Phil Gong

China

Shanghai

Usually, I am not a party animal, but I'd like to start with nightclubs. I think this is what a city is all about LOL. Semi-formal and invite-only nightclub that offers fun from Wednesday to Saturday spinning tunes from old school hip-hop to funk. They bring renowned musicians around the globe to perform the best sounds over the weekend

Le Baron

A premium man's fashion boutique located on Jiashan Road that offers brands like Alyx, visvim, Undercover, etc. There is no cell phone signal, because it is in the basement, so don't bother asking your girlfriend or mom for their opinion. Decide your own style and just buy!

Ethos

A neat Italian restaurant that offers creative cuisine using organic ingredients. Modern interior design and spacious dining environment won't disappoint you.

Thought for Food

A go-to place after work for dinner. Usually packed with people from Monday to Sunday. The outdoor space gives you a moment to chill and relax in the city. Not to mention the cocktails are the state-of-art level and gets you tipsy before hitting up to the afterparty.

Bar No. 3

Another great party spot right next to Le Baron. A bit of a private-ish club that divides the space into a chilling lounge and a dance floor. Newly renovated venue to provide good drink and cozy environment. Best place to chill out with your closest friends.

83 Bands

Similar Guides

Phil Gongs Shanghai Guide

Eyedress

Philippines

Manila

Be nice to the vendors and you might get a good deal.

Greenhills Mall

Nice and quiet place for crepes and coffee.

Cafe Breton

Commonwealth Market 

Great place to see art, exhibitions, vinyl toys plus sneakers and streetwear.

Ronac Art Center

Great place to find anything from fabric to rare band shirts and pirated everything.

Recto

Great place to walk within the city lots of trees and greenery and a beautiful campus with cheap restaurants nearby.

University of the Philippines

Black Market

Thrift store heaven. Dress down, be nice to the people and you'll get a good deal on rare finds.

Ukay-Ukay Store

Eyedress Takes Us Trippin in Manila

Orange Culture

Nigeria

Lagos

For great breakfast, pop by craft gourmet.

Craft Gourmet 

Shaunz Bar

If you want to enjoy an amazing time bouncing - stop by the indoor trampoline park and connect with your inner child.

Upbeat 

Fun arcade games, bowling and the option of three different restaurants including one with a rooftop view.

Rufus and Bee

Stop by or order in for great shawarma and fries.

Shawarma & Co

Discover Nigerian contemporary art at its best at Rele in the heart of Lagos.

Rele Gallery

Catch a beautiful history, beautiful Adire and beautiful conversations with Mama Nike at the Nike Art Gallery. It is truly an experience.

Nike Art Gallery

If you want to try delicious suya for the first time, stop by Bukka Hut in the evening.

Bukka Hut

For super facials, mani peds and relaxing massages, pop by Bnatural in Victoria island, Lagos.

Bnatural Spa

For great spoken word, live bands and delicious food, stop by Bogobiri to enjoy a rich artistic and Afrocentric experience.

Bogobiri

If you want to enjoy Nigerian food in a beautiful, architectural space with great vibes stop by NOK. Weekends are great with DJs and bands sometimes hosted while you enjoy great food.

NOK Restaurant

Try the longest bridge walk/canopy walk and also enjoy a nice picnic outside during dry season. Stay hydrated and carry your camera to capture the beautiful experience.

Lekki Conservation Center

Amazing Japanese food and the option of a beautiful beach view while you sip on a delicious cocktail. Shiro is definitely the spot. At night the music gets really good and you have Hard Rock Cafe in the same compound for a great night out.

Shiro

Fine dining - this is the place to visit. Steak is amazing.

Noir Lagos

Lagos with Orange Culture

Lotte Andersen

United Kingdom

London

It’s like pick n mix - the programming is dope. The cinema shows crazy stuff all the time and they tend to be the first to screen most independent young artist's films. It’s cheap too, which always blows my mind.

Institute of Contemporary Arts

GO FRIDAY!


Don't do Saturdays... it’s like Camden on steroids (in London language, this is stressful). This is my home, it's where i grew up. Friday is the best day for proper vintage and second hand clothes. I studied fashion and am obsessed with textiles, lots of that too! Friday is when all the buyers from the big fashion houses descend (usually at 7.30AM) to swoop all gear for archive research. Walk to the very top and then right on Golborne’s best food stalls (Moroccan, West Indian and more... weather dependant though).

Portobello Market

Literally go to to the rose garden and check out all the names of the different strains. It’s so grand, old-fashioned and FREE... Also WHO knew there were roses called Champagne Coast, Rachel, Nostalgia and Simply the best?

Queen Mary's Garden

This is my childhood gallery. Walk through Kensington Gardens, around the round pond, or from Albert Hall. There are two, the Sackler Centre and the Original Gallery. It’s on this list for pure nostalgia. It’s literally the first gallery I was pushed around in a stroller. The events programme in the Summer is super fun too.

Serpentine Gallery

My friend Jackson has opened the most divine restaurant. The food is a sensory ride and is aesthetically gorgeous. The space is designed by Rose Uniacke. Jackson, as corny as it sounds, is a magician with flavour. Boujie.

St Leonards

I worked for John after dropping out of studying fashion. He started ‘Granny Takes a Trip’ in the 60s, dressed icons like Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles... literally everyone. He opened his tailors in the early 80s. He’s usually grump, but if you say you know Lotte he’ll cheer up. He literally invented hype youth culture clothing and lol'd when Supreme opened a block away cos he said he hadn’t seen young people queue for clothes since his shop.

John Pearse

This is one of London’s best kepts... there are a line of restaurants in a row that have been there since the 80s. They’ve got weird cool wooden booths. Order the chana poori or the poori filled with yoghurt and sweet potatoes. So divine! Pay by cash or only one card to make it easy for them. Lunch buffet for £6.50- DIVINE.

Diwana Bhel Poori House

Lotte Andersen's London Guide

France

Paris

We are a Parisian music label, good wine is essential to our work. You’ll find that here.

Cambuse

We love this wine bar with a diverse and musical crowd. Unexpected nights here have led to some of the most exciting music collabs in Paris.

La Chope des Artistes

This is a special place to take visiting artists. It’s a speakeasy bar that uses screens to imitate an actual busy train snaking through the Indian countryside, with passengers hopping off and on. Disorienting in the best way! Great cocktails and tapas.

Baranaan

One of our favourite places to catch up on music and unwind off-hours. You’ll always run into someone working in the music scene here.

Bottleshop Bar

A great industrial-style bar where you’ll find conversations flowing on music, politics and culture. Gives Berlin vibes.

TDTF (Too Drunk to Fuck)

A floating café and botanical library. Our favourite escape to, surprisingly, turn off the music, chill out and read.

L’eau et des Rêves

An absolute hidden gem! We look forward to any excuse to pop in this restaurant for excellent Armenian food that doesn’t break the bank. A constant temptation just around the corner from our office.

Cantine de la Maison de la Culture Arménienne

We love the natural wines and ever-changing menu at Des Terres, where they are passionate about engaging.

Des Terres

This is one of our favourite Chinese restaurants in Paris. The plates and drinks endlessly move overhead, and it’s hard to not 'over order'. A must-visit for authentic vibes, hot delicious food and pure satisfaction.

Chez Nanchang

A Guide on Where to Eat and Drink in Paris by InFiné

Ysa Pérez

United States

New York City 

Maison Premiere Brooklyn

More Williamsburg shit. Five Leaves is one of my FAVORITE restaurants, mmm truffle fries, good for dinner but sick for brunch. It's in a prime spot so can get busy

Five Leaves Brooklyn

Cheap ass falafel right off the Bedford L stop, Oasis, Williamsburg staple, not the fanciest, but solid for price and just on the go when you tryna eat quick

Oasis Brooklyn

Definitely check out The Lot. Opened a few summers ago in this abandoned lot no one was using. Now it's a place to chill outside grab drinks, think that weird park ting in Shoreditch, same vibes... there are DJs playing all day

The Lot Radio

Cafe Mogador Brooklyn

Vanessas Dumpling House NY

All your vintage needs, this Japanese place plays tight ass music and has hella gear

10 ft Single by Stella Dallas

Best Southern food + cheap, chill ass, dive, Williamsburg, hipster bar

The Commodore

Sweets! Milkshake that tastes exactly like cereal, next door to The Commodore

Milk Bar Williamsburg

Ippudo NY

Ysa Pérez's Guide to NYC 

Bianca Beers

Australia

Sydney

Great Malaysian food! Make sure to get the savoury roti and the dessert rotis.... again maybe get one of everything and share! There’s always a bit of a line, but it moves fast. And it’s BYO!

Mamak

Walk around, get an ice cream and soak up the sun. Go to the Museum of Contemporary Art, take some pics in front of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, and get some grub!

Circular Quay

Go bushwalking! Visit the Three Sisters, hike, catch the cliff side train ride, do the pulpit rock walk then eat at the Hydro Majestic if you’re feeling fancy and want to digest a beautiful view!

The Blue Mountains

Another Aussie icon! Visit the beach, do the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, and eat at The Well if you’re into fresh, healthy YUM food!

Bondi Beach

The Opera House is an Aussie icon. If you’re into opera, ballet, classical music etc. this place is great! Otherwise, just go to Opera Bar for some cocktails on the harbour. Go at sunset!

Opera Bar

Amaaaazing vegan restaurant in the park. Again, order one of everything and share them shits!

Bodhi Restaurant 

White Rabbit Gallery

There are a few, but the ones near Oxford St are best. Make sure you get the garlic bread!!

Mad Pizza E Bar

Bianca Beers' Top Sydney Spots

Top Cuvée

Having the shop around the corner means we've not got this epic wine list available for the restaurant. The casual vibe, combined with the good music and incredible food really makes it the perfect place to enjoy the best natural wine selection in not just London but the UK. Top of my list atm is the De l’Aube - an absolute banging Pinot Noir - while it’s been nice to drink at home it really is a wine to drink in a restaurant.

Best for a noisy boozy dinner. Make sure to book as there aren’t many tables and those who have one will happily spend the whole night getting through Nick Branham’s varied and genuinely exciting menu. If you’re feeling lucky you can rock up and try nab one of their terrace tables held for walk ins.

Quality Wines

An incredible wine list, great spot for lunch if you're looking to drink something special with a menu afforded equal love. They always have something great on the record player also.

Brawn

A butchers/restaurant/wine cave, need I say more? Jimmy has an insane collection of wines in the cellar and always worth asking about what's not on the wine list to get something special he's been sitting on. This is without a doubt my favourite spot in London for a steak and glass.

Hill + Szrok

Best for late dinner and the 4am license means it's easy to get loose there with Charlie + the crew. Very popular within the hospitality industry for post-shift knees up and some of the best chicken wings and wine around.

Laughing Heart

Legendary Peckham rooftop with a focus on Italian juice. If you’re looking for views to go with your booze you could do a lot worse. Cracking pasta too.

Forza Wine

Another southside winner with a great list, perfect for one glass which always turns into three. Tucked away in Brixton Village Market they have a bottle shop and intimate restaurant next door, the staff are always great and will really help you find your way around a list. Their newer spot Levan in Peckham is also exceptional.

Salon

Hidden Wine Bars Across London with Top Cuvée

Orbe Nacimiento

Mexico

Mexico City 

This was the first spot we thought of while making this guide, basically because it’s where we spend more time. This park is part of Museo Tamayo, a really good contemporary art museum which always has something cool to see. Nonetheless, most of the time we just go to the gardens, which are pretty empty on the weekdays. It’s a great spot to take the dog (Chango) out and just lay there, in the grass, and think about future projects, new ideas for music or any other things that may occur to us. It’s a place we hold dear because of how much time we’ve spent there. A great place to go non-verbal for a couple hours, which is a hard thing to find in this city.

Parque Tamayo

This is a neighbourhood gem in Colonia Juárez, a very central and busy neighbourhood with lots of Korean food options. Nadefo is a delicious Korean barbecue place with a very chill ambience, and although it’s very popular and fairly well priced, it’s never overly crowded which is definitely a plus.
Galbi, which is marinated and grilled beef or pork ribs, is a fantastic choice for a house special, especially when you get to cook it on the table grill in the traditional Korean barbecue style. Accompanied with some rice wine (makkoli), dinner with friends in this place is always a great option.

Nadefo

Definitely somewhere you can have special gatherings, share wine and celebrate birthdays (it’s our go-to birthday celebration place for some reason).
A huge stone arch goes through the middle of the park, bisecting it and creating all these cute private spaces in which you can set up a picnic gathering. It’s located in Lomas de Chapultepec, one of the most affluent residential neighbourhoods in the city, which is not a very walkable place. As a result, the park is usually nearly empty, making it a great and almost private place to unwind with friends.

Parque Cárpatos

This place is definitely our go-to bar. We first spotted it walking past it, since it's almost exactly in the middle point in between both our houses. We would walk past it and wonder what the deal was with the place because of its mysterious entry, which has colonial-style architecture and a simple sign that says: Bar. When we finally went inside one day we found out it’s part of the Maria Cristina Hotel, which has a small but really cute garden inside that connects it to the bar with a small terrace. They have good martinis and a great vibe in general. It’s never crowded and you’ll never run into known people there.
Great place to just hang out and talk for hours. The terrace and the garden make you feel you’re hours outside the city, and the waiters are really nice.

Hotel Maria Cristina

Barba Azul stands as an iconic and timeless dancehall from the cabaret years in Mexico City. It really doesn’t matter what day of the week you go, there will always be people dancing with a live orchestra playing salsa, cumbia and bachata, among other Latin genres almost until daylight. The place is not only for the younger crowd, it has been around for more than 70 years, which is why you will encounter people of all ages. There's people that have been attending the place for several decades.

This intergenerational connection added to its peculiar decor, consisting of huge papier-mâché sculptures coming out of its all-blue interiors, make this space a very special and cherished club by everyone.

Barba Azul

Explore Mexico City’s Less-Crowded Spots With Orbe Nacimiento

Elena Kosharny

They have several locations all across NYC, but my favourites are in Grammercy, Upper Westside, Park Slope. This place curates each store differently and they have a high standard with what they sell - they're also flexible on price points. Plus, all proceeds from shopping go to The Aids Foundation. Expect home, high end fashion, unique designs and vintage jewellery

Housing Works

People in NYC tend to rotate their wardrobes regularly, this spot focuses on what's in style now so they buy their second hand stock accordingly. You can find cool stuff from just a few seasons ago

Crossroads

The two locations in Williamsburg and at Flat Iron are my favourite. Similar to Crossroads, they do tend to overprice their stuff sometimes and they don't buy as easily as Crossroads, but you can get some good stuff. Particularly menswear, shoes and accessories and denim

Buffalo Exchange

SA is super cheap. There's a ton of vintage here for amazing prices. They don't pay attention to brands when they price it so if you're down to rummage you can find some really cool shit. Be warned you will need time to browse as there's little to no organization and there's a lot of crap in there. Fun NY fact, most of my celebrity sightings have happened in Salvation Army

Salvation Army

They have a great selection of pure vintage stuff that is just beautiful. Dresses and suits from the 70s and 80s, real high fashion plus a great selection of vintage jewellery. Higher price but reasonable when you consider what you're buying

City Opera Thrift

Massive store with a lot of everything. Leather jackets, outerwear, shoes - this is for your pure Brooklyn vintage experience

L Train Vintage

Antique and vintage furniture, art, anything from old photographs to door knobs. You can negotiate on price

Mother of Junk

Elena Kosharny's NYC Thrift Guide

Thailand

Bangkok

Beautiful gallery space hidden in the creative district, Charoenkrung. The building was restored from a more than 120-year-old Chinese school's structure. I love the big skylight in the middle of the space. ATT 19 fuses together multidisciplinary programmes with an exhibition space, antique retail, vintage clothing retail, restaurant and cafe. You can spend the whole day there. The exhibitions rotate usually [every] one to three months in which the creative director, Mook Attakanwong, intends to give this platform to upcoming young local emerging artists.

ATT 19

I'm always impressed with the exhibitions at the Jim Thompson Art Center. Early in February, I went to see the show ‘Dreamday’ by Mit Jai Inn; he created 74 sculptures displayed on a long table where the audience could actually bring any pieces home. The architecture here is stunning with a combination of concrete, brick and mesh facade. If you walk all the way to the rooftop, you will find a hidden kushiyaki place (BBQ) but an Isan version called Larb Siab.

The Jim Thompson Art Center 

Benchakitti Forest Park completed its expansion recently in 2022, which makes this park really the lung of central Bangkok. It's a very dense city so I love to come here to relax and breathe in nature. The landscape is beautiful here, you can bike, run or walk. The old tobacco warehouses, which were located here previously, have been restored into basketball, ping-pong and pickleball courts.

Benchakitti Forest Park

You cannot miss the nights at Studio Lam! The club offers parties with various genres and music throughout the week, ranging from luk thung, dub, reggae to house, electro and techno. You will get to see local and international talented DJs, artists and bands. Come on Wednesday for a live set, you might get to see amazing molam shows from bands like Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band and Toomturn Molam Group, or Isan Psychedelic show from Khontan & The Hymmapan Express.

Studio Lam

Just a few steps from Studio Lam, you can find this amazing record store. It's owned by the same owner of Studio Lam; Maft Sai who is a legendary DJ in the scene globally. You can dig rare stuff here especially in Thai funk, molam, luk thung, world grooves and South East Asia's sounds. If you're a music lover, you should definitely visit this place. The staff always give really good knowledge and recommendations. The aesthetic of the shop also makes the store a super special place.

Zudrangma Records

One of my favourite places to dig in Bangkok, it's hidden in the middle of Thonglor. It's located on the second floor of this house compound that has many shops inside. I found the interior of this house so interesting with all the antique decorations and suddenly you find this really cool record store! The owner of this store is a very experienced DJ and selector: Gon Loha. My friends and I found a lot of great gems here and they are in mint condition! Records here are very well selected.