Lagos, Portugal, located in western Algarve, is a picturesque town. It\u2019s the kind of place photographers dream of \u2013 old buildings with colorful tile facades just starting to show signs of salt decay and white cobblestone streets in the city center with cute little restaurants taking full advantage of the weather and plopping down as many tables and chairs as they can fit in their lot.<\/p>\n
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It has golden brown cliffs that hang over the Atlantic Ocean, adding to the stunning beauty and classic Portuguese architecture and charm.<\/p>\n
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But, deep within this beach town is a party fueled by the bars that bring in tourists after a day of fun in the sun. In Lagos, it is easy and common to be sitting outside at a dinner of fresh-caughtfish, and hear as much Portuguese as English \u2013 particularly of the Australian variety.<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s no secret the Aussies know how to party, and this carries over into most facets of the bars and nightlife scene in Lagos. Even those visitors with the best intentions of \u201cjust one drink\u201d during happy hour can be quickly lured in by the two-for-one drink specials, free shots with drink deals,\u00a0 and high alcohol content in the potent tropical concoctions. The next thing they know, they\u2019re barefoot at 4 a.m. on the shore of the Atlantic, having a raging afterhours with new backpacker best friends.<\/p>\n
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Thank goodness there are plenty of English breakfast joints available in the morning to soak up all of that alcohol from the night before \u2026 and the \u201cjust one drink\u201d that was consumed. For a good time in Lagos (maybe not as drastic as what was described above), head to these hot spots.<\/p>\n
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Three Monkeys<\/strong> \u2013 This is, without a doubt, the biggest party bar in town where shots flow, music blasts and the energy is seriously high. Often times the open space in the bar becomes an impromptu dance floor that features a lot of bopping up and down to the music. Plus, there\u2019s free wifi (and even two computers available for patrons), darts and a pool table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevie Ray\u2019s<\/strong> \u2013 A change of pace from Three Monkeys, Stevie Ray\u2019s is a chill party spot. It\u2019s got an eclectic selection of music including blues, jazz and soul music spun by international DJs. Every Friday and Saturday, musicians come in to perform, starting at midnight. Open Tuesdays \u2013 Saturdays, this spot gets active after 10 p.m.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Red Eye Bar<\/strong> \u2013 The party starts at Red Eye Bar at 8 p.m. and carries on straight\u00a0 until 2 a.m., when revelers either stumble to their rooms or head to a later-night venue. Here, the party starts the minute people walk in the door \u2013 a free shot comes with the first drink. Like most of the party bars in town, Red Eye has darts, a pool table and TVs featuring sporting events. It\u2019s also got a hefty selection of cocktails and shooters.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whytes Bar<\/strong> \u2013 Its tagline is \u201cCome all ye sinners\u201d and it offers a \u201c9 Deadly Sins\u201d shot challenge where the brave down nine tasty shooters in a row and then earn a T-shirt (and likely a massive hangover in the morning) \u2013 so guests know they mean business. Part bar \u2013 part nightclub, this place parties it up nightly until 2 a.m. Head upstairs to get drinks, then go back downstairs to boogie on the dance floor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inside Out <\/strong>\u2013 After the other bars close, head over to newly renovated Inside Out, which is open until the late early morning hours. The party gets crazy after midnight when the dancing games ensue, encouraging everyone in the bar to get to know each other, um, better. Enjoy fishbowl drinks that can quench the thirst of a small army, along with some Jell-o shots \u2026 both sure to kick the night into a high-gear party.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n