are something of a tourist attraction in themselves. This is by far the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective way to zip around the city. But, of course, this is April in Paris: a time of year so lovely that songs have been written about it. Springtime is glorious in the French capital and staying underground means you miss Paris incredible wealth of architectural gems, from Gothic greats like the Notre-Dame and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont to modern classics by Le Corbusier, Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. So get out your Google Maps app and walk wherever you possibly can! Notre-Dame  Cathedral Finally, taxis. These can be hard to track down, aren’t always totally clued up about where they’re going and, if you order one, will charge for the time it takes to reach you as well as your actual journey. Your best bet is to find a taxi rank (marked with a blue sign) the meter starts at 2.10. Most journeys in central Paris shouldn’t set you back more than 10.   Local Eateries and Bar Hotspots Where do you begin? Parisien cuisine is, perhaps, the most famous in the world. Of course, in the most touristy areas, there are plenty of sub-standard eateries lurking around to take advantage of the city’s reputation and the inexperience of new arrivals. But pick one of the best and you’ll enjoy an exquisite meal that you won’t forget in a hurry. The oldest restaurant in Paris, and still one of the very best, is Le Grand Véfour (17, rue de Beaujolais 75001 Paris), which is sublimely situated overlooking the Palais Royal’s gardens. It’s now run by Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin and continues to receive rave reviews. Note that the restaurant is closed at weekends. For something a little less flashy but just as authentically Parisian, head to the much-loved La Tour de Montlhéry-Chez Denise in Les Halles (5 rue des Prouvaires, 75001). This highly carnivorous bistro with its huge casks of wine is about as Gallic as it gets. Again, it’s closed at weekends but during the week you can dine until 5am, should you get carried away on the steak and Côtes du Rhône. Then there’s the laid-back but excellent Frenchie, just down from Opera (5 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, France). There’s a focus on fresh, organic, seasonal ingredients and, while it’s primarily French cuisine, it’s not purist head chef Gregory Marchand (given the nickname Frenchie by old boss Jamie Oliver) is open to experimenting with international influences and flavours, too. Or, if you’re out near the 6th Arrondissement, check out local favourite Allard (41 rue Saint-André des Arts), founded by Bergundy peasant Marthe Allard in 1932 and still serving up sensational versions of traditional classics under the watchful eye of chef-turned-restaurateur Alain Ducasse. Finally, for a wonderfully Parisian place to grab a drink, pop into Le Bistrot des Dames (18 Rue des Dames, 75017 Paris), a locally-loved suntrap with the perfect garden for an early evening glass of wine. Or, for something a little more glamorous, try out the phenomenal Experimental Cocktail Club in Les Halles (37 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris).                                                                                                                 Panthéon                                                                                                  Sacre Coeur Evening Entertainment Skip the Moulin Rouge: Paris is a true city of culture. Whether you’re in the mood for a film, a play or musical, ballet or opera, or just an evening of great music, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. For a quintessentially Parisian breed of hedonism, don’t miss La Java (105, rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75010, Paris), the famous nightclub/music venue that’s housed performances by everyone from Edith Piaf to Jill Saboule. Film lovers will drool over Accattone, the vintage cinema once managed by François Truffaut, as well as much loved indie cinemas like Action Christine and La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin. The Cinémathèque Française, which comprises a cinema, movie museum and research library, is worth the trip purely to appreciate Frank Gehry’s unique design. For great theatre, check out the lineup from Soif Compagnie and Galerie de Nesle. Both sometimes perform English language plays, as well as French. World-class ballet and dance is on offer at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, with more experimental theatre and dance housed at Théâtre de la Ville and Théâtre des Abbesses. Opera connoisseurs can choose between a performance at the sumptuous 17th century Palais Garnier, with its ceiling designed by Marc Chagall, or the Opera Bastille a striking Modernist building designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott. Or, for something a little less highbrow, until the end of April you can also catch Carmen..

