Must-see entertainment in Rio de Janeiro

  • Teatro do Leblon

    Ipanema & Leblon

    This nicely located theater shows a mix of drama, cutting-edge and children's performances on three different stages. In front of the same complex is an…

  • Teatro do Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

    Rio de Janeiro

    In addition to its exhibitions, this large cultural center in downtown Rio has two stages and a cinema. Theater, film, dance and musical events are often…

  • Sala Municipal Baden Powell

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of the few music halls in the Zona Sul, the 500-seat Sala Municipal Baden Powell hosts a broad range of concerts throughout the year, with MPB and…

  • Cine Santa Teresa

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    This small, single-screen theater is well located on Largo do Guimarães. Befitting the art-loving 'hood, the cinema screens a selection of independent and…

  • Teatro Laura Alvim

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Located across from Ipanema Beach, this small center stages plays and hosts classical and other live-music styles. It also has art exhibition openings and…

  • Cine Museu da República

    Flamengo & Around

    The screening room located behind the dramatic Museu da República shows contemporary and vintage films of indie and world cinema. Entrance is via the…

  • UCI – New York City Center

    Rio de Janeiro

    UCI – New York City Center is Brazil's largest megaplex, featuring 18 different screening rooms complete with large, comfortable chairs and stadium…

  • Espaço Itaú

    Rio de Janeiro

    A high-quality six-screen cinema that shows a wide variety of fare. You can linger before or after the film at the cafe, bookstore or various snack…

  • Casa da Cultura Laura Alvim

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Across from the beach in Ipanema, this small center stages plays, screens films and hosts art exhibitions. The atrium cafe is a pleasant spot for a bite.

  • Teatro Carlos Gomes

    Rio de Janeiro

    Facing the Praça Tiradentes, the large Teatro Carlos Gomes stages avant-garde dance shows and experimental theater. The theater seats 600 people.

  • Estação Net Ipanema

    Ipanema & Leblon

    On the ground floor of a tiny shopping complex in Ipanema, this two-screen cinema shows popular contemporary films from Brazil and abroad.

  • São Clemente

    Rio de Janeiro

    Less well known than other Samba schools, São Clemente nevertheless has a loyal following for its whimsical Carnaval themes.

  • KM de Vantagens Hall

    Rio de Janeiro

    Rio's largest (6000-seat) concert house tends to change names every few years, but continues to host top international and Brazilian bands, as well as…

  • Espaço SESC

    Rio de Janeiro

    Hosting an excellent assortment of theater and dance performances, Espaço SESC is a bulwark of the Copacabana arts scene. The repertoire tends toward the…

  • Porta da Pedra

    Rio de Janeiro

    Samba school located on the east side of Baía de Guanabara. Porta da Pedra hasn't had much success in recent years, and is struggling to find its way back…

  • Grande Rio

    Rio de Janeiro

    Located northwest of Ilha do Governador, Grande Rio has been crowned parade champions only once (in 1992) but has lots of devoted followers, especially in…

  • Portela

    Rio de Janeiro

    Portela is a highly successful samba school with creative themes and brilliant costumes. It has been crowned Carnaval champion nearly two dozen times…

  • Rocinha

    Rio de Janeiro

    Rocinha is a Series A samba school that hosts fun parades. Its colors are blue, green and white, and butterflies (the symbol of Rocinha) often figure…

  • Unidos da Tijuca

    Rio de Janeiro

    Going strong since 1931, this samba school has staged many dazzling parades over the years. Unidos da Tijuca has been crowned champion three times since…

  • Beija-Flor

    Rio de Janeiro

    Founded in 1948 this samba school has won more than a dozen parades over the years – most recently in 2018. It's located way out in Nilópolis (38km…

  • Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel

    Rio de Janeiro

    Located 38km west of downtown, this samba school vaulted to fame in 2017 when it (along with Portela) was crowned parade champion of Rio's Carnaval.

  • Imperatriz Leopoldinense

    Rio de Janeiro

    Located 15km northwest of Centro, Imperatriz Leopoldinense is named after Empress Maria Leopoldina, archduchess of Austria and wife of Pedro I.

  • Roxy

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of Copacabana's only cinemas is a fine retreat when the weather sours. The Roxy shows the usual films on wide release.

  • Tickets for Fun

    Rio de Janeiro

    Sells tickets to many events and venues, including the big KM de Vantagens concert hall in Barra da Tijuca.

More destinations you need to see