It's fine to visit monuments and museums, but we think that the best way to discover a country is through its food. Enjoy festivals like the Pizza Village in Naples. Come with us to discover some of the best food festivals in Europe, and choose your next destination based not on what you can see, but on what you can taste!

Some myths about European cities could do with an upgrade. One of these has Hamburg labelled as an eminently professional destination associated with the work sector. While there is some truth to that, it would be a crass error to reduce Germany’s second largest city to the sole status of business haven. Indeed, under the hood of that metropolis, which forms its own federal state (it covers an area of 755 square kilometres), seethes a cultural scene which is well worth venturing into. This nerve centre of Germanic arts also boasts a highly prominent music scene.

Any fan of The Beatles knows that Hamburg is the place where the group hatched their plot to rise to stardom. There are even routes which take you to the spots trodden by the Fab Four. But, far from aiming to live off the past and beatlemania,Hamburg features a powerful network of concert halls with highly varied programmes, both in terms of live music and DJs eager to blast out any kind of sound. Hamburg is a cosmopolitan capital and this comes out in their open-mindedness about all artistic activity.

A tour of these live music clubs might start at III&70, a venue on Schulterblatt street which spotlights upcoming artists. From singer-songwriters to rock groups, electronic music and jam sessions (the most crowded nights of the week).III&70 also has a café famed for its generous breakfasts and an outdoor terrace with some fabulous table football.

Still in the Schulterblatt area, a short walk away we come to Kleiner Donner, the hub of Hamburg’s hip hop scene. While small, this basement locale packs a punch. Here, DJs and MCs eager to make their mark combine explosive scratches with freakish rhythms. This is one of the city’s coolest clubs – be sure to get there early at the weekend; otherwise you are likely to get shut out, as their capacity is rather limited.

Pressing on with the itinerary as far as Nobistor street, in the city centre, we stop off at Molotow, one of the most respected concert halls in Hamburg. Inaugurated in 1990, in the run-up to the times of alternative rock fever, such groups as The White Stripes and At The Drive -Inhave graced their stage. Their current offerings are headed by punk, as well as independent pop and rock bands. Like Kleiner Donner, this is a basement venue which acts as a pressure cooker when crowded. A hundred per cent rock and roll.

Let’s leave behind the “modern” styles and venture into the world of jazz and swing – the latter on the up and up of late. Indeed, Hamburg’s Cotton Club is a living history of live music in Germany. In fact, it is the oldest venue is in town devoted to jazz – in 2009 they celebrated their fiftieth anniversary. Located near Planten un Blomen, a park and botanical gardens in the heart of Hamburg – their own Central Park, to be sure – Cotton Club offers live music all days of the week. And, their gigs are reinforced by an exquisite array of house cocktails.

Another historic place of mandatory pilgrimage is Logo, sited next door to Universität Hamburg. Opened in 1974, its small stage was honoured by the likes of Echo & The Bunnymen, The Jayhawks, Peaches, Modest Mouse, Rammstein, Blink 182, Ben Folds Five, Dillinger Escape Plan, Phoenix and Oasis before their rise to stardom. Nowadays they feature established groups interspersed with upcoming talent touting to make a name for themselves in pop and rock. Logo also offers an appealing programme of tribute bands.

Fire up and discover Hamburg’s musical scene – book your Vueling here.

Text by Xavi Sánchez for Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS

The Out of the Blue is a space for creators and artists that also serves as a rehearsal, exhibition and concert hall.

Its popular Flea Market, which takes place every last Saturday of the month from 10:00 to 15:00, attracts visitors from all over to buy and rummage through all the second-hand and antique objects on offer. You’ll find vintage clothing, accessories, costume jewellery, music, films, books, furniture and many other curious items. You’re sure to find something that takes your fancy hidden among the goods on sale at the more than 50 stalls that gather for this market.

The Bruncheon & Food Market is held on the second Saturday of every month from 10:00 to 15:00, where you can enjoy a delicious brunch while listening to live music and where you can buy organic fruit and vegetable produce or traditional sweets, among many other things.

36 Dalmeny Street, Edimburgo

Do you feel like going? Do it! Check out our prices here!

by Joshua Schuermann from Easy Hiker

Looking for a place to rock the night away in Paris that will not rip-off your wallet? Here are 5 of the most electric, grungy yet chic bars and clubs you can find in the City of Pop … erm … Lights especially selected by Joshua Schuermann aka Easy Hiker Jr.

L’Escale

Word-of-mouth has assured the success of this bar that offers the cheapest Mojito around the capital (€4.50 a pint), great Latin music that will get your feet twitching for a salsa and very friendly staff. The place is basically a hole in the wall, so don’t expect to be sat on a table after 9p.m. But you would not want to sit inside anyway.
Where: 34 rue Clignancourt 75018, metro Barbes-Rochechouart or Chateau Rouge

Social Club

You like electronic music? Want to see tomorrow’s stars today – or perhaps even catch one of the big names of today’s scene live in action. Then, it’s loud and clear: go to the Social Club (formerly Le Triptyque, who first hosted bands like Justice, and Daft Punk)
Where: 142 rue Montmartre 75002, metro Bourse or Grands Boulevards

Le Point Ephémère

Where underground meets trendy, the world of grunge clashes with the urban idyll of the Canal St Martin and other seemingly irreconcilable opposites run into one another, the sparks of creative energy are still flying.
Where: 200 Quai de Valmy 75010, metro Louis Blanc

Le Pompon

A humble underground bar turned from an ugly duckling into the shining new star of the Parisian club scene. It has 2 bars to quench guests thirst after dancing away to the featured band’s music.
Where: Palais Bar 39 rue des Petites Ecuries 75010, metro Chateau d’Eau

Scop’ club

Come for the live rock music, stay for the food, come back for the atmosphere. Yes, there is that kind of club in Paris. If you’re lucky, you might even see live acts of up and coming international artists.
Where: 5 Ave. de l’Opera 75001, moetro Palais Roya, Musee de Louvre or Pyramides

by Joshua Schuermann from Easy Hiker

Image: Le Pompon

Why not take a trip to París? Have a look at our flights here!