Athens can be noisy and crowded and confusing, but it’s spontaneous and always surprising. A cable ride up Lykavittos rewards with an incredible panorama but veer off the track to discover the hill’s secret links to Parnitha. The beauty of Kaisariani Monastery’s architecture is matched by the ‘organised wilderness’ of its incredible gardens.

Ancient relics, great and small, mirror a glorious past that remains an example to the world, but they are only the start of what’s great about Athens today. There are the mountains that surround it, busy with climbers, runners and picnic-lovers during the weekends. The ubiquitous graffiti, some admirable, some abhorrent, that reveal what’s bugging the Athenians’ psyche. Bars, cafés and restaurants thronged with broke Greeks who refuse to stay inside. Stores where you can find vendors as venerable as their antiques and others that are up to date with the edgiest demands. And many surprising, sometimes downright dark, dank and mysterious pockets. Athens is changing day by day. This book will take you to places that are beyond touristy or trendy; whether hundreds of years old or contemporary, their tales are timeless.

The magnificent historic city of Bath – home to sweeping crescents in honeyed stone, restorative thermal waters, and beautiful boutiques – is no stranger to those who seek to explore its manifold charms. Most are only intrigued by the obvious: the Roman Baths, the Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent, the Circus. But for the more inquisitive there are countless hidden gems to discover.

Pick up this book and explore Bath’s best-kept secrets – stories, locations, and unique personalities from the past and present, who have been neglected by the conventional tourist routes. In these pages you’ll take a bespoke detour off the well-beaten path to unearth unexpected treasures: from secret statues and characterful pubs to artists’ studios and Georgian ballrooms, from memorials paying homage to lesser-known figures who left their indelible mark on the city to treats for foodies and fashionistas. Make your own gin, weave a scarf, tell the time with a stylish personal sundial, play ‘shove ha’penny’, bind your own book – or head beyond the city fringes, just a short hop by bike, punt, barge, or steam train, for a fresh perspective on this picture-perfect metropolis. The possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a first-timer, a frequent visitor or a native who has ‘seen it all’, here are 111 things you never thought you’d see in Bath.

It doesn’t take a passport to visit Brooklyn, as some Manhattanites might lead you to believe. Still, Brooklyn can feel a world away. And that’s precisely what locals love about it. It’s independent. Fiercely headstrong about maintaining its individuality. Tolerant of the different, the foreign, the weird. But what outsiders might be surprised to learn is that Brooklyn is less an undifferentiated mass than a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive character and history. From Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy and Bergen Beach to Weeksville, Williamsburg and Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn is a patchwork quilt of communities stitched together with mismatched threads from nearly everywhere in the world. Celebrating its in-your-face diversity, but continually churning those differences into something fresh and unique, Brooklyn embodies a hip and cool version of the American experiment. E pluribus unum – from many comes one. Here are 111 places to start your explorations.

From ‘Cowtown’ to the biggest town in Ohio, Columbus has always been an incubator for new ideas and products. There’s always something to do and something for everyone, whether attending one of the many professional and amateur sporting events; experiencing fine dining or experimenting with exotic cuisine; or participating in the city’s vivid, nonstop arts and cultural scene. A hidden gem that stands on its own, Columbus keeps people coming back for more.

Surrounded by water, Copenhagen is a well-loved destination for travellers, but it is also a very popular place to live among Danes. This new city guide has something to offer both, taking in overlooked and inconspicuous places that lie outside the usual mainstream attention. Jan Gralle and Vibe Skytte present an alternative vision of their city, opening up insights to special and forgotten places. Many of the locations described in the book are outside, which is largely down to the Copenhageners love of spending time outdoors. As soon as the sun peaks out from behind the clouds, everyone flocks to the harbour, to the water, onto the many enchanting squares and the numerous street cafés. This book is an invitation to both locals and visitors to drift, to explore the city from new perspectives and allow themselves to be seduced by its variety and its charm.

Mediaeval no-go zone, Victorian hell-hole, war-ravaged bomb site, 21st century shining city, the most exciting area in one of the most exciting cities in the world – the East End has often been London’s strange alter ego. Ed Glinert trawls through the strange stories, the crazed characters, the violent vignettes, the dried-up docks, the imaginative immigrants, the proud philanthropists to give a different history of the most misunderstood sector of the capital, from the Princes in the Tower to the Ratcliffe Highway murders; from Jack the Ripper to the Kray twins; the Jewish ghetto to Banglatown; Cable Street to Canary Wharf; Mahatma Gandhi to George Orwell.

Myanmar is a land of many contrasts. Fascinating discoveries await in the dense crowds of the capital metropolis, as well as in the remoteness of the Chin Mountains. When you go beyond the tourist highlights in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake, you can now experience the authentic Myanmar. Many regions have been inaccessible for decades, which is how so many places of breathtaking originality and rare cultural achievements survived. The co-authors offer knowledgeable and entertaining insights into their own favourite places and lead you to the secluded and impressive gems. How do you paint pictures using gemstones? Where do you find white elephants? Why do you dry tea in an old colonial school? And who lives in the last village off the Himalayas? 111 Places in Myanmar That You Shouldn’t Miss gives extensive insights into the history, geography and culture of this magical country. Learn about the special and intriguing places where new worlds open up.

Poole: home to one of the largest natural harbours in the world, award-winning sandy beaches, tons of pottery and Ryvita crispbreads. Well, yes – but what else? Loads, as it happens. Poole and its surrounding areas are fit to burst with places to explore, uncover and enjoy. Whether you’re a visitor or a local and want to discover Poole’s role in saving Labradors from extinction, where writer H.G. Wells’ ashes are scattered, a ghost village that hasn’t been inhabited since World War II, a structure built by one of James Bond’s relatives, the home of a prime suspect in the Jack the Ripper case, the location for one of Coldplay’s music videos, the best place to buy Sherbet Pips, or a very punctual miniature soldier, this guide will point them out, whisper some fun facts and little-known local knowledge in your ear and hopefully leave you raising your eyebrows and saying, ‘Well, I never… ‘

Paris is famous for its superb restaurants, but this book throws the net much wider and selects choice examples of the best food that the Parisians themselves eat and buy. The French love talking about food, and new tastes and ideas quickly become hot topics of conversation. The former restaurateur and cook, Irène Lassus-Fuchs, has her ear to the latest culinary talk, and here she has made a personal selection of the huge variety of foods, both traditional and adventurous, to suit all tastes and pockets, that makes Paris the food capital of the world.

There’s food here to appeal to every taste and purse. Paris is the world capital of food, and the guide includes many brilliant examples of international cuisine, from MELT, a traditional Texan barbecue to Isse Workshop, an exquisite Japanese food shop with dishes you can taste at the bar.

This unusual guidebook invites the inquisitive to head off the beaten track and explore many of the city’s lesser-known places.

111 Places In Mobile That You Must Not Miss is the ultimate insider’s guide to Mobile. It takes you on many fun adventures in the scenic port city. Although it is known for its Mardi Gras festivities, few realise that Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States. In fact, the city was settled over a century before Alabama became a state, giving a longer recorded history than the state itself.

Delve into pure joy as you learn what exactly was the deal behind the infamous Crichton leprechaun that took the world by storm early this century. Can you recognise the artists who used oyster-shaped art to help Mobile thrive? Which connection did the city have to the Manson family? You may get a little creeped out as you learn about the arrest of a Manson family member in Mobile and visit artifacts on display in the police precinct.

Silicon Valley has become the Mesopotamia of the Digital Age, built on cycles of innovation and disruption, monstrous ambition, and a steady supply of labour and capital. Yet for all that’s known about companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook – and the personas behind those companies – the culture of Silicon Valley remains elusive and contradictory, even to many locals. This unique guidebook, written by longtime local Floriana Petersen, takes you on an insider’s tour of 111 cool, offbeat, and very compelling places that offer insight into the evolving character of Silicon Valley.

Visit the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford to see drawings done by Leland Jr. Stanford, after whom the university was named after his death at age 15 in 1884. Sit at the Rosewood Hotel bar to witness the mating habits of venture capitalists. Go to the Music@Menlo Festival to listen some of the best chamber music to be found anywhere in the country. Enjoy the Stanford Powwow, a festival to celebrate some of the great American Indian tribes of Northern California. Visit Steve Jobs’ final resting place, or spend an afternoon at the Hakone Japanese gardens. Explore the Filoli Estate, a living testimony to the wealthy families who used the Gold Rush to build the infrastructure that has become Silicon Valley.

“Whether you are new to the area or a frequent visitor, this book will be the perfect companion for your exploration of Northumberland and Hadrian’s Wall.” — Worldwide Writer
Hadrian’s Wall once marked the northern edge of the Roman Empire, and was built to intimidate the uncouth tribes of hostile local natives. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, Hadrian’s Wall is the largest and most important Roman site in Britain. Use this book to explore Hadrian’s Wall Country, from Tynemouth to the Solway Firth.

You’ll discover how the Romans took a bath – and where they went to spend a penny; why aliens came to stay in a small rural town; where King Arthur lies sleeping until his country needs him; and whether Robin Hood really did take a wrong turn on his journey from Dover to Sherwood Forest.

You can also find out if Hadrian was a great emperor or a ruthless tyrant; why pubs were state-owned in Carlisle; where to find the Centre of Britain; and why treasure may lie unclaimed at the bottom of a deep, dark lake.

Written by someone with extensive knowledge of the region, this book will help you discover the delights of Hadrian’s Wall Country, and even learn some local dialect along the way.

111 Places in County Durham You Shouldn’t Miss will unveil Durham’s secret depths and lesser-known delights, allowing it to step out from the shadow of its spectacular, UNESCO-listed cathedral and its highly-ranked university. 

This small, hilly city has its gems, but the county’s historic towns (Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe), by the water (Hartlepool, Seaham) and nestled away in its tiniest villages (Kelloe, Tow Law) are home to Durham’s true hidden wonders. 

Discover the mysterious sea caves at Blackhall Rocks, or wander up Nose’s Point to Blast Beach. Traverse Durham city’s wonkiest staircase, or make your own mind up about the county’s most controversially-designed estate. 

Marvel at Killhope’s working Waterwheel, and uncover the county’s famous coal mining past. Unearth disused collieries and quarries reclaimed by the overgrowth surrounding them.  

Spot what’s left of a stone boar at Barnard Castle. Hear the real story behind Hartlepool’s most baffling local legend, and try to stand atop a haunted copse… if you dare.

Austin is most definitely weird If by “weird”, you mean quirky, offbeat, intriguing, and utterly lovable. The city shares that uniquely Texan pride of place, and yet it has an independent spirit and character all its own. Locals and visitors alike should look no further than these pages to explore some of the weirdest corners of Austin. Try out the latest innovations in a technology petting zoo. Get your car washed among giant dinosaurs. If you dare, spend some time in a garden inspired by Alice Cooper. Soak up the sun on the only official nude beach in Texas. And, of course, in the city of music and food, catch a live show at the spot where Janis Joplin got her start, or enjoy soul food and soul music in someone’s big backyard. Savour some of the best tacos and tamales in a city known for amazing Mexican food.

In this guidebook, you’ll find out where all the secrets are hidden and learn the unknown stories behind them too. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, you’re just passing through, or something in between, you’ll become even more enamored with the capital of Texas in all its inventive, unabashed – and weird – glory.

Welcome to the home of Wallace and Gromit, and Blackbeard and Banksy. Bristol is where the world’s first solid chocolate bar was created (Ribena was also invented here) and you can still watch delicious chocolate creations made by modern day Willy Wonkas. The city has a hidden castle (you just need to know where to look) and secret vaults underneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge only rediscovered recently after being hidden for more than 100 years. Climb inside these vaults, or into the cockpit of the final Concorde to fly or ride your skateboard in what used to be a swimming pool. If water is your thing, you can surf guaranteed waves at an inland surfing lake or take a trip in a boat that used to fight fires. Science and art collide at We The Curious, which has the UK’s only 3D planetarium.

