NIGHTLIFE
There's a popular Portuguese saying which goes a little like "In Braga, they pray, in Porto they work, in Coimbra they study, in Lisbon they govern and in the Algarve they play". It's true the Portuense are hard workers, but at the day's end they like to party. Porto has a vibrant and exciting nightlife, with something to suit all tastes and ages. Portuguese tend to eat late and then head off to a bar or club afterwards, therefore those establishments with a local clientele won't open until about 10 pm. However, cafés such as the Guarany or Majestic will stay open in the early evening to attract those who fancy a pre-dinner tipple.
For visitors to Porto, the riverfront on both banks make for a great night out, there are a number of interesting bars on the Ribeira and a great choice in Vila Nova da Gaia. The bar scene in central Porto has experienced a rejuvenation as of late, especially in the Carmo area, thanks mainly to Porto's vibrant student population. Further west on the seafront in Foz and Massarelos has also seen a resurgence in popularity. As for nightclubs, the most popular are centred around the Boavista district. Most nightclubs don't get kicking until noon and stay open until 2 am on weekdays and 4-5 am on weekends. Entrance tickets double as a free-drink token in certain clubs.
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