Rainmaker 

Colombia

Medellin

Versalles is one of the traditional meeting points of the city, I have eaten at Versalles for more than 10 years now. I first discovered it whilst my parents brought me to “Juninear” (go to Junín, a neighborhood in the center of the city, to have a snack in the afternoons). I highly recommend the Milanesa.

Salón de Té Versalles

The UVA or Articulated Life Units are a project that seeks to take advantage of water storage spaces to unite the community around water, light and landscape There are a total of 12 UVA throughout the city, in each of them there are cultural and recreational events. My favorite for its view is the UVA of Imagination.

UVA de la imaginación

Las Torres de Bomboná is much more than a residential complex, it is a benchmark in the center and Medellín, It is a place where you can meet to “Parchar” in one of its several restaurants or bars. Or it is simply the home of many people who inhabit the spacious apartments, or a meeting point for locals and strangers who simply meet in the central park of the residential complex.

Torres de Bomboná

An art gallery, an event room. Here I have had many memorable parties in my early days as a musician. La Pascasia is a beautiful and a cultural gem in the center of Medellin. The atmosphere is rich, with Colombian art of every kind.

La Pascasia

A.K.A “La Esquina de Fuego” is a special place for me and my people, our meeting point, where you can have a beer and dance from “Perreo" to weird techno, the place that trained me as a DJ. I recommend taking the cocktail "Negro" A mixture of Guarapo (Colombian traditional drink) Rum and salts.

Negro MDE

I recently got to know this place, it is an alliance of artists and writers where you can find talks, music and different local brands.

Casa Ninguno

If you’re into ramen and weird anime things, this is your place in Medellin.

Tamagotchi Ramen Bar

Salsa, son, beer and more than forty types of rum. Do i need to tell you something else?

ERRE

The best place to drink a traditional Colombian "Tinto" Otraparte was the home of the Philosopher Fernando González, now it is a cultural center where you can find different programming and tour the property's gardens and corners. My personal recommendation is: Empanaditas with Ají de Maracuyá.

Casa Museo Otraparte

Similar Guides

The Best Places to "Parchar" in Medellín with Rainmaker

Afgan

Indonesia

Jakarta

Hutan Kota by Plataran is one of the well-recognized restaurant and hotel chains that serves the authentic Indonesian culinary experience. The place was delicately designed for both indoor and outdoor areas with a high-end Indonesian ambiance. They serve authentic Indonesian cuisine which complements your whole Indonesian dining experience and educates yourself about Indonesian heritage.


Hutan Kota by Plataran

I personally love the vibe of the place, it’s definitely suited for both dinner and brunch. Located in Sequis tower in the central of Jakarta, Roma serves the best Italian food in town. Starts from the pizzas to the kinds of pasta that are very delightful. The Pachheri with beef sausage, arugula, and light cream sauce is definitely addictive.

ROMA Osteria & Bar

If an amazing city view is something that you would consider in selecting a place to dine, Alto is definitely a place to go. It is located on top of the Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta. Get ready to be mesmerized by one of Jakarta’s best views while enjoying exquisite food and cocktails. 

Alto Restaurant & Bar


If you’re looking for different taste buds of national food in Indonesia, this place will suit your palate perfectly. Considering West Sumatran food was famously voted as the best food in the world through their rich spices and distinct taste. FYI, West Sumatera is where my family from.


Rumah Makan Medan Baru

My place to go for a casual lunch or dinner located in the heart of Jakarta’s Central Business District. It is very famous among expatriates due to its prime location. They serve American-Italian cuisine that is never gone wrong. From Wagyu rib eye, Goose ravioli, and of course the distinctive Bistecca alla Fiorentina.


Bistecca

I have always been a fan of Japanese cuisine, especially yakiniku. In my opinion, this place really serves the best Japanese yakiniku in Jakarta. They only serve the best quality of Japanese meat, which plays a big part in an excellent yakiniku experience. The food is also complemented by a modern take of Japanese interior design.  


Yawara

Pierre reminds you of the whole picture of Paris vividly. The nuance of the place gives you a French ambiance that completes your cuisine dining experience. Dacquoise Aux Noisettes is definitely my go-to main menu, accompanied by their exquisite wine selections. Closing it off with their perfectly baked Crème Brule. 


