Must see entertainment in Rio de Janeiro

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For years Bip Bip has been one of the city's favorite spots to catch a live roda de samba (informal samba played around a table), despite it being just a…

In 2017 the famed NYC jazz club opened this Rio outpost (Blue Note's first venture into South America) in an entertainment complex on the edge of Lagoa…

The Monday- and Friday-night street parties here are major draws for lovers of samba, whether they're Brazilian or foreign, rich or poor. The lively samba…

Downstairs from the main restaurant in Casa Camolese, Clube Manouche is an intimate music bar designed in the tradition of West Village clubs in New York…

One of the city's most photogenic nightspots, Rio Scenarium has three floors, each lavishly decorated with antiques. Balconies overlook the stage on the…

Not for lazy ears, this avant-garde jazz house known to the sonic cognoscenti is unique in Rio for its serious approach to performances. Run by an…

Come to this club to connect to a small part of Brazilian history – and a big part of musical lore. It was on this lane where Tom Jobim and other…

Although it's now surrounded by other clubs, Carioca da Gema was one of Lapa's pioneers when it opened in 2000. This small, warmly lit club still attracts…

Also known as the 'Casa do Bob' after owner Bob Nadkarni, the once-a-month event here is well worth attending. It's set in the guesthouse of the same name…

One of the country's loveliest racetracks, with a great view of the mountains and Corcovado, the Joquei Clube (Jockey Club) seats 35,000. It lies on the…

For an authentic slice of Rio, head to one of the massive open-air samba parties that happen several times a week in Andaraí. The setup is simple: a…

One of Lapa's classic bohemian spots, this tiny bar in a battered part of the neighborhood has excellent live groups playing to a samba-loving crowd. The…

This multilevel bar and live-music venue has an upstairs terrace with great views of the old aqueduct. The stage inside hosts an eclectic lineup of DJs,…

Murals line the foyer of this 1867 mansion and rhythms filter down from above. Follow the sound up the marble staircase and out to a large table-filled…

Santa Teresa's best-loved clothing shop transforms into a neighborhood party space with live music several times a week. Come on Friday (8pm) for samba…

Just beside Praia Vermelha, Terra Brasilis has gorgeous views of Pão de Açúcar looming overhead. Jazzy Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) bands play from…

A charming live-samba joint, Trapiche Gamboa is set in a multistory colonial edifice in Gamboa (just north of Centro) and has a friendly, mixed crowd and…

In a curvilinear building behind the Arcos da Lapa, Circo Voador hosts big-name Brazilian and international artists. The acoustics here are excellent, and…

A short stroll past the Arcos da Lapa you'll find Sacrilégio, a key spot for catching live samba bands in an intimate setting. The garden makes a fine…

Barra's grandest arts complex is an R$500-million venture that houses an 1800-seat concert hall, as well as theaters, a chamber music hall, a cinema and a…