Amaarae

Ghana

Accra

Go on a Friday or Saturday if you like to be in the hustle and bustle and like crowds, but if you're chill and want a great night with a great atmosphere go after work. Maybe Tuesday or Wednesday, at about 6 – 9 pm and just have a drink and chill out.

BloomBar

A little hole in the wall spot with a rooftop, they do sick Thai food. If you go there ask for everything extra spicy, it's sick.

Zion Thai

It’s a stretch of tiny alcohol kiosks, there’s one dude who has a kiosk and he had a couch outside and people just post up on the couch. Order a bunch of local shots.

Spintex Road

Go drink at the republic bar, tell them Amaarae sent you.

The Republic Bar

Similar Guides

The Best Spots for a Drink in Accra with Amaarae

Joshua Barr

United Kingdom

Glasgow

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

Henry’s Bar

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

MJ Heraghty

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

Bier Halle

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

Loon Fung

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

The Locale

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

Kelvingrove Cafe

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

Westside Tavern

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

Berkley Suite

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

Sub Club 

Josh Barr’s Guide to a Great Glasgow Pub Crawl

Portugal

Lisbon

Once located in the Santos area, now in Cais do Sodré. Still a one of a kind house for music, dancing and meeting all kinds of people from various backgrounds.

B’Leza

One of the most revered independent record stores in Lisbon, owned by three good friends of mine. Best spot to try to score any copies still available of the Príncipe back catalogue.

Flur Discos

A space concept by Hernâni Miguel, a major player in supporting the African nights in Lisbon and its affirmation in the city.

Tabernáculo do Hernani Miguel

Whoever comes into O Cantinho da Ameixoeira is immediately immersed in a truly lusophone African embassy in the Ameixoeira Velha area, from its decorative motifs that not only embellish the place but also symbolise the restaurant’s long history and identity. I recommend getting the peixe andala and the molho de fogo – both are typical of São Tomé e Príncipe, where my parents are from.

Restaurante O Cantinho da Ameixoeira

World-famous joint of nozinha, the mistress of Cape Verdean food. It’s a place to get together, enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and a cachupa (recognised as one of the best in the greater Lisbon area). I especially recommend chanfana de cabra (a goat Stew typical of the south of Portugal), cachupa (Cape Verdean traditional dish of slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, meat and morcela) and congo (also a Cape Verdean dish of a stew based on a typical kind of bean called congo).

Restaurante Nozinha

This non-profit cultural association opened in the Beato area as a space for co-
working for emerging artists, but also with a programme to the public that has
been steadily winning traction with pop-up markets, exhibitions, various
music and outdoor film sessions at night.

Arroz Estúdios

Since 2014, Quinta do Mocho – where I have my home studio and where my mamma still lives – started what is now over half a hundred of works of street art displayed on the walls of its social housing project buildings, created and made by acclaimed artists. The guided visits take place in the last Saturday of each month at 10am; meeting point being the Casa da Cultura de Sacavém.

Galeria de Arte Pública (Quinta do Mocho)

Where to Go in Lisbon, According to DJ Marfox

Yasmin

Mexico

Mexico City 

This is my favourite record shop to find,disco & funk in the city.

Retroactivo Records

Excellent coffee and the best croissant you’ll find outside of France.

Patisserie Dominiques

I love playing at YuYu cause it’s what a real nightclub should be - a dark, sweaty little basement, a sound system you can feel in your bones and a no phones on the dance floor policy. Mostly techno & electronic music, but you can find some more soulful disco and house played here too.

YuYu Cine Club

A lot of people will recommend the ever busy El Parnita next door, but this is the spot for super authentic rural cuisine. There’s no menu at this joint, just tell them what you do / don’t eat and they do the rest.

Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre

This market only runs on Saturdays from 8am - 3pm. There are many huge and amazing markets in Mexico City (Lagunilla, Sonora etc) but personally I prefer an easy stroll to an expedition so this is my favourite market for whiling away a few hours on a Saturday. You can find vintage eyewear, records, antique furniture, art and weird trinkets by the boat load.

Mercado Jardin Pushkin

"I live nearby this taco truck and it’s always poppin. Tasty, cheap and meat-free. Vegan or not you gotta eat these tacos at least once while you’re in the city.

Por Siempre Vegana

I love to grab a coffee and head to Parque Mexico. It’s a mini jungle in the neighbourhood that's perfect for people watching but even better for dog watching.

Parque Mexico

This lil spot has an awesome selection of vintage clothes, prints by local artists and accessories by local designers.

Morada Morada

The National Anthropology Museum is next level. Remember this is a culture that had access to the finest of psychedelics so their ancient artefacts are trippy AF. Just note it will take you a good few hours to do the whole museum, it’s huge with so much to see.

Museo de Nacional de Antropologia

Yasmin's Guide to Mexico City

Ruf Dug

Manchester

It's now the premiere club in Manchester. It’s an old mechanics building in Salford in an absolute Wasteland - uber drivers are scared to go down there! But it’s just this amazing, world famous place now. It’s a great club that goes all the way through til the morning, sometimes the next day. They just champion anything that isn’t normal. Any night is a great night there because it’s all about the venue and the crowd.


The White Hotel

It’s the crowd that makes it special for me, and for a while there it was the only spot in Manchester you would go to.


SOUP

This place was like an atomic bomb that decimated the entire Manchester nightlife scene and that needed to happen. They had signed up all the good DJs so no one else could book them so it forced Manchester’s music scene to look inwards again, not to be booking names but to booking parties, to bringing communities together and developing parties within the local music DJs. 


The Warehouse Project 

It‘s not a michelin star yet but it should be. It’s run by a local chef from Manchester called Sam Buckley and they grow all their veg and leaves on top of the car park just next door so they’re sustainable. It’s in an old coffee warehouse and they have about 9 tables, with the kitchen right there, so you’re in and amongst it all. It’s a classic 12 course tasting menu, whichever chef is cooking your food will bring it over and tell you the story about it. It’s just really next level food!

Where the Light Gets In

It's the best Chinese pancake. You’ve got the egg, spring onions and the pancake and you just fold it up. It’s right in the middle of the city by the metro link - it’s an old ice cream/hot dog vendor and these guys have just taken it over. 


Jianbing Hawkers

Ruf Dug's Guide to Manchester 

Hugo Mendoza 

United States

New York City 

The Bronx Museum tends to go under people's radar a lot of the time but this is one of my top 3 favorite museums in NY. Last year (2019) they had the best exhibition I've ever been to. Shout out Henry Chalfant.

The Bronx Museum

This is an old photo but it captures the very essence of Fordham Road. From sneakers you haven't seen in years to $5 thermal packs to keep you warm through a NY winter, this joint has it all. If you make your way towards University Heights Bridge you can fuck with some Texas size Henny Coladas at Dallas BBQs.

Fordham Road

This one here is a gem. I stumbled upon the Bartow mansion one time I was riding on my 10-speed headed to City Island, if I remember correctly. The garden is like no other and if you're into Greek revival interiors this joint is for you.

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

I keep this one close to my heart. Big Pun is in my top 5 for obvious reasons. Tats Cru is legendary Bronx shit. Not much to say about this one, they switch it every other year. Each year is hard. If you fuck with PUN go see it. 

Big Pun Mural By Tats Cru

Dominican owned. Bronx based. Great food. The menu changes daily, Thursday is my go-to. Chivo con arroz blanco y guandules de coco. Enough said.

Ajo Y Oregano

Best Pizza in the Bronx. Don't @ me. Get the sausage slice. 

Louie & Ernie's

If you know me, you knew this one was coming. Get a little bit of each section. The menu is broken down into sections. Fried, Boiled and I think burgers and chicken. Don't touch those. Stick to the seafood. Go fuck with a Henny Colada or 2. The peoples at the bar have no actual bartending experience so they bless the Henny amounts.

Johnny's Reef

Best Chopped Cheese in the Bronx in my opinion. Open 24hrs. I know if you are from NY and you're reading this I know youre like "Hugo got it fucked up, the best chopped cheese is..." That's cool. If ya'll ever decide to take a trip uptown, come see for yaself. 

New Morris Deli

Explore The Bronx with Hugo Mendoza

Kida Kudz

Nigeria

Lagos

I love the ambience here, it’s literally full of culture and the hospitality is like none other. If you’re looking for Palmwine, Terra Kulture is the spot!

Terra Kulture

I love the view of the ocean. I come here often to take a walk on the beach side and clear my head. It helps me meditate. 
The food at "TRUTH", one of the spots at Landmark beach is also amazing. If you go there you have to get the platter, you get so many tasty options and can choose between the seafood or the beef platter.

Landmark Beach

They serve the best Nigerian dishes here, it’s like a home away from home. I especially love their starters… ALL OF THEM! I would definitely recommend the Ram Roll and Puff Puff - it’s not a meal that you get everywhere. 

Orile Restaurant

Come for the cocktails… stay for more! My favourite is the Fruit Punch (mocktail), I have it every time. The Okoloko is also a Top Memba on their menu for sure!
They play great music and have a playlist which you can listen to when you want to experience those vibes from home.

Circa Lagos

My favourite thing about New Afrika Shrine is the heritage and culture, it’s everywhere from the music, the locals and the roadside meals - it’s simply inspiring, a real taste of Nigeria.

