Rio de Janeiro

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Rio de Janeiro - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. Academia da Cachaça

    Leblon

    Not merely the place in Rio to try caipirinhas (made here with a variety of tropical fruits), Academia da Cachaça is a veritable temple to cachaça. The small bar sells close to 100 brands of cachaça by the glass or bottle, as well as mixing the famous sugarcane rum into dangerously drinkable concoctions such as the cocada geladinha—frozen coconut, coconut water, brown sugar, and cachaça. The Northeastern bar snacks here include sun-dried beef, baked palm hearts, and delicious black-bean soup. There's now an affiliate in Barra da Tijuca, but it's hard to beat the Leblon original.

    Rua Conde de Bernadotte 26, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22430-200, Brazil
    21-2239--1542
  • 2. Bar do Gomez

    Santa Teresa

    Officially Armazem São Thiago, this neighborhood institution is universally referred to by its nickname, Bar do Gomez, in honor of the late owner whose family has run the business for close to 100 years. Pictures documenting the bar's history adorn the high wooden walls, and surveying the scene in the present, you get the pleasant impression that little has changed over the years. The draft beer flows like water, locals swap stories at the long wooden bar, and new friendships are forged at the outdoor drinking posts. Favorites among the bar snacks include the giant olives, a pastrami sandwich, and the shrimp plate. Early on a Friday night, this is a good place to strike up a conversation with locals before heading down the hill to Lapa.

    Rua Aurea 26, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20240–210, Brazil
    21-2232–0822
  • 3. Bip Bip

    Copacabana

    Here the roda de samba—where musicians sit and play instruments around a central table (in fact the only table in this tiny bar)—is legendary, as is the help-yourself beer policy. The no-nonsense owner makes drink notations and keeps the crowd in check. The standards of the music here are as high as the bar is simple: big-name Brazilian musicians have been known to drop in for a jam session, and on weekend evenings the revelry often spills out onto the street.

    Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22060–040, Brazil
    21-2267--9696
  • 4. Carioca da Gema

    Lapa

    A favorite among local sambistas (samba musicians) and a great spot to listen to live samba in a comfortable environment, Carioca da Gema is one of Lapa's liveliest spots, with talented musicians performing seven nights a week. By 11 pm, finding a place to stand can be difficult, but regulars still find a way to samba. Call ahead and book a table if you're more keen to be a spectator. There's a good pizzeria downstairs. On paying your entrance fee, you're given a white paper card where all food and drinks are noted and your bill's paid at the cashier at the end of the night. Don't lose it, it's your ticket out at the end of the night!

    Rua Mem de Sá 79, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20230–150, Brazil
    21-2221–0043

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: From R$23
  • 5. Circo Voador

    Lapa

    A great venue in an excellent location right by the Lapa arches, Circo Voador hosts club nights during the week, but it's the varied live shows that really stand out, with a big stage set under a huge open-sided circular tent and room for up to 1,500 people to dance the night away. Check the website for a regular roster of international acts and local stars.

    Rua dos Arcos s/n, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20230–060, Brazil
    21-2533--0354

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: From R$25
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  • 6. Nosso

    Ipanema

    This happening hang-out is set on one of Ipanema's prettiest squares. Spread over three floors, it combines a rum bar with a rooftop terrace and vibrant lounge area. The star of the show is mixologist Tai Barbin, who is known for his barrel-aged negronis. Gourmet snacks are available alongside an extensive drinks list and service is reliably attentive.

    Rua Maria Quitéria 91, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22410-040, Brazil
    21-99619--0099
  • 7. Pedra do Sal

    São Cristóvão

    For one of the most authentic samba experiences in town, head to Monday night's live roda de samba in Pedra do Sal. Located in a residential pocket in the docklands neighborhood of Saúde, crowds of samba-loving locals gather round a central circle of musicians who jam late into the night. The story goes that this spot marks the birthplace of samba in Rio de Janiero and there is a really tangible sense of living heritage here. Although the vibe is welcoming and friendly and crime minimal, go without valuables and little in your pockets so you can relax into the experience. Ice-cold beers and caipirinhas can be bought from surrounding bars and vendors. During summer months, this also takes place on Fridays and is a great spot to kick off a night out, with crowds gathering from around 8 pm. The roda is cancelled in the event of rain.

    R. Argemiro Bulcão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20081-040, Brazil
  • 8. Rio Scenarium

    Lapa

    Despite the hordes of samba-seeking tourists, Rio Scenarium somehow manages to retain its authenticity and magic. This is partly due to the incredible setting—a former movie-props warehouse still crammed to the rafters with old instruments, bikes, furniture, and puppets—but also to the great bands and persevering locals who love to show off their moves and entice novices onto the dance floor. On weekends arrive before 9 pm to avoid the lines, or call ahead and book a table. It's closed on Sunday and Monday.

