Must-see entertainment in Rio de Janeiro

  • Top Choice
    Bip Bip

    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…

  • Blue Note Rio

    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…

  • Pedra do Sal

    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…

  • Clube Manouche

    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…

  • Rio Scenarium

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

  • TribOz

    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…

  • Beco das Garrafas

    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…

  • Carioca da Gema

    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…

  • Maze Inn

    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…

  • Jockey Club Brasileiro

    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…

  • Renascença Clube

    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…

  • Beco do Rato

    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…

  • Paiol 08

    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,…

  • Clube dos Democráticos

    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…

  • Favela Hype

    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…

  • Terra Brasilis

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

  • Trapiche Gamboa

    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…

  • Circo Voador

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

  • Sacrilégio

    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…

  • Cidade das Artes

    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…