Lagoa with Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer in the background
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its daytime activities as well as for its nightspots. In fact, there are several great nightspots where locals go and where you — as a tourist — can safely enjoy an authentic live Brazilian music night out.
Until the 1990s the nightspots were spread out all over Rio de Janeiro — and in a way they still are. However, nowadays there is an incredible concentration of nightspots, clubs, bars, and live music halls in the neighborhood of Lapa.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights are by far the hottest nights in Rio de Janeiro and more specifically in Lapa.
Samba club in Lapa
The highlights of Lapa are the live samba clubs — there are many of them. Carioca da Gema, Sacrilégio, and Rio Scenarium are among the most popular and most traditional.
Just take a taxi at your hotel around 9 p.m. and head to one of these three nightspots. They all charge a cover charge, which ranges around US$ 10-20, and also sell beverages, typical Brazilian dishes and finger-food.
At the end of your night out, just take a taxi in front of the nightspot back to your hotel.
Musician playing at a night spot in Rio de Janeiro
The three nightspots mentioned above have been around for many years. However, in Rio de Janeiro apparentlly succesful nightlife venues occasionally shut down.
To get an updated listing of the must-experience nightspots get your copy of My Rio Travel Guide, the most practical and updated travel guidebook to Rio de Janeiro.
Click below to plan a great night out in Rio!
