Best Nightlife in Rio de Janeiro 2026: Bars, Clubs, and Local Spots
Rio de Janeiro has one of the most diverse nightlife scenes in the world, from samba bars and sunset drinks to packed clubs and queer parties. This guide focuses on safe, lively, and authentic places for music and drinks, curated by locals, so you know where to go, when to go, and what to expect.
There’s no single “right” way to go out in Rio. The best experiences usually come from choosing the right place for your vibe, and staying aware of your surroundings. Here you’ll find bars, clubs, and social spots across Lapa, Ipanema, Centro, Urca, and beyond.
Oh, and before heading out, it’s worth reading our guide of safety tips for Rio de Janeiro, where we cover a lot of tips for going out in the city.
Here are some of our favorites spots:
Arcos da Lapa & Febarj – bars and clubs in Lapa:
During the night, this tourist attraction transforms into the bohemian heart of the city. You can go to Avenida Mem de Sá (Mem de Sá Avenue) near the arches and choose the bar that catches your attention without thinking too much, since the street is full of life and different spots to drink (safest: Bar da Cachaça or Boteco Belmonte). If you want to go clubbing there, we recommend the club Febarj, a 6-story club with different music genres like electronic, hip-hop, pop, samba, and Brazilian funk.
Good to know: Lapa gets very busy at night, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, and the vibe can change from one block to the next. Stick to well-lit streets around Avenida Mem de Sá, keep personal items secure, and use Uber to get there and back late at night. Febarj usually fills up after midnight.
Avenida Mem de Sá, S/N, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, 20230-152
Mureta da Urca & Urca Grill – sunset drinks in Urca:
A local gem that few tourists know of! It's relaxed, you can sit on the low wall (mureta), which also turns into a "table” for putting your glass and food. Try the Torresmo (fried pork belly, a classic Brazilian appetizer) and some drinks on Urca Grill and enjoy the Carioca vibes. Urca's neighborhood is quiet and the view is amazing, where you can see the sunset behind Corcovado mountain.
Good to know: this is a very relaxed, outdoor spot, so don’t expect table service or fast pacing. Go earlier in the evening for sunset and fewer crowds. Bring only what you need, as you’ll be sitting outdoors, and note that things usually wind down earlier than in other neighborhoods.
Avenida Portugal, S/N, Urca, 22291-050
Dutão Baile Charme – Black music and dance culture in Madureira:
Charme is a Brazilian rhythm that originated from RnB and American funk influences, and this is a very important and loved event among the Black community in Rio. There you'll find people dancing Passinhos (synchronized dance moves) together like in the 80's and 90's in Brazil. The Baile happens on Saturdays, located under Viaduto de Madureira (North Zone, go ubering for safety).
Good to know: this is a cultural event, not a club, so the focus is on music and dancing rather than drinking. Go with respect, enjoy the dance circles, and avoid filming people up close without permission. Because it’s in the North Zone, going by Uber is the easiest and safest option, especially at night.
Rua Carvalho de Souza, 211, Madureira, 21350-180
Labuta Bar & Armazém Senado – samba and drinks in Centro:
Located in the coolest street of the world according to TimeOut 2025, Labuta Bar is a great spot for drinks and Brazilian appetizers finger-licking good (vegan options available). The bar offers a laid-back ambiance with beach chairs that go well with the live samba on Saturdays right next to it, in Armazém Senado. This is one of the oldest bars in Rio, founded in 1907, so no fancy drinks. Only good cachaça and freezing-cold cheap beers.
Good to know: Centro empties out at night except for specific streets and bars. Go directly to the bar you’re visiting and avoid wandering around too much after dark. Saturdays during live samba are the best time to visit, and cash can be useful for drinks and street vendors nearby.
Rua do Senado, S/N, Centro, 20231-014
Baródromo – Carnival-themed bar close to the Sambadrome:
If you want to have a taste of Carnival any time of the year, this is the spot. This bar is located in Maracanã, near the Sambódromo, and its decoration is a perfect ode to samba and Rio’s samba schools, with their symbols, uniforms, and donated pieces from past parades. Food and drinks are simple yet very authentic, and we recommend trying the Feijoada (bean stew) usually served on Saturdays during lunch.
Many of their parties are closely connected to Carnival culture, even outside the official season. You can understand more about Carnival in Rio in this guide.
Good to know: Baródromo is a standing, street-style bar, so don’t expect table service or a quiet atmosphere. If you're going for the Feijoada, arrive before 1pm to guarantee a table because they don't take reservations. Also, check their Instagram for current events because they host great events for Samba Schools all year.
Rua Dona Zulmira, 41, Maracanã, 20550-160
Pedra do Sal & Caipirinha Oficial – traditional samba nights in Rio:
Pedra do Sal, on Morro da Conceição, is part of the region historically known as “Pequena África” (Little Africa). This place holds a special historical and cultural significance to the Black community in Rio. It was there that urban Samba in Rio was born, where popular Samba musicians and old carnival groups emerged. Today, Pedra do Sal is the stage for lively Rodas de Samba (Samba circles) by the Roda de Pedra group.
Look for the Caipirinha Oficial vendors nearby to drink one of the best caipirinhas in Rio! A lot of delicious different flavors, like dragon fruit and cashew, red berries and lemon, and maracuja (passion fruit).
Good to know: arrive early if you want space, keep personal items close, and expect a standing crowd. The parties happen from Friday to Monday evening. Go on Mondays around 10pm for the more traditional Samba circles, leave early if the crowd feels overwhelming, and be patient, as bars and vendors can get quite busy.
Rua Tia Ciata, Saúde, 20081-040
Barzin Lounge Ipanema – Brazilian funk nights in Ipanema:
Go here if you want to live the Brazilian Funk experience in a safe, fun and energetic space. This charming club hosts reggaeton/Brazilian funk parties every weekend and keeps you in Ipanema. We do not recommend going to any real Baile Funk in Brazilian Favelas for safety reasons, so this is a great option for tourists and locals alike.
Good to know: this is a curated, indoor version of Brazilian funk parties. Dress codes are casual but stylish, and weekends get crowded late. It’s a good choice if you want the music without navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.
Rua Vinícius de Moraes, 75, Ipanema, 22411-010
Sunset Party at Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar®:
The Sugarloaf mountain with its breathtaking panoramic views of the city offers Sunset parties with DJs and a unforgettable time for everybody. This is a must-do in our opinion! Check Bondinho's website for more details on their cultural programming.
Good to know: tickets are required and should be checked in advance, as sunset events sell out fast. Dress comfortably but slightly elevated, since this is still a major tourist attraction. The atmosphere is social and relaxed, but prices are higher than average bars in the city. Arrive around 4pm to have some time for enjoying the place before the party starts.
Av. Pasteur, 520, Urca, 22290-240
And that's all for now! Use this guide as a starting point, not a checklist. Neighborhoods, parties, and crowds change constantly, and that’s part of what makes Rio special. If you’re curious, open-minded, and a little flexible, you’ll quickly find your own rhythm in the city. Have fun!