Maachew Bentley

New York City 

Enough fog machines to sin continuously for 48 hours.

5$ for a beer and tequila shot during Happy Hour - ideal for a cheap drink in Chinatown to start your evening.

Ummmmm, if you’re invited there, and looking for some wild memories, just go. I’ll leave the rest up to you.

Another restaurant mainstay with a pretty big club room in the back, with two parties usually going on. Prolly get a free drink if you ask when Elvis Guesthouse II is coming (if you know you know).

Relatively new venue with three rooms, much like the infamous Output sans all the rules. Personal favorite, haven’t really swung a miss since I’ve been going, but do go there on a weekend.

Late night dive bar in Chinatown, where the writers go, hit or miss really just a destination for the late night chill, music played on vinyl only.

Summer vibe for the rave, day time for the outdoor backyard breather.

A plot of land on the cusp of GreenPoint / Williamsburg. The Lot has become a home for every artist and local pit stop passerby. Music is playing live from 12 - midnight in a cargo trailer much like your local NTS or Balamii booth, equipped with hammocks, fire pit and outdoor cafe.

As far as I’m concerned, they have the best programming schedule all year long. From book fairs, to immersive installations, to full day raves every Saturday during the Summer. You can’t really lose going here on an off day or when there’s a line round the block.

Maachew Bentley Trippin in New York

RONI

Paris

This is the second address in Paris after Lolo Cave à manger, down my house. Beautiful set up, amaaaazing food and quality natural wine. I’m in love with that place, I feel everything is perfect I just love it! Lolo will make you cosy. 

Fancy a cool outdoor place outside of Paris with good food and natural wine? Head to Kiosque Contours in Clichy. Former Machine du Moulin Rouge artistic director Marc Resplandy brought that cool place to life, with chef residencies, and good music!

If you fancy good food, natural wine and a nice listening session, head to Bambino. They have a beautiful and really good sound-system and fantastic music library.

For the natural wine lovers like me, this is a great wine shop located between 2 of the best restaurants in Paris Le Dauphin & La Chateaubriand.

This is a treat you have to give yourself. The chef Daniel Morgan is absolutely incredible. If you’re looking for incrediiiiiibly good food you won’t regret it. It’s a menu but really worth it and great natural wine. Book in advance it’s always full!

That is another cool natural wine address located. Ask for Alex, he’ll take care of you!

I’ll start my journey in Paris with music. That’s really important in a trip, it gives the tone of the city I feel. Dizonord is a cool record store that has a lot of rare records. They have an address in Paris and Marseille too.

I kind of was born there as a DJ, so this is a very important place in Paris where all the French underground scene of France gathers. It’s also a community and a family place :) 


That’s another one I often like to dig, I know Blaise who's been running the shop for a year and he also has good stories about the records to share. They are specialized into electronic music and more specifically Detroit influenced, but also get the cool new releases.


When it comes to clubbing I often go there, they have a very accurate and interesting programming and I did my first gig in a big club there actually :)

We all love to do some shopping, especially in Paris. I love to dress up and style myself but with Climate change I try more and more to buy sustainable clothing and Snow Bunny is the place for cool vintage. Victoria the owner is the queen of fashion and knows her thing. Every creative mind of Paris kind of dress up there. There’s always an unexpected piece you’ll fall in love with.


That’s a bit of my HQ, they opened a year ago and it feels like an Oasis of calm in the craziness of Paris. I do my sport, sauna, brainstorms and meetings over there. Perfect place to treat yourself.

12 Spots in Paris You Need to Visit, Chosen By RONI

FiloQ

Genoa

A lounge club on a floating barge in the middle of the city's Old Port.

Climb on the rocks of Nervi, you can go from sunset to sunrise in the historic Bonfim.

The Calata Darsena is a secret and magical place where immersed among the naval tugs The FestivaL Zones Portuaires brings artistic performances every year.

The park of the Villa Croce Contemporary Art Museum overlooks the shipyards of the port of Genoa.

The fishmongers' market at the new Darsena is where you can eat fried fish and listen to DJs playing among the fish stalls during the weekend with "Fish & DJs.

