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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 25 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

Rio is the city of Samba you‘ll hear the music everywhere, in all its diverse forms. Like jazz, samba takes many forms – from the visceral, multi-drum beat which powers Carnival to the gentle sway you’ll hear in intimate clubs and restaurants throughout Rio.

The best place to sample it is Lapa, on a weekend night. The neighbourhood is crammed with arty little boho clubs – set in converted costume warehouses, historic Belle Epoque mansions and tiny hole-in-the-wall bars. Cariocas and foreigners gather here – to swing together on the dance floor and congregate outside on the cobbled streets, fuelling the fun with icy caipirinha cocktails and draught chope beer.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

Take a taxi – there are no metro stations within easy walking distance and the surrounding area can be unsafe at night. A taxi should take 10 minutes from Santa Teresa, 20 minutes from Copacabana and 30 minutes from Ipanema.

Lapa has plentiful pickpockets and thieves; don’t walk down empty streets. Locals in Rio never dress up – wear pretty much what you like but avoid flip-flops.

When to do it

Most clubs are open every night of the week, except Sunday and Monday, but the party really happens in earnest from Thursday to Saturday. Aim to arrive after 9pm, when the crowds start to gather. Things wind up some time after 3am.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Samba Class and Samba Night Tour in Rio

Rio de Janeiro

Samba Class and Samba Night Tour in Rio
This Samba Tour may be done by yourself, with a partner, or with a group of friends. All levels of dance are welcome. Meet your instructor at 7 pm for a Samba Class in our Studio in Ipanema / Copacabana. Afterward, you will go with your Tour Guide to a local Samba club where you can enjoy a live band. A great option to explore the nightlife in Rio, show your dance moves or just watch the locals. Easy, safe, and fun.

Price: $70

Min age: 2

Rating 4.78 / 5 [115 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Samba Crash Course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Samba Crash Course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authentic Brazilian Experience - an authentic taste of Brazil's Expert Instructors - instructors are passionate about Samba Inclusive Atmosphere - all backgrounds and skill levels Connection with People Worldwide - dance and connect with people from around the world Energy and Fun - vibrant energy and sheer joy. Convenient Location - Situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro

Price: $30

Min age: 18

Rating 4.69 / 5 [26 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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A Saturday Night In Rio. Exploring The Local Nightlife

Rio de Janeiro

A Saturday Night In Rio. Exploring The Local Nightlife
Unfortunately This Tour Is Not Vegan Friendly because of the available menu Pick Up Time- 7:30pm I wanted to create this tour for those in the city on a Saturday Evening looking for something cool to do that are not comfortable going out alone. We'll start this tour at this amazing local place, full of culture from the Northern part of Brazil the famous Sao Cristóvão. At this place we will have a great food, musical and cultural experience to start our night of fun. From here we'll make our way to the most bohemian area in Rio, the famous Lapa. We'll go to one of the most famous Samba bars in Rio, Rio Scenarium. Here we'll get to listen and appreciate some local Samba talents in this amazing 3 floor entrainment complex including a night club. From here we'll take a walk around Lapa and visit another bar before we finish our night by dropping you off back at your drop off location. Dinner, drinks, entrance fee and transportation included

Price: R1,600

Min age: 18

Rating 4.93 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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