Oslo

Oslo’s Stortinget Parliament.

If you’re a fan of Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole series, then retracing the detective’s steps in Oslo is an offer you cannot refuse. Of course, you don’t need to do any sleuthing, except for tracking down the best sights, sounds, tastes and smells that the city has to offer.

In recent years, the Norwegian capital has reinvented itself as a happening city where the proverbial old meets the new – sleek modern architecture sits side by side with restored historical jewels. The new opera house, designed by Snohetta, is especially beautiful.

Norway does cafe life well. The hip district of Grunerlokka is lined with cool cafes – Parkteatret on Olaf Ryes plass is where all the hipsters gather. The Pascal Cafe de la Paix, situated inside the Nobel Peace Centre on Radhusplassen, bakes the most wonderful French pastries. While you consume the calories, look around and admire the cafe’s interiors, designed by Turner-prize winner Chris Ofili.

For a spot of retail therapy, head to the House of Oslo on Ruselokkveien – it’s a four-floor department store packed with Nordic interiors. If shopping is not your thing, then take the tube line and head to Sognsvann Lake outside the city – it’s where Norwegians come out to play.

When you have worked up an appetite, head back to the city and enjoy cocktails at the 1950s-inspired Bar Boca. The Ekeberg restaurant is housed in a 1920s building and serves modern Scandinavian food. Check out the price list though as Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Madrid

Puerta del Sol, Madrid.

The Spanish capital may have gone through tough financial times, but that hasn’t stopped the locals from enjoying life. Join in and forget all about your financial woes as madrilenos can teach you a thing or two about partying.

The La Latina and Lavapies neighbourhoods in the old city are packed with tapas bars and pavement cafés serving one-bite wonders. For beautiful views of the city, climb up to Gaudeamus, the bar on the roof terrace of the Open University building.

If you’re in Madrid in August, stick to this district as it’s the stage for the popular San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma festivals.

We suggest you take a nap because you’ll be staying up late. The locals love their noche and will eat, drink and make merry until the early hours. Queue up for fried churros and thick hot chocolate (yes, even in summer) at the stalls along the Paseo de la Castellana, dance the night away at Space of Sound at the Plaza Estacion de Chamartin or enjoy a late-night opening at the Prado museum. There’s something for everyone.

Berlin

Summer in Berlin.

Europe’s biggest post-war construction project has transformed the area that once separated East from West Berlin into a vibrant spread of shops, apartments, restaurants, bars, cinemas and monuments. You can spend your entire holiday here and never tire of the throbbing life.

In Berlin, grand public buildings, theatres, beer halls, nightclubs and bars rub shoulders with each other in a seemingly unplanned cacophony – but there is a cunning plan, and it is to help you have a good time.

For culture lovers, there’s a wealth of museums, from the Kathe Kollwitz Museum and the Neues Museum to the Bauhaus Archives and the Museum Berggruen.

If you want to max your credit, there are plenty of opportunities here. The Happy Shop on busy Torstrasse does just that – make you happy with its jewellery box design and bright clothes. The Chelsea Farmer’s Club in Charlottenburg takes you back to the 1960s with classic fashion and detailed accessories – there’s also a bar at the back where you can celebrate your latest fashion find.

In the evening, head to Kptn. A Muller, a bar with a living-room vibe, complete with East German wallpaper and DJs spinning electro jazz. Enjoy.