Where To Spot The Perfect Sunset in Genoa with FiloQ

Boxout.fm

New Delhi

They are one of the essentials to get the day started for most of the Boxout.fm crew. They initially started as a cafe based in Delhi then expanded to 20 outlets around the country specialising in coffee roasting

Owned by Mr Shah, this spot is located in the middle of Old Delhi. He will offer you tea whilst you dig for tunes. You can find some gems here from Bollywood soundtracks, to classical Indian music to old school Western classics. It is the home of records that are worth £50+ but cost £10+

VegNonVeg also known as “VNV” is India’s first multi-brand sneaker store, based in Delhi. These guys are one of the few people in the city trying to pioneer streetwear culture in India. They also have a sister homegrown clothing brand named Bhaane

Wild City is an online publication that was set up around 8 years ago. Munbir & Sarah the founders moved to New Delhi from London and kick started this. They have a fully functioning office now and are one of the only reliable publications dedicated to underground music in India. They also host an annual music festival in Rajasthan taking place in a Palace every 2nd week of December - highly recommended

Rajinder’s is a place where families and groups of friends gather, either ending their night there or starting it. This is a unique place because it started as one food cart to now owning the whole square. You can order and collect your food and sit outside amongst the others whilst enjoying some of the best, grilled, fried & butter chicken in Delhi. Great as a takeout option if you want to avoid the heat outdoors!

This is our flagship weekly night we throw in New Delhi. It's a night where our community can come together and have a space to explore new sounds. We have had some sick people play including people like Daedelus, Djrum & Flava DThis is our flagship weekly night we throw in New Delhi. It's a night where our community can come together and have a space to explore new sounds. We have had some sick people play including people like Daedelus, Djrum & Flava D

This is a place where you can find everything from Indian garments to notebooks and stationary and some of the most exciting street food carts exploring all regions of India with over 60+ stalls in total. For an entry of 500 rupees you can enjoy all the above

Lodhi Gardens is a historical park in Delhi, spread over 90acres. One of Delhi’s oldest parks including tombs from some of the last Sayyid Dynasty rulers. A popular place for picnics or enjoying long walks away from the busy Delhi streets

Once known as the house of Jaipur and the former residential palace of JAIPUR Maharaja of Jaipur, it is now the home of all modern art in India. This is a great place to explore art both old and new. NGMA is one of the few galleries in India funded by the government, with branches in Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore

Qutub Minar is a historical landmark in Delhi. This is a place if you are feeling touristic and wanting to dive into the worlds of early Sultanates

New Delhi with Boxout.fm

London

The Nelson's Head has recently reopened as a gay bar, and it's a very cozy place. You can get a beautiful Sunday lunch there as well!

The Divine is unhinged, so be ready for an unhinged crazy Christmas!  
It's also good for a cozy, cozy Christmas drink. 

Cozy Christmas in the city starts off along Columbia Road. They do carols, lots of Christmassy shops there, and obviously the beautiful markets are very, very festive.

Dalston Superstore down the road from the Divine is a great place to snuggle up to the queer community at Christmas.

Somerset House is nice and cozy to skate at Christmas because of the beautiful, luscious surroundings of the architecture being in the centre of London—I think London always manages to give everyone in the city a big hug Christmas!

The Divine's Guide to a Cozy, Camp Christmas in London

Rose Bonica

Cape Town

Our local vinyl store, run by a group of really amazing people. They describe it as a “community record store for colourful music”. Check out their online store and The Other Radio that brings you shows hosted by a whole selection of South African artists and DJs.

There's no way you can visit Cape Town without driving along Chapmans Peak and getting a photo at the Lookout Point. For people who live here, Chappies is still one of the go to spots on a Sunday drive. I mean how can it not be with a view like this.

Definitely one of my most nostalgic spots, having gone to Llandudno Primary. The sunsets from here are insane! If I’m honest, it's also one of the only beaches I'd go to if I liked to go to the beach.

If you want the best fish and chips in Cape Town. If you disagree, you can always feed the fish to the seagulls.