If you think you know Bristol, think again. Allow this book to be your guide to Bristol’s best bits for kids.

Make the most of Norwich with this new guide to the sights and secrets of East Anglia’s premier city, from the unknown treasures of its magnificent cathedral to the legends and stories behind its historic pubs. It’s a place of numerous historical layers, with intrigue and interest lurking on every corner, from the black circus proprietor who inspired one of The Beatles’ most famous songs to remnants of England’s most notorious red-light districts. It’s eminently walkable, too, but you can also bike or even canoe your way around the centre, maybe even heading out to explore the natural beauty of Broads National Park which lies just beyond.

There is possibly no city in the United States as misunderstood as Baltimore, and yet there are few that can match it in majesty. One of the oldest Great Cities of America, Baltimore is profoundly rich in history and culture. But its character is not only derived from its past: Charm City’s present and future belong to the thousands of artists and innovators who call it home. Baltimore is full of adventure and surprises. You’ll visit the site of one of the most notorious scenes in cinematic history, and the home of the gay divorcée who stole the heart of a king. You’ll hear music performed by future classical music stars, grab a bite at the last old-fashioned Polish smokehouse on the East Coast, and spend a day on a street art scavenger hunt. Whether it’s your first visit or your 20th, and even if you’ve lived here for a lifetime, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery through 111 fascinating spots across Baltimore.

“In Los Angeles, everyone is a star.” – Denzel Washington

For more than a century, seekers of sun and celebrity from around the world have flocked to this sprawling metropolis on the Pacific, which Dorothy Parker once described as “72 suburbs in search of a city.” But beyond the red-carpet reputation and Tinseltown trappings is a west coast wonderland teeming with unexpected cultural experiences, iconic architecture, gorgeous open spaces, quirky museums, hidden vistas, unconventional art, and obscure stories about the starlets, moguls, personalities, and players who have made Los Angeles their playground. This unusual guidebook explores 111 of the city’s most interesting and unknown places and experiences: wander a serpentine path in a spiritual quest of your own making; channel your inner cowboy at a tried and true honky tonk bar; pay homage to the Dude at the bungalow where the big Lebowski lived; turn your car tires into musical instruments on the country’s only ‘musical’ road; sleep with the ghosts of Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin; view a constellation of stars more vivid than anything Hollywood has to offer. From the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Angelenos and visitors will fall in love with the real Los Angeles. Adventures beckon. Surprises await. Just imagine how much more scintillating your dinner-party storytelling will be.

Most people go to Napa and Sonoma in Northern California for the wine, and rightly so. The trove of 111 unexpected treasures in this guidebook, however, vastly broadens the possibilities for exploring and experiencing this region in a whole new way. The area is filled with natural wonders, from giant redwood forests and rolling hills, to cliffs and beaches, and even a secret spot to see 20,000 migrating grey whales. Discover the history of Native people who lived here for millennia. Walk in the footsteps of titans of literature, film, and design. Linger in museums featuring fine art, culinary history, and a hubcap collection. You’ll find a sense of whimsy here, too, as you hunt for fairy doors or stroll through a pygmy forest. Visit restaurants, gardens, music venues, gravesites of people who made an impact here, and more places you never imagined existed – and, yes, a few truly unique wineries too.

There might be more books on Oxford than students who have attended the world’s greatest university, but there has never been one as dynamic and exciting as 111 Places in Oxford That You Shouldn’t Miss. Author Ed Glinert has sifted through all the college histories, records and lists of alumni; examined all the quads and cloisters of the great colleges; explored the glorious villages hewn from honey-dripping Cotswold stone; luxuriated in the glamorous coffee houses of High Street; imagined society’s earliest motor cars built at the Morris garages; been struck dumb by the never-ending peal of bells at Tom Tower; relaxed at Carfax, the very centre of the universe; and tippled at each of the legendary pubs between St Giles and Merton.

This is a volume which will send residents into paroxysms of laughter, remind students why they’re there, and warn prospective undergrads of the joys of living in one of the world’s most beautiful and cleverest cities.