While You're There: Berlin

What to do when you've just purchased a new outfit? Wear it out dancing, of course. There's nothing like new threads to make you step lightly and, if you happen to be in Berlin, Clarchens is the place to show off your moves.

Clarchens Ballhaus. Perhaps the last surviving leftover from the many Tanzcafes of 1920s Berlin, Clarchens Ballhaus remains a thriving dancehall, where old-time patrons and young hipsters alike twirl about to the sounds of tango, cha cha, and swing music. On two floors, a lower level that has a decidedly kitsch aesthetic, and an upper one that boasts elegantly high ceilings and chandeliers, these patrons dine on basic German cuisine and homemade pizza, imbibe heavily, and work up the courage to hit the dancefloors in the center of each room. Luckily, nightly classes are held and instructors are on hand throughout the evening to help newcomers master the retro moves. More than anything, Clarchens is a testament to the enduring power of both old tunes and old customs, the revival of which here unites a diverse crowd in the name of some seriously quirky fun.

Augustrasse 24. +49 30 282 9295

Image credited to www.berlin-magazin.info.

While You're There: Catalunya

A visit to Cadaques, the picturesque artists' colony and fishing village where Salvador Dali made his home, is a regular stop for visitors to the Costa Brava. Bonus: the town's most renowned restaurant, Casa Anita, is the ideal place to receive a crash course in porron use.

Casa Anita. Located in a house that once belonged to the Catalan surrealist painter Angel Planells, Casa Anita has long been the haunt of famous visitors to Cadaques. Inside, pictures of illustrious guests crowd the walls, smiling over diners who squeeze together at long communal tables. Amid quintessentially Spanish decor, including arched ceilings and dripping candles, proprietor Joan Marti authoritatively rattles off the menu, which is comprised of whatever fresh fish his kitchen is grilling that night. Let Joan pick the right wine for you and strike up a conversation with your fellow tablemates. Soon, you'll be bonded in amazement over Joan's wine-pouring skills. Using a porron, the classic Catalonian wine dispenser, Joan drips the liquid in such a way that it runs down the side of his nose in a steady stream, straight into the corner of his mouth. While this requires specific facial contortions and years of practice, Joan will let you try the easy version: tilt your head back and let him pour some wine, watering-can style, directly into your mouth. All this imbibing and you're sure to have made some new best friends by the time dinner is done.

Calle Miquel Roses, Cadaques. +34 972 25 84 71

Image credited to Cap de Creus Online at www.cbrava.com.