United States

Los Angeles 

The Dance Label Championing LA's Female and Non-Binary Community Through Music

Capoeira: Afro-Brazilian Dance of Freedom

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

Juls

Accra

This became my favourite spot over the Christmas holidays in Accra. I probably went there at least 2-3 times a week during my stay. It's got a really nice vibe. The pork chops are great, and the setting is perfect. The night could go either way; chilled evening with the gang or a proper turn-up. Friday nights are the best!

You can't go to Accra and not go to Bloom bar! It's impossible. Bloom Bar is one of the most popping spots in Accra. The place is always packed, so you always have to book a spot in advance. Service is impeccable and both the food and drink is top-notch. Perfect party vibe with amazing DJs. Special shout to the DJs: iPhone DJ, Bruce and DJ Baylor.

This restaurant was another favourite spot for me over the Christmas holidays. I had an amazing experience. Everyone should try their sirloin steak and butter chunk fries with their special Brasa sauce!

Another favourite spot of mine but chale you must be ready to spend! Mandem - if you want to impress that special lady, this is the place! A premier rooftop venue that overlooks the city. Great entertainment and very chilled. The cocktails are great as well. Try the frozen pineapple mojito.

Front Back is a member-only spot but the vibes are super dope. They may let you in every once in a while. The music is proper! They have some very cool curated events like “Amapiano and Brunch” and a few other events. Sunday is the best evening to go!

Great spot for beach lovers with a view. Very luxurious with a chilled vibe. Again, Sunday's are the best at Sandbox.

Kozo has a very dope restaurant and bar that combines stylish ambience, Asian tropical decor, and Pan Asian cuisine to present a new yet exciting dining and social experience. Great music and excellent food.

Purple Pub is the best local bar in Accra. Their drinks are not for the faint-hearted though. Try the five fingers drink and meet your maker!

The Woods is one of my most favourite spots in Accra. I've had a few parties there myself! The best days are Wednesdays, where they have live events and showcases the new talent in the city!

It's relatively new but has a fantastic setting and some great drinks. I would recommend going on a Thursday!

Exploring Accra's Nightlife with Juls

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

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

HiedraH Club de Baile

Buenos Aires

Although it is a very recognizable tourist place, like la Ciudad Vieja in Montevideo, it preserves the melancholy and mystery of the city. There is an enhancement of the city to combine the most avant-garde art galleries with the riverside museums of typical artists of the area. The most beautiful art district and the charm of the city mixed with the stench of the river are a perfect combo for us.

This is the essence of the city of Buenos Aires itself and its Misa Criolla, the sensitive concept of our identity. It's a mix between Hogwarts and the Parisian amphitheater from "Interview with the Vampire" but with a Sudaka energy. You can watch the milonga dance under the candlelight and enjoy a glass of wine. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday and you will find the most suspiciously friendly characters here.

The best pizzeria in Buenos Aires and one of the obligatory stops when we bring a foreign producer. The ritual of eating a slice of muzza al corte and a deep-fried empanada is unique of Buenos Aires.

Other people would say that the renowned cemetery in Buenos Aires is La Recoleta, but for us the cemetery and La Chacarita neighborhood implies a beautiful universe of popular heritage. The Cemetery was created to house the enormous quantity of corpses resulting from the yellow fever that struck Buenos Aires in 1871 and that brutal energy is felt in its streets. You can visit the niches of Gilda, Gardel, Moura, Favio, Ferrari, and other popular artists of Buenos Aires and get to know the largest necropolis in the city. Also, on the outskirts of the Cemetery you will find a sanctuary of Gauchito Gil, a pagan saint to whom we usually bring offerings or ask for help, and on Saturdays in Parque Los Andes there are some very good fairs to buy trinkets.

It’s the city's largest and most biodiverse green space, in contrast to its location in the fancier area of the City. Also, it has a “hidden” side, in which it is a good spot to practice cruising behind the bushes. On weekends you can also drink a beer and eat a choripan in the carritos parrilleros at the entry and walk through la feria while people dance cumbia in the street. La combi completa!

Parque de La Memoria (Memorial Park) is a scenic landmark and one of the most beautiful historical monuments in the city. It is located facing the Rio de La Plata, the fatal destination of many of the people who disappeared due to the murderous actions of the last military dictatorship. In addition to its strong historical content, it has a very interesting contemporary art center and astonishment monuments. It is a solemn, beautiful and forceful space to be visited on a sunny day.

The Market was inaugurated at the end of the 19th century with the aim of supplying the necessary food to the new wave of European immigrants. The building retains its original internal structure, made up of metal beams, arches and columns with sheet metal and glass roofs. In addition to its architecture, it also preserves a certain charm of old customs and in its corridors, you can buy everything from meat, fish or vegetables to antiques, jewelry and decoration elements. It is also a gastronomic pole to eat regional or international food.

33km from the city of Buenos Aires, Tigre is one of the most important tourist destinations in the province and is the weekend getaway for many Buenos Aires residents. There is the lower Delta of the Paraná River, one of the largest in the world. On its way it drags a large volume of sediment that is deposited forming clay, sand and silt banks that continually grow and give rise to islands. This complex water system, of more than 350 islands that divide the course of the waters, contributes to giving its shape to the landscape, and also shapes the lives of its inhabitants who have the river environment as their main means of communication by boats. It is a unique ecosystem in the world and a great adventure to navigate its waters and spend a weekend in its stilt houses. Super recommended!

It is a crowded place on weekends, but if you can go during the week it is a very nice place for doing sports, rollerblading or cycling, running or simply to sunbathe and enjoy the air of the city smoking a joint.

Buenos Aires with HiedraH Club de Baile

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

Varnrable

Addis Ababa

A place for organic homemade Ethiopian food and tella, a traditional brew. Tella is brewed in households, usually in the rural areas, and consumed on a daily basis. But tella's legitimate status has been fading away, losing its place to mass produced beer and imported liquor. In Selo everything is homemade, from the injera to the tella. Ingredients are collected from local communities, creating an authentic and sustainable culture around Selo. The energy is inclusive and warm, the food is fresh and tasty, and there is a variation of tellas to try out!

Shifta offers a wide range of delicious Caribbean, vegan and African food. The food I had there was super tasty! It's vibrant and filled with local creatives. A great place to eat, drink and hang out all night, having good conversations or just listening to the music. 

Fendika Cultural Center is the perfect place to take in traditional music, and at the same time enjoy traditional food and drinks in a chilled environment. There are performances every week and the place is filled with soul and good energy. Everything is traditional and relevant. I went there to soak up some local jazz one night and that was a beautiful trip.

This is a club concept, making electronic parties at different locations and with differenct DJs. They are reimagining rave culture in the modern day Addis Ababa. These parties are some of the highlights in the club scene and are happening once a month. 

A traditional restaurant in Addis Ababa where you can experience cultural performances while you eat local food. From around 7.30pm there are musicians, dancers and singers performing traditional acts from different tribes around Ethiopia, while wearing outfits from the different regions. All your senses are being stimulated while being in a beautifully decorated room with traditional design and art. 

The perfect way to get out of the city, and it is only a short car ride away from the centrum. There is a great view over the city and you're able to take a walk in nature. The park itself is how we know most parks to be, but if you wander more up, in the mountain, there are small villages; more raw and beautiful nature. 

An institute of Ethio jazz in its historical location, owned by the legendary Mulatu Astatke. This place features some of the best jazz musicians live in raw sessions. 

Explore Addis Ababa's Cultural Scene with Varnrable

Vicky Grout

London

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

Ethiopian Records 

Order the ye tsom firfir (fasting firfir). It is the best thing and come with friends, you won't be able to finish it on your own.

Their green juice is my personal favourite and the place is filled with artwork, most of it made by ZELALEM MERGA and Tesfahun Kebru.

Come early if you want to get those precious seats inside so you can experience the live music up close.

Anytime you want somewhere that has fresh air, greener around Mexico/ Mekenissa Zoma Musuem is the place, take a book and take time for yourself. Also take your time to explore the entire space.

Found next to Washa Mikael Rock Hewn Church. A walk up the hill with a nice view. Go during the day.

Found in the neighbourhood of Goma Kuteba and in front of the Ministry of Health. Take your time exploring the space.

Inside or out, the national theatre is filled with history.

My current neighbourhood, Kazanchis, where Fendika is situated. Sundays are the best days to work around anywhere in Addis.

I like barber shops, even though I haven't cut my hair in more than 10 years and I only go there for a trim or for my beard, because like anywhere else in the world, the barber shop conversations are lively. I used to go at least twice a month to another called Finfine Hotel Barber’s with my dad, I have very fond memories of that place.

Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Records 

Amsterdam

Black-owned vegan food spot in Amsterdam southeast with flavourful Surinamese dishes. The bowls are bomb and the vegan pom is a must-try!

A family-run vegan restaurant fusing Jamaican and Caribbean dishes with Japanese dishes. I love their Jamaican plate with plantains and the owners are too sweet!

Newly open at one of my favourite clubs in Amsterdam, Garage Noord. Authentic Sichuan food with fab cocktails and a terrace as well. The club opens at midnight so you can burn the calories off with a dance!

Also known as 'the queen of johnnycakes', which are Caribbean snacks. You can find her stand in multiple locations in southeast Amsterdam. Tip: they also do vegan johnnycakes with different fillings!

Authentic Ethiopian restaurant. Great for sharing meals, especially the injera with all toppings. They also have great fruit-flavoured beers and coffee.

Ghanaian restaurant in Amsterdam southeast. You can’t go wrong with the jollof, plantains or kelewele. African restaurants are very rare in Amsterdam so I’m always looking forward to supporting any new spot.

Non-profit art space with great exhibitions and curation focusing on queer and Afro-diasporic communities.

A Black-owned event space in southeast Amsterdam facilitating its direct community by hosting small parties, panels and ballroom functions. We love to see it!

Being a part of the ballroom community, I notice how hard it is to have access to spaces to practice or get together. Cultural centre Nowhere has facilitated its space to the community for many years. There are classes every week from members of the Dutch ballroom scene as well as organised get-togethers by The Living Room.

Arakaza on Where to Go in Amsterdam During Dekmantel Festival

Yuki Matsuda

Tokyo

It's a venue that has one of the best sound systems.

They are open until 3 am and they have the best late night food to take my mind off.

They always have really cool exhibitions and events.

I just love their authentic and very spicy Chinese dishes. Sometimes after doing a gig you just wanna eat spicy food with your mates.

Owned by one of my friends who has a very good taste in music.

It's a second hand book store. They have many great art books.

Tokyo with Yuki Matsuda

12AM

Toronto

I would pull up between 11:30PM -12:30AM, the whole place has super unique vibes, almost like taking you through a time machine but ending at a lit party. All the times I’ve been they are playing Hip Hop. I really like the fact that there is a no photos policy and it sets a tone for everyone to lounge. Coolest part is the secret entrance, and they have the best drinks in the city... ask for the “old fashioned” and tell them 12 sent you.

2:30AM on a Saturday, reason I say that is because this is the spot you go before you go to the next spot. This place has the BEST donuts I’ve ever had let alone in Toronto, it’s a party vibe when you pull up, always bumping music and it's right in the centre of all the clubs. Little secret... ask for the 12AM donut.

Best time to arrive is after 12:30, that’s when it starts getting crazy and everyone wants to get in. I always know it's going to be a good night when DJ.... is spinning. What I like most about LoveChild is the aesthetic and the overall size of the club, a big club allows for a lot of people and a way better dancefloor. I would say what makes this place special is the dancers, they are always setting a tone for a lit night.

I would get here after 1 it’s the spot after the spot. It’s a piece of America within Canada and make sure to bring your one’s because you can’t throw loonies... If you are pulling up to this spot it is essential to make it rain.

Getting here at 9:30PM is the move, first thing I order is a baked crab handroll and the fried chicken followed by a couple drinks and some lava cake. Best part about this place is the aesthetic, once the food and drinks kick in, it’s the telltale sign the night just got started.

This is where the night goes all night. You can pull up anytime you want but once you get here expect to spend at least 4-5 hours. This is the place you pull up with your friends who are more focused on getting kills in COD than shots at the bar. What makes this place special to me is my passion for gaming. 

Get here for 10PM if you can find a lane. Me and my friends love golf so if you are a golfer you are in for a night of fun. The best part about this place is that you get to bring your own food and drinks and good times are guaranteed. Although this isn’t a conventional late-night spot it brings the best late-night vibes.

Mademoiselle is the spot to pull up to at 1130. The oysters are fire... the drinks are incredible and the atmosphere is perfect for the date you want to impress. The lighting and sound in this place leaves you with a special feeling that makes you want to come back time and time again.

After Hours in Toronto with 12AM

PNNY

Bali

Our home for 4 years, you can always guarantee a good night and good pasta at Da Maria.

Intimate club vibes with cocktails, beautiful people and a good music policy.

For the past 4 years its been one of Canggu's institution to night life, and industrial outdoors pizza spot that turns in to a 1000 people rave every Monday!

A new venue for underground sounds from House to Techno. Located amidst the bustling area of Canggu, Neverland offers a refined nightlife experience! A perfect escape for some after-dark drinking with warm and unpretentious ambience.

An audio file concept bar which feels more like a living room, attracting the best Indonesian Disko DJs and local music fanatics. Move on to the party at the world famous beach club bar for afters.

The Best Nightlife in Bali with PNNY

Pablo Nouvelle

Zurich

An Italian enclave at the very end of famous Langstrasse. Paninis in every variety. Everything in this store is a 100% Italian. The ingredients, the amazing antipasti and the songs playing from the radio. How can something so simple be so good.

Zürich might be one of the most decent but surely not the biggest place on earth. If you want to get an overview first put on your fast shoes and head up to Käferbärg, which offers a little escape into the woods and a beautiful view over the city, the lake and the incredible alps. Make sure you set out for the trip in the late afternoon to catch the golden evening sun.

Close to my studio, this little restaurant has become my go to place if I want to treat myself for lunch. Honest meals, affordable and made with love.

Escape the city and climb the little mountain overseeing Zurich. Best to bring your bike and enjoy one of the many single trails and downhill tracks down the 400 meters altitude.

A beautiful bath to dip in the lake with a little beach and a tower out in the water to climb and jump from.

Claudio the soul of Sacci Bar will take care of your needs and make sure you won’t leave town without having tasted the best Negroni or natural wines there is.

Fancy a fancy dinner? Go to Kle. You’ll eat exclusively creations you’ve never experienced before. All vegan.

A small concert venue with one of the best bookings of local and international acts.

Jump from the bridge into the cold waters of the Limmat and drift down to Obere Letten. Have a Margarita at the rooftop of Primitivo Bar whilst watching people and go to a concert in the evening at the near by Parkplatz.

Best see and to be seen place on a Sunday afternoon. Visit the lovely Cafe Bonheur or bring your own and sit around the fountain.

Best cinema in town with the latest independent films and the most charming bar to linger around.

Discover Zürich with Pablo Nouvelle

Chase & Status

Manchester

Bristol

This one has such pure, magical, rave energy of past era’s. It also has an inclusive dance floor environment, which makes it a great place to solo-rave, if that’s what you’re after.

Great sound system and community culture, where they are always encouraging new promoters and emerging talent. Have never played there ourselves, but have attended as fans.

Home to the famous Warehouse Project. We’ve played there a lot and it’s by far one of the most epic venues in the UK, peaking at 10,000 capacity. It has big rave energy. 

Bristol is one of the best UK locations for bass music. It’s home to many of the iconic labels and producers of the scene and this venue is perfect to experience all the variations. 

We definitely could not leave this one out… Arguably the most legendary club in the UK and we’ve been lucky enough to have played there many times. We also did our RTRN II Fabric Album stream there in 2020 with the late, legendary, Skibadee. A moment that will always be sacred to us.

Our Carnival memories stretch back to the mid 90’s but for the past few years we’ve found ourselves at Shy FX’s ‘Digital Soundboy’ stage. The vibes are always right, we’ve had the fortune to play there several times & not many people put on a party like Shy.


The 6 Best Venues to Rave with Chase and Status 

Marlou Fernanda

Rotterdam

This is where I used to get my hair products when I had long curly hair.

When we’re in the city, we usually pass by to get a Pastechi.

For two years we’ve made it a habit to order pastechi, cheese balls, sate ku batata and other dishes from Curaçao at this specific place for the holidays, especially for New Year's Eve. I know the owners, and normally they’d do the catering whenever my good friend Junelisa had a party, for example. I’ve been waiting for them to open a restaurant ever since. They have the best Caribbean food in town (for me) no doubt!

I used to go to this café/venue/club where they’d have R&B, funk, soul, salsa and bossa-nova nights. I loved seeing so many people from Brazil coming together in Rotterdam to play beautiful samba music. I’d always go here with my big sister – I really miss those days! We used to meet so many people there and I felt like I was learning more about different cultures and different people.

I’m in their extended family program, and for that reason I’ve been able to go behind the scenes and visit their archives. They had so many crazy items that I’ve never seen before. A lot of slavery related items too. Curaçao and Brazil, of course, were a part of this too. I remember feeling so connected to my heritage and actually became angry at what ‘they’ stole from us.

Marlou Fernanda's Guide To Caribbean Spots In Rotterdam

Bru-C

Nottingham 

Has to be first, purely due to the history. Robin Hood, the history of many kings, hella corruption and hella rebellion, bun the government and all that.


You need to go to Stealth, the best nightclub in Nottingham. Great for a little party, little shoobs, little knees up. Bubbling Tuesdays, D&B every Tuesday, that's my event by the way - cheeky plug.


In the Heart of Hockley, which is like the shoreditch of Nottingham, super creative place. Cool cinema that shows alot of independent films, you can also order a full meal and a bottle of wine into the cinema. Like what's better than eating chips and getting steaming whilst watching your favourite foreign film?


Obviously. Not that you'll get a ticket cos we're in the prem now, but if you get a chance mate shout up the reds at the river Trent.

It's full of skateboarders and mandem drinking beers in the middle of the day. It's just an experience, do you know what I mean? Sometimes you've gotta take the rough with the smooth.


Actually technically Derbyshire, but it's an NG10 postcode so that's what I've been telling people my whole life  - you know what I'm saying? It's the ends man, it's where I grew up - there isn't a lot going on there to be honest, but go check it out man. It's a strange and wonderful place.

Go to Suede Pizza, bad boy pizza - actual levels and the owner is a G.

The final place to visit in Nottingham is the Brian Clough statue on the market square. Living legend from Nottingham. If you don't know about Brian Clough you don't know about Nottingham.

The Best Spots in Nottingham with Bru-C

Anomalie

Montreal

One of my favorite small venues in the city. It’s a non-profit organization that has music, dance theatre, exhibitions amongst other tings. I’ve played here several times and I went to several events here and the ambience was always on point

To me, this is the best music venue in the city to see your favorite artist play. Great acoustics, beautiful architecture - I’ve seen so many insane shows here and especially after being to similar sized venues in other cities, this is the one.


I love pubs, and this one is pretty much right next to l’Astral and Métropolis, which means that during jazz fest season (or summer for that matter) this is pretty much the go to spot. It’s technically a tavern - food and drinks are always on point and this is my vibe for a night out

Another great venue with absolutely stunning architecture. In some ways it feels like a smaller metropolis, it’s beautiful and I especially like it’s layout - I’ve seen several memorable shows here too

Located in my Pointe Saint-Charles (my old neighborhood in the south-west, love this area so much), this place is gorgeous. The cocktails and atmosphere are incredible, and the people who own it also own one of the best pizza places in town (in my opinion, fight me)

This is my favorite mid-sized venue in town. I might be biased cause it’s definitely associated with my years studying music in Cegep (something in between high school and college here in Quebec), but I just have so many fond memories of this spot, both playing and seeing shows, that I couldn’t not include it on this list. They also own the smaller but equally awesome Casa Del Popolo across the street.

Anomalie's guide to Nightlife / Music Venues in Montreal

Hak Baker

Top cafe, top food, top proper east end people

Good priced and top quality Sunday Roasts. Morn like these silly gastro pubs. Good price beer and authentic East End Pub feel. Ain’t much of that around, too conversation just don’t act moody, we’ll sniff you out!

Members club - I ain’t got a membership but I got the blag to get in there. Good food and wild impromptu nights. Variety of people

Home of Thirsty Thursday. Best free party in town and can't go wrong. Free entry free beer and Live music.

Venue fluctuates but if ya in town and it's on go to 'Glitterbox' top old skool sounds and good ravers

London with Hak Baker

Melbourne

For some nature Blairgowrie Rock Pools are found on this beach - f*cking insane!

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