An architectural gem: immersed in an ample private garden with a swimming pool and a tennis court and set in the center of Milan, the Necchi Campiglio Villa was completed by the architect Piero Portaluppi in 1935. Commissioning the structure was the Necchi Campiglio family, part of the rich and elegant industrial middle class of Milan in the 1930s. The disposition of the interior spaces corresponds to the traditional layout of noble homes: the daytime areas on the ground floor, the bedrooms on the first floor, the service rooms in the areas under the roof, and the den as well as the changing rooms and the bathrooms for the pool in the basement. The Necchi Campiglio family wanted above all to distance themselves from the traditions of their day, and planned ample areas dedicated to the reception of guests and to the social whirl: the dining room, the smoking room, the library and the grand salon. Right after WWII, areas of the villa underwent changes effected by the architect Tomaso Buzzi, who sweetened the linearity of Portaluppi’s style, and inserted aspects inspired of the 18th century, especially those in the style of Louis the 15th of France.

For art books, monographs and catalogs new and used at a discount. I can never manage to leave here without a bag full of books in tow.

The only graphic design bookstore in New York City. Shameless plug—it's also my company! Our design office, Order, is operated in the back, in full view of all visitors. Come say hi!

O’Henry’s is about half a mile from where I grew up. It’s located right across from what used to be a huge IBM plant (a space now occupied by a huge Hitachi plant and a half-assed strip mall). Everbody I grew up with would agree this is the best donut shop around. O’Henry’s has the best glazed donuts around, which taste blissful if you get them early in the morning (6am-7am).

The couch area near the fireplace is probably the best one in the restaurant. Amazing for long talks and good breakfast.

If you find Quarries park and playground you have to keep walking, over the hill towards the creek and then down to the creek trail to find this secret place. It's a labyrinth made from blue stones and is maintained by a voluntary group of mystical new druids or something, for all to use. A great place to find and walk the path, focus your thoughts and clear your mind. Best when it is a frosty morning, like in this pic.

A great bar venue for guaranteed good vibes & good music.

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.

This is my favourite café/workspace place. The staff is super friendly and competent. The space has a nice interior and you can order a coffeepot and stick around for a while. In the warm months you can enjoy sunbeds outside 

When Stockholm is cold and the plants I have at home are dying I like to visit the greenhouse at Bergianska. It's such a beautiful place.

The beach walk along Rue Du Lac between Clarens and Montreux is a real beauty. It's filled with early 20th century Art Noveau architecture, statues, parks and of course, the magnificent backdrop of the Swiss alp mountains. If you go skiing in the alps, a day trip to Montreux is definitely worth the time! But make sure to bring your own picknick, the prices at the restaurants along the beach walk are unreasonable.

Best lobster roll outside of Maine. The brunch is a well kept secret. Chicken and waffles and shrimp & grits are my picks for brunch.