Fela Afrika Shrine

Explore Lagos with Kida Kudz

“Incredibly fresh dim sum, quick service, and open until 3am. What more can you ask for?”


Dim Sum Palace

“A downtown classic. The perfect place to pull up after a game, grab some greek style bar food, and a spicy watermelon margarita.”


Forgtmenot

“A park right by the water with a nice view, no matter what time it is. During the day you get a nice view of sailboats.”


Rockefeller Park 

“The place Dimes Square was initially named for, Dimes Deli is one of the best places to grab a quick, cheap, and healthy meal downtown. Try the Macro Bowl if you want to be a bit healthy and the Sumner Roll if you don’t.”


Dimes Deli

“Tom has been slinging fresh fruit juices out of his small East Village spot for a couple years now. The kiwi juice is a hit.”


Toms Juice

“This is a park where we hosted BBQs and frisbee games. If you are ever in the Lower East Side and trying to get on a swing, this park has them.”

Little Flower Playground

“This is a go-to downtown spot. It just looks like an ordinary bodega from the outside but inside they’re serving up fresh fruit slushies for amazing prices.”

A & N Fruit Store

“This park is the best for people watching when hanging out with friends.”

Sara D. Roosevelt Park 

Explore More Anti-Clique Clubs

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Muzi

South Africa

Durban

This is a cultural hub spot more than it is a club but it's played a very important role with creatives in KZN. It is based in Durban and I don't think there's an artist I know (musically and visually) who hasn't passed/been through there in some way shape or form. It's like a rite of passage.

The Bat Centre

This is a club in Durban that arguably brings the most eclectic crowd and has hosted some of the best Gqom parties I've ever been to. I've also done a show here, even though I'm an alternative artist and people still packed it out. Very supportive of multi-genre music.

Views at Twenty5

Founded by an artist called Aewon Wolf, the Werehouse took from what Bat Centre built and sort of became a new-age hub on its own. As much as it's a club, there's also a skatepark there and it somehow held true to the nature of the creative spirit that roams in Durban/KZN.

The WEREHOUSE

This is a soccer stadium but there's been amazing concerts here also. Black Coffee did his orchestral show here and also his MUSIC IS KING concert. Also this is where most international artists perform when they are playing in Durban.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

This is a strip in Durban that used to have a lot of clubs, even though now its just mostly has restaurants. When hiphop and the alternative scene starting booming in Durban, 2014/2015, this is where most artists would perform and it helped grow the industry.

Florida Road

Muzi's Guide to Music and Nightlife in KwaZulu-Natal

Thailand

Bangkok

It's Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall and entertainment centre. I often come here to get inspired by the diverse vibe, ranging from a cyberpunk-themed maid cafe to Teen Pop Idol gigs. You can easily spot many young cross-players and teenagers dressed in Lolita or goth fashion. Don't forget to try the excellent food court there. MBK reminds me a lot of the fresh future of Bangkok youth.

MBK Center

A record store where I often bump into local DJs and have conversations about music and the scene. There are always new local DJs and international ones spinning there, playing indie music and underground tracks. You can find anything from old Thai country vinyl to contemporary pop records, along with some really tasty cocktails. The bar is also owned by a singer and songwriter from my favourite all-female band: Yellow Fang.

Entertainment Project

This is Bangkok's Akihabara, the Otaku sanctuary. It's the hub of Japanese anime figures, toys and video games, where you can easily lose track of time in a paradise of eye-popping displays with fully stocked shelves of cute toys. Additionally, if you're looking for vintage cameras, this is the ideal spot to find one.

Mega Plaza

This is an iconic bar that embraces alternative and is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Here, you'll find drag queens performing lip-syncs to 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' alongside Britney Spears B-side tracks. They also host karaoke nights where you can sing anything from Radiohead to Taylor Swift amid the bustling tourist street of Khao San. You'll experience a complete contrast in the vibe of this bar, almost like falling down the rabbit hole of Alice in Wonderland.

Mischa Cheap

Recently, Photoautomat has become trendy among Bangkok teenagers. There are numerous photo booths across town. Among them, the one located in the midst of Siam Square (the shopping street) is the most well-known. It features various photo booths with different themes and styles, most of which look fashionable and Instagram-worthy. You'll encounter stylish Bangkok youth dressed up in Y2K fashion, patiently waiting in line to use all the photo booths there.

Sculpture Flagship

I swear, this is the cutest store in town filled with stickers, postcards, gliptok, posters, fan art, K-Pop keychains, Y2K fashion clothing from local artists and brands – and also sticker machines. Located in the heart of Siam Square, this store brings back the early 2000s vibe of the area where people simply enjoyed their fashion and were ready to be photographed by random photographers. You can come and get some spectacular souvenirs that will impress your friends back home.

