Quirky Guide

Claire is a freelance writer who is always looking for unusual places to go. She writes for publications like The Guardian (Family) and The Green Parent and was a winner in The Observer's 2009 travel writing competition.

Got a craving for a peanut butter sandwich with bacon and bananas? Or would you prefer it with grilled chicken and pineapple jam?

No, not cafés with dog on the menu! Quite the opposite. These are cafés where animal lovers go to make a big soppy fuss of somebody else’s pets.

Is it the world’s fastest elevator? Or a thrill ride in a very unusual spot? Yabafo drops shoppers in the centre of Osaka 74 meters at 22 meters per second.

Is it art? Theatre? Or a model village gone berserk? This is a live do-it-yourself show where the audience create a miniature town with a life of its own.

Tables that go up and down, salt pots that set off mysterious noises, singing waitresses and Yorkshire-Belgian fusion cuisine.

Well okay, you can wear your swimming costume here if you really want to, but you’re going to be the odd one out.

Secret Cinema have made not knowing what film is showing – or where or when! – really exciting.

Nothing unusual about eating noodles in Japan. Unless, that is, they are ice-cold and come at you down a waterslide.

Would you have the nerve to knock on a stranger’s door and ask for a cup of tea? Well, turn up at this house and they’ll happily put the kettle on.

Giffords is no ordinary circus. It’s a wild Bohemian party with a feelgood factor that takes you through the roof of its very small Big Top.