One of the few clubs that we have in Cape Town. Champagne and NTSC are my favourite nights. Some of their other nights are great too, if you're looking for a bit more of a Berlin techno vibe.

I recently went to the Aquarium to film a live stream and it's definitely my new favourite spot in Cape Town. The best part is that most of the sea life are rescues getting rehabilitated to get put back into the ocean.

The perfect little village to escape to when the city becomes too much. The beach is beyond and there's a beautiful Lake at the end of the beach to float around in when the waves get too much.

Party in an Aquarium? Welcome to Cape Town

Seoul

It’s a modern Korean restaurant with Makgeolli pairings. If my friend visits me from abroad, I definitely want to take them to this place. You can try Korean food here easily and beautifully. They have a ‘by-the-glass’ tasting where you can try different Korean liquors paired with the food. I recommend it! My favourite dish is the ‘squid sundae,’ which comes in ink sauce and butter crumbs on top. If you choose based on your favourite ingredients, you can’t go wrong.

I heard that a lot of foreigners come to Korea looking for Dakhanmari (a whole chicken soup). Dakgomtang is a similar dish, but it’s a bit easier to eat. Koreans are crazy about the soup and rice combo. Here, you can order a dish called Dakgopjil, which is tender chicken skin and meat served with the soup. You can either eat it as a side dish or mix it into the soup – whatever you prefer. If you’re curious about what Koreans really eat daily, you should try this place!

It’s an organic-style café and wine bar with large windows, great for reading or chatting. The music selection is great, and the food is delicious too. The vibe changes between day and night – both are worth experiencing. The daytime is laid-back, while the evening feels more romantic. Sometimes they host parties at night, and enjoying the music with their ‘shiso gin tonic’ or ‘roasted sweet potato with ice cream’ makes for an unforgettable night.

Just a bit north of central Seoul, where the museums and the old city gates are, you’ll find this retro café with an ‘80s vibe. At night, they play music on LPs, creating a unique atmosphere. Their drip coffee is great, and their special ‘Himalayan Masala Chai’ – a spicy milk tea – is really interesting. It’s definitely worth trying.

Every weekend (Thu to Sun), they host a variety of events. They have a system that records DJ and artist performances, and the space is really friendly, so it’s easy to connect with people through the music. They also run a YouTube channel where you can check out mixes and shows from different people. I’ve hosted parties and performed here myself, and it’s always been a lovely experience.

It’s one of my favourite clubs in Seoul. They host a lot of curated parties and pull in a diverse crowd from the underground scene. The vibe is super chill, with a rooftop overlooking the Sang-su area and a separate dancefloor downstairs, so you can go back and forth between them and take breaks as needed. Some nights you’ll see breakdancing battles, and other times they’ve got hot dogs on the rooftop. It’s a fun spot, and even Peggy Gou has shown up for a surprise set!

It’s a book café/library for adults. They mainly feature graphic novels, but don’t worry if you don’t speak Korean – there are plenty of photo books, art books, and English titles available too. There are lots of interesting reads. You can enjoy a coffee or a drink while you read in a comfortable setting, and you can even buy any books you like.

It’s a bar and café run by a web magazine that’s all about South Korea’s underground scene. If you check their schedule ahead of time, you might catch local DJs doing special radio shows. They also have events like ‘Tekken tournaments’ and ‘record flea markets’ from time to time. It’s a great spot to grab a drink before you head out to the clubs in Itaewon on a weekend night. Plus, the bartenders are friendly.

It’s not in Seoul, but it’s pretty close and totally worth the trip. It’s a fantastic spot for enjoying classical, jazz, and opera. They play music on LPs and vintage gear, and you can move around the big space to see how the sound changes and how the view outside shifts. The place itself has a really cool vibe, and the view of the Imjin River is stunning. They don’t allow outside drinks and don’t sell anything but water. The atmosphere is so beautiful that I once dreamed of having my wedding here!

It’s not in Seoul, but it’s a great spot nearby where you can really enjoy nature. It’s a lookout point where you can camp and even stay overnight with a view of North Korea. The view changes a bit with the seasons, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the lookout, so it’s super easy to get to. I think it’s perfect for bringing some coffee and snacks and just chilling out for a few hours.

