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Mexico

Mexico City 

Where I get my coffee everyday, the staff is the best and coffee too. This is located in Centro (downtown).

Feral Café

An independent synth shop. The owner is a good guy, and this is one of the few spots where you can find specialised electronic music instruments and modular synths in the city, located in Colonia Condesa.

HolaWave Condesa

In Centro downtown. It's also the mecca of Japanese mangas in the city. A lot of kids go to play and exchange, it's pretty fun and not the usual tourist activity.

Frikiplaza

An itinerant rave. They use warehouses and abandoned buildings to create a utopic, inclusive rave-slash-party experiences. Affordable for the locals and with the best international and local talent.

Located in Colonia Juárez. An independent fashion store with a futuristic, minimal and cyberpunk approach.

Similar Guides

5 Independent Spots You Should Support in Mexico City

a l l i e

Canada

Toronto

This is the spot where I purchased my crystal singing bowls. The atmosphere is so inviting, and they have an amazing selection of tarot decks, crystals, ritual oils, candles, and homemade goods by local artisans. Their staff is super knowledgeable and it’s possible that they have the best selection of dried flowers and medicinal herbs in the entire city.

Alternative Thinking

This is one of my favourite second-hand bookshops in Toronto. Going in there is like a warm hug. It also feels kind of like stepping through a time machine into the past. You can always find something unique no matter what genre you're looking for, and they have an incredible esoteric section with some really rare finds. If you're looking for anything to do with divination, spiritualism, mysticism and beyond, this is your spot.

Sellers & Newel Second Hand Books

If you want to meditate, decompress and get your life, go to Allan Gardens. It’s one of the most stunning botanical gardens to stroll through or sit in and take in the beauty. There's so many different species of plants and flowers to admire, a gorgeous fountain, massive glass ceilings allowing the sun to pour in, and even a turtle pond. When the energy of the city gets overwhelming, this is a great place to recharge.

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Jump on the ferry for 15 minutes and you're on Toronto Islands. Check out Wards Island Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, or Hanlan's Point (our only clothing optional beach). The Island is an easy way to delve into nature while still being really close to downtown Toronto. It's incredibly peaceful, and you feel like you're way further from the city than you actually are.

The Toronto Islands

"The Spit" was initially conceived of as a breakwater to protect Toronto's bustling shoreline.This is where I go when I need to connect with nature in a deeper way. It almost feels like a secret, because it's so quiet and vast in its scope. There's so many different trails, twists and turns you can take, so it's sort of like a “choose your own adventure” vibe. A lot of the shores are filled with rebar and construction debris, which add this trippy sculptural element to the rocky beaches. Love being here on bike or on foot, and there's always some new hidden oasis I discover every time I go.

The Leslie Spit

If you have time for a day trip, it takes under 2 hours to drive to Allenwood. We don't have a lot of sandy beaches with great swimming in and around Toronto, so this is one the best spots to venture to nearby. It's so beautiful, and you can walk for a mile across the water's edge. The sunsets are phenomenal. It feels more tropical than anything you'll find in the city.

Allenwood Beach

Yes, I have two botanical gardens on this list! This one is a favourite because although there are greenhouses on the premises, most of the gardens are situated outdoors. There are some hidden waterfalls, winding paths, open fields, and manicured gardens that give off big “Alice in Wonderland” energy. Connecting with nature is one of the most integral parts of my spiritual practice, and these gardens have that transportive quality that helps me tap into the expansiveness of myself.

Edward Gardens

Find Your Zen in Toronto with a l l i e

 Krista Papista

Cyprus

An anarchy cafe/bar that has been here for a while. I started hanging there when I was 16. The owners are sweet, providing a safe space for queers, minorities and alternative kids. Love where it’s located in the heart of Ledras.

Kala Kathoumena

The walls surround Nicosia in a star shaped design. Originally defence walls from the Middle Ages, they were rebuilt by the Venetians to protect themselves from the Ottomans. I would follow the walls, and walk around Nicosia, the visuals along the wall reveal Nicosia in it’s chic, pure and decadent demure. 