PIERRE

Exploring The Best of Jakarta's Restaurants with Afgan

Australia

Melbourne

Excellent resource for niche interest books and publications, as well as architectural, art, design and esoteric stuff. New and out of print material. Located in the city's iconic Chicago school Nicholas Building.

World Food Books

There's hundreds of fancy wine and food bars in Melbourne, but Embla just always seems more delicious.

Embla

Also housed within the Nicholas Building, this is Melbourne's latest and greatest new record shop. Experimentally focussed, superbly curated – vinyl, CDs and publications.

Naturestrip

Situated in a weird, grimy walk-through arcade in Preston, cooking homemade dumplings and noodles with delicious slow-cooked broth.

One Noodle Friendship

Stunning 100 hectare arboretum of both native and exotic species, not far from where I live, in the Dandenong Ranges. You'll probably find me walking my dog here or foraging for something. Beautiful sequoia plantations and lush native fern gullies. Good place to picnic or just meander around and get lost.

R.J. Hamer Arboretum

A mysterious, strange and eerie clustered rock formation on Wurundjeri/Dja Dja Wurrung/Taungurung country just outside of Melbourne. Truly interesting, beautiful energy to literally get lost in.

Hanging Rock

Not technically in Melbourne, but if you've made it this far, you may as well go an extra couple of hours for the most beautiful, varied, sometimes alien landscapes that Victoria has to offer. Home to my favourite Victorian beach, Fairy Cove. A really nice (long) day trip, but the overnight camping situations here are even better for the secret secluded stuff.

Wilson's Promontory

Amazing, delicious tapas and no frills vibe situated near my place.

La Pinta

For all your drip requirements! Located in the iconic Curtin House in the city – once home to Melbourne's communist party.

P.A.M. Store 

CS + Kreme’s Ultimate Guide to Melbourne

Bianca Oblivion

United States

Los Angeles 

This is a family-owned business that has been around since the 70s, one of the first (if not the first?) Indian grocery stores in Los Angeles. It began as a small storefront between a casket and hardware store, and eventually took over both to become a full restaurant and grocery. When I was in high school, one of the aunties would sell samosas at the register and I’d always buy one while I waited for the bus. Aside from having delicious vegetarian Indian food, they have every Indian spice you could think of and all kinds of imported items.

Bharat Bazaar/Samosa House

This market has gone by many names, and through many renovations. It’s our neighborhood market, just a few blocks from my house. It’s got all your Mexican/Latin groceries & meats plus some middle eastern specialty goods. It once had a joyeria where you could buy customized gold chains and rings, but that was replaced by a bakery and tortilleria. While I’m sad to see the gold go, their pan dulce and tortillas are pretty bomb.

Northgate Gonzalez Market

Tucked away in a strip mall next to a laundromat is the most colorful ice cream shop you’ve seen thus far. They have a huge selection of tropical flavored sorbets, ice creams, and paletas (Mexican popsicles), as well as juices and smoothies. They even have a tamarind and “smoked milk” flavor.

Mateo's Ice Cream & Fruit Bars

Before Google, Belkin, and all the other “Silicon Beach” companies landed, along with luxury condos, there was a wide expanse of wetlands in West LA, just a few miles from LAX and Playa Del Rey beaches. While much of it has been paved with condos, there are still a few small trails alongside shallow ponds with cranes, ducks, and frogs. You can take a walk through and feel like you’ve escaped the sprawling metropolis and returned to an era of pre-developed LA.

Ballona Wetlands

This is a huge park that straddles Culver City and Baldwin Hills that has peaceful trails, ponds, and playground/grass areas for family gatherings. There is a Japanese Garden hidden away there and scenic overlook with a perfect view of the city. I’ve gone on many hikes and attended kid birthdays with my family here.

Kenneth Hahn Park

This is a Persian/Danish pizza and gyro spot offering a “pizza sandwich” that combines two...and it’s delicious. With its original location in Copenhagen, they somehow found their way to a small corner in Culver City to open up their second location. It also happens to be down the block from the palatial King Fahad Mosque, and you’ll often see crowds of people come in after prayer.

Mega Grille

The swap meet of all swap meets with the iconic green paint and orange/red lettering (not West LA but not that far off). All the gold, kicks, knock offs, and airbrushed shirts you could ask for. One jewelry stand in particular sells gold nameplate rings--I’ve gotten “Bianca” and “Oblivion,” one for each hand.

Slauson Super Mall

Black-owned and operated health food store and Caribbean/soul restaurant in the View Park-Windsor Hills area (this neighborhood also has some of the most beautiful classic LA Spanish/Mediterranean style homes). They have delicious Jamaican patties, smoothies, fried chicken and cornbread, and on Sundays they have a live jazz band play on the patio for weekend brunch.

Simply Wholesome

One of my favorite breakfast spots with the tastiest honey-infused pancakes, as its name would suggest. Alongside your standard egg, potato, and meat selections, they have a full selection of Salvadoran dishes, including pupusas, pastelitos, sopas, chorizo and more. It’s another family owned business, and I once got into a conversation about music with one of the brothers, who played us some reggaeton tracks he had rapped on.

Honey Bee's House of Breakfast

West LA with Bianca Oblivion

Crushed

Texas

This place is a true gem. Many years ago I stumbled into the original location expecting nothing more than a typical arcade inside but found something very special and I’m so glad it remains to this day. It’s a Japanese-style game center with a vibrant community and amazing variety of imported games that you’ll rarely come across in Texas. Lots of great rhythm and fighting games here but I must recommend “Densha de GO!” - the train simulator game that I can’t get enough of. So much fun.

Arcade UFO

My favourite record store in Austin but also the whole country if we’re being honest here. I’ve been coming here since I first moved to Austin at 17 and they’ve always had the best selection, the friendliest staff, and great in-store performances that are always worth catching if you can. 

End of a Ear

Lovely independent book store in my favourite neighborhood, with great coffee too. They also share walls with a specialty grocery store (Tiny Grocer) and a pizza spot with my favorite slice in town (Allday Pizza - Vodka Baby) - so its a great block to spend an afternoon on.

First Light Books

Very few things unite Austinites as much as our shared love for Veracruz. It’s the first thing I recommend to friends visiting Austin for the first time, and the first place I want to hit when I’m back in town. It’s just that good. My favourite location is in a park shared with a few other vendors, including the also great Desnudo Coffee. Come early and get the El Diferente if you’re vegan like me, or the much beloved Migas if you’re not.

Veracruz All Natural

My favorite spot for vintage clothes and goodies in town. If you’re into 90’s/00’s fashion this is your place - they’ve always got a great selection of really unique pieces and I can never go home empty handed. 

Low-Fi Vintage

The best vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Texas. Relaxed and cozy vibes that are perfect any time any day, but especially great for breakfast/brunch, or a late night dinner. I’ve never found a single bad thing on the menu but I do have a hard time ordering anything other than my favs: the BLTA with potato salad, the tofu scramble tacos, or the grilled blueberry cornbread if you’re looking for something sweet.

Bouldin Creek Cafe

One of my favourite Austin secrets. Tucked away on the rooftop of a University of Texas student activity building is one of James Turrell’s beautiful skyspaces - my favourite place to escape, and meditate. Viewing during a sunrise or sunset sequence is essential and must be reserved in advance. For maximum enjoyment bring noise-cancelling  headphones and an ambient mix of your choice.

James Turrell - “The Color Inside” Skyspace 

Escape And Meditate: crushed Take Us On A Dreamy Tour Through Austin

Chicago Run Collective

Chicago

Stretching nearly 19 miles along Lake Michigan, the Lakefront Trail is the heart of running in Chicago. Paved and well-marked, it connects many of the city’s neighbourhoods, weaving past beaches, harbours, and skyline viewpoints. At any time of day, the views of the city and lake never disappoint. With water stations, restrooms, and plenty of scenic rest spots along the way, it’s a must for runners, bikers, and walkers alike, you simply can’t go wrong here, enter and exit as you please.

