Must-see nightlife in Western Europe

  • Traveller's Rest

    The Lake District

    With its sputtering fires and inglenook bar, this 16th-century coaching inn on the A591 makes a fine place for a pint and a simple pie supper.

  • McEwan’s Café

    Orléans

    Scottish-themed sports bar popular for its wide variety of whiskies and beers, including 17 on tap, and regular rugby and football broadcasts.

  • Three Kings

    Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields

    This down-to-earth and welcoming backstreet pub attracts a friendly bunch of relaxed locals for its quirky decor, great music and good times.

  • L'Antidote

    Lyon

    This long-running Irish pub draws a fine mix of expats and Lyonnais. There's live music from time to time, including the odd Irish folk band.

  • Sally Rogers

    County Meath

    Pop in for a drink on the large terrace overhanging the River Boyne at this central pub. It gets crammed at weekends when there's live music.

  • Switch

    Newcastle-upon-Tyne

    This small late-night bar has dance music upstairs and more mainstream tunes downstairs. Look out for drag queen–hosted events and parties.

  • Cicchetti

    Paris

    Named after Venetian bar snacks, Cicchetti is a good spot for an aperitif (small plates €1 to €2) savoured over a glass of natural wine.

  • Le Newquay

    Biarritz

    Grungy pub with a central location, big-screen sports and plenty of beers on tap – plus a loyal crowd of surfers, beach-bums and tourists.

  • Ship Inn

    Swansea, The Gower & Carmarthenshire

    A large rusty anchor sets an appropriately nautical tone for this appealing local pub, which serves the Gower Brewery's range of real ales.

  • La Ruche

    Lyon

    With its old-fashioned decor, La Ruche is not the triendiest of Lyon's gay bars, but it draws a loyal local crowd as well as tourists.

  • Pride Bar

    Aliados & Bolhão

    Porto’s gay hot spot has live music, drag shows and go-go boys. It’s open very late. It's especially fun on late-night Sundays.

  • O Moelas

    Coimbra

    A friendly no-frills drinking spot near the old cathedral. Join the students for cheap drinks and big (late) nights. Enough said.

  • Café de l’Ormeau

    Côte d'Azur

    This lovely vine-covered cafe terrace in the very heart of Ramatuelle is great for coffee or light meals (mains €15 to €18).

  • Old White Swan

    York

    Popular and atmospheric pub in a 16th-century building, with a small beer garden and a good range of ales. And it's haunted…

  • O’Neill’s

    Cascais

    An Irish number with banter and a passion for the pint, O’Neill’s has eclectic live music at 11pm every night of the year.

  • L’Esquinade

    St-Tropez

    Where the party winds up when you want to dance until dawn. The Tropéziens’ top choice, it's also distinctly gay-friendly.

  • L'Univers

    Dijon

    This long-standing bar is a bit of a throwback, with a solid soundtrack of '60s and '70s music and extra-long happy hours.

  • O'Gílíns

    Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré

    O’Gílíns offers Guinness, big-screen sports and live music some nights. It's big with the Irish when the rugby's on.

  • Ye Cracke

    Liverpool

    A traditional pub with a beer garden; the fact that John and Cynthia Lennon liked coming here still draws the curious.

  • James Joyce

    Brussels

    The first Irish pub in Brussels. Sometimes rowdy, but it does have quieter moments and there's occasional live music.

  • Sé La Vie

    Braga

    A fun little cafe-bar with an alternative vibe that puts on great shows and has a good selection of beers and snacks.

  • Hennessy’s

    Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré

    A former tailor's shop turned relaxed Irish pub, with banter, occasional live music and Kilkenny and Guinness on tap.

  • Coffeeshop Rusland

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Fronted by an orange facade, this low-key coffeeshop attracts a young crowd keen to get off the usual tourist path.

  • Esplanada Rainha

    Cascais

    For sundowners with a sea view, head to this outdoor place with a pleasant vista overlooking Praia da Rainha beach.

  • El Rock

    Guimarães

    Dug into a narrow stone room and spreading onto the plaza is this funky beer bar. It hosts occasional live bands.

  • Grasmere Tea Gardens

    The Lake District

    Pleasant cafe with views of the river and church – perfect for tea and scones or a slice of post-hike cake.

  • Café Barista

    Ghent

    Get your caffeine fix in this central coffee specialist, brewing its beans in a 14th-century riverside house.

  • Hole in T' Wall

    The Lake District

    Bowness' oldest boozer, dating back to 1612 and offering lashings of rough-beamed, low-ceilinged atmosphere.

  • Sanctuary

    South Cornwall

    Classy little wine bar that serves several vintages by the glass, and also holds regular film screenings.

  • QUB Student Union

    Belfast

    The student union has various bars and music venues hosting club nights, live bands and stand-up comedy.

  • Taberna Svbvra

    Braga

    Buzzy bar hidden behind a saloon-like wooden door, with a local low-key vibe and occasional live music.

  • VIP Room

    St-Tropez

    New York loft–style club at the Nouveau Port; around for aeons and still lures in the occasional VIP.

  • L’Endroit

    Marseille

    Dive through the tiny door to discover the Vieux Port’s only gay bar. Theme nights include karaoke.

  • De Mort

    Northeast Belgium

    An atmospheric brown cafe hidden in the unpromising alley signposted to Mister 100 Billiard Lounge.

  • Unicorn Inn

    Yorkshire Dales National Park

    A determinedly old-fashioned free house with a lively atmosphere, sports screens and sticky floors.

  • Bar Exils

    Strasbourg

    This is student central, with darts and billiards, well-worn sofas and plenty of cheap beer on tap.

  • Silk Mill Ale & Cider House

    The Midlands & the Marches

    On a sunny day, the courtyard at this pub serving real ales and artisan ciders fills with locals.

  • La Lune Poivre

    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sidle up to the copper bar at this local hang-out with great cocktails and occasional live music.

  • John B Keane

    County Kerry

    Once run by the late writer himself, this small, unassuming bar is swathed in Keane memorabilia.

  • Tilt

    Nottingham

    Cocktail specialist Tilt mixes up classics and house creations in intimate, candlelit surrounds.

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