Entertainment Overview

Rio's nightlife is as hard to resist as its beaches. Options range from samba shows shamelessly aimed at visitors to sultry dance halls that play forró, a music style that originated in Brazil's northeast during World War II. (American GIs stationed at refueling stops opened up their clubs "for all," which, when pronounced with a Brazilian accent, became "forró.") Seek out the sounds of big band, rock, and everything in between. One of the happiest mediums is música popular brasileira (MPB), the generic term for popular Brazilian music, which ranges from pop to jazz. Note that establishments in this carefree city often have carefree hours; call ahead to confirm opening times.

Bars and lounges often ask for a nominal cover in the form of either a drink minimum or a music charge. Choperias (pubs) and botecos (bars specializing in draft beer and appetizers) are casual places you can go wearing a swimsuit.

Rio's danceterias (discos) pulse with loud music and flashing lights. At a number of places, including samba clubs, you can dance to live Brazilian music. Gafieiras are old-fashioned ballroom dance halls, usually patronized by an equally old-fashioned clientele. Upon entry to some clubs you're given a card to carry -- each successive drink is marked on it. You pay on departure for what you've consumed.

For opera, theater, music, dance, film, and other performing arts listings, pick up the Portuguese-language Rio Prá Você, published by Riotur, the city's tourist board. Este Mês no Rio (This Month in Rio) and similar publications are available at most hotels, and your hotel concierge is also a good source of information. The Portuguese-language newspapers Jornal do Brasil and O Globo publish schedules of events in the entertainment sections of their Friday editions, which are found online at www.jb.com.br and www.oglobo.com.br.