The capital of the Algarve region, Faro, might be calmer than its nearby towns, but it still has the ingredients for a good night out and a bustling nightlife scene. With most bars, pubs and clubs located in a triangle of streets in the Old Town, you won’t need to look far, whatever kind of night out you’re after.

Here’s a list of our favourites and some top tips to go with it!

Cocktails and tile details

Beautiful Portuguese tile décor and an array of cocktails welcome you to the visitor-favourite Columbus bar. Often considered the top choice in Faro for an evening out, Columbus will spoil you with signature drinks on the photo-ready outdoor terrace. Looking to skip the alcohol or want something specific? The talented staff will customise the creative drinks to meet your needs.

Nibbles and tipples

Pair your evening dinner with some chic drinks at Aperitivo. The bar offers Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of Portuguese aromas but it’s excellent even if you’re looking for a midnight snack, as food is served until 1am. Beloved locally, this is the spot for after-work drinks, so expect it to get busy in the evening. This is what makes Aperitivo so special, though, imagine sitting under orange trees on a terrace buzzing with chatting people on a warm summer evening… Sign us up!

Wine and dine

You’ll find Portuguese wines in almost every bar you stumble into in Faro but if you want to take it up a notch, make your way to the traditional Epicur Boutique bar. Over 200 different wines paired with a curated menu can be found in this off-the-beaten-track place. The staff will talk you through the wines and nibbles, so you just relax and take it all in. The rustic and romantic atmosphere is great for date nights too!

Points and pints

If you’ve left for a holiday before the sports season is over, we’ve got you covered. The best place to catch your favourite sports game is 3 Points Sports pub. Filled with screens and seats to cater to a large fanbase, the pub is exactly what you want on an occasion like this. Nothing on? Not to worry – a pool table, darts, table football and even beer pong await. Visit on Wednesday and sing along to your favourite tunes on karaoke night! What else could you need?

Sunset views and DJ tunes

Quench your thirst while enjoying cinematic views from the rooftop bar at Eva. Locally known for offering the best views of the city centre and the marina, this bar also boasts a range of cocktails and other delicious drinks. The bar holds a sunset party every evening in the summertime, so be sure to catch some live performances here too!

Late nights and dancing lights

If dancing is on the agenda, head to Call In Faro club. A live DJ will provide all the good music, so grab a friend and make a beeline for the dancefloor! Fancy a drink? Call In is famous for its wallet-friendly cocktail prices and infinite list of signature shots. Neon lights shine just as bright in LGBTQ+ friendly club Prestige, if you’re looking to change the scene throughout the night. Boasting a range of music from pop to techno, and the club is only a minute away from some of our other suggestions. Go and choose your favourite!

Drink up in the pub

Missing that cosy pub feeling? Head to the best Irish pub, Piper’s, before hitting the town! The friendly staff will welcome you with your favourite draught beers and drinks. Then you can head up to the terrace and listen to some live Irish music or catch a football game, depending on the night. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of a bustling Irish pub in the heart of the city!

On a lively note…

While silent bars are a rare sight in this triangle of party streets, bar ChesSenta is especially known for its live music and great performances. An intimate two-floor bar offers live music evenings that artists and locals flood to. Combine that with the Che Guevara theme, range of drinks from local wines to fruity cocktails and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind evening planned out for you. The bar also has a regular karaoke night, if singing your heart out is more your thing.

Our last tips to keep in mind:

• For cheaper drinks and entry to clubs, go out on Thursdays – it’s when all the students go clubbing, so places have deals on. Alternatively, if you’re looking to avoid crowds – it might be best to stray away from the marina.

• The Portuguese tend to dine quite late, therefore the nightlife begins later as well, usually around midnight. Don’t be afraid to show up too late though – most places don’t have a set closing time, so you’re likely to party till sunrise anyway!