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