The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, central London

Telling the thought-provoking story of Christopher Boone, a shy and vulnerable teenager with an extraordinary command of mathematics, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is an unlikely and uneven West End hit. Although the storyline is quite clever, most of the major plot revelations come before the interval and the second half meanders somewhat. Moreover, the acting isn't all it could be. While some of the miming and the choreography is captivating, the delivery of the dialogue can be a little flat and even strained.  That could be to do with the script - it often falls back on swearing to generate cheap laughs and convey emotion and exasperation. Unconvincingly, Christopher's father (played by Nicolas Tennant) seems to spend much of his time at or near boiling point. And you are often aware of the acting, rather than being immersed it.

Hotel del Mar, Plaça Pla del Palau, Barcelona

Occupying a handsome neo-classical building on a square near the harbour-front, Hotel del Mar looks appealing from the outside. The interior is less enticing, however. Although it is enlivened by old nautical maps and antique diving gear in glass cases, the decor is pretty tired and the lifts are sluggish. The dingy bedrooms are also drab with plain walls and budget furnishings, but are quite spacious for Barcelona. You'll find a reasonable flat screen TV, a small safe (the key costs 2 euros a day), a large desk, lame air con and an adequate wardrobe. The WiFi is free, but can be slow or non-existent, if a lot of people try and get online in the evening. Still, the en-suite bathrooms are more up to date and the hotel can be pretty quiet, particularly if you keep the window closed.

Moll de la Fusta, Barcelona

Running along Barcelona's waterfront between La Rambla and the Barceloneta district, Moll de la Fusta has a very wide pavement that accommodates scores of joggers, cyclists and tourists. Dotted with striking pieces of modern art and lined with palm trees and nineteenth century architecture, this 1km promenade is a diverting and enjoyable place to stroll. Although there is a sunken dual carriageway between you and the sea, Moll de la Fusta is high enough to provide views of the city's bustling marina. The best time to visit is early evening when the setting sun gives the city's grand stone buildings a golden hue.

Barcelona waterfront

The view of Barcelona's harbour as you come into land at El Prat Airport

Waterloo Bridge at night, central London

Looking east

Benugo Bar & Kitchen, the British Film Institute, Southbank, central London

Housed in a vast space with a soaring ceiling, a shining flagstone floor and framed by glass, criss-crossed by diagonal girders, the Benugo bar and restaurant is an attractive and atmospheric place to eat. In the evening, the leather armchairs in the intimately-lit bar and lounge can be buzzing with cultural chatter, creating an arthouse ambiance. Although the menu is quite short, it is divided into seasonal, land, farm and sea, thereby covering most of the bases. For a main course, you can choose from pork belly, sea bream, gnocchi, sirloin steak and other fashionable favourites priced up to £21.50. The creamy butternut squash risotto with parmesan cheese (about £12) is excellent, boasting a lovely mix of flavours and perfectly-cooked rice. But the portion is a little light. The rocket side salad (£4.50) with cherry tomatoes and parmesan is also very fresh and enjoyable, but is similarly modest. As well as a wine list, Benugo BFI offers beers, such as Amstel, on draught. The service, which comes with a genuine smile, is warm and relaxed. 8/10

Cycling Fatalities by Country

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Crystal Palace, south London

The expansive view north from the top of Woodland Road, Crystal Palace