Ottawa's nightlife has a hopping pub scene focused on Elgin Street, Bank Street and the ByWard Market. Dance clubs, blues joints, karaoke and a multitude of Irish pubs draw a student and young professional crowd to party the night away. Last orders are at 0200 and bars stay open till 0245.

Bars: Social, at 537 Sussex Drive, is a Martini bar with great mojitos. It has an inviting atmosphere with live jazz, and draws a buzzing crowd. The Heart and Crown, at 67 Clearance Street in the ByWard Market, is a popular Irish pub to drop in for a pint and some live music. Grace O'Malley's Pub, at 1150 Ogilvie Road, serves typical Irish pub fare with live music throughout the week.

Clubs: Learn to dance the salsa or merengue at the sizzling Caliente Latin Night Club, 110 York Street (website: www.calienteclub.net). The Mercury Lounge at 56 ByWard (website: www.mercurylounge.net) is a true soul club, attracting the jazz and blues crowd.

Live Music: Barrymore's at 323 Bank Street (website: www.barrymores.on.ca) is Ottawa's premiere live music club, drawing top bands from around the country. Fat Tuesdays, at 62 York Street in the ByWard Market (website: www.fattuesdays.ca), is famous for its duelling pianos on Friday and Saturday nights.