This is one of the best bars to visit in Rio and a requirement to visit when you’re in Santa Teresa, because the atmosphere here is really lively and passionate. The bar is a single large space with white walls that are papered with a profound mixture of old photographs, traditional cooking pots and other decorative items.

The service is as profound as the backdrop: they are of different ages and backgrounds, both local residents and travelers. And just so you know: apart from being a great bar, Mineiro also sells the best ‘ feijoadas ‘ – beans with pork – of the entire city on her menu.

Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99

You should definitely spend your Monday evenings at Pedra do Sal if you are interested in the local music and culture of Brazil. You should get a way through the surging crowd until you find a spot on the rock to watch the live samba show on the small square.

Pedra do Sal means ‘ rock salt ‘ and the steps are carved out of the huge rock that dominates the square. The street art gives a picture of the struggles of Rio’s Afro-Brazilian community over the years. The history and culture are literally carved in the floors and walls. Make friends with the locals and absorb the rich history and the delightful atmosphere of one of Rio’s most important musical traditions.

Largo da Prainha, Rio de Janeiro

With a night out at Circo Voador you will really experience the beating heart of the Lapa district. It was opened in 1982 and it is one of Rio’s main live music venues. All major Brazilian stars have once stood on the stage, but also big touring bands and the well-known Brazilian funk show ‘ Eu amo Baile Funk ‘ can be seen here. Only 2500 people fit in the building, so it’s actually quite an intimate setting. However don’t think it will be quiet. The public of Rio is loud, enthusiastic and knows how to kick.

Rua dos Arcos, Rio de Janeiro

he District of Baixo Gávea (pronounced Baai-shoe GA-vieja) has many bars and restaurants that are bursting with young students. If you come here on an evening that there is football and there happens to be one of the big clubs of Rio playing, then it will feel like half the stadium is here after the game. Join the busy crowd that indulge in cheap beer and “caipirinhas” at the bars that you’ll find between all the opportunistic street vendors. This is a real night out in Carioca-style. So grab a drink, walk around a bit and before you know it you have made new friends to chat.

Praça Santos Dumont, Rio de Janeiro

Comuna does a little bit of everything and does it all as good! This is a large building in the District of Botafogo, it looks like a shed and has an exhibition space, a fashion store, an art gallery, a space for cultural events and a night club. And it all goes well together.

The vibe here is very artistic and creative without ever being pretentious. The bar serves well thought-out and well made cocktails and the small kitchen is known for the great gourmet-burgers. In the club upstairs there are different events every time, from all kinds of art performances to techno nights.

Rua Sorocaba 585, Rio de Janeiro

On busy nights in Botafogo you can really see how popular this place is, on the basis of the amount of people who take to the streets. O Plebue is located in a large, yellow row house on a busy intersection, this pub with two floors draws groups of people that are in for a cold beer, and what social contact.

For beer connoisseurs there is a long list of imported barley beer to choose from, for all others there are the standard bottles Brazilian beer which are chilled with ice in large buckets. You just can’t get a wrong choice with so many options.
The food is simple and delicious – try the fish goujons ‘ or ‘ juicy ‘ picanha steak ‘. This is also really a top pub to join with local residents to watch football.

Rua Capitão Salomão, 50, Rio de Janeiro

By day this is a typical food market, with restaurants that are open for the people that are working at the nearby offices. By night, Cobal really comes alive and turns into a bustling venue. The huge statue of Christ watches over the bars and restaurants at the covered market, where the chairs and tables are put outside in the open air. On warm evenings it’s quickly filled with happy people who have a lot of fun together and enjoy hearty meals, while the waiters are rushing in all directions.

If you are hungry, there is quite a lot of choice here – try Manekineko for nice sushi, Tex Mex at Rota 66, or keep it on freezing chopes – beers – at Espírito do Chopp.

Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 446, Rio de Janeiro