Squid Sundae and Potatoes with Ice Cream: NECTA’s Guide to Seoul’s Best-Kept Secrets

Paulo Saul 

São Paulo

First things first, my chosen family and I are a walking party. If we are training for the balls or just voguing in the middle of the streets, we for sure bring life to the party. You can find us at the coolest places and at your closest function snatching all the grand prizes.

MARSHA! is a festival that celebrates and empowers trans lives. With its latest online version, it gathered many artists with an extensive line-up of talks about issues and demands of the trans community and many shows and performances by various forms of art.

Way more than just a party: it’s a platform for young black queer artists and a one-of-a-kind experience in São Paulo’s nightlife. If at the end of the night - probably morning already - and you’re not exhausted from dancing, it was not Batekoo.

“Queer music by queer people” - an online radio party featuring the best of Brazilian queer talents in the music scene. Not limited by music genre but open to all forms of expression.

Away from the center of the city, in the middle of the southern outskirts of town, Crash Party is an independent party organized by young queer people living in Capão Redondo. The idea is to showcase new local talents and have fun.

From the east side to the world, Helipa LGBT brings you the best of funk music and Brazilian culture.

Amazing visuals and experimental sounds, Vorlat is a party to discover the new and what is yet to be defined (or not).

A reunion of many different versions of queerness with lots of fashion, beauty and personality. Chernobyl is where the outcasts get together to listen to great underground music and have a great time.

It’s a bar, a restaurant and a tiny dance club. The perfect place to meet your friends, have some amazing drinks and vibe to cool music.

One of the biggest and most popular electronic music events in São Paulo. From the sound to the performances (known to be mesmerising) everything from Mamba represents the essence of São Paulo.

Queer Spaces in São Paulo

Interplanetary Criminal

Manchester

The finest menswear shop in the north. Original Mephisto stockist and curated garms. OP is a certified dress code in Manchester.

Spent a lot of time behind the cage in Room 1 – what more could you ask for in a club in Manchester? Gritty with great sound and the finest line-ups. Chef's kiss.

The only place to get exceptional vintage Italian designer wear among other pieces in Manny.

Secondhand vinyl mostly [with] a massive bounce/donk collection alongside house and techno. I’ve found some gems in here.

Arguably the best club nights in the UK. The production levels are insane, the line-ups are phenomenal and it's in a massive warehouse.

I’ve heard people say this is the best club in the UK right now, and I can get beside that. It feels closer to Berlin than the UK, housing a lot of sick Manchester-based collectives' club nights.

Interplanetary Criminal’s Guide to Clubs and Shops in Manchester

Chicago

Smartbar is nothing short of an institution in Chicago.  Since opening in 1982, it has been a cornerstone of the city's nightlife, consistently hosting some of the most respected and innovative DJs from around the globe. Its intimate, unpretentious environment fosters a sense of community among diverse crowds. Smartbar's dedication to the underground music scene and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots make it a beloved monument everything that makes the Chicago scene great.

Another Chicago mainstay that has stood the test of time is Spybar. Since its opening in 1995, Spybar has built a reputation for being a pillar in Chicago’s house and techno music scene, attracting top-tier international and local talent. Spybar offers a unique blend of exclusivity and authenticity, making it a must-visit destination for clubgoers seeking an classic night out in the River North neighbourhood.

While one of the newer venues in Chicago, Radius has made a name over the years as one of the city’s favourite music venues. Within the 55,000 square foot warehouse space, Radius transforms its state of the art lighting & sound for each show that comes through, giving a unique, once in a lifetime feel to each show.

Tucked within the Pilsen neighbourhood venue is Cermak Hall, a 10,000 square feet space of raw, industrial space that turns into an immersive soundscape.

The combination of both spaces and the crafted production takes shows within Radius to a level, unlike any ever seen in the history of Chicago.


