Entertainment in The North
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Maus Habitos
This creatively decorated multiroom space hosts a culturally ambitious agenda. Changing art exhibits and imaginative installations adorn the walls, while live bands and DJs work the back stage. Hidden within, there’s also a design shop and an inexpensive vegetarian restaurant (open for lunch only Monday through Friday).
reviewed
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A
Solar Do Vinho Do Porto
In a 19th-century house near the Palácio de Cristal, this upmarket solar (manor house) has a manicured garden offering picturesque views of the Douro. There are hundreds of ports available as well as refreshing aperitifs, such as portônico (white port and tonic water).
reviewed
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B
Plano B
This creative space has an art gallery in front, a tall-ceilinged cafe (with free wireless access) in back, and a cosy downstairs where DJs and live bands hold court. Much like the crowd, the programming is truly eclectic, with performance art, theatre and art openings held regularly.
reviewed
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Gaia's Esplanade
Just across the river from the gritty Ribeira waterfront, Gaia's esplanade is trendier (though also more mainstream). A string of identical looking chrome-and-glass bars and nightclubs are surrounded by open-air decks and designer fountains. Poke around until you find your scene.
reviewed
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C
Galeria de Paris
New in 2008, the Galeria de Paris is a whimsically decorated spot, with toys, thermoses, old phones and other assorted memorabilia lining the walls. In addition to cocktails and draft beer, you’ll find an expensive lunch buffet during the day and tapas at night.
reviewed
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Âncora D’ouro
Also known as O Piolho (The Louse), this unkempt place has been a regular student hang-out since the 19th century. The food and service are poor, but the prices are low and the vibe is festive/rowdy depending on the proximity to Saturday night. Outdoor seating.
reviewed
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Theatro Circo de Braga
One of the most dazzling theatres in the country reopened in late 2006 following a lengthy restoration. Inside the grand fin de siècle building, you can catch concerts, theatre and dance, with offerings ranging from the staid to the truly avant-garde.
reviewed
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D
Espaço Cultural
Just north of the Praça da República, this youthful new arts space hosts exhibitions, concerts, film screenings and other cultural fare. There’s also a shop selling fair-trade items and a cafe where you can linger over a bite or a drink.
reviewed
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Hot Five Jazz & Blues Club
True to its name, this new spot hosts live jazz and blues as well as the occasional acoustic, folk or all-out jam session. It’s a modern but intimate space, with seating at small round tables, both fronting the stage and on an upper balcony.
reviewed
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E
Triplex
In a pink, three-storey mansion, the vaguely upmarket Triplex has a regular line-up of ’80s, electronica and ’60s sounds (plus karaoke on Thursday). A fairly mixed crowd gathers on the pleasant tree-shaded adjoining patio.
reviewed
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Black Coffee
Film stills blanket the walls of this polished new place across from the câmara municipal. A youthful but mixed crowd gathers over cocktails and electronic music early in the evening before moving on to the dance clubs.
reviewed
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Indústria
Done up with silver-and-velvet wallpaper and beanbag chairs, this retro basement club serves up funk, house and, above all, electronica to a crowd that generally skews very young. Take the bus and get off at the Molhe stop.
reviewed
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Café Au Lait
A narrow, intimate bar attracting a lively but unpretentious crowd. In addition to cocktails, there are snacks and salads, including vegetarian fare. DJs spin on Wednesday through Saturday nights, adding to the good cheer.
reviewed
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F
Vinologia
This cosy wine bar is an excellent place to sample the fine quaffs of Porto, with over 200 different ports on offer. If you fall in love with a certain wine, you can usually buy a whole bottle (or even send a case home).
reviewed
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New Look Club
A popular newcomer to the club scene, this boxy space has a spacious dance floor ringed by an upstairs gallery for checking out the scene below. It’s next door to Flôr de Sal hotel on Praia Norte.
reviewed
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G
Swing
Near Boavista, this is Porto's oldest and unrepentantly old-school (OK, kitsch) disco, attracting a sociable, mixed gay-and-straight crowd with crowd-pleasing '80s, dance pop, house, and disco. Open Sundays.
reviewed
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Uptown
Uptown hosts a broad assortment of live music, with bands playing funk, jazz, indie rock and even a bit of esoterica (like medieval sounds). DJs pick up the slack (Afro-beat, classic disco) between sets.
reviewed
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H
Era Uma Vez No Porto
Part tearoom, part nightclub, part experimental art gallery and part vintage-clothing shop, this place in an airy riverfront town house feels as if you’ve entered a private party with a cash bar.
reviewed
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I
Pop
Dress up and show off in what looks like a nouveau-riche dining room of glass and chandeliers. Caters to a multi-generational crowd, with oldies to please the oldies as well as hipper DJs for the kids.
reviewed
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J
Sahara Bar
Decked out like an Arabian hideaway, this loungey place has hookahs, a young garrulous crowd, the occasional belly dancer (Friday at 11pm) and sidewalk seating for taking in the passing people parade.
reviewed
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K
Colinatrum Café
On a hill overlooking the countryside, this airy cafe is a fine meeting spot for a coffee or sunset cocktail. From the outdoor terrace, you’ll have a splendid view of Bom Jesus do Monte.
reviewed
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L
Bazaar
One of the hottest clubs in Porto, Bazaar spins high-quality house to hundreds of pretty 20- and 30-somethings in their shiny best. The club spreads across three minimalist, whitewashed levels.
reviewed
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M
Estado Novo
The Estado Novo's airy, whitewashed interior with slick lighting and rocking sound system attracts teens on some nights, their moms and dads on others. Worth finding out what's on their docket.
reviewed
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N
Clube Mau-Mau
Formerly Porto's hottest club, this cavernous industrial space offers standard R&B and house most nights but still attracts top guest DJs from time to time. Also provides late-night grub.
reviewed
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Alfarrabista
The nicely designed contemporary lounge has style without the pretension, with DJs spinning world music most nights. There’s tapas to go with the cocktails (and a full menu by day).
reviewed
