Entertainment in The Algarve
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Teatro Lethes
This tiny and exquisite Italianate theatre hosts drama, music and dance performances. Adapted into a theatre in 1874 (from a building dating to 1603), it was once the Jesuit Colégio de Santiago Maior and is now owned by the Portuguese Cruz Vermelha (Red Cross). Ask the tourist office for a list of what’s on. Other performances are often held in the modern Teatro Figuras.
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Arco Bar
This small bar is fairly stock-standard (let’s face it, there’s not much choice), although fired-up by the owner and patrons. On Monday nights there’s a drag show.
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Rua do Prior
Faro's student-driven nightlife clusters around Rua do Prior and surrounding alleys, with bars and clubs open most days till late, though things pick up considerably on weekends.
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Joe's Garage
With a dishevelled, bar-scene-from-Star Wars vibe (think Aussie backpackers, not aliens), this is the kind of place where you're not sure what might happen next, though shots and dancing on the tables are likely. Staff set fire to the bar to signal closing time and chase out stragglers with chainsaws.
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Taberna de Lagos
Boasting a stylish space and brooding electronic music, this airy and atmospheric bar attracts a somewhat savvier bar-goer (higher cocktail prices also keep some punters away).
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Fábrica do Inglês
In the surroundings of the converted 19th-century English Museu da Cortiça (cork factory), 300m northeast of the new bridge, this complex has restaurants and bars. From July to mid-September, it hosts a nightly show with dancers and singers.
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Bubble Lounge
Bright walls, beanbags, low seating, Indian lanterns and wall hangings: boho Bubble Lounge has an easy vibe and good beats. It’s friendly and there’s a small streetside terrace. Movies are screened here on some nights.
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Casino
The glitzy casino, midway along the esplanade in Hotel Algarve, has the gaming lot.
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UBI
After that, head to UBI, an extraordinary nightclub, in a former tuna factory, that churns out music (and an experience) across umpteen sleek spaces and bar areas. Join the party with up to 3999 others.
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3 Monkeys
This is a backpacker’s favourite for a good time. This classic bar has friendly staff who dish out plenty of shots and glasses to its jolly clientele. Its gimmick is a funnel-full of whatever you want to scull.
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Docas
For a higher-velocity night, the Docas, an extension of the mercado municipal, hosts a row of dancier, preclub bars that play music from hands-in-the-air house to African. The area buzzes in July and August.
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Duna Beach Club
Chill out with the smart set at this bar-restaurant, open day and night. It’s located bang on the beach, with a pool and attitude. At night it’s the bar for A-listers.
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Mullen’s
This long-established adega típica (wine bar) starts as a cosy restaurant and morphs into a bar later in the evening.
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Estádio Intermunicipal do Algarve
This 30,000-seat, state-of-the-art football stadium, built for Euro 2004, is located at São João da Venda, 8km northwest of Faro. Here you can watch Faro’s own team, SC Farense, and Loulé’s Louletano.
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Amuras Bar
One of half a dozen restaurant-bars overlooking the marina, this one attracts a slightly more staid crowd, which comes for fruity cocktails and live music most nights.
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Stevie Ray’s Blues Jazz Bar
This intimate two-level candlelit joint is the best live music bar in town. On weekends it has live blues, jazz and oldies. It attracts a smart-casual older crowd.
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Távila
Overlooking a small tree-filled plaza, this low-key spot is popular with locals. It has outdoor tables, ideal for an afternoon or evening drink.
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Linda's Bar
Meia Praia has some beachfront gems just seconds from sun, swimming and sand, including Linda's Bar with fab food, good salads, cocktails and tunes.
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Grand Café
This classy place has three bars, lots of gold leaf, kitsch, red velvet and cherubs, over which are draped dressed-up local and foreign hipsters.
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A Capelinha
An attractive low-key bar, with outdoor tables scattered around a fountain. You’ll also find good sangria and computers for web-browsing.
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Café Xpreitaqui
The glass tabletops cover spices and coffee beans; this creative cafe serves up healthy juices, smoothies, salads and good coffee.
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Centro Cultural
This is Lagos’ main venue for classical performances, including popular fado concerts, as well as contemporary art exhibitions.
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Taverna Velha
The snug Old Tavern is an old favourite and continues to haul in a lively more mature crowd with its feel-good cocktail of pop classics.
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Bon Vivante
A multistorey place that attracts a sizable drinking crowd, this has an enticing roof terrace, great for a sunset cocktail.
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Taverna da Sé
This small in-crowd taverna in the old town comes alive at night. There are some outdoor tables in its very quaint square.
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