Daddy and the Muscle Academy

This is the spot for hip-hop enthusiasts, where you can come to listen to new sounds from underground DJs and collectives from various cities. Blaq Lyte used to be a small bar where everyone knew each other, and it's where I met many renowned Thai rappers. Now, it has grown even larger and gained more recognition in the scene, but it still maintains the same vibe.

Blaq Lyte Air

The Rock Pub is a classic venue that has been open for more than 20 years. It's known as Bangkok's house of punk, metal, alternative and all things rock 'n' roll with a dive bar style. Yes, it's Bangkok's CBGB, where you can hear live bands playing classic numbers like Green Day, Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy and many more.

The Rock Pub

As you may already know, Thailand is the land of superstition, and this occult statue in Bangkok has become its urban legend. The statue features a gargoyle-like figure with long red nails that creeps many people out. It has even been featured on national news, challenging traditional Buddhist beliefs. There is still no confirmation about whether this statue is associated with white or black magic. Therefore, my suggestion is to avoid making any deals if you don't want to get in any trouble.

Kru Kai Kaew Statue

Prepare yourself for the 500 Shades of Bangkok. If you have a kinky side, this one's for you. It's an LGBTQIA+ friendly cafe with a fetish and BDSM theme, owned by ForFun: a fetish wear store and a BDSM community next to it. The coffee and cocktail menu features names like Master & Slave, Bondage and Pet Play. The ambience is adorned with leather and chains, and the red light shines brightly. If you're seeking a unique afternoon tea experience with the scent of leather and a hint of pain, this is the perfect spot for you.

500 Cafe

Nuh Peace on 10 Places You Need to Visit in Bangkok

France

Paris

When I was younger, I worked as a receptionist. I took the opportunity to look at the exhibitions and that is where I discovered cinema culture. This place offers complete experiences around the seventh art with a cinema, a museum and a library dedicated to the seventh art. Being around cinema offers retrospectives and a vision of it that is not uniquely Western-influenced. As a self-taught artist, this place helped me a lot to consolidate my culture of cinema. I am starting a feature film project for the first time, and going to La Cinémathèque Française helps me a lot.

La Cinémathèque Française

A place where you can find different maps of the world, old books and engravings dating from different centuries. It's fascinating to see how each one tells something of its time. The iconographic aspect is also interesting; many cards present various drawing techniques and colour palettes. A small shop full of curiosities with books from the floor to the ceiling.

Athanase Vivienne

IBKKI is a creative studio created by two designer friends, Azel and Youri, who work their pieces with artisans from the Kabylie mountains. To further immerse yourself in their world, they offer ceramic workshops to learn modelling techniques and tame colours. A great experience!

IBKKI

This museum is the former house and workshop of the sculptor Zadkine. I discovered it while skipping classes when I was at law school, which was on the same street. The permanent collection of sculptures presents works sculpted in different materials: wood, stone, earth, etc. The entrances of natural light enhance these different works. The garden is also very pretty, a beautiful place to read and write… or skip classes.

Zadkine Museum

One of the most inspiring places in Paris in my opinion, much more than a store.  It is a real place of life that celebrates African cultures with contemporary accuracy and always with authenticity. The vision and cutting-edge aesthetic of the founder, Youssouf Fofana, makes it a unique space. There, you will find rare and inspiring works and design objects. Maison Château Rouge, through its prestigious collaborations, has contributed to making the African district of Paris shine throughout the world, and makes an entire generation of young Parisians proud.

Maison Château Rouge

I enjoy going there to continue to deepen, in an artistic and playful way, the little knowledge I have about architecture. Numerous exhibitions allow you to understand the architectural dynamics of Paris and its metropolises.

Pavillon de l'Arsenal

The best stand-ups from Paris and the world go through there. The Sarfati is more than a comedy club, it was thought of as a work of art, imagined and created by the stand-up comedy artist Fary (one of the GQ Men of the Year 2023 – congrats bro!). The main room is notably designed by JR. So you can laugh, chill and eat there with a very good menu curated by chef Freddy’s Kitchen.

Madame Sarfati Comedy Club

A beautiful tea room which, to be honest, was one of my best date spots, but since dates have been rare in my life for a while (sniff sniff), this place ultimately became one of my favourite spots to work. The immersion in Iranian culture is complete – from the decoration to the dishes and drinks offered there.

Centre Culturel Franco-Iranien Pouya

If you want to learn more about Swedish art, go for it. If you want to eat good Swedish pastries, go for it. I go there mainly for one of these two reasons. I won’t say which one in order to preserve my “museum culture credibility”.

Institut suédois

A contemporary theatre at the edge of the Canal de l’Ourcq, which offers quite curious performances. I don't always appreciate the programming, but it always leads to reflection and submits original proposals. I like going there to see things that take me out of my comfort zone.