Porto Nightlife
Fans of tripe and port are in for a real treat when they arrive in Porto.
Historically, the city's dwellers have known as "tripe eaters" for centuries and those who love the delicacy should plump for tripas a moda do Porto, which is tripe stewed with spicy sausage and string beans and widely regarded as the king of dishes. Those with a good nose for wine will love the many varieties of port that are available in the beverage's home town and a tour of one of the wine lodges is a must.
In the hilly port producing area of Vila Nova de Gaia you will also find a number of good restaurants with fantastic views over the harbour and the city, including the reasonably priced Barão Fladgate on Rua do Choupelo. One of the most old fashioned restaurants in the city, it has retained the traditional air of formal dining that has been lost in other eateries and it does a superb daily stew as well as a fine dried cod with fresh cream sauce and pork medallions with caramelised pineapple. It is open for evening meals during August and available for lunches all year round, with reservations required.
A good place to try for local dishes along the harbourside is the Restaurant de Praia do Ourigo on Foz do Douro. It offers superb sea views and even better fishy options. A garlic-flavoured lobster thermidor is a big hit with the locals, although the grilled monkfish is also a winner. Non fish eaters could try the venison or the turkey stroganoff.
Porto does a good line in bars and many can be found in the narrow and picturesque region known as the Ribeira. A stroll through here will ensure that you encounter many cosy haunts to wile the night away in.
One of the city's top discos can be found at Bar Industria, in the Centro Comercial de Foz, Avenida Brasil. It has a friendly atmosphere, with plenty of local artists and writers turning up to cast their condescending eye over proceedings. Ignore them and hit the dance floor, along with many others.
Porto has a vibrant gay scene with many good bars and clubs in which to unwind after a hard day's sightseeing. Try Moinho de Vento on Rua Sá Noronha, which is set in an old mediaeval house. Look for the bright light outside, which denotes you've arrived. Inside, the place is styled somewhat on a dungeon although non-goths will not feel out of place.
For a more upbeat night try the evocatively titled Boys ?R US on Rua Dr Barbosa de Castro. Loud garage music is the order of the day here and entrance is free, with all sorts of shenanigans going on until the small hours on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Live music fans are spoilt the choice. Those after some local musicianship should try Mal Cozinhado on Rua do Outeirinho, where folklore music is offered in lengthy six-hour sets. Reservations are recommended and the place has a good menu as well.
The Casa da Musica on Avenida da Boavista is recently opened and is home to a 1,250 seater auditorium from where it is possible to enjoy one of the many classical or jazz productions that regularly get an airing here.
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Nightlife and Food & Drink
