There is an increasing number of restaurants and cafes on the islands.
National specialities:
• Pastel com diablo dentro ('pastry with the devil inside') - a mix of tuna, onions, tomatoes and pastry, made from boiled potatoes and corn flour.
• Cachupa, a mess of maize and beans.
• Fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas, goiabas (guavas), zimbrão, tambarinas, marmelos, azedinhas, tamaras and cocos.
National drinks:
• Aguardiente (sugar cane rum).
• A San Antao liquor made from coffee, cinnamon, fig leaf, peppermint, orange or lime.
• Manecome (local wine from Fogo).
Tipping: It is normal to give 10 per cent for good service.

Some hotels provide evening entertainment. Small villages will have a lively taverna. Most nightlife is on the main islands: there are 21 nightclubs in Cape Verde – eight on Santiago, seven on Sal, five on São Vicente and one on Fogo. Praia has a cultural centre at which local Cape Verdean artists and instrumentalists perform.

There are daily markets. The Santa Catarina market is held Wednesday and Saturday. Coconut shells are carved by local craftspeople; there is also pottery, lacework and basketry. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900.