The Secret App – New Travel App Helps You Explore Europe’s Cities Through the Eyes of its Artists

We are all about the insider’s take on places and travel. Something interesting, and that only a local would know.

So this sounds good, the launch of The Secret App, a new travel app designed to enhance the way people explore cities around the UK and Europe. The app allows you to explore cities through the eyes of the artists, musicians and makers who live there – such as London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Brighton in the UK and European cities like Berlin, Madrid and Barcelona.

The app delivers a rich tapestry of urban culture that is both unexpected and deeply personal. Whether you’re an art enthusiast seeking inspiration or a curious traveller.

The artists reveal their favourite spots in their city where they hang out – be that a favourite bar, coffee spot, shop or restaurant. In return for their secrets, the app promotes the artist’s work for free. The app is not about profit, it’s about supporting the work of artists and providing a new way to explore cities.

Over 80% of the ‘secrets’ featured on The Secret App are independently owned businesses and businesses focused on the arts.

You can download the app for free on The App Store or by following this link https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-secret-app/id1612636662

Some of the insider secrets and the artists who recommend them include:

London based abstract figurative painter Rosso Emerald Crimson, who has twice been selected to appear in Sky Portrait Artist of the Year. Her work has won several art prizes and has been exhibited all over the world, and featured on the cover of The Artist Magazine, Colossal and Vogue India to name a few. Rosso’s Secret: Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. Rosso says, “a vitally needed public green space in the heart of one of the most built-up areas in London, providing an oasis of plants, connection to nature in the city and a community gathering for the people of this dynamic part of Hackney.”

Berlin artist and illustrator Mina Braun recommends Das Kleine Grosz Museum which she describes as “a little gallery dedicated to the work of George Grosz, located in a former petrol station with a lovely café.”

Brighton artist Clara Wilkinson, a contemporary painter and muralist. Clara’s city secrets include Capsule Records in Hove. Clara says “This is a wonderful record shop where you can drink coffee and chat with lovely Sarah and Lawrence. If you like dance, soul, world, disco, head to this elegant, beautiful spot in Brunswick Town.”

Barcelona photographer and gallery owner Ari Gardiazabal recommends Alice’s Secret Garden, a restaurant and cocktail bar and an oasis in the city. The true highlight of Alice’s Secret Garden is its magnificent terrace, accessible through a secret door.

Manchester illustrator Sam Jones. UK long listed for the World Illustration Awards. Sam’s secret is cafe Trove in Levenshulme. Sam says, “My favourite local café, a tiny calm space perfect for people watching – they do the best coffee and almond pastries.”

Amsterdam-based unconventional knitwear designer Alice O’Connell knits small batch knitwear for ‘curious, creative people using sustainable yarns in her garden studio in Amsterdam”. Alice’s secrets include tea shop ‘t Zonnetje. She says it’s “Amsterdam’s oldest tea and coffee shop dating back to 1642. I love it for the range of Green Teas, the quirky cats and unique staff.”

Glasgow folk singer Iona Fyfe. Iona’s secret is The Absent Ear. Fiona says. “A hidden wee cocktail bar in the heart of the city with speakeasy vibes.”