Steeped in samba and studded in sequins, Rio de Janeiro knows how to party. Home to the world’s largest Carnival and South America’s most illustrious hotel, few places boast the legacy of the Cidade Maravilhosa — or “Marvelous City.” In the shadow of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, overlooking the picturesque mountainous islands sprinkled throughout Guanabara Bay, there’s hardly a more idyllic setting for the celebration. And this year is a bigger party than ever as 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the Copacabana Palace, the legendary hotel favored by countless celebrities — like Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Princess Diana and Mick Jagger, to name a few — and the setting of dozens of famous movies, including the first on-screen pairing of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. But Rio isn’t just the place where celebrities go to party, it’s also where samba music, cachaça liquor and good vibes flow freely. This is a city that proudly flaunts its rowdy reputation in glitzy nightclubs as much as dingy dive bars, quirky pubs and open-air music venues. Keep reading to discover a few of our favorites.
Most Iconic
Rio Scenarium | Lapa
If you were only going to visit one bar in the city, Rio Scenarium should be your pick — quirky antique décor, live music and a steady stream of patrons fills all three levels of the city’s most well-known nightclub — and if you’re planning on visiting several bars, Lapa is the perfect neighborhood for a pub-crawl.
Most Trendy
Explorer Bar | Santa Teresa
Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, it’s easy to see why Santa Teresa is nicknamed the Montmartre of Rio. With its winding cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and historic, bright-yellow streetcars, the neighborhood is colored in charm — and Explorer Bar is no exception. The turquoise Victorian mansion is known for its inventive craft cocktails and polished tapas, best enjoyed on the magical, leafy terrace.
Best Local Experience
Bip Bip | Copacabana
If busy nightclubs aren’t your scene, head to Bip Bip in Copacabana. This tiny, unpretentious space is all about the music, and talking over it might get you a dirty look. Grab a drink (it’s all self-serve, on the honor system) and settle in for live samba, bossa nova and choro played with meticulous precision. If you’re lucky, you might also hear from Alfredinho — the bar’s philanthropic owner — with a short speech about the social cause benefited by the evening’s profits.
NIGHTLIFE BY NEIGHBORHOOD
Botafogo: Quirky, themed bars and all-night clubs, best on Thursday nights and weekends
Centro: Ballet and symphony performances followed by all-night street parties at Arco de Teles
Copacabana: Tourist hotspot with a sprawling boardwalk along Rio’s most famous beach
Gávea: Upscale southside neighborhood known for hip bars and a bustling Sunday night street party
Humaitá: After dark, this market transforms into a lively hangout with cheap drinks and late-night bites
Ipanema: Iconic beach views and trendy, upscale bars with a young and energetic vibe
Jardim Botânico: Relaxing botanical gardens, chic bars and the occasional soap opera star sighting
Lapa: Rio’s most famous hub for nightlife, from dive bars to sprawling nightclubs and live music venues
Leblon: Rio’s foodie epicenter famed for its fashionable patrons, craft drinks and upscale botequins
Madureira: Northside Afro-Brazilian area known for its Saturday night R&B dance party, Baile de Charme
Santa Teresa: Charming hilltop neighborhood with bohemian bars and authentic snacks and drinks
Saúde: Historic downtown neighborhood with Afro-Brazilian roots and open-air samba performances
Urea: Waterfront views and bars with relaxed, unpretentious vibes at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain
Best for a Mixed Group
Carioca de Gema | Lapa
Housed inside a 19th-century mansion in Lapa, this crowd favorite has it all: authentic Carioca vibes, live samba performances and some of the city’s best caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, sugar and lime.) Whether you prefer to get up and dance or sit back and relax, Carioca de Gema is your best bet for dependable fun, seven nights a week.
Most Lively
Bar Bukowski | Botafogo
You won’t hear any samba at Rio’s oldest rock club. Bar Bukowski is a different kind of party entirely. Three neon-drenched dance floors offer a mix of music, from live rock bands to DJs spinning a range of throwback vinyl jams. This place is popular — and for good reason — so arrive early to avoid getting stuck waiting in the queue outside.
Most Immersive
Pedra do Sal | Saúde
If Rio is the birthplace of samba, Pedra do Sal is the delivery room. Located on the site of a 17th century quilombo settlement, the square is painted in history — literally and figuratively. Walls surrounding the square are covered in colorful murals reflecting the resilience of the Afro-Brazilian community. On Monday and Friday nights, the Saúde neighborhood comes alive with a century-old tradition of live samba music and dancing atop the flat pedra or “salt rock” from which the square gets its name. Entry is free, drinks are cheap and the music is some of the best in the city.