In Barca on Business? Here’s How to Squeeze in the Best of the City in Your Spare Hours…   Want to see a little more of this incredible city than in the inside of a conference hall, some main drag tourist tat and your hotel bar? Well you’re in luck. We’ve pulled together the very best, off-the-beaten-track highlights to help you make your spare time in the city as great as it can be.   Getting there from the airport This year’s Alimentaria is taking place at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via Conference Centre (or just, the Gran Via Venue). From the airport, the easiest route is to take the Aerobus shuttle direct from either Terminal 1 (T1 Bus) or 2 (T2 Bus) to Plaça Espanya. From there, hop on the FGC train direct to the venue, getting off at the stop market Fira/Europa.   Getting Around Barcelona Before you can figure out how to cram in as much as possible into your free hours, you do, of course, need to know how to get from A to B. The Gran Via Venue is a little way out of the main city, but as explained above, is easily reached by FGC train from Plaça Espanya. From Espanya, you can also jump on the Metro to just about any corner of the city, or catch the bus to the airport. Cabs are also surprisingly reasonable. A 15 minute drive in a registered taxi (yellow and black, a green light on the roof when they’re free) should only set you back about 10 euros. Uber was banned in Spain last year, although alternatives like Cabify are still an option. Lastly, if you have the opportunity: walk. Barcelona’s not actually that big but it is beautiful. Strolling through medieval streets and stopping for a gander at a Gaudi is definitely the best way to take it all in. La Sagrada Familia Local Eateries and Bar Hotspots The Cava! The Butifarra! The Suquet de Peix! With its distinctive flavours and its world-famous tapas and wine, Barcelona has long been one of Europe’s most exciting culinary destinations. After all, this is the city that produced two of the best chefs in the world today, brothers Ferran and Albert Adrià, as well as legendary luminaries like Jordi Cruz and master baker Cristian Escribà. But as a popular weekend holiday destination, there are, unsurprisingly, plenty of duds thrown into the mix. It’s not always easy for a new arrival to pick out the real gems from the tourist trail travesties. So just where are all fabulous hidden secrets of the great Catalonian capital? Well, it’s time to ramble away from La Rambla and the central stag party brigade. Because in the more sophisticated corners of the city, there are some seriously memorable feasts on offer.   For a top Michelin-starred experience…Fermí Puig, Balmes 175, 08006, Barcelona Chef Fermí Puig is often credited as the guy who put Barcelona back on the fine-dining map, having launched Drolma way back in the day, but it’s his eponymously-named venture that is really reinvigorating the most classic Catalan cuisine. There are private dining rooms available for meetings and other functions, too.   For an Exquisite Spanish Setting-ABaC Restaurant and Hotel, Avinguda del Tibidabo The second-youngest chef ever to be awarded a Michelin star (he now has four), Jordi Cruz heads up the frankly phenomenal kitchen over at ABaC Restaurant and Hotel. Having been awarded the coveted Best Restaurant in Catalonia prize by the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy back in 2011, it’s held its reputation as one of the best places to eat in the whole region. The food is, of course, exquisite (think Liquid Parmesan Gnocchi in Bergamot Butter with Nuts, Lemongrass and Truffle Mushroom Infusion), with two tasting menus and plenty of a la carte options to choose from. Plus, the wine list is seriously extensive, with over 1000 on offer.   If you’re stuck in the Centre-Passeig Marítim Barceloneta, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Barcelona is blessed with a lively and elegant beachfront, with plenty of restaurants and bars sprawling right out onto the sand. But if you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, one option truly stands out: Barraca. Set up by Xavier Pellicer of ABaC and Celoni fame, Barraca is a place that oozes both style and substance. Less expensive and more laid back than other high-end eateries in the city, it nonetheless serves up some of the best (and sustainable) seafood and fresh takes on local delicacies in the region. In particular, make sure you have plenty of space to sample Pelicer’s delicious take on Bombas, a Barcelona favourite made from potato stuffed with (usually) pork, deep fried and served up with a spicy tomato sauce.   For something really unique…Los Toreros, Calle de Xuclà, 3, 08001 Barcelona The area along the main tourist drag might be largely uninspired, food-wise, but there are some solid staples tucked away nearby should you need a trusty bolthole. Among the most authentic and un-fussy is Los Toreros, a traditional (and inexpensive) little place with a fantastic atmosphere and top tapas, including classics like chocos (fried cuttlefish), Pimientos de Padrón (spicy green peppers in olive oil and salt) and fabulous calamari straight from Boqueria Market. For local hospitality….Restaurante Pakta, Carrer de Lleida, 5, 08004 Barcelona Kicking yourself that you never had a chance to eat at El Bulli? Ferran Adrià might have (allegedly) hung up his apron for a little while, but his formidably talented younger brother Albert has taken up the reins with a string of incredible restaurants across Barcelona, each with their own unique spin. Most notable of these is Michelin-starred Nikkei restaurant, Pakta. As unlikely a combination as it might sound, the 33-course Peruvian-Japanese fusion taster menu is a thing of beauty. Barcelona might do fine dining to impeccable effect, but the real joy of a meal out in the city is mixing great food with famous Catalonian hospitality. The culture here is all about the nightlife – you eat..