Between shows be sure to check out Frankie Knuckles' record collection, housed at the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, is a treasure trove of musical history and a testament to the legacy of the "Godfather of House Music." This extensive archive contains thousands of vinyl records, many of which were pivotal in shaping the house music genre that Knuckles pioneered in the 1980s. The collection is not just a reflection of his personal taste but also a rich cultural resource that offers insight into the evolution of dance music. Preserved at the Stony Island Arts Bank, the collection is accessible to the public, allowing visitors to connect with the music that defined an era and continues to influence artists worldwide.

4 Cultural Landmarks in Chicago, by Arc Festival Founder John Curley

Abornmal Sleepz

This is where the studio is, however from time to time they have art exhibitions and stuff. Besides me there's a community of studios and musicians/bands. If you're into music don't be a stranger!

Right in the heart of where I've grown up. Beautiful park that's been renovated. Great day out when the weather's nice. Manchester Carnival takes place here in Summer time too

You will find everything here from bars, nights out, quirky restaurants and vintage shops. It's worth exploring on a visit to Manchester.

This is a really cool club spot open in the day. Perfect balance of a good night out. Whether you're smart casual or all out dressed up all are welcome. They have ping pong tables and beer pong. I DJ here sometimes and is the main place I go out to.

When I was growing up I loved the arcades here. You can do shopping here as an alternative to Town/Arndale centre. If you got kids or are a kid take them to the arcade in the food court.

Go for a chicken split - it wont taste the same anywhere else you go I guarantee!

This is a legendary food spot. You'll find your favourite artists here at crazy hours of the morning. This is on the curry mile and a must go

Abnormal Sleepz' Best Spots in Manchester

Pyra

Bangkok

Best tsukemen in the country. Also ramen.

Best museum to see Thai contemporary art by local artists.

Use the AIS Super Wifi for the fastest internet in the city. Ask for the password from your AIS user friends.

Pyra’s Guide to Bangkok

Ruf Dug

It's now the premiere club in Manchester. It’s an old mechanics building in Salford in an absolute Wasteland - uber drivers are scared to go down there! But it’s just this amazing, world famous place now. It’s a great club that goes all the way through til the morning, sometimes the next day. They just champion anything that isn’t normal. Any night is a great night there because it’s all about the venue and the crowd.


It’s the crowd that makes it special for me, and for a while there it was the only spot in Manchester you would go to.


This place was like an atomic bomb that decimated the entire Manchester nightlife scene and that needed to happen. They had signed up all the good DJs so no one else could book them so it forced Manchester’s music scene to look inwards again, not to be booking names but to booking parties, to bringing communities together and developing parties within the local music DJs. 


It‘s not a michelin star yet but it should be. It’s run by a local chef from Manchester called Sam Buckley and they grow all their veg and leaves on top of the car park just next door so they’re sustainable. It’s in an old coffee warehouse and they have about 9 tables, with the kitchen right there, so you’re in and amongst it all. It’s a classic 12 course tasting menu, whichever chef is cooking your food will bring it over and tell you the story about it. It’s just really next level food!

It's the best Chinese pancake. You’ve got the egg, spring onions and the pancake and you just fold it up. It’s right in the middle of the city by the metro link - it’s an old ice cream/hot dog vendor and these guys have just taken it over. 


Ruf Dug's Guide to Manchester 

Muzi

Durban

This is a cultural hub spot more than it is a club but it's played a very important role with creatives in KZN. It is based in Durban and I don't think there's an artist I know (musically and visually) who hasn't passed/been through there in some way shape or form. It's like a rite of passage.

This is a club in Durban that arguably brings the most eclectic crowd and has hosted some of the best Gqom parties I've ever been to. I've also done a show here, even though I'm an alternative artist and people still packed it out. Very supportive of multi-genre music.

Founded by an artist called Aewon Wolf, the Werehouse took from what Bat Centre built and sort of became a new-age hub on its own. As much as it's a club, there's also a skatepark there and it somehow held true to the nature of the creative spirit that roams in Durban/KZN.

This is a soccer stadium but there's been amazing concerts here also. Black Coffee did his orchestral show here and also his MUSIC IS KING concert. Also this is where most international artists perform when they are playing in Durban.

This is a strip in Durban that used to have a lot of clubs, even though now its just mostly has restaurants. When hiphop and the alternative scene starting booming in Durban, 2014/2015, this is where most artists would perform and it helped grow the industry.

Muzi's Guide to Music and Nightlife in KwaZulu-Natal

Tyler Henry

Mexico City 

This is my restaurant! Come say hi. Choza is a Thai-influenced restaurant and listening bar. The vibe is for drinking cold beer, eating with your hands and sharing spicy food. Music is a priority, and there is a custom hi-fi system always grooving something psychedelic, global, funky, etc. – usually with someone selecting vinyls. You won’t find choza on Google. It’s walk-in only and only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, but the experience is made with a huge amount of love and deliciousness.

This is the type of place that makes me fall in love with Mexico city. Go here for a relaxed lunch of people watching and crazy delicious flavours. If you have one meal in all of Mexico city, this should be it. The concept is just “RURAL MEXICAN FOOD” based around heirloom corn they source, nixtamalize, and grind in house (as well as supplying many other restaurants in Mexico). Jesus, the chef and owner, is from the countryside in Guerrero and he cooks with a pure soul. Many of the ingredients come directly from his farm or surrounding land in Guerrero.

Make a reservation for 3pm, preferably on a Thursday or Friday when they have live music, and go for a superbly long meal. It’s far, yes, probably a 30min Uber from your Airbnb or hotel, and its in the middle of nowhere, and its only open for lunch - but it’s one of most soulful meals in CDMX. Its traditional Mexican dining at its absolute best, showcasing much of the diversity of the food of different regions of Mexico, as well as interesting Mexican ingredients and ancient Mexican recipes. Ask about the “teporocho” (alcoholic tea) to end the meal. In fact, ask lots of questions about everything! The menu changes often and the waiters are very educated on the food they serve so just ask for suggestions.

Tiny little taco joint in San Rafael with only standing space - it pains me to include this spot here because I want to keep the tiny, so fucking flavourful taco joint all for myself. The Al Pastor and the Tripa tacos are perfect. The Torta with pastor and queso is awesome too. The whole experience of eating tacos here is perfect. Im here at least once a week.

Yucatecan home-cooking. Soulful and spicy and always hits the spot. I will often be here eating alone relaxing to good music with a book. My go to order is the Sopa de Lima followed by panuches de Cochinita, an agua de Chaya, and a few beers. Run by a lovely woman Jocyln who started the place using her mothers recipes.

One of the cities best and most extensive mezcal lists coupled with trippy amazing music, well educated and friendly staff. Go here for a psychedelic night of heavy mezcal drinking with a good homie. The restaurant next door (same owner but the restaurant is unnamed/unmarked) is also absolutely delicious and focuses on unique regional cuisines of Mexico. This is an extraordinary bar.

One of the cities best mixologists, Kristian, opened a tiny bar tucked away in Roma where he is the only employee and you’re basically drinking in his home - a home with an absurdly fucking stocked bar. He built everything from the lighting to the bar by hand. A normal night might include a cocktail with juice squeezed fresh in front of you and a root that makes your mouth go numb, a sample of some sotol, a mezcal sample, a sample of some weird liquor he just got from a friend, a mezcal negroni style drink, a big beer you’re now splitting with the people next to you, a joint or two being passed around at 1:30am, and a fernet. You get the idea. Go here and drink till it closes and enjoy the amazing work and friendliness of Kris. Please do tell Kris that I sent you! To me, Tacobar is probably the best bar in all of Mexico city. It’s great when it’s slammed on the weekends, but it’s best experienced on a Tuesday or Wednesday when it’s a bit more intimate and Kristian can take his time taking care of you with delicious drinks.

Absolute, absolute, must go experience for anyone who likes dancing or is interested in nightlife. This is a legendary dance club that’s only open on Friday nights and has been going for like 30 years. It feels like you're walking into an insane dance party in the 80s. Its mostly “high energy” techno, its got the craziest diversity of people who go every week and are every age and wear every color and are very friendly. What defines the club is that EVERYONE dances, without pretention or care, and its known for insane dance circles with choreographed groups of people letting loose. Go here!!!

A perfect market for someone who wants to see a larger Mexico city market but isn’t quite ready to hit la Merced. Jamaica is best known as the OG flower market, and it has an insane selection of flowers. But it also has very good food and very good selection of ingredients I often go here for more special things like wild mushrooms, kefir limes or weird spices.

Chef Tyler Henry’s Guide to CDMX

Excellent okonomiyaki, yakisoba and takoyako. Take out’s great but I go there for the dining experience. The latter will double the flavour. 

A place I go to find comfort and peace, cool off and clear my head. You can also find other smaller galleries and art exhibitions at every corner of the area. 

Hands down the best Pyeongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) I’ve ever had.  

You never know what to expect from this place, what you’ll end up seeing or buying. 


Always liked the 80s ~ 90s vibe of the architecture. The art center has great exhibitions and cool outdoor spaces. I recommend sitting by the music fountain and maybe even going for a short hike. 

Cakeshop has been the central hub for the ever-shifting club scenes in Itaewon. It is also where my DJ career started. 

A long time regular of Henz. Probably the only club in Hongdae I still frequent; as a customer but also as a DJ. It’s a great place to just relax and chill. 

A club located in the same building as Henz but gives off more of a lounge vibe. Make sure to check out their roof top. The Seoul night view is breathtaking. 

Amazing fried chicken with spicy cool shishito pepper and crispy skin coated in earthy nutty sesame seed oil. Get that with some somaek (soju & beer) on the side. It’s a combo made in heaven. 

Places I visit to rest and find solace from the busy city life.

This is where I had my first DJ party ‘Don’t You Know Yet’. It’s a multi-purpose venue that can turn into anything; a club, lounge, live music hall. They have great artist lineups and a nice selection of cocktails. They even have one of those good old arcade game machines. 

Seoul with 250

Berlin

It’s a former power plant and they do concerts really well. I’ve been there a few times on invitation from my friends who performed at Atonal Festival as LABOUR.

A well curated exhibition of the Boros collection in a huge bunker that changes every four years – what more do you want? Just make sure to book ahead of time.


It was one of the first places I visited when I came to Berlin. I’ve been to the memorials in Washington, D.C. so many times but nothing compares to the scale of this.

A residency programme and building in Wedding. I really enjoy attending my friends’ open studios, performances and rehearsals there. Just generally good vibes. Now my good friend Isabel Parkes works there, be sure to say hi.

Perfect, colourful place to visit when Berlin gets really grey during the winter.

Christine Sun Kim on Berlin’s Art Spaces

Psycho YP

Abuja

I’m a huge fan of wings and this is a place I know has great wings. Deffo one for this list

I don’t really go clubbing that much, but I know Moscow is the one people are at.

Got a close friend who DJs there most nights so it’s always a vibe. Outdoor but under like a little cabana type thing. Big vibes.

Abuja with Psycho YP

Paurro

The No System House is a spot created by people that are deeply involved in the underground music scene in Mexico. It’s a great DIY space that hosts different events like album release parties, ambient happenings, art exhibitions, and parties with great local artists. It also has a space for rent to practice your DJ skills, record a set or a radio show and do live streaming. 

This club is a staple and an institution in CDMX’s nightlife. The night to go is on Fridays for its HI-NRG night and you should really get ready to do some serious dancing. There is a community going there for years to compete in the middle of the dance floor which makes the vibe of that place incomparable. There is nothing like that anywhere else in Mexico City  

This spot works as a rehearsal space and a music production studio during the week. However every Thursday they host events in the afternoon with DJ sets from local artists which are also streamed plus beers and mezcal for sale. It’s a great plan if you want a taste of the emerging electronic music scene. 
 

Club Colima is a small but very cute bar/club with great cocktails, great sound and a very diverse program of mostly local DJs every week. The spot is inside a delicious fried chicken sandwich spot called Frito y Cruel so you can get some food there if you get hungry. The vibe feels like the next-door bar where all your friends go and the music range goes from cumbia to afro beat to house and a little bit of techno too. 

Yu Yu has become a true classic to CDMX nightlife. With the recent opening of its own radio station called Drama plus the bar upstairs (with a delicious cocktail menu), the place has come full circle. This club is the one with the riskiest music programming and variety of genres but always with amazing taste. You can jump into a footwork, a techno, or a reggaeton night, there is something there for everyone. 

Salón San Luis is a time capsule to the romantic Fichera years of modern Mexico. This ballroom with 73 years of tradition is a complete experience with a live salsa and cumbia band, beautiful and skilled dancers, old-school bottle service, and red velvet with mirrors all over. I always feel nostalgic after leaving, it’s legendary. 

This is a spot with three floors with different atmosphere’s to hang out, eat and try different flavors of Pulque. The top terrace has commercial music, on the second floor they host different DJ’s every night and the first floor has cumbia, salsa, hip hop, and a more eclectic vibe. 

Funk is an electronic music club hidden in a basement located in Colonia Condesa. Its sound system and lighting are amazing which makes every night memorable. Its music programming is pretty diverse musically with a great combination of national and international talent every night. You definitely can’t miss this one. 

Faena is an extravagant cantina and a Taurine museum that has been open for more than 80 years. It is an ideal spot to pre-game before a night out. Its vibe is super old school and zero pretentious, just what a cantina should be. They serve some appetizers like caldo de Cameron and tostadas de pata but the main purpose of going there is to have a drink and a long chat with friends. 

The Best Clubs in Mexico City Selected by Paurro

Vicky Grout

Multi-storey bookshop in Soho where I always end up spending way too much money

Amsterdam based streetwear brand Patta’s own London store

Formerly Plan B, Phonox has been the spot for underground dance nights and raves.

An indoor plant shop in Hackney, feels like you’re in the palm house in Kew Gardens.

The best store for photo/art books and magazines

The spot for streetwear and cute homewares.

One of my go-to film labs, and Terry is a sweetheart.

New and vintage records, always manage to find some gems whenever I go in.

Women’s streetwear and trainer store (for tiny feet and tiny garms)

Vicky Grout's London Guide

August Wahh

Manila

Curator is a speciality coffee shop with a hidden bar at the back. I'm a coffee addict and won't function properly without it. They have their blend of beans called Dark Matter and Purple Haze. I personally love Purple Haze because of its kush-like notes. Best to have it as espresso.

I'm not vegetarian anymore but when I was it was difficult to find places to eat at. Wabi-Sabi was and is still a go to spot for me. It's a vegetarian/ vegan pho and ramen spot. I love dense broths so tantanmen is my go to order. The pot-stickers are pretty nice as well and everything goes well with the Thai Milk Tea.

This place is a trip. Here you will find thrift shops, second hand books and electronics for cheap. They've also got a couple of crystal shops, music shops, art shops, a shooting and archery range, a bowling alley and a bunch of other weird finds.

Poblacion is the red light district of Makati. However, it's turned into a creative haven for restaurants and bars to flourish making it the highlight of Makati's night life. If you're up for a pub crawl or just to find spots to eat and see art, these are the spots to go to: Casa Bambu for refreshing drinks and Costarican for Asian food. 

A roof top bar with a skate ramp and bamboo interiors all over, Limbo is a gallery / bar that curates electronic music very well, The Workshop Annex House is an old Filipino House turned into a bar with tropical cocktails, Spirit Library is a two story bar with shelves and shelves of varied curated spirits, Boogie is a bar that curates hip hop to funk music. 

You can also play video games in the first level. Run Rabbit Run for amazing cocktails, Yalla Yalla for Lebanese food, Cosmic for Vegan and Vegetarian Filipino cuisine, Khao Khai Thai Chicken House which is known for the Thai chicken, and Pineapple lab which is a creative space where local artists put up shows and events to showcase Filipino art makers and collaborators

Pinto Art Museum is in Antipolo which is an hour to two hour drive from Manila. It's a very scenic art gallery located on the hills of Antipolo. A beautiful place to go to when Manila gets too hectic. I love coming here to decompress and stroll or simply just have coffee or brunch. If you go on a Sunday, sometimes you'll catch artists doing live performance art

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