With age, I’ve been more reluctant to engage in the cyclical social gymnastics of a high-octane evening. Just give me a pint and a pinball machine and I’ll be a content little monk, cussing at gravity and the wiles of analog engineering. Aside from triggering rebellious teenage memories, the Orange Monkey pool hall is also situated in one of the rare industrial complexes in the city.

Tenderly covered in snow is oskar kokoschka, the artist that gives name to the square from which you enter the university, it is not out of patriotisme or for promotion that I list this institution here, but for viennas art and creative scene this is a center in its own rights. You can come and visit one of the many different applied art classes, with a little self esteem use most of the facilities, drink a coffe that is cheap and surprisingly good in the mensa or get yourself the cheapest automat-can beer for 90 cents. There are various talks in english if you look for them and in summer there is a good chance you will find a barbecue party in the garden or a film screening. If none of this is the case, there is always a chance to meet people, find a gallery to go to at night, or a room to rent. the library and the magazine reading room are free and well equipped with a great selection of avantgarde cinema, that can be watched on computers.

Right next to the art academy of Antwerp, this small café is a terrific place to sit down and enjoy the view of people passing by. Their coffee is very good and they also have a variety of ways to prepare it, if you're into that stuff.

Perfect place if you like fresh, healthy and organic food, in very beautiful, well designed and cozy atmosphere. Especially their bowls are awesome! It's very familiar and the service is great.  Favorite one in Paris!

A gorgeous, summery café, bar and restaurant located in an old ruin at Fårö, Gotland. During daytime, you can chill in one of their hammocks, eating local ice cream, and during evenings, order a jug of sangria, look out over the meadows where cheep run wild and enjoy the live music. Every now and then, they also do BBQs and paella evenings – delicious! If you're around for one of those events, don't miss out on it!

This is the most genuine and unpretentious pub I have visited in London. The Palm Tree is on the east London canal outside of Victoria Park. You won't find it unless you know it's there. (And now you know!)

German Expressionism makes me giddy. All my favorites are here at any given time - George Grosz, Otto Dix, Egon Schiele, Gustave Klimt - and the building was designed Carrére and Hastings, the same architects that designed the New York Public Library.

A great place for an informal lunch or dinner while in East London. It’s one of Nuno Mendes’ projects and it is housed in the impressive Town Hall at Bethnal Green. We filmed with Mendes in his kitchen when the restaurant first launched.

The Spirit is a cocktail bar in the hearth of Porta Romana, in Milano. An hidden gem, they say. At first sight you might not see the door. You need to be curious and adventurous to get in. But it’s worth it! Once inside, custom made velvet sofas, extravagant mirrors and games of sparkling lights will lure you down in a world of illusion and magic, where the perception of time and the world outside fades away. Surrounded by rare bottles from all over the world, you can savor the unusual mixed ingredients of our crafted cocktails, have a sip of long aged spirits from exotic lands or just have the barman tailor your perfect serve. Experience The Spirit!

This place is a great spot for breakfast / snack / coffee in a cozy ambiance. The staff is lovely and the walls are filled with colourful art pieces. 

A recent favorite place for the authentic Tokyo-style ramen and side dishes featuring house-made noodles from Japan and original recipes. Taste superb! 

Best cupcakes ever (aside from my wife's)