Lakefront Trail

This area blends park paths, light gravel, and the Lakeshore Trail with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Heading north, you’ll pass the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course and a serene garden section before looping back along the paved lakefront path. The return takes you past tennis courts and back through the park and on the gravel path. Post-run, you can chill at the concrete steps overlooking the lake, and there are a few entry points for a refreshing dip. A balanced mix of scenery and terrain makes it a favourite starting and ending route.

Belmont Harbor

Chicago’s largest park stretches for seven miles, with many paved pathways winding through it's green spaces. A run here can take you past Lincoln Park Zoo, past the Conservatory and gardens, and along spots where the city skyline peeks out in the distance. Gentle rolling hills keep things interesting without being overwhelming, giving each run a nice rhythm. With so many routes to choose from, Lincoln Park always feels alive and different. Added bonus, Farmer's markets operate on Wednesday and Saturdays mornings for a post run snack!

Lincoln Park

A few popular tracks for speed work and run workouts are scattered across the city. Montrose Beach Track sits just steps from the lakefront, surrounded by greenery and with skyline views in the distance. It’s always buzzing with energy and draws plenty of runners. Further south, Dunbar Park Track offers a great vibe as well, making it an ideal spot for intervals or adding strength work into your session. Both tracks are reliable places to push the pace and mix up your training. Downtown, surrounded by the city, Lakeshore Park Track is a hidden gem right off Michigan Avenue. Perfect if you want a quick session in the heart of it all. Together, these three tracks give runners reliable spots to push the pace and break up their usual routes.

Chicago Tracks – Montrose Beach Track & NTA Track

This West Side gem is full of character, with a small pond and lagoon throughout the center and weaving pathways that keep every run interesting. On the west end, a mid-size hill rewards you with a sweeping skyline view, especially magical at sunrise as the sun peeks above the buildings. The park’s rolling paths make for a dynamic route, and if you head east down North Avenue, you can return to Wicker Park for a post-run treat at one of the many local cafés. It’s a spot that blends neighborhood charm with some of the city’s best views.

Humbolt Park

A great option if you want to head west of the lake. The 606 is an elevated, paved pathway which was a former railway, now lined with greenery and views of Chicago’s low-rise neighbourhoods. It’s especially peaceful in the mornings before more folks, bikers and strollers arrive, and golden hour brings a soft glow over the treetops and brick buildings. End your run nearby in Wicker Park or Bucktown, where you’ll have amazing choices of local coffee shops and cafés for a well-earned post-run snack.

The 606 Trail

This path is perfect if you want to be fully immersed in the city. The wide walkway hugs the south bank of the Chicago River, offering incredible views of downtown’s architecture as you run. Sunrise or golden hour are amazing times to run here, the light bouncing off the buildings is stunning, and the path is quieter before the daytime crowds arrive. Heading east, you’ll find a water station at the end of the path, where it connects seamlessly to the Lakeshore Trail if you’re in the mood to extend your miles. It’s a vibrant, urban route that makes you feel at the centre of it all.

Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Run Collective Pick The City's Best Running Routes 

PLANET

Sydney

Great day spot to continue a big night out. Can play giant Jenga, queue tunes on the jukebox and play some games of pool. The bistro is pretty sick as well.

Carlisle

Perfect spot for a post swim schoo. This one is hard to beat from a view perspective - grab a drink from the bar, take a seat on the grass and just vibe. If the mood strikes you can take off your shoes and roll some balls at another, smaller ball. Bliss.

Clovelly Bowling Club

From questionable origins to BBQ heaven. Great spot to come and enjoy some Southern style BBQ in an eclectic beer garden with more plants than a Newtown sharehouse bathroom. Lovely.

Oxford Tavern

They say never mix business with pleasure. ‘They’ are wrong. Had a good few PLANET business meetings here, always very productive. KPI’s smashed. Has a playground for the youngins.

The Henson

The story here goes that when an old bloke doesn’t show up to his chair one arvo the other locals say “Diddy die?” and that’s how it got called The Diddy. Good ol’ unpretentious bowling club but has had a facelift over the years. Reschs on tap.

The Diddy

Sydney's Best Beer Gardens with PLANET

Sylvia Pérez

Spain

Madrid

This viewpoint is built on a 110-meter-high lighting tower, constructed in 1992. It’s metal and has a somewhat dystopian feel. You take a panoramic elevator to the top and see a stunning panoramic view of the city. My favourite time to visit is at sunset to witness Madrid’s famous pink skies. The entrance fee is very affordable at 3 euros, but take note that it closes early.

