Lafat Bordieu

Santiago 

This is where I used to come and sell on the street, right on that corner. If the police came you’d go to Bellas Artes. There weren’t as many police as there are now. 

An emblematic place. There are people selling art in spots like Galería La Curtiembre and Factoría Santa Rosa. I mostly move in the street or in festivals, but it's where artistic things are happening, for sure.

An independent place, run by people who are interested in books. It has a good selection of titles.  Books are difficult to make a business out of; whoever decides to work in this industry is a form of resistance to a certain digital era, it’s a way to reaffirm the physical and tangible. Anyone who starts a business with books is excellent to me.

Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre, GAM hosts various cultural fairs and exhibitions. It is a bureaucratic institution, but even so, it offers a varied mixture of things. What I most like is that it's a public space—where people can do there own thing; dance, sell, whatever, go to the library. It's an open community space, which is the main difference between a cultural centre and a purely artistic one. 

There’s a street market with a lot of secondhand items; people selling vegetables next to people selling art and other things. Another incredible place.

There’s a mix between generations that go to this bar, and you always find interesting people, there’s good music playing and it's relatively affordable.

I like to draw here because it’s relaxing. There are old museums, families on day trips, drunks, people BBQing, me drawing, dogs in the lake. I feel that it’s very Chilean, it’s a collage. You take things from here and there and put them together like cutouts—that’s my style too, mixing things.

A space that holds activities, with a genuine interest in supporting local and interdisciplinary art: vinyl records, books, and souvenirs.

Skip the Gallery, Stick to The Street: Lafat Bordieu On Santiago's Independent Art Scene 

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

Joshua Barr

Glasgow

Starting off our day in the south side, only a short walk from my front door we have Henry’s bar in Shawlands, the best new addition to the south side's bustling bar scene. We’re in for a Bloody Mary or a pint of lager with a daiquiri chaser depending on how hard the hangover is hitting. 

Strathbungo's been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world recently, loads of good bakeries and coffee but some lovely bars too and possibly the best Guinness in Glasgow at MJ Heraghty.

After a pint of the black stuff we’re heading into the city centre to the world famous Bier Halle for the best pint of Lager in the city. My preference is Furstenberg and you have to compliment that with a bratwurst of course. 

On Sauchiehall street we’re stopping at probably my favourite restaurant Loon Fung, a Glasgow staple. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and it’s always so consistent. Go for Dim Sum and the 3 way roast. 

Head to Charing Cross where you’ll find The Locale. We’re just stopping by to grab a marg and to chill in the beer garden. The Locale offers some great bar food to compliment its extensive drinks list and the djs are always on point. 

Next we’re heading over to the Finnieston area, another amazing neighbourhood flooded with great bars and restaurants. We’re stopping in for a cocktail at another Glasgow institution, Kelvingrove Cafe. They say don’t mess with the classics and these guys do them really well!

Finally we’re taking a stroll past the iconic Kelvingrove gallery towards West Side Tavern in Partick. On the route I’ll give an honourable mention to Mother India Cafe which is one of the best curry houses in Scotland for me. Arriving at West Side Tavern we’re grabbing a taptail, compounded and carbonated in house these are our signature drinks. The PALOMA is especially popular. If you’re still feeling peckish we can grab a pizza to share and enjoy the amazing atmosphere. 

If we’re still standing, my late night recommendations would be Berkeley Suite, a former dance hall turned underground club disguised as a Pawn Shop, for a late drink and a bit of a boogie. 

No trip to Glasgow would be complete without descending into the world famous Sub Club for some of the best electronic music Glasgow has to offer.

Josh Barr’s Guide to a Great Glasgow Pub Crawl

Chuck George 

Milan

A cozy corner spot with a great selection of natural wines by its proprietor, Emanuele. The space is intimate enough to go for a first date but casual enough to kick back and have a few glasses with friends. I drop in occasionally when looking for a particular bottle from the winemakers on offer.

I started coming every Sunday when I moved into the neighbourhood. Unlike many of the new bars cropping up, this one is special. What it lacks in pretentiousness, it makes up for with its welcoming team. I always have a Guinness on draft and don’t snooze on the table snacks.

Founded by Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi, Bentoteca is immensely creative Japanese kitchen utilising Italian ingredients that is followed up equally by its selection of wines. I like to bring friends from out of town here because It’s the one thing that should not be missed. If it’s your first time, go for the Omakase.

Born in the 1930’s, this Milanese patisserie and cafe exemplifies a historic period. Traditional, but elegant, the space hosts a large outdoor seating area to sip a cocktail, smoke cigarettes and people watch. Before I moved out of the neighbourhood, I spent my mornings on the sidewalk sipping coffee and chatting with friends.

A Roman kitchen housed in an unstuffy, classically adorned space. It’s my weekly go-to since I am always craving carbonara or cacio pepe with a small beer. Always full of locals which adds to its charm. Sit outside in the warmer months, but get there early.

A historically important restaurant in Milan for its cuisine and family-run atmosphere that was recently purchased and reopened by Italian fashion brand Loro Piana. In creative circles, it is also the place to be and be seen. Go for the legacy, stay for the Spaghetti limone e peproncino. Lovely space with limited seating and thankfully, no reservations.

A neighbourhood gem, Terroir has a well-curated selection of products from small Italian producers by its esteemed proprietor Gabry. My recommendation is to go in the evening, have a glass of wine and some meats and cheeses that you may select from the refrigerated shelves and they’ll prepare for you. Probably my favourite place to head for some me time and a glass or just to run into friends.

Located on a tree-lined street Porta Venezia, Union Fade has a nice selection of Americana from denim and work jackets to boots and accessories. Some of the best pieces are hanging up high so be sure to look up for some treasures.

Led by a trio of creatives that hosts a number of brand activations, dinners and occasional workshops. Tune into their IG for community happenings @spaziofonte.

What’s An Italian Fashion Week Without Food? Milan’s Best Eating Out Spots with Chuck George 

Paola Laf

If K-pop is what led you to Seoul, this is the real deal for music nerds. Established in 1979, this record shop boasts an impressive collection of K-pop albums, including vinyl, spanning decades.

A Seoul nightlife institution probably on everyone's list already but I had to include it anyway. It’s the best club in town - so many legendary DJs, both local and foreign, have played and keep playing here. It's the kind of place where you know the music is going to be good no matter who's on the line-up. 

One of Seoul’s best music venues, hands down. If you’re curious about the local scene, this is where you should go. They regularly host live concerts, but even when it’s just open as a bar the staff plays the best music in the background. I have discovered so much new music there. 

Again, one of Seoul’s best music venues. DIY, experimental, punk-spirited DJ sets and live concerts, where you’ll hear the wildest and most free-spirited mix of genres. Plus, a lovely community of people around it. Shout out to them. 

In all honesty, part of me wanted to gate keep this place, but on the other hand, I wanted to give it a shout-out. It’s a tiny, cosy whiskey bar with a perfect music selection, and I have some cherished memories attached to it.

Quest is the bar of Visla.FM, the radio station where I host my show. A cozy nook in the midst of the craziness of Itaewon where I often found myself shazamming what's playing in the background.

I’m a sucker for panoramic views and stunning sunsets. Comfort has a rooftop that, from afar, looks like a cliff. I often go there to watch the sunset.

A cozy café along the Inwang Mountain Trail that even won an award for Best Public Building and also offers a beautiful view of the city. With no bus stop nearby, you’ll need to walk along the trail for a bit to reach it (unless you take a taxi), but that makes it even better, in my opinion.

My Korean isn’t good enough to read entire books yet, so this is my go-to spot. This bookstore sells second-hand books in English and a few other languages. It has classics, books by Korean authors, and an interesting selection of books on Korea too. Avoid the big chains and support your local store! 

Café Gaeppul is a café, bar, and gallery nestled in the Ihwa Mural Village on the slope of Naksan. While most cafés in Seoul don't sell beer, this one does, on a terrace over a stunning panoramic view stretching across the city, from a new angle.

Cosy Whiskey Bars to Kpop Havens: Paola Laf’s Guide to Seoul

Francisco Solís Monroy

It has neon lights and a bohemian vibe. The completos and beer are ok, but the atmosphere makes it worth it. It always has nu-wave music.

It’s here in Lastarria — very traditional. One time I had a completo and a beer there with a lady who was nearly 100 years old! She’d been going there her whole life. It serves you in an old school way, with waiters. 

A traditional place known for its lomito sandwich: a very prestigious option on the diner route. 

This a known as the first vegan fuente de soda. Very famous for its completos.

A historic, emblematic option in the suburbs which sells a very tasty churrasco— another local speciality sandwich. 

A very old one, you’ll just find elderly ladies and gentlemen. This is one for tradition.

This isn’t really a diner, it is more of a snack place that sells  churrasco, pizza, empanadas, completos—everything you need for a late night post-party craving. There’s no tables, people just sit outside to eat. 

This is spot was called Pikachu, which was a single food cart. Now, there are a bunch of carts where you can buy completos with non-traditional options, like garlic and bbq sauces.

Absurdly Huge, Undeniably Good: Santiago's Diners and Dive Bars with Pancho Solís

PANELIA

New Delhi

One of the best record stores in Huaz Khas with a wide range of classic Bollywood, independent and contemporary music. It also offers a curated selection of vintage gadgets, audio cassettes, record players, books, posters, and graphic novels.

This is a record store that’s owned by a friend, who is one of the finest selectors in the country. It offers the rarest finds from around the globe.

My personal favourite to perform at, Auro is an iconic venue, known for its programming. It’s hosted acts like Four Tet, Ben Ufo, Halena Hauff, DVS1 amongst many, many other global talents.

An intimate performance venue known for its selective programming as well as multi-disciplinary performances and well-curated shows. It's my personal favourite when it comes to discovering new artists in the city.

A fun venue with an intimate dance floor and amazing lineups, it's always a party at the summer house and DJs love to play here a lot,

Find The World's Rarest Records: PANELIA's Guide To New Delhi's Electronic Scene

Akriila

I always go to play pool in Bar Alameda with my football team. 

I like to get a coffee here. I buy an ice latte and a red berry cheesecake. 

For parties, from Thursday to Saturday you go to Blondie. They have very good special nights. 

This barrio is cool, you can get head to Costa Bright or go the Bar El Bajo which is a more intimate.

It's not in the Lastarria neighbourhood, but I love Karaoke Santiago in Santa Isabel. 

In the Patronato neighbourhood I recommend Bunsik and Misoya, both serve Korean food. 

I recommend Kintaro which is at the front of Bellas Artes metro station. I don't have a favourite restaurant to be honest, but this is one I go to. I love the ramen

If you want to party after 11pm from Tuesday to Fridays, go to Túnel. They'll serve you drink that'll get you flipped. 

If it's a special occasion, I'll go to Baco. It's one of my favourite places to get dinner. 

"Every Place Tells A Story": Akriila's Santiago Is Unpredictable and Vibrant 

Great crowd, good drinks and delicious small plates. It's a cozy bar and a perfect meeting point to have some good chill time.

Amazing place to eat the best burger at Chuck's or a great katsu at Katsusanderia and take a wine from Enoteca/Naturale. It's a collective of incredible spaces lined up side by side on a sidewalk. I highly recommend it.

Very tasty small plates, a judiciously experimental menu selection, easy/chill mode, nice people and an isolated place, away from other places where can exist on its own.

The overall experience of the place and the pizzas are very good, the gastronomic best version of traditional pizza and a very good wine selection, the interior design is really cool as well.

Traditional food with a modern twist, a great experimental restaurant in zone Navigli. 

Great fusion tapas, cozy atmosphere, good wine, easy mood. It's perfect because it's in Nolo and after Silvano you can go to any bar around and meet nice people. Especially in fashion week it's full of creatives.

Great aperitivo, tasty and unique plates, good drink!

Milan's best paninoteca and it's also the first one ever.

One of the best bars to socialize and have a drink during fashion week, it's an old school Milanese bar with its famous negroni sbagliato.

Good place to go in fashion week, with very tasty wines and especially delicious plates.

One of the most preferred bars on Saturday nights. A good melting pot and meeting point for locals and guests.

Great small bites, traditional patisserie, cute backyard, a great spot for having small and quick meetings.

Where to Eat and Drink During Milan Fashion Week, with Zion Lacroix 

Mount XLR

This is one of the classic places to go after clubbing in Itaewon. They’re famous for their Korean hangover soup (뼈해장국), but I always choose the spicy braised pork (뼈찜). Open 24 hours, which is a charm. Always a lovely vibe around.

Seoul’s finest club. Somewhere all my youth is at. No description needed.

If someone asks where the most unique experience is to feel the subculture, I would definitely recommend Seendosi. The place has a bar on the 5th floor and a venue on the 4th. Both are highly unique and feel very local. If you are a subculture fan and coming to Seoul for the first time, definitely give it a try.

Another subculture realm in Seoul. It’s located in a very old neighbourhood (Eulji-ro), where you’ll witness all the raw goodness of the place.

My favourite walking place. I remember that I used to walk down the road around 2 a.m., after watching a late-night movie at a nearby cinema. The boulevard mainly consists of a lot of big companies. But late at night, everything is just dark with tall buildings. Maybe it is a bit away from the “nightlife” people usually expect, but I strongly recommend exploring the empty city vibe in Seoul.

Open 24 hours, serving solid Korean army soup. After a long night out, this place will treat you well. There’s also a branch near Gangnam Station.

Han River is the heart of Seoul. One of the best things about the city is being able to walk safely anywhere, anytime. If you’re tired of high-energy nightlife, head here with friends and order fried chicken via delivery app—you can even pick it up from the roadside.

One of my favourite soup spots. In Korean cuisine, soups are everything—food that belongs to everyone, food you can share drinks with, food that feeds your soul. This place is a great introduction to that vibe.

‘Sundae’ (순대) is Korean blood pudding (though very different from the Western kind). Sundae soup is another hearty classic. I often come here late at night after finishing sessions with friends—it’s near my studio, in a quiet, local neighbourhood. If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Seoul, this might be it.

A small bar near Hanguk Sundae. Slightly different block, but surrounded by restaurants and bars that stay open late. Friendly staff, great dishes, and a strong whisky selection (especially single malts) at affordable prices. Definitely recommend.

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