Venetian Walls

My friend, Cypriot diva Chrysa Gregoriou, runs this shop of perfumes, serums, candles and aromatic healing products she makes with her own hands, using herbs she finds in mountains and in the Cypriot countryside. Walk from her shop around Nicosia, downtown to the old town. Here you can entertain yourself observing modernist sandstone houses and buildings from the 70’s, luxurious psychedelic designs, a few that have been sadly neglected.

Floricienta Iuvenalis

A sci-fi-looking church designed by Neoptolemos Michaelides, right next to
my childhood home. The church bells were the soundtrack of my life. Do not
go at night as right-wing teenagers hang around and they not a vibe. During
the day, it’s nice to get a mushroom koupa and Freddy espresso from zorbas
next door and sit there. There are not many people unless there is a memorial
or a funeral. It’s quiet

Church of Apostolos Barnavas

A Middle Eastern forest that I grew up playing and walking around in. It has helped unlock mine (and my parents') thoughts and ideas plenty of times while we've been jogging and walking. It’s quite big and diverse in terms of plants and trees, changes dramatically from winter to summer. There is a big lake with ducks, turtles and frogs. Love the frog sounds. Also a lot of beautiful cats.

Athalassa National Forest Park

Historic street filled with memories of lust and after hours of my teenage years — palm trees, go to bar Ermou Dihoro to grab a beer, walk around the boarder to observe our beautiful, chic, melancholic city.

Ermou Street

Traditional Cypriot Tavern, with Cypriot meze, so fucking tasty.

Ταβερνείο το Ιστορικόν

Incredible archeological museum that displays many artefacts from island excavations, from pottery to sculptures from the ancient civilisations.

Cyprus Archaeological Museum

"Our Beautiful, Melancholic City": Krista Papista's Guide To Nicosia

United Kingdom

Manchester

Alkaline Way is a family run business that provides an array of plant based products at excellent prices. From soft body butter creams to Sea Moss, their website is the perfect shop for keeping your body healthy, inside and out.

Alkaline Way 

Pull Up Bar is a late night, laid-back Jamaican joint serving up spicy and authentic food. Dining in here, you'll see the floor-to-ceiling murals and eat some of the best Jerk in town. There's also a Reggae Roast on Sundays (with a vegan option of roast pumpkin) and a yummy list of rum-laced cocktails that provide all the vibes.

Pull Up Bar

Boogie Moli is an artist, who uses a mix of different mediums such as wheat paste, acrylics and spray paint, to create unique canvas’s you can purchase directly from his website.

Boogie Moli

Delicious bite-size cake pops and other mini sweet treats in and around the city.

Minikin Bake Box

A modern barber shop with a good mix of clientele and a barber with a knowledge of many cool and modern hairstyles including comb-overs, fades, hightop etc.

Simply Faded Barbershop

Serves contemporary Caribbean food and cocktails with travel-inspired flavours all the way to Manchester.

Island Vibe 

Owner, Javeno, runs this gym of the year with an aim for all community residents from young to old to have as many opportunities as possible to better their health.

J7 Health Centre

A travel on request hair service that specialises in custom wig units, micro-rings, sew-ins, bundles, closures, as well as dyeing and styling. Hair can also be done for bridal events and other special occasions.

Self Identity

Prince Cofie Owusu, known as Shakka, launched Trap Kitchen in 2016 from his mum's flat on a housing estate in Camberwell. Now, it's so successful, it's branched all the way in the North. Expect a mouth-watering and eclectic menu with influences from soul food to Chinese to African-American cuisine.

Trap Kitchen

A lash technician and beauty therapist specialising in all things fabulous lashes. Deposit required before booking.

La Rochelle Lashes & Beauty

Offers authentic Caribbean cuisine just for take away at the moment, on Deliveroo and JustEat, as well as delivery via phone number in their IG bio. All of their dishes are cooked using the freshest ingredients, and all meat dishes are certified Halal.

Jerk Junction

Fresh authentic Caribbean food that specialises in jerk chicken made with beautiful blends of Jamaica spices.

