Portugal

Cinema

Cinema listings are generally available in local newspapers, particularly the free papers available on public transport in most cities. VO in the description of a film indicates that the film is being shown in the original language, usually with Portuguese subtitles. Be aware of course that not all films were originally made in English. There do not appear to be any cinemas specialising in showing only English-language films as in some other countries. Three of the main cinema operators in Portugal are:

• Lusomondo
• UCI Cinemas
• Medeia Millenium Cinemas

Pubs and bars

During the daytime, the best place to drink is in cafes. Virtually all of these have at least one beer tap, including McDonalds. Pretty much everywhere that serves a sit down meal can also supply wine. Later on bars start to open, although they will not even start to get busy until after midnight on any day of the week. By northern European standards, bars in cities here are open late - a few will close through lack of custom at around 3am, but particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights you should find it pretty easy to drink in a bar, rather than an out-and-out club until 5am. With a 10am start to the day and the option of a lunch/siesta and an early evening nap, the Portuguese don't seem inclined to catch an early night.