Nightlife

As laid-back and relaxing as Rio [1] can be by day, at night it becomes a buzzing hive of activity. As soon as happy hour rolls around, Rio’s traditional casual bars—botequins [2]—are flooded with Cariocas downing ice-cold chopes (draft beer) and trading quips and fofocas (gossip). While some tuck in for the night, for others these neighborhood bars are merely warm-up zones.

Rio is one of the most musical cities you’ll ever encounter, and there is no shortage of bars, clubs, dance halls, and open air venues featuring live performances of Brazil [3]’s myriad musical styles. Since Cariocas rarely listen to music without succumbing to the urge to move their bodies, most of these places feature dancing as well.

For those who prefer a more globalized beat, the city has its share of nightclubs and discos, although they are blander and more mimetic than one might expect (in terms of contemporary sounds, São Paulo [4] definitely has the advantage).

Although most of Centro [5] shuts down after happy hour, the more traditional bohemian bairros of Santa Teresa [6] and Lapa [7] have been reclaimed by new bohos who flock to hear samba, chorinho, forró, and other home-grown melodies. Meanwhile, the swankier watering holes and night spots of the Zona Sul offer more internationally urban brands of fun, albeit with a decidedly bossa nova twist.