In this episode of Travel in 10, we continue our exploration of Paris, this time focusing on three of the city’s most iconic markets. In the last episode, we toured the streets of Paris with Oliver Gee from The Earful Tower. Today, we step deeper into local life, where the colours, flavours, and sounds of Paris come alive in its bustling marketplaces.

From open-air boulevards to historic covered halls, these markets are the perfect way to connect with Parisian culture — whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. David shares his favorites from a recent trip, along with tips for where to stay and a classic Paris jazz club to visit at night.

Marché Bastille

• Open Thursdays and Sundays, near the Bastille
• One of the largest and liveliest open-air markets in Paris
• Fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, flowers, and street food
• Sunday is the busiest day and the best for variety

Marché des Enfants Rouges

• Open Tuesday to Sunday in the 3rd arrondissement
• Oldest covered market in Paris (1615)
• Known for high-quality food stalls and small restaurants
• Global cuisine alongside French favorites; great communal dining atmosphere

Marché d’Aligre / Marché Beauvau

• Open Tuesday to Sunday in the 12th arrondissement
• Combination of outdoor produce stalls and a covered market
• Popular with locals and chefs; known for authentic atmosphere
• Surrounded by a foodie neighborhood with excellent cafés, wine shops, and specialty stores
• Flea market outside most mornings except Monday

Stay – Hotel 34B (Astotel Group)

• Stylish boutique hotel with excellent value
• Free in-room minibar (non-alcoholic drinks and snacks)
• Complimentary afternoon snacks and drinks at any Astotel property in the city
• Great locations and unique design inspired by each neighborhood

Nightlife – Caveau de la Huchette

• Legendary Paris jazz club in the Latin Quarter
• Live music until the early hours, every night
• Welcoming atmosphere and great value

Note: Some of the above links are affiliate links. By booking through them, you pay no extra, but a small portion of your booking helps support this podcast.

You’ve done Paris once. Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Luxembourg Gardens—check. Now what? In this episode, we sit down in a café in the 11th arrondissement with Oliver Gee, host of The Earful Tower, to plan a “second visit” to Paris that steps off the tourist track: covered passages, neighborhood cafés, budget-friendly bouillons, cabarets that are actually fun, where to stay, and how to arrive without wrecking your first impression.

Oliver Gee, host of The Earful Tower and founder of Earful walking tours in Paris.

• Why your second trip is when Paris really clicks
• Which neighborhoods reward wandering (11th, 19th, 20th)
• The covered passages worth seeking out and why they’re special
• Lunch spots and coffee bars locals actually use
• Bouillons: beautiful rooms, classic fare, tiny bills—what to expect
• Solo-friendly nights out (including cabaret)
• Smart lodging and airport choices that save time and sanity

• Covered passages: Galerie Vivienne; Passage Jouffroy (home to Hôtel Chopin)
• Cafés & lunch favorites: Café Méricourt; Holybelly
• Vintage shopping: Kilo Shop (pay-by-weight, multiple locations)
• Budget dinner, big atmosphere: Bouillon Chartier; Bouillon Pigalle
• Night out: Moulin Rouge and other cabarets around Pigalle/Montmartre
• Where to stay: Aim central (arrondissements 1–11) to cut transit time
• Getting into town: Consider a taxi from CDG/ORY for a smooth first impression; if you have a choice, many prefer Orly for speed and simplicity

Earful Tower tours focus on discovery over dates and statues—courtyards, stories, and hidden details. Oliver personally leads a Monday-morning Marais tour most weeks.

Book: Earful Tower Walking Tours — https://theearfultower.com/the-earful-tower-walking-tours/

The Earful Tower (podcast): https://theearfultower.com/the-podcast/

• The covered passages are as atmospheric as promised. Highlights: Galerie Vivienne; Passage Jouffroy with Hôtel Chopin tucked inside.
• Kilo Shop is a fun, budget-friendly vintage stop—great with teens.
• Bouillon Pigalle (more modern) and Bouillon Chartier (old-school classic) both deliver on vibe and value. Go off-peak to avoid lines.

• Earful Tower Walking Tours: https://theearfultower.com/the-earful-tower-walking-tours/
• The Earful Tower (podcast): https://theearfultower.com/the-podcast/
• Galerie Vivienne: https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/voyascape/EWLWk69bPK
• Passage Jouffroy: https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/voyascape/vPe_qlc-k_
• Hôtel Chopin:

In part two from Zacatlán—a Pueblo Mágico tucked in Mexico’s apple-growing highlands—David sits down with Angelica Herrera, owner of Casa Madera, to unpack the region’s soul-warming cuisine, misty canyon scenery, and adventure options that have long made this town a beloved escape for Mexicans. Expect talk of apple fairs and parades, glass-balcony waterfall viewpoints, and rustic-modern stays perched right on the cliff’s edge.

• Barranca de los Jilgueros (Canyon Viewpoints) – A sweeping cliff panorama that often fills with morning fog—one of Zacatlán’s signature sights.
• Waterfalls Circuit –

Cascada San Pedro: Close to town and easy to reach.

Cascada Las Brisas: Features a glass lookout balcony with dramatic canyon views.

Cascadas de Tulimán: A towering, multi-drop fall and a local favorite for hikers.

• “Piedras Mágicas” Off-Road Route – Rugged forest outcrops and stone columns reached by razor/ATV or 4×4; otherworldly rock formations and riverborn springs tucked in the woods.
• Caves & Ziplining – Guided cave treks through underground rivers plus zipline runs over the canopy—easy to pair with a waterfalls day.
• Apple Culture – Cider tastings, apple wines, and seasonal specialties echo the town’s heritage (and make great souvenirs).

• Best months: April–June for clear skies and fresh mountain air.
• August: The beloved Feria de la Manzana (Apple Fair)—parades, performances, and yes… people on floats tossing apples into the crowd. Bring quick reflexes and a sense of humor.

• Casa Fernández – A local favorite for regional flavors and inventive plates (look for the mole lasagna and excellent cocktails).
• Casa Orno – More international leaning (handmade pastas, wood-fired touches) at fair prices.
• Mi Viejo Pueblito (at Casa San Miguel) – Charming courtyard setting for Puebla-style comfort food.
• Apple Everything – Try pan con queso (cheese bread served at the start of many meals), tlayoyos (stuffed corn-dough triangles with salsas, cheese, and crema), plus ciders and apple liqueurs from local producers.

• Casa Madera – Cliff-edge, rustic–modern boutique with minimalist design and 180° canyon views that often float on a sea of fog. Perfect for “slow mornings, big views.”
• Casa San Miguel – An 18th-century home turned boutique hotel (spa, temazcal, cowork, onsite restaurant). Central, atmospheric, and lovingly restored.
• Montra Glamping – Design-forward domes and tiny-home chalets on the ridgeline, plus a spa—ideal for a cozy, Instagrammable mountain escape.

• Easy pairing with Mexico City – Zacatlán is about 2–3 hours by car from CDMX and pairs beautifully with a capital-city itinerary for a deeper, non-beach look at Mexico.

Zacatlán trades surf and sand for mist, moss, and mountain air—with hearty Puebla cuisine and adventure at the doorstep. It’s the perfect counterpoint to Mexico City: creative, calm, and proudly local.

In this episode, David takes listeners deep into the misty mountains of Puebla, to a town that feels worlds away from Mexico’s sun-soaked coasts. Zacatlán—known for its apple orchards, clockmakers, and cobblestone charm—is a creative and cultural haven just two hours from Mexico City.

Joined by Eirick Rodríguez, General Manager of Casa San Miguel, David explores the town’s fascinating blend of history, nature, and craftsmanship. From 18th-century architecture to caves, waterfalls, and local cuisine that redefines mole, Zacatlán offers an authentic slice of mountain Mexico few travellers ever experience.

• Zacatlán de las Manzanas – The mountain town where mist meets creativity and tradition.

• Local Art & Architecture – How community mosaics and colorful alleyways celebrate regional pride.

• Adventure in Nature – From ziplining and waterfalls to mysterious rock formations like Piedras Mágicas.

• Boutique Hotels & Glamping – Why design lovers and nature seekers alike are discovering Zacatlán.

• Apple Cider & Mole Lasagna – A taste of how local flavors blend Mexican roots with culinary innovation.

Casa San Miguel – A beautifully restored 18th-century home turned boutique hotel in the heart of town. With 16 rooms, a spa, temazcal, coworking space, and on-site restaurant, it blends history with contemporary comfort.