Little Rock

A Mancunian foodie at its finest who recreates street foods from across the world with bold flavours. A take-away service for those who want to eat good.

Bubz’s Kitchen

Delicious home-cooked meals delivered to your home by Chef Exose, a Masterchef The Professionals Finalist in 2019.

Exose At Home

Manchester-based label flipping the script on the ethics of the fashion and textile industry, found in the Whitworth Art Gallery and established by textile designer, Ibukun Baldwin.

Bukky Baldwin

Black-Owned Businesses in Manchester

Lila

Uruguay

Montevideo

At the southernmost city in the Americas, in Montevideo bay, very close to the busy city center, there's this Breakwater structure in which I love to spend time, unplugging myself from everything while watching and sampling sounds from the docks, birds and fishermen around.

Escollera Sarandi

I won't lie, I am a huge fan of South American cemeteries, visiting them in each city I play gigs at. In Montevideo, there's one I'm particularly fond of, Cementerio del Buceo. The dichotomy between massive architecture next to decaying graves with plastic flowers, cats always running around. Most of my favourite local musicians and poets from past centuries are buried there.

Buceo Cemetery

In the backyard of a fantastic art museum, there's the Japanese garden of Montevideo. A beautiful spot filled with bamboo trees, cherry blossoms and orchids, blended with Uruguayan national trees such as Ceibo. Love to go there with a good book and stare at the koi fishes for hours.

Montevideo Japanese Garden 

The flea market culture is quite remarkable in Uruguay. Every Sunday, you will find Tirstan Narvaja market right in the city center. I visit it every weekend ever since I can remember, walking kilometres in search of thrift clothes, vinyls, music gear and the most random things you can imagine.

Feria de Tristán Narvaja

Undoubtfully every Uruguayan has a fond memory of this spot. Right next to the amusement park and the beach, there is a lovely tiny lake with small boats that you can rent, surrounded by native trees, musicians playing around, tiny little islands with rabbits, and a castle (that is actually a library) in the middle.

Lago del Parque Rodó

Located in the oldest neighborhood in town, Cafe Brasilero is a very inspiring artistic bar founded in 1877, with typical art nouveau decorations and incredible food. It's been said that many famous writers from around the globe have started their books there.

Cafe Brasilero

Montevideo is known for venues shutting down in the blink of an eye, so most parties are itinerant. But luckily there's Tundra Bar, a place where you can go see the most experimental underground acts around, perhaps a rave here and there, and in the evening you can eat amazing vegan food.

Tundra Bar

Montevideo with Lila

Paul Camo

Margate

There are a few really good art galleries and spaces here in Margate: Carl Freeman, Quench Gallery, Crate and Penthouse Margate – to name a few. But I'm picking out Well Projects as my tip. It's about three quarters of the way up Northdown Road in Cliftonville and it's an artist-led gallery. [It] always has very interesting, curated exhibitions from emerging artists, which can range from video and sound installations, performances and talks to sculpture, ceramics, paintings and print-based work.

Well Projects

Situated at the foot of the high street, in a small shopping area called The Centre. Elsewhere is a brilliant live music venue, record shop and bar. It's been a champion of both independent and local bands since it opened, but has also become a choice venue for a lot of better known acts too. I have to give a shout out to Sammy (Arts Cool), who is responsible for a lot of what I love about Elsewhere. We must support local independent venues.

Elsewhere Margate

Dalby's is a bit of a Margate institute. Simply put, it serves up a banging fry up. Perfect for a Sunday morning breakfast after a big night out.

Dalby's Cafe

If fry ups aren't your thing, go check Forts out. The coffee is so good, everything on the food menu is also banging. You basically can't go wrong with any choice.

Forts

Sargasso is a great restaurant out on the harbour arm, opposite the old town. It is run by the team behind Brawn in London. They have a lot of locally-sourced produce, the wine list is on point and they're now doing the most gorgeous soft serve. Be sure to book in advance as it's a popular one due to its beautifully executed and delicious menu, and buzzing atmosphere.

