The best bars and nightlife in Rio de Janeiro

The nomadic nature of much of Rio’s nightlife makes for some incredible settings for one-off parties in the hills and mansions of neighbourhoods like Cosme Velho and Santa Teresa, but also makes much of the underground scene seem somewhat impenetrable. Follow the right social media accounts (see Moo, Digitaldubs and RARA) however, and be welcomed into a world of unique and friendly parties. Underpinning that are the permanent venues strewn across Lapa, from samba bars to the unmissable, palm-lined Circo Voador, where many of the best international tours pass through, as well as local leading lights.

• Centro/Norte
• Zona Sur: Beaches
• Zona Sur: Bay
• Jardim Botânico & Gávea

The vast, stylish Rio Scenarium is an absolute staple for those seeking out live samba in Rio. Despite the hordes of tourists, international and Brazilian alike, this is one place that has somehow managed to retain its authenticity and magic. That is due in part to the endless shelves of antiques so typical of this awe-inspiring street, with everything from musical instruments to bikes and puppets adorning every spare inch. The main room sees the stage permanently occupied by local samba talents past and present, while upstairs there is a second room where DJs spin a more international soundtrack.

Contact: rioscenarium.com.br
Price: ££
Getting in: Reservations recommended

The “Flying Circus” is the best place to see international underground bands in Rio and is surely one of the greatest live music venues anywhere in the world. The palm tree-lined courtyard and a sunken, tent-covered pit help provide the atmosphere, along with 800 pogoing fanatics getting loose to anything from LCD Soundsystem to Jorge Ben Jor. You are as likely to find local 1980s cheese-fest specialists Ploc as 50-strong samba band and carnival favourites Monobloco. Any music-lover’s visit to Rio should be preceded with a look at the schedule on the official site.

Contact: circovoador.com.br
Price: £££
Getting in: Buy tickets in advance

The name literally translates as “Rio to the yolk”, or in other words, born, bred, raised and fed on a diet of undiluted Rio and everything that entails. In this case, it’s an innate love for the rhythm of samba. Carioca da Gema survived Lapa’s gritty past and now stands out as one of the most successful music halls around, complete with non-stop live samba and dancing seven nights a week and even a well-regarded pizza restaurant upstairs. Those less keen to hit the floor can grab a table on the edge and be wowed by the moves. 

Contact: barcariocadagema.com.br
Price: ££
Getting in: Reservations recommended

First opened as a hostel by adventure-loving Austrian Andreas, high up on the favela-filled hillside overlooking Leblon, Alto Vidigal slowly became the hottest open-air club in town. Drawing drinkers, music lovers and inquisitive souls on the not inconsiderable trek uphill, it has now reverted to a more laid-back bar but one that features regular pop-up food events and still the occasional all-night electronic jam. Either way, the effort to get here is always richly rewarded with one of the most jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it worth a visit for anyone after a unique Rio experience.

Contact: 0055 21 9988 49203
Opening times: Tue-Thu, 12pm-10pm; Fri-Sun, 12pm-12am
Price: £

The much-loved itinerant Coordenadas parties have been taking Rio’s nightlife by storm for the best part of a decade. By late 2017, it was clearly time to settle down, and thus this typical Botafogo townhouse was completely renovated to provide the perfect setting for the festivities to continue. Pop and rock from Brazil and beyond dominate the line-up at the weekends, when a typically mixed but lively carioca crowd shimmies in every spare inch of space until 4am. Midweek sees live bands and a regular Tuesday karaoke session, with the students taking over roof-raising duties.

Contact: 0055 21 97353 1239
Opening times: Thurs-Sat, 6pm-2am
Price: £

Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.