The guide's spot on about Teatro 4 de Setembro, but check if there's a show at the Cine Teatro, the smaller room upstairs. I caught a forró tribute night there last year for R$ 10 and the acoustics we...

Great break down. The Soğanlı Valley day trip is definitely worth it, but if you don't have a full day, just drive out to the Zamiri Valley instead - it's closer, free, and has those same fairy chimne...

This is a solid guide, especially the shoutout to the Wanzai Night Market. I'd add that if you're there for grilled oysters, look for the stalls with the longest queues of locals near the entrance, th...

I've heard about that box from a friend who stayed there last spring. She couldn't get it open either, but she mentioned the wood smelled like sandalwood when she held it near the window. If you're st...

The Nihongo Learning Support Center in Takadanobaba runs a free conversation circle every Saturday afternoon that flies under the radar. It's a 10 minute walk from Takadanobaba station on the Yamanote...