    Rua do Lavrádio 20, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20230–070, Brazil
    21-3147–9005

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: From R$30
    View Tours and Activities
  • 9. Assis Garrafaria

    Cosme Velho

    Just a few minutes’ stroll from the station for the funicular railway that whisks tourists up to the Christ statue, this welcoming bar prides itself on its enormous selection of quality beers. In a building once occupied by the late fiction writer Machado do Assis—a giant of Brazilian literature—the walls of the lounge are occupied by well-stocked bookshelves. Staff are hugely knowledgeable about drink pairings and beer, and can help you choose from the list of almost 200 bottles, which includes many imported Belgian beers. There's now a branch in Copacabana, but the original impresses with its literary heritage.

    Rua Cosme Velho 174, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22241-090, Brazil
    21-2205--3598
  • 10. Bar do Mineiro

    Santa Teresa

    The liveliest of Santa Teresa's many drinking dens and the hub of much social activity, this enduringly popular boteco anchors one end of the neighborhood's main drinking and dining strip. Some excellent snacks are served here—the pasteis de feijao (fried pastries filled with black beans) being a firm favorite with locals—as well as hearty plates of meat-based comida mineira (cuisine from Minas Gerais State). A street-party atmosphere prevails on Sunday afternoon, when the bar is standing room only and revelers spill out onto the road outside.

    Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno 99, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20240–290, Brazil
    21-2221–9227
  • 11. Bracarense

    Leblon

    A trip to Bracarense after a hard day on the beach is what Rio is all about. Crowds spill onto the streets while parked cars double as chairs and the sandy masses gather at sunset for ice-cold chopp and some of Leblon's best pork sandwiches, codfish balls, and empadas.

    Rua José Linhares 85, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22430–220, Brazil
    21-2294–3549
  • 12. Casa da Matriz

    Botafogo

    With its multiroom layout, old-school arcade games, and small junk shop, this shabby-chic venue has the look and feel of a house party. The club's youngish crowd appreciates the adventurous musical policy: don't be surprised if the DJ follows a 1960s Beatles track with down-and-dirty favela funk. It's closed Sunday to Tuesday.

    Rua Henrique de Novaes 107, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22281–050, Brazil
    21-2226--9691

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: R$15–R$35
  • 13. Casa Rosa

    Laranjeiras

    A former brothel in a bright-pink mansion on the Laranjeiras hillside is now a hipster hot spot for live music and dancing. A young, casual chic crowd heads here at the weekend for open-air dancing, karaoke (something of a trend in Rio), samba, and occasional feijoada-fests.

    Rua Alice 550, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22241–020, Brazil
    21-2557–2562

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: From R$20
  • 14. Cobal do Humaitá

    Humaitá

    Occupying a vast outdoor space under the gaze of Christ the Redeemer, this collection of bars, restaurant, and shops throngs with people after dark, when the air is filled with the tipsy chatter of locals relaxing over dinner and drinks.

    Rua Voluntarios Da Patria 446, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22270–010, Brazil
    No phone
  • 15. Fosfobox

    Copacabana

    For the serious dance-music enthusiast, Fosfobox, in the heart of Copacabana, plays the best underground tunes, as well as rock and pop. Dancers cram onto the floor in the industrial-feeling basement, while an upstairs bar offers opportunity for conversation. It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.

    Rua Siqueira Campos 143, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22031-070, Brazil
    21-2548–7498

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: R$30-80
  • 16. Garota de Ipanema

    Ipanema

    This is the original Garota (there are branches all over the city), where Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes penned the timeless song "The Girl from Ipanema." The place serves decent food and drink, but it's the historical significance that draws the crowds. Occasional live-music events take place in the upstairs lounge.

    Rua Vinicius de Moraes 49, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22411–010, Brazil
    21-2523–3787
  • 17. Jobi Bar

    Leblon

    Authentically carioca and a fine place to experience Rio spirit, the bar at down-to-earth Jobi stays open on weekends until the last customer leaves. Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior—Jobi serves some of Rio's most delicious bar snacks and is one of the best-loved bars in the Zona Sul.

    Av. Ataulfo de Paiva 1166, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22440–035, Brazil
    21-2274--0547
  • 18. Mangue Seco Cachaçaria

    Lapa

    Specializing in some of Brazil's finest institutions—strong and fine-tasting cachaças (Brazilian rum), mouthwatering moquecas (stews), and, of course, live samba—Mangue Seco's location on the popular Rua do Lavradio makes it a perfect place to start a night out. Arrive at sundown, grab one of the sidewalk tables, and watch Lapa life unfold as you sip a caipirinha and browse the menu.

    Rua do Lavradio 23, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20230–70, Brazil
    21-3852–1947

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