Mantra Glamping – Perched in the hills above Zacatlán, this stylish glamping retreat features transparent domes, modern chalets, a spa, and panoramic views of the canyon below. Ideal for travelers looking for something a little different—and deeply relaxing.

Piedras Mágicas – Hidden deep in the forest and accessible only by 4x4, this surreal natural formation of gravity-defying rock pillars feels straight out of Avatar or Pandora. A magical experience in every sense.

Grutas Karmidas in Zapotitlán de Méndez – A thrilling cave hike about an hour and a half from Zacatlán, where visitors walk through an underground river surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. A must for adventure travelers.

El Callejón del Hueso – Known as the “Bone Alley,” this colorful street is lined with mosaic art created by local residents. The tradition began when an artist from the U.S. introduced the technique, sparking a local art movement that now adorns many homes.

Zacatlán Clockmaking Heritage – Visit workshops where clocks have been handcrafted for over a century. The first monumental clock in Latin America was built here, and today, Zacatlán exports them across the country—including to Mexico’s Tren Maya project.

Town Center & Apple Culture – Stroll through the cobblestone streets, sip apple cider from local producers, and enjoy bakery-fresh pan de manzana (apple bread) as church bells echo through the mist.

Casa Fernandez – A great spot for local dishes and artistic atmosphere. Don’t miss the lasagna de mole—a creative twist on a classic, blending pasta, beef, and rich mole sauce.

La Chichipinga - a great place for the traditional take on Mole.

Apple Cider Tastings – Try Zacatlán’s locally made cider, a crisp and refreshing symbol of the town’s heritage.

Zacatlán’s story is as layered as its landscapes. Once influenced by French settlers after a 19th-century battle in the region, the town still carries traces of European style in its architecture and artisan traditions. Its identity, however, remains deeply Mexican—rooted in community, craft, and...

In this episode, Tim and David explore Johannesburg—South Africa’s largest city, economic powerhouse, and cultural capital. Locals call it “Jozi” or “Joburg,” and it’s often the first stop for travelers heading on safari or deeper into the continent.

While many visitors simply pass through, Johannesburg rewards those who linger. With stylish neighborhoods, fascinating history, vibrant art districts, and world-class hotels, it’s a city that reflects both South Africa’s past and its modern rebirth.

Tim shares insights from over a dozen visits, while David reflects on his first-time experience exploring the city’s complex history and vibrant spirit.

• Gateway to Africa – Why Johannesburg is the ideal international arrival hub for safaris and South African adventures.

• Neighborhoods with Character – Exploring Melrose Arch, Sandton, Rosebank, and Maboneng—each with its own personality.

• History & Healing – Visiting Soweto and the Apartheid Museum to understand South Africa’s profound transformation.

• Dining & Design – From chic rooftop restaurants to local cafés and culinary walking tours.

Apartheid Museum – A powerful, immersive experience that chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid through interactive exhibits, film, and photography. One of the most moving museums in the world.

Soweto Township – Visit Nelson Mandela’s former home (now a museum), see Vilakazi Street—the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners—and witness the heartbeat of South African history.

Maboneng Precinct – Meaning “Place of Light,” this creative district transforms old warehouses into art galleries, record stores, and cafés. One of the few areas perfect for a leisurely walk and people-watching.

Rosebank & Sandton – Upscale districts known for luxury shopping, outdoor cafés, and vibrant nightlife. Rosebank feels like a small urban village, while Sandton is Joburg’s gleaming business center.

The Gautrain – A sleek, high-speed train connecting OR Tambo International Airport to Sandton and Rosebank. Safe, scenic, and the best way to arrive in style.

Melrose Arch Marriott Hotel – A walkable, modern hotel surrounded by restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Features a great pool, spacious M Club Lounge, and even a paddle (padel) club next door.

The Leonardo Hotel – One of Africa’s tallest buildings, offering sweeping views of the city skyline. Each room is a full suite with kitchen and living area. Don’t miss the rooftop lounge—or the champagne vending machine.

The Houghton Hotel – Set in a leafy, tranquil neighborhood, this elegant retreat features jacaranda-lined streets, a central pool garden, and spacious rooms that feel like a city oasis.

