Cambridge Nightlife

Of the many excellent pubs in the city, perhaps the most famous is the historic Eagle, featuring a ceiling scrawled with signatures of WWII pilots (many of them Americans stationed nearby during the conflict). Local lore claims this is also where university professors Crick and Watson famously drank, discussed and discovered the secrets of DNA.

It might be a bit of a hike from the town centre, but that hasn't dampened the atmosphere at this perfectly named little bar. A daily two-for-one offer on cocktails, plus a mouth-watering snacking menu, makes this a great place to start your night.

The Vaults is a cosy underground cocktail bar that's a favourite with students and townsfolk alike. On top of a great selection of cocktails, ciders and beers, it boasts table tennis, backgammon tables and plenty of squishy sofas.

There is no shortage of clubs aiming for the student market and that includes Ballare, the Italian word for 'dance'. It claims to have the best DJs in East Anglia and hooks in many more from the national circuit too. It also offers pre-bookable booths.

This is an elegant Moroccan-styled nightclub that draws mainly student crowds. It's famous for attracting world class DJs and performers that range from Joey Negro and Jazzy Jeff to DJ Yoda and Fun Lovin' Criminals. Another highlight is the unique cocktail list, which is packed with creative surprises.

It may be part of a nationwide chain, but this fun and frivolous club still manages to channel a boutique feel. It attracts a young crowd of revellers with its large dance floor, cocktail bar and 9 VIP booths with table service if you're not quite ready to boogie yet.

This is the city's centre for performing arts and entertainment. The largest venue in Cambridge, it stages a wide variety of shows and performances, from cutting-edge European jazz, rock and pop, opera, comedy, classical music and kids' shows through to dance shows, new music, comedy and West End productions.

This is an all-round performing arts venue embracing live music and club nights as well as theatre, comedy, children's shows and community events. It can hold up to 1,000 people in its main auditorium.

This intimate venue hosts local and international bands from across all genres. Its performance space was recently expanded too, so it now squeezes in 200 people and is kitted out with a high-tech sound system and lighting rig.