Faro de Moncloa

A photography studio in the Carabanchel neighbourhood, run by friends of mine, feels like my second home since I’ve done some of my latest work here in Madrid. It’s a perfect size, fully equipped with all the technical gear you might need, and even has natural light if you want to use it. As a bonus, you can head up to the terrace to grab a coffee or smoke a cigarette between shots. The interior is amazing. If you’re in Madrid for a project, check it out!

RUGE Studio

This is an underground house in the garden of a property built by late brutalist architect Fernando Higueras. It was originally his studio but later became his home. It is now the headquarters of the Fernando Higueras foundation. 

You can arrange private visits by reservation or visit during the Open House Architecture Festival. It’s one of my favourite spots in the city and one of Madrid’s hidden treasures.


Rascainfiernos, Fernando Higueras Foundation

This gallery, which houses large-scale contemporary art exhibitions, is part of the Reina Sofía Museum in a separate building in El Retiro park. The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the museum is near the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. The stroll through the park and the gallery makes it well worth a visit.

It’s currently temporarily closed for renovations until Dec 2025, but usually it is open every day and free to enter.

Palacio de Velázquez

This is the best-curated vintage clothing store in Madrid, with a finely selected range of designer vintage and archive clothing and collectables. Run by two brothers, Charly and Nacho, it’s a key spot in the city to get a feel for Madrid’s youth culture. You’ll find an international atmosphere where you can mingle with the city’s young and creative crowd.

Quality Sportswear

This is a great place for an aperitif, lunch, or dinner, offering traditional tapas and dishes with a modern twist. The venue is traditional yet renovated, run by a young team that aims to keep the authentic vibe. It’s best to reserve a table in advance for meals, but no reservation is needed if you’re just stopping by for a drink. I’m a regular here and often hang out with international friends or hold casual professional meetings at this spot. If you come, you might even find me here!

Bodegas El Maño

This restaurant blends flavours from Eastern Mediterranean Arab countries. It has a cozy atmosphere where chef and owner, Heba Kharouf, will gladly explain each dish to you. It’s a place I’d bring someone if I wanted to impress them. The ambience is laid-back and international, with a mix of younger, modern customers and locals from the neighbourhood. I recommend booking in advance.

Farah

There’s no bar like Cock in Madrid. It’s one of the city’s oldest cocktail bars, dating back to 1921. Located on a side street behind Gran Víia, it served as the back door and secret entrance to another famous cocktail bar on Gran Vía, called Chicote. History is palpable here. Luminaries such as Buñuel, Dalí, Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner, and Frank Sinatra have all passed through. The bar has an Old English-style decor, with dark carved wood walls and waiters serving you with white gloves. It’s still a meeting point for Madrid’s creative elite today and is open every day of the week.

Bar Cock

In Madrid, the aperitif, or pre-meal “vermouth hour,” is deeply ingrained, and there’s been a revival of pairing it with “Gildas” —a traditional pintxo from northern Spain. 

La Gildería specialises in Gildas, adding a signature experimental twist. You’ll find a wide variety of Gilda combinations (I recommend the sun-dried tomato, cheese, and basil) and an extensive selection of vermouths. The place has a contemporary, casual atmosphere, and reservations are not required.

La Gildería

This small, historic movie theatre with modernist architecture is located in the Anton Martín area, near the market of the same name. It’s now the home of the Spanish Film Archive. 

Besides the beautiful facade, I highly recommend going inside to watch a film and see the stunning restored blue main hall. Even the café at the entrance is worth a visit alone. They screen films from different eras in their original language. Be sure to check the schedule in advance. 

It’s a great plan any time of the year, with tickets priced at just 3 euros.

Cine Doré

Walking along the Manzanares River always takes me to another time. It’s not a gushing river, but more of a biosphere reserve, with little water flow and lots of vegetation for birds and other species to nest. You can spot herons, ducks, and other birds. 

The views from Segovia Bridge are sick, offering a vista of the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and North Station, all surrounded by greenery and pink skies at sunset.

When you need a break, you can rest in the open space below the bridge or at the terrace kiosk nearby.

Segovia Bridge

It is one of the best bookstores in Madrid with the widest selection of artist and photography books. Founded by Elena Ochoa Foster, it also functions as an exhibition space, editorial, and contemporary art consultancy. Though it’s not in the city centre, a visit is well worth the trip to get there. 

Ivorypress

The new lab in Madrid to develop and print your analog images. They’ve just opened and are located right in the city center—perfect if you’re looking for convenience and personalized service. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re in town and need to get something printed!

Mini(LAB)Mayor

Hidden Homes and Tapas With a Twist: Sylvia Pérez’s Guide to Madrid, Spain

Kean Kavanagh

Ireland

Dublin

Pubs closed? Never fear, the powerscourt steps are always near.

Powerscourt Steps

If the pubs do happen to be be open, this is my favourite one in Dublin. Lovely Guinness, mad shit on the walls, snooker table, and the best band of aul lads play on Thursday nights. They have reignited my love of music so many times.

Frank Ryan's pub

The best record shop in town. Olan who runs it is one of the most important patrons of small labels and independent artists in Dublin and Soft Boy owe so much to his dedication to new music. Go downstairs and get a lovely haircut in Faction barbers too.

All City Records 

The best camera shop in town. Get some rolls of film developed or enjoy John's warm presence and a poem if you're lucky.


John Gunn

My favourite place to go for a swim. A bit of a way out from town but a swim here will enhance any day of your life.

Vico Baths 

So big. Big big park. Always a new place to find on a cycle.

Phoenix Park

Pint of Guinness for under €4. Say no more.

The Snug

You'll have good nights, you'll have bad nights, but thank the Lord it's still here. Not a lot of small venues left in Dublin that can put on a great intimate gig or go to when the pubs close and you need one more drink.

The Workman's Club

Dublin with Kean Kavanagh

Tato Giovannoni

Argentina

Buenos Aires

A staple on the World’s 50 Best Bar list since just after their opening, Florería is currently number 5 in the world, reflecting the huge growth on the Argentinian cocktail scene. The new menu is inspired by colonies and native towns, and from that, my favourite is Yamanas. Old Tom Gin, blue spirulina, earl grey, rose hip and patagónico king crab with pine mushroom bitters.

Florería Atlántico

Probably one of the only bars that you can go to experience the golden era of Buenos Aires. Go here for the classic; a Clarito, the Argentine twist on the dry martini.

Alvear Palace Hotel

This relatively new bar from the younger generation of Argentinian bartenders is a great place to end the night. Trendy, hip music is played here throughout. Ask for a Milkisilin.

Tres Monos

The third bar from the Ginoteria family, this new bar is in Chinatown, and in safe hands of old guard bartender of Pablo Pignata. It’s the only fast food style bar in Argentina, serving up gin & tonics, negronis and dry martinis. Fast, easy, simple and full of good vibes.

Chintoneria

The newest bar from Ines De los Santos, this bar has great ambience and interiors, with a beautiful bar and food from Maximo Lopaz May. Inspired by French Vietnamese culture.

CoChinChina

Also on the World’s 50 Best Bars list is Presidente. It’s super trendy and elegant, and a great place to go at any time of the day. Their list of signature and classic drinks is fantastic.

Presidente Bar

A must for any visit. Danzon was the bar that helped to nurture new talent and put Argentina on the world stage again for cocktails. The bar opened in 1998 and it’s still an amazing place to go. It was also the first wine bar in Argentina, with a beautiful restaurant, great cocktails and modern deco. My first job as a professional bartender was here.

Gran Bar Danzon

This fantastic space plays tribute to tiki culture, run by Ludovico de Biaggi, one of the youngest new talents. It’s the same group as Danzon - great food, good music and always full of energy.

Oh No Lulu

This amazing venue pays tribute to all the Argentinian classics. The owner is strict with what he serves and that’s just one of the reasons we love him - you’ll find no beers and no sodas here. Ask for a Ferroviario, or any classic you fancy. It’s a great place to start the night in a beautiful part of Buenos Aires.