As Bergen is so small, there is no particular nightlife district - although the most popular areas include Bryggen and Ole Bulls plass. Bars tend to close at around 0200, while the nightclubs stay open until about 0300. It is not necessary to dress up for a night out on the town as locals tend to dress casually. Consumption of beer and wine is legal from 18 years but spirits may not be consumed by the under-20s. Prices are high in bars, clubs and restaurants - a night on the town is not a cheap option in Norway (a beer can cost NOK60 or more).

The best sources on the Internet for information on nightlife are both Norwegian-language sites (www.ba.no), then click on the 'Puls' link or (www.bergenpuls.no). The tourist information office can provide information in English and its website (www.visitbergen.com) is also of help.

Bars: There are dozens of bars in the city centre. Finnegan's, Veiten 3, is a good Irish pub. Frille, Hollendergaten 7, is one of Bergen's most popular bars, located in the medieval Vågsbunnen part of the city. Baklommen, Bryggen, is a charming, quirky bar with a warm atmosphere. Havariet Øl Og Vinstue, Torget 2, is a small, cosy and intimate beer and wine bar. A wine bar with a great selection of wines is Altonas Vinbar, Strandgaten 81, which is said to be Bergen's oldest known tavern, allegedly dating back to the 17th century. Fincken, Nygårdsgaten 2a, is a centrally located gay bar.

Fotballpuben, Vestre Torggate 9 is a popular gathering place for those wishing to watch football on TV. Live music is offered at many of Bergen's pubs and bars at weekends.

Clubs and Live Music: Bergen has a lively music scene, and a number of Bergen bands, like Kings of Convenience and Röyksopp, have had international success in recent years. There are several good live music venues in the city. Mood, Vågsallmenning 16, used to be a bank, but it is now a nightclub with both live music and DJs. Rick's Café og Salonger, Øvre Ole Bulls plass 9, is a bar, disco and live music venue rolled into one. Christian 49, Christian Michelsensgate 4, has an interior inspired by a Turkish bath and features the latest in dance music. Logen, Øvre Ole Bulls plass 6 (website: www.logen-teater.no), stages revues, theatre and cabaret shows and all kinds of concerts throughout the year. Nightclub Det Akademiske Kvarter (Academic Quarter), Olav Kyrresgate 49-53 (website: www.kvarteret.no), is a student venue promoting pop and rock concerts. It also stages jazz and classical performances. Madam Felle, Bryggen (website: www.madamfelle.com), offers jazz, blues, roots and gospel at the weekends. Trendy Metro Bar & Nightclub is at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Ole Bulls plass. Ole Bull Scene, Øvre Ole Bulls plass 3 (website: www.olebullscene.no),  has concerts and theatre on throughout the week. Rock fans can catch international acts at Hulen, Olaf Ryes Vei 48, on Fridays and Saturdays.