3 Best Nightlife in Coimbra and Central Portugal, Portugal

A bar-restaurant inside what used to be the boiler room of Universidade de Coimbra's hospital, Casa das Caldeiras is the epitome of industrial chic. Two enormous boilers, brought to Portugal from the UK in 1939, sit in the middle of the bar, and the exposed brick walls add to the effect. There are snacks and small plates, but it's the cocktails and the dramatic design that make this place a hit with the hipster crowd.

One of a number of trendy bar-restaurants on the banks of the Mondego, Docas Rio stands out for its speedy service, great cocktails, plus live music and DJ sets. It's a buzzing place around midnight on weekends, but is also pleasant for an afternoon glass of wine: a playground nearby makes it a popular option for families.

A bar, restaurant, and microbrewery, Praxis is often the first port of call for craft beer fans visiting Coimbra. The team takes great pride in its all-natural production process, and the beers produced here have gained a solid following among those who take their brews seriously.