There’s nothing better than wandering the streets of a foreign city and accidentally stumbling across a hidden alleyway. For many of us, these little hidden alleys and lanes are a way to really get in touch with the local culture, away from the tourists-filled hotspots, and a way to feel like we’ve properly explored a city and not just been a casual tourist. And for those of us who are sassy enough; they are often the best spots for shopping bargains, authentic food experiences, incredible cocktails, world-class street art, or just the prettiest place in the city in which to get a snapshot.
We’ve cast our eyes far and wide this time and have come up with a list of 5 of the best secret laneways in the world. If you’re looking for good food, a good drink, good art, or simply a good time, check out some of their favourite, hidden alleys to discover on your next big city vacation.
Golden Gai, Tokyo, Japan
Tucked away in a corner of Shinjuku, an area of Tokyo known for its skyscrapers, city-slickers, and nightlife, is Golden Gai. This block of six hidden alleys is home to almost 200 bars, some seating as little as 4 people at a time. This seemingly run-down district is a far cry from the city’s flashier hotspots, but is an ideal hideaway for those who want to go where the locals go, no matter how bizarre it may be. The attraction of Golden Gai is its wonderfully eccentric bar scene, with everything from hospital-themed venues to bars lined with troll toys.
Where to stay: Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo, starting from ₹9,837 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights departing from New Delhi to Tokyo from ₹38,284**
Croft Alley, Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, is famous for being a revolving canvas of graffiti from local, national, and internationally acclaimed street artists. But you don’t need to look far to find an abundance of equally cool laneways dissecting the city, such as AC/DC Lane, Centre Place, and Croft Alley. Nestled between Bourke St. and Little Bourke St. in Melbourne’s Chinatown district, Croft Alley is a narrow dead-end populated with garbage bins and crates. During daylight hours it doesn’t look like much, but when the sun sets this Melbourne corner comes to life and attracts a hip crowd drawn to The Croft Institute, one of the city’s best little bars. Made to satisfy your inner science nerd, the laboratory-themed venue offers a range of top notch spirits, served in beakers, syringes and test tubes.
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton, starting from ₹14,995 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights departing from New Delhi to Melbourne from ₹60,392**
Also Read: The Best of HK: Places you must visit in Hong Kong
Cerro Alegre, Valparaiso, Chile
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaiso is a colourful town just a few hours from Chile’s capital. The city has an undeniably alternative feel and over the years has attracted artists from all over the world, particularly street artists. Cerro Alegre (literal translation: cheerful hill) is a winding neighbourhood of small lanes and hidden alleys and is one of the best places to appreciate Valparaiso’s vibrant street art. The vivid art displays sit alongside 16th-century churches and modern restaurants, making it a lively area to explore.
Where to stay: Diego De Almagro Valparaiso, starting from ₹5,677 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights departing from New Delhi to Santiago from ₹108,036**
The Shambles, York, United Kingdom
This old street in York couldn’t be more Harry Potter-esque if it tried. In fact, Diagon Alley as it’s seen in the films is based on the shambles. With cobblestones and timber-framed buildings, a walk down this quaint lane in York will transport you back in time. Once upon a time the term ‘shambles’ referred to an open-air meat market and in its heyday the street was filled with butchers (at one point there was at least 25 of them). Today, the butchers have gone and an array of local eateries, bakeries, tea rooms, and bookshops have taken their place. One of the best things about The Shambles is its five adjoining hidden alleys, known as the ‘Snickelways’ – this charming, medieval maze is a great place to eat, drink, and get lost.
Where to stay: Hilton York, starting from ₹11,441 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights departing from New Delhi to Leeds from ₹27,701**
Don’t Forget: Discover Centuries Of History In These 5 European Hotels
Nanluoguxiang, Beijing, China
A fusion of cultures old and new, Nanluoguxiang is a pedestrian laneway located in Beijing’s Dongcheng district. Just shy of a kilometre long, the laneway is trendy and tourist-friendly with a tonne of cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The real magic, however, is to be found in Nanluoguxiang’s hutongs or side alleys – they’re a little less crowded and maybe even more enjoyable to roam, with everything from fresh fruit, ice cream, and beer available to passersby (the perfect antidote to humid weather). Built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368), there are also many traditional tea houses here and if you’re keen to take home a souvenir, elevate your green tea game by treating yourself to an intricately designed set of handmade Chinese tea cups, after tasting the finest brews for yourself.
Where to stay: The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, starting from ₹13,427 per night*
How to Get There: Return flights departing from New Delhi to Beijing from ₹27,701**
*The hotel prices above are for double occupancy (including taxes and fees) and were collated on KAYAK.co.in on 01 November 2016 for travel in December 2016. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
**The flight prices given above are for one return economy seat (including taxes and fees, excluding baggage fees) and were collated on KAYAK.co.in on 01 November 2016 for travel in December 2016. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