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg – Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city’s parks and skyline. Expect classic Four Seasons luxury, serene views, and the acclaimed restaurant Flames.

Radisson Blu Sandton – A reliable, stylish business hotel in the heart of Sandton. Great patio, walking distance to shopping centers, and ideal for repeat travelers seeking convenience and comfort.

Marble (Rosebank) – Upscale dining with a focus on wood-fired South African ingredients. Expect top-notch steaks, seafood, and local wines.

Saint (Sandton) – Italian-inspired fine dining from the team behind Marble. Known for its grilled dishes and exceptional bone marrow appetizer.

La Parada (Melrose Arch) – A lively Spanish tapas restaurant perfect for evening...

In this episode, David and Tim explore Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia’s dynamic capital—a place where Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures blend into one of Asia’s most colorful urban tapestries. David shares why KL ranks among his favorite Southeast Asian cities, from sizzling night markets to infinity pools overlooking the Petronas Towers, while Tim reflects on his earlier visits and why he’s ready to give the city another chance.

Together they dive into where to stay, what to eat, and why KL is one of the best-value hubs for travelers exploring Asia.

• Cultural Fusion & Modern Energy – How KL’s mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences shape its neighborhoods, cuisine, and festivals.

• Digital Nomad Magnet – Why the city’s affordable luxury, coworking cafés, and serviced apartments draw travelers from around the world.

• From the Street Markets to Infinity Pools – David’s experience living like a local in budget-friendly high-rises with skyline views.

• Getting Around & Beyond – Why Kuala Lumpur is Southeast Asia’s ultimate air travel hub for quick, affordable connections.

Petronas Towers & Skybridge – Malaysia’s most iconic landmark. The 86th-floor observatory offers sweeping views of KL’s skyline and green spaces.

Rex KL & REXPERIENCE – A restored heritage cinema turned indie bookstore and immersive digital art hub blending traditional Malaysian art with modern design.

Jalan Alor Night Market – The heart of KL’s street food scene, alive with sizzling woks, satay grills, tropical fruit, and the scents of Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine.

Ride the LRT & Monorail – Affordable, air-conditioned, and scenic—one of the best ways to see the city’s diversity from above.

Jalan Alor Food Street – Open late and packed with local favorites like satay, laksa, and grilled seafood.

Food Halls in Bukit Bintang – Upscale mall food courts offering clean, high-quality versions of the same beloved street dishes.

Tropical Juice Stands & Coffee Spots – KL’s café scene is thriving, with great local roasteries and fruit juice stalls everywhere you go.

Bukit Bintang – KL’s entertainment and shopping heart; home to Jalan Alor, rooftop bars, and luxury malls.

Chinatown (Petaling Street) – Packed with heritage architecture, market stalls, and hidden cafés.

KLCC – The modern business core anchored by the Petronas Towers and high-end hotels.

Ceylonz Suites by Five Senses – Modern serviced apartments near Bukit Bintang with rooftop infinity pool, gym, and co-working spaces. Excellent budget choice and digital nomad favorite.

JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur – Central location, five-star service, and great value for a luxury stay (often under $150 USD per night).

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur – Tim’s pick for its resort feel in the city; tranquil, elegant, and ideal after a hot day of exploring.

The Westin Kuala Lumpur – Great location, though now showing its age compared to other nearby properties.

• Soak in skyline views from a rooftop

To celebrate 20 years of the Travel in 10 Podcast , David Brodie and co host Tim Johnson look back at how travel podcasting began and where it is today. David is joined by Chris Christensen, creator of long running Amateur Traveler podcast and member of the Podcast Hall of Fame, for a candid conversation about starting shows in 2004 to 2005, the gear and grit it took early on, and how travel audio has inspired millions to explore the world.

Highlights:

• The origin story of Amateur Traveler and Travel in 10
• Early podcasting hurdles, recording setups, and hand built RSS feeds
• Why interview driven shows unlock destinations beyond your own travels
• How travel podcasts are used by schools, governments, and airlines
• Favourite guest stories that challenge assumptions about places and people
• Evolving travel styles, trip pacing, and second visit strategies that reveal the local side of a city
• Building community across travel podcasters and launching Voyascape

Closing music: Grace Forestier, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” (Instagram: @graceforestiermusic)

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast.

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast