For your safety and cultural experience we always recommend to hire a tour guide.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro after the sun sets, experiencing Brazilian nightlife and samba are at the top of the list.
As one of the music capitals of Brazil, Rio features a wide variety of nightclubs, bars, and venues with incredible live samba music. Below, you will find Rio Samba Dancer’s recommendations on the best places to go in Rio. Feel free to choose a place and night to join our group. It’s an easy way to make new friends, learn how to dance, and share your samba experience with different cultures. After the dance lesson, the tour guide will take you out on the town and will give local expertise on the best ways to enjoy your time in Rio.
Normally, we take our groups to the Rio Scenarium or Carioca da Gema (see below), depending on the day and what attraction is on.
To learn more about the greatest of the carioca nightlife, here are the top 5 places you must visit in Rio.
The internationally renowned Rio Scenarium features 3 floors of extravagant, antique décor with live music, food, and dancing. The first floor has a live samba band, the second a nightclub, and the third floor is more relaxed with sitting and smoking areas.
The Live Samba Band plays Samba, MPB (Brazilian Popular Music), and Forró with 2 shows on the weekdays and 3 on Friday/Saturday.
If you have only one night in Rio, spend it at the Rio Scenarium—you will not be disappointed! Locals and tourists of all ages can be found dancing and having fun. From expert dancers to beginnings, it’s the perfect place to try your Samba solo and Forró skills. Don’t be shy!
You also can arrive around 7:30 pm to have dinner and enjoy a live samba band. Or come for the night and try the Caipirinha (a traditional Brazilian drink with cachaça, lime, sugar, and Ice—you can even add your favorite fruit)
Lavradio street, 20 – Lapa
Feel free to wear comfortable casual clothing or get fancy. But in general, people wear something casual.
This famous place is exactly where the Samba was born. Close to the port. Pedra do Sal (salt stone) is also known as the heart of "Little Africa".
Be prepared for a very local samba street party. People usually stay until 1:30 am (on a Monday). Lots of locals, good food, good drinks, and great music. - it's a wicked experience not to be missed!!
We recommend you go with a guide or someone who knows the area. Your experience can be bad because it can be very crowded and you can also experience lots of pickpockets.
In fact, the place is usually shoulder to shoulder crowded like in a very full nightclub. If you don't like crowded places, I don't recommend you to go.
Rua Argemiro Bulcão, - Saúde
Rio de Janeiro - RJ
The traditional samba party happens every Monday (it’s canceled when it’s raining) after 8 pm
Free
Casual
No high heels and purse.
Very local and traditional place. Located in central Lapa. You might struggle to find it before you hear the live samba music.
This ain't a fancy club with big neon lights. It's a small and tightly packed live samba music. Beer (600ml Itaipava 8 Reals) and drinks are cheap. Great local food (make sure you get early to get a table).
Local bands make an incredible sound with lots of instruments. Musicians play and sing while sitting around a table in the center of the space. Most people are middle-aged and over, all of them are dancing, singing, and drinking. Be ready to be the only tourist there.
Av. Gomes Freire, 533, Lapa
From Tuesday to Saturday
Free
Casual.
This place has a super vibrant atmosphere and great live Brazilian music. Playing Samba and Bossa Nova, traditional bands entertain locals and tourists almost every night.
The venue, located in the heart of Lapa, is frequented mainly by Brazilians; Carioca da Gema is a great option for a live samba band, small place, hence book a table in advance or make sure to go early to fully enjoy the night. If you book with us, you don't need to worry about a table.
Family and friends, locals, and tourists. Carioca da Gema is one of the most iconic places in Rio for a live samba band. With a great variety of food and drinks, you can have a great time there.
Avenida Mem de Sa 79, Lapa
Tues to Saturday - 8pm (to get a table and eat)
9:30 pm for show
Cover charge R$25-R$35
Casual.