Sargasso 

My favourite place to get a drink has got to be Rose in June, run by legendary landlord and all-round top guy Deke. Before I moved to Margate, Deke used to run my favourite London pub, Three Kings, in Clerkenwell. Rose in June is a little off the beaten track, which I like; it's cosy, authentic and [has a] well-curated interior with a nice, old-school vibe. They also serve some great grub. It's worth checking Deke's new spot, Off Licence, which is a smaller bar opposite the Lido tower.

Rose in June

If you've got time, you've got to check out the Shell Grotto. If you haven't got time, make time. It's not something you'll experience very often. It's a subterranean grotto that was discovered in 1835 and is covered with 4.6 million shells. Little is known about the Shell Grotto's reason for being, but one thing is for sure – it's quite amazing. Whilst you're at it, also go visit the Margate Caves which is nearby.

Shell Grotto

Run by two local legends, Rae and Cynthia, Werkhaus is an expertly curated shop of modern utilitarian womenswear and vintage garments on High St. The shop used to be an old launderette. The High St has seen an influx of independent shops popping up in recent years. Whilst visiting Werkhaus, it's also worth popping into Margate Gift Store, Kill Me Now and L'Absurde.

Werkhaus

A Weekend Break to Margate With Paul Camo

London

A dim sum restaurant in New Cross. I go here with my family a lot. There’s a really pretty fountain and ornaments as you walk in, and they remind me of my mama and yeye's (grandma and grandad’s) house.

Hong Kong City 

These are some homemade dumplings in southeast London! There’s an artist called Jianbo, you have to check him out – this is his mum's page! 

 Mama Lam’s

It’s the classic Chinese supermarket. We used to go here as kids and it had loads of Chinese White Rabbit sweets. My mama used to give them to us when we left her house on Fridays.

Wing Yip Supermarket

So, so, so yum. I had the spiced corn and tofu dumplings and they were so delicious. It's cute for a little lunch time snack – and vegan friendly!


Ugly Dumpling

I’ve yet to try this myself but I have heard from my sisters and friends that this is a really great spot. It’s a Cantonese restaurant on Gerrard Street.

Plum Valley

Another family favourite, this place is always so, so busy! Lots of people from Hong Kong that live in the UK go there which is a good sign! Food is always delicious here.


Saikei Peninsulas

Josie Man on Hong Kong-Style Spots in London

Shy One

I love TOLA on Peckham High Street. It's in the heart of Peckham and has a great rooftop.

TOLA

My friends do cute stuff at Ridley Road Market Bar -- it has a jazzy soul vibe.

Ridley Road Market

An LGBT+ space which is a club, cafe and gallery. A great meeting spot for friends and having a night out.

Dalston Superstore

This is an indoor spot just off Rye Lane, you can get amazing food. Any food stalls that aren't dressed up -- those are the ones you wanna go into as that's really where you find the best food.

Rye Lane Indoor Market

Vegan and run by Rastas. I love it! I get a bit of everything when I go there. Love the tofu.

Zionly Manna 

They've got bangin' cocktails, natural wines, they do coffee in the day time. The staff they've got there are wonderful.

Funkidory

Another Black-owned venue. It's in Hackney Wick, there's a lot of amazing people who play in there. Amazing staff, security, everything! Has a great sound system and is a wonderful programme.

Colour Factory

VSource is another vegan Jamaican place opposite Brockwell park.

VSource

Shy One's Favourite Places To Experience Culture in London

Tamia Mathis

United States

Los Angeles 

You’ll find all of your hypebeast needs here. If you missed a Supreme drop, they most likely have what you’re looking for at a slIghtly marked up price from the original one. Obviously rarer items in the store are going to be a little bit of $$$ but they have sooooo much stuff and really cool vintage sportswear collectibles of sorts too!

VINTAGE BY ROUND TWO

American Rag is also on La Brea, down the street from Union. They have a really good selection of clothes and shoes here. Designer, streetwear, and vintage. If you come here, save room for food! Cafe Midi is attached to American Rag and has a lot of really good food

American Rag Company

Union! An LA shopping staple. It's a menswear boutique with some of my favorite streetwear and high end brands like; Comme des Garçons, Noon Goons, and AWAKE. It’s also on La Brea, which is a great shopping area in town! If you visit Union I recommend popping into Stussy next door, and Undefeated across the street

Union Le Brea

If you’re in LA on the second Sunday of the month I definitely suggest waking up a bit early to take a trip out to this flea market in Pasadena. Some of the best vintage dealers in LA that are usually private set up shop here once a month. It’s always fun bargaining too

Rose Bowl Stadium

Another really good vintage shop in the East Hollywood area that specializes in sportswear, streetwear, and my favorite, denim!!

Varsity

Squaresville is a vintage shop in the Los Feliz area! The prices are super reasonable and they have a good selection of vintage designer items too! 🤫

Squaresville

I work here! Mohawk is a beautiful women’s wear shop in Silverlake. We carry brands like Dries Van Noten, Acne Studios, and Pleats Please. If you have any interest in fashion or beautiful objects I suggest coming by the shop! There’s also a few good coffee shops and restaurants near our store

Mohawk General Store

LCD is a super cute higher-end womenswear/streetwear shop in the DTLA shopping center called The Row. It's behind the old American Apparel factory. Pro tip: go on a Sunday afternoon! They have this event called smorgasbord and there’s a bunch of yummy food vendors! + shopping

Tamia Mathis Shopping in LA

Jordan Nocturne

Belfast

Originally destined to be a short-term pop-up, Freight is difficult to miss as it's housed in two shipping containers on the main Newtownards Road. It's brunch and dinner filled with Belfast character - the crispy shrimp po'boy is my pick, and if you ask for Christy you'll be well looked after!

Freight

A 'town square' in the traditional sense of the word. Enjoy a coffee and watch the diverse characters who have made the square home - from skate crews to edgy Gen-Z kids hanging out with their friends.

CS Lewis Square

Dumplings & cocktails set to a soundtrack of balearic, disco or whatever fits the vibe.

Yugo East, (Lottie)

Home to some of Belfast's most exciting creatives and independent artists, Vault is a community-driven collective of art studios based in an imposing former school building. From circus performers to musicians it's a genuine haven for eccentricity and art.

Vault Artist Studios

I came across rivet on the recommendation of my friend Timmy Stewart, who I run The Night Institute alongside. Run by one of Belfast's original rave crew, Ricky Johnston, I recently got kitted out from the comfort of Ricky's garage.

Rivet

If you can brave the queue, your hangover is sorted. My tip is to pop to the off-licence down the road whilst waiting, grab a cold Estrella, and take your sandwich over to Stormont park and hope security doesn't notice.

General Merchants

Jordan Nocturne's Guide To Belfast

Amanda Mussi

Paraguay

Asunción

Night club in the central area, located in the basement of a classic hotel from the 80's, the club kept the original architecture and furniture, and it's a very unique and elegant space with a great sound system and atmosphere, it's where I play monthly as a resident DJ, and there are techno nights on Saturdays and different styles on Fridays hosting guest events. It's where I had the best cocktails in town. Best Cocktail: Thai Massage

Tango

Bar and club located in Las Mercedes neighbourhood, where I also play monthly, the venue has a Thursday night run by Inbetween label, with residents and guests DJs. The venue has a small and cozy but powerful dancefloor with a bar, and drinks menu is simple but proper: draft beer, Fernet & Coke and Gin&Tonic are the favourites there.

Cafe Salazar

New venue in Centro, located at an old colonial big house, where the space was adapted to a music recording studio, a café and a nightclub and record shop called Panpanam.

Club Condesa 

Asian fusion restaurant in Las Mercedes with great cocktails, a cozy backyard with music and an inside more intimate area. 
Best cocktail: Las Mercedes / Best Meal: Chicken Bimbibap and Veggie Mandu


Koggi

Gourmet versions of typical Paraguayan food, like manioc, empanadas, corn, meat, normally I order to share, dishes come in small portions, so I usually order all the menu and share everything. Their menu is constantly changing and everything is absurdly delicious.

ÓGA

It's a bar, with a pub vibe, owned by skateboarders, located in Las Lomas, they serve tapas, finger food and various craft beer brands.