People say these are bad times for the music (in Spanish: “Corren malos tiempos para la música”). So it could be quite hard to find a good pianist… Well, in Toni 2… they have three!!!!!
Toni 2 is not a karaoke; the people that go here to singare actually incredible artists!!

Located in the heart of the city, close to the National Library, between calle Barquillo and Paseo de Recoletos, Toni 2 was originally a different business, but the owner introduced a piano and now it is the reference of the place.

I could say that Toni 2 and just a few other, like Café Gijón and El Espejo, are the only emblematic venues for a different night out in Madrid.

It is a very special place, a symbol of spontaneity because everybody is sitting around the large piano and there are turns for everybody to take the microphone and sing. It is surprising how you can see people from different ages with the same passion.

It’s open from midnight till six in the morning, every day of the year. So here you will listen to traditional Spanish or international songs that you can ask the pianist to play.
A totally different concept for a piano bar. A real discovery!

By Teresa Juan López from SpottedByLocals.com/madrid
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If you need a break and some good coffee, this place is definitely one of the best choices in this part of the city!

Ok, those of you who know me already could say “But, you’re not even a coffee drinker, so how this place could be your spot?“

Well, it’s true, but Natural Caffé has much more to offer then good coffee. Well, they have tea, but it’s not the reason why I use to go there.

I like to stop by after a working day: you feel a certain dynamism: everyone is a bit in the same situation: so much stress because of their activities and in need of a nice break before starting the evening, going back home.

Here you’ll feel the energy of a Metropolis: a business man happy after a good deal, a shopping women happy after another kind of good deal, students talking about their thesis and how to deal with, couples taking the time to be a couple before going back home and be parents again, …
I like the light from the big windows from which you have a perfect view to one of the largest avenue of the city: avenue Louise, and Natural Caffé is perfectly situated in the “carrefour” of Lesbroussart street and Bailli street: so you can sit and watch the theater going on outside.

As I said, I use to go there around 6 pm, after work, but I’ve heard of people who like the place in the morning for the breakfast (and I tried it on Sundays) or on a Saturday afternoon as a nice meeting place.

I’m sure, you’ll find the hour and the coffee that suits you best!

By Yamina El Atlassi from SpottedByLocals.com/brussels
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This Art Gallery is definitely a must for all the design-addicted and art lovers! The Triennale Gallery is located in Sempione Park, just beside Castello Sforzesco.

Besides the wonderful location, and the perfect set up of modern pieces of art, what I do really love is having a cup of coffee at the DesignCafè, very white, very design!

By Alessandra Nigro, from SpottedbyLocals.com/milan
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One of Amsterdam’s newest clubs: Canvas is located on the top floor of the former Volkskrant (newspaper) building.

Canvas is not only a club; it’s also a café, restaurant, lounge, cocktail bar and exhibition hall. Because it’s not too close to the city centre, the venue is transformed into a local hotspot. The ultimate hangout of young creatives, students, and inhabitants of the neighbourhood.

Not only the spectacular panoramic view over Amsterdam makes this venue worth visiting. Other super features are the two rooftop terraces and the customized second hand furniture by artists.

In weekends DJs make sure you can dance the night away. Due to its small measurements, the intimate and cosy atmosphere is preserved. I can recall a certain Berlin-style.

The small menu offers the possibility to have dinner or lunch. Don’t expect exquisite dishes but the Canvasburger is tasty and reasonably priced. Simple but just fine!

Photo by Sophie Reitsma

By Sophie Reitsma, from SpottedbyLocals.com/amsterdam.
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The first thing that comes to your mind when you enter Sankt Oberholz is: Is this an office or a cafe? People staring at and typing on their computers can be seen everywhere. From time to time, they take a sip of their Latte Macchiato, watching who enters the room while chatting with their neighbor. The secret ingredient at Sankt Oberholz is simple: Wireless Internet. This is no new concept for cafes in Berlin but somehow this one has become the preferred hotspot for laptop owners and wireless nomads.

But don’t worry, pixel lovers aren’t the only ones welcome here. There are some more things that make St. Oberholz such a special place to visit. For example, lots of interesting, creative and international people frequent the cafe, located in Berlin’s trendy Mitte District.

So it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary if the fashionable Asian girl in the corner is a successful media artist, the nerdy boy at the next chair the leader of an electro band, and if you look closer, the gonzo guy buying a fresh-made peppermint tea could be the author of a popular controversial coming-of-age novel. Or maybe they are just normal students like me.

In any case, it’s not just the people that usually frequent St. Oberholz that are unique, it’s also the cafe itself. Don’t just limit yourself to the ground floor where the self-service bar is situated. Be sure to go upstairs to the first floor and try to find a seat next to the huge windows. There you’ll have a great view over bustling Rosenthaler Platz – that means more people to watch plus the beautiful light of the sunset in the evening.

By the way, the self-service bar in the cafe offers a huge plate of delicious Spaghetti Bolognese for € 5.00! For smaller appetites you can chose from cakes, sandwiches, bagels and soups.

By Sarah Curth, from SpottedbyLocals.com/berlin.
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