What to do at Berlin’s #appsworld Since opening its doors to the world since the fall of the wall, Berlin has become a bustling, cosmopolitan and hugely popular destination for business and leisure travellers alike. It’s no coincidence that a city with such historical and cultural significance should become a key exhibition hub for industries to showcase their innovations. Few cities in the world have the unique mix of the old and the new with such a vast amount of iconic landmarks and things to do and see if your schedule allows you the time. Apps World (April 20th-21st) is next up on the events calendar.   Apps World, Berlin CityCube Berlin, Messedamm, 26, 14055 Berlin    How to get there… From Berlin Schönefeld Airport, it will take you about an hour to get to the venue. Hop on the RB14 Towards Nauen Bahnhof, change at Berlin-Lichtenberg for the S5 to Messe Süd. If you’re flying into Berlin Tegel Airport jump on the 109 towards S+U Zoologischer Garten, in 10 minutes you’ll be at Berlin Charlottenburg. From here, get the S5 towards Spandau Banhof, and alight at Messe Süd. Getting around Berlin Berlin is a relatively small city, with great public transport that runs like clockwork. There’s the U-Bahn (underground/subway) and the S-Bahn (above ground train) at times you might switch between the two to get where you’re going. Oh and it runs 24 hours, so no excuses for not exploring the city! And remember: STAMP YOUR TICKETS. At each station, there’s a box that you should time-stamp your ticket at before boarding any public transport. Plain clothes ticket officers may pop up and they will fine you. The nearest station to Apps World is Messe Süd, on the S9 (which the Flughafen Berlin Schönefeld is on too, albeit on the other end) and S75. These are great lines to be on, and can whizz you from West to East in no time. Here’s a handy tube map. You can, of course, use Uber whilst in Berlin. Or download the handily named Taxi App, which works in the same way but also allows you to pay in cash (especially good if you’ve got some extra Euros to use).                                                                                                    Berlin in the Distance                                                                                        Fernsehturm Local Eateries and Bar Hotspots House of Small Wonder (Johannisstraße 20, 10117 Berlin, Germany) Climb the twisting staircase through jungle plants and odd paraphernalia. It’s not the biggest café, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time. Foodwise, their Okinawan Taco Rice is delicious and they serve their coffee with a smile.   House of Small Wonder Dr. Pong (Eberswalder Str. 21, 10437 Berlin, Germany) No trip to Berlin would be complete without a trip to the local’s local Dr. Pong. It’s gained a bit of a reputation in recent years with travelers, but the core essence remains the same: beer, and a whole lot of group pong action.   Any bar near Sonnenalle It’s totally worth taking a little trip to Neukölln of an evening. Take a little walk and peek behind any number of doors and you’ll probably find a dimly lit bar serving beer and 2 Prosecco. If locals are to be believed, Neukölln is the new Kreuzberg, and it’s packed to the brim with bars and restaurants.   EAT: Ban Ban Kitchen (Schillerpromenade 32, 12049 Berlin, Germany) Korean Soul Food is totally a thing in Berlin. They’ve got two locations, so whether you’re looking for a quick snack or ready for a proper meal, they’ve got you covered. And simply put, they have the best darn Kimchi Fries ever (yes, they’re a thing!).   THEN DRINK: Das Gift (Donaustraße 119, 12043 Berlin, Germany) This has to be the only Scottish bar in Berlin, and it’s owned by Mogwai keyboardist Barry Burns. It’s a dive bar, in the best possible way and one of the only places in around that knows (and appreciates) what cider is! Klunkerkranich (Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 Berlin, Germany) This shopping centre on Karl-Marx-Allee might look like every other mall around. But hop in the elevator and head to the top of the car-park, and you’ll be rewarded with great views of Berlin, a welcoming beer-garden and an ice-cold Fritz Kola.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    View from the Klunkerkranich                                                                                                          Brandenburg Gate Evening Entertainment  Let’s Go Gaming: IRL or VR? Want to actually get hands on? It’s Berlin International Games Week, April 18th-24th. Head to the achingly cool Urban Spree (Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin, Germany), which is 1700sqm dedicated to art and DIY ideas and just..