Not-to-be-missed live music venues, where the trademark music of Brazil – samba – can be heard every week in Rio de Janeiro Samba Clubs in Lapa.
Bossa nova, MPB, choro, forró, and other unique contributions to the world of music can also be heard in some samba clubs. Even rehearsals for the music of Carnaval, can be seen during the months leading up to the annual Carnaval extravaganza.
So where, when, and how does a visitor experience the extraordinary variety of live Brazilian music?
Find below a couple of samba clubs to go watching a live Samba concert in Rio de Janeiro:
1. Carioca da Gema in Lapa Neighborhood
Increasingly touristy small live samba club with top-rated musicians. Best samba club option on Mondays. It has only a few tables (mostly standing room).
Admission fee/cover charge: R$23; US$11.50; €10 to R$30; US$15; €13 (fee varies according to the day). Minors under 18 are not admitted.
Opening hours: every day 7:00 p.m. (Sat., Sun. and holidays 9 p.m.) – 2 a.m. (or later). Very crowded on Fridays and Saturdays; get there at 9 p.m. (If the club is too crowded, go next door to the similar and less touristy Sacrilégio [open also every day; besides DJ plays various styles on the second floor Fri. – Sat.].)
Reservations: optional; call 2221-0043 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mon. – Fri.) or email [email protected] to book a table (held for very little time), or just show up.
How to get to Carioca da Gema: 20-min taxi ride from Copacabana/Leme (R$27; US$13.50; €12 — slightly more from Ipanema/Leblon and much less from Santa Teresa).
Address: Rua Mem de Sá, 79 – Lapa. (locate Carioca da Gema on Lapa map in My Rio Travel Guide).
Dinner tip: have a drink, appetizers, or dinner at Antonio’s across the street and get in at peak time (anytime between 10 p.m. and midnight). Another great option is Encontros Cariocas pizzeria (closed on Mondays), next door to Carioca da Gema (climb a staircase). Alternatively, eat at the samba club.
2. Bar da Boa in Lapa Neighborhood
Spacious samba club where band plays samba Tue. – Sun. from 7 – 10 p.m. Lots of locals sing along popular songs; very authentic.
Admission fee/cover charge: R$25; US$12.50; €11 (men) and R$15; US$7.50; €6.50 (women). Limited menu with great appetizers.
Address of Bar da Boa: Rua Mem de Sá, 69 – Lapa. (Location: almost next door to Carioca da Gema mentioned above).
Read samba club related articles: Rio Scenarium
For updated information on live music and Samba clubs in Rio de Janeiro, get a copy of My Rio Travel Guide – The Essential How-To Visitor’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro.