Rio de Janeiro Nightlife

The Nightlife Capital of South America

That Rio loves to party is quickly apparent the moment you step foot into the city.  Almost every single eating and drinking venue here, from the beach bars and Quilo restaurants to the trendy eateries along Ipanema is licensed to serve alcohol.  Brazilians love to have a good time, so don't be shy.  You probably won’t be driving yourself around on your medical tourism vacation, so feel free to unwind, make friendly with the locals, and soak up some of the nightlife. 

Cariocas (locals) like to begin their evenings late.  The action doesn’t start until 10 pm, which means you have plenty of time to kill.  Most cariocas will head to a botequin or street bar for a few beers, and then enjoy a lazy meal before setting off for the clubs.  If you don’t know where the hot spots are, simply look for a baixo - a street that’s home to several bars, restaurants and clubs. The mood here is always relaxed, and the crowd is usually hip and young. Baixos serve as a meeting point before the partying really begins.  These informal street parties mix beer and dancing at prices that can’t be beat.  

Clubs

Copacabana used to be the partying capital of Rio, but in recent years, Ipanema and Leblon have evolved into happening nightclubbing areas as well.  These two neighborhoods aren’t well served by the subway, so getting around will have to be done by taxi. The Lapa area enjoyed prominence as an entertainment zone back in the twenties, but fell into decline during the sixties. This historic neighborhood, replete with gorgeous buildings, is enjoying a revival of sorts as the young and trendy head there to spend their evenings.  The main attractions here are some of the best samba halls in Rio.   

Bars and Pubs

The botequin is to the Brazilians what the pub is to the Irish – a comfortable place to unwind and throw back a few cold ones.  The decorations aren’t impressive, but most Brazilians find the cheap prices and lazy pace relaxing.  Some of these bars have begun expanding their options and now offer meals along with your drinks.  If you’re looking to unwind and soak up some of the local flavor on your medical tourism vacation, be sure to check out a botequin. 

Gay and Lesbian Entertainment

Contrary to its reputation as a hotspot of decadence, Rio is actually quite prim in its attitudes as far as homosexuality is concerned. There are gay bars and clubs scattered around Ipanema and Copacabana, but open hand holding and kissing by members of the same sex is not as common as you think.  The city’s gay community comes out in full force during Carnival dressed to the hilt in drag, but slowly fades back from the spotlight as soon as Carnival wraps up.  Gay friendly bars and restaurants are denoted by the letters GLS – Gay Lesbian Sympathizers.  

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