go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Brazil

Entertainment in Brazil

  1. A

    Bar do Porto

    This old standby hosts live reggae on Friday night, when the street out front becomes a party and reggae fans pack the inside.

    reviewed

  2. Centro Cultural do Usino Gasômetro

    On the banks of the Lagoa dos Patos, this former factory now houses art cinemas, temporary art exhibitions and a pleasant café.

    reviewed

  3. B

    Olivier

    This attractive restaurant has a cozy backyard setting where you can catch live jazz and bossa nova several nights of the week.

    reviewed

  4. Rapa Nui Choparia

    Happy-hour specials and a stylish tropical design draw a nightly crowd to this beachfront bar. Features live music on weekends.

    reviewed

  5. C

    Sankofa

    This centrally located bar in the Pelourinho hosts live salsa, samba, and DJs who mix everything from reggae to Congolese rumba.

    reviewed

  6. Fashion Clube

    A large, terminally hip dance club with nights ranging from Salsa to electronic music. Minimum age for women is 21; for men, 18.

    reviewed

  7. D

    Baretto-Londra

    Rio's glammiest bar is inside the Hotel Fasano, and offers a vision of decadence matched by few of the city's nightspots. The intimate space, designed by Philippe Starck, has an enchantingly illuminated bar, leather armchairs and divans, and a DJ spinning a world electronica. The crowd is A-list, the drinks are pricey (beer R$16, martinis R$26), and unless you're a model (or have one draped on your arm), prepare for a long wait at the door.

    reviewed

  8. E

    Posto 6

    At Vila Madalena's ground zero, this popular happy hour spot has old-fashioned, wood-paneled rooms that open up onto the street.

    reviewed

  9. Café Mostarda

    The rich and beautiful practically trip over themselves onto Av Afonso Pena at this trendy outdoor café with live music nightly.

    reviewed

  10. Live Music

    There is always live music somewhere on the quadrado, but if local legend Elba Ramalho is giving a show, don't miss it.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. F

    Teatro SESC-Senac

    The Grupo de Danças Folclóricas SESC put on a lively show at Teatro SESC-Senac, as does Restaurant Solar do Unhão.

    reviewed

  13. Purão do Alemão

    Purão do Alemão, located on Estrada de Ponta Negra, is lively, safe bar frequented by tourists and locals alike.

    reviewed

  14. Lampião

    A mix of locals and tourists gather at this well-known beachfront spot for dancing to Northeastern beats on the breezy shoreline.

    reviewed

  15. G

    Le Boy

    Open since 1992, Le Boy is Rio's gay temple. There are theme nights with drag shows and go-go boys.

    reviewed

  16. Cinépolis

    Cinépolis is located at a megamall, with seven screens, including one for 3D films, and supercomfy stadium seating.

    reviewed

  17. H

    Teatro SESC-Senac

    The Grupo de Danças Folclóricas SESC puts on a lively show at Teatro SESC-Senac, as does Restaurant Solar do Unhão.

    reviewed

  18. Casa Colonial

    The walk-in wine cellar is the first thing that catches your eye when you enter this sophisticated bar, which oozes medieval romance.

    reviewed

  19. Calangos

    Calangos at the end of Av Baía dos Golfinhos, has live forró on Sunday and Euro-style DJs the other nights.

    reviewed

  20. Poracaso

    Poracaso is a lakeside live music bar where fashionable middle-class locals go on weekends to listen to relaxing music and sip drinks.

    reviewed

  21. I

    Copa

    The Copa, a restaurant, bar and dance club, is a relaxed hangout, attracting an ‘intellectual’ crowd of guys and girls aged 30 and up.

    reviewed

  22. Advertisement

  23. Caipirinha Vendors

    Don't miss dexterous vendors along Caminho da Praia and on Segundo Praia mixing delicious caipirinhas - made with fresh fruit.

    reviewed

  24. Tropicana

    For something a little classy and trendy try Tropicana. It’s reminiscent of South Beach/Miami’s whitewashed pool bars.

    reviewed

  25. Pé na Praia

    Beach barracas such as Pé na Praia sometimes have nighttime parties with pumping trance music and psychedelic décor.

    reviewed

  26. J

    Sala Cecília Meireles

    Lapa's splendid early-20th-century gem hosts orchestral concerts throughout the year. Lately, the repertoire has included contemporary groups, playing both choro (romantic, intimate samba) and classical music. Concerts start at 7:30pm.

    reviewed

  27. Lanchonete Jorge Amado

    Have a morning coffee on the tiny patio of the literary-themed Lanchonete Jorge Amado, just across from the Prefeitura.

    reviewed