Punta Arenas is not a nightlife city. The weather and the wind don't encourage strolling, and most evenings revolve around a long dinner with wine, followed by a drink at one of a handful of bars within walking distance of the centre. Things wind down by about 1 a.m. on weeknights, a little later on Fridays and Saturdays.
In the daytime, the cafe culture is more Continental than the rest of Chile — a legacy of the Croatian and Spanish founders. Most cafés serve real espresso and substantial cakes, useful after a long cold walk along the harbour.