Nightlife & the Arts in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Nightlife

Rio is light years beyond the seedy reputation that it once had. Never before has the city housed such a rich variety of cultural centers and cutting-edge nightlife, and even though the classic rhythms of samba may still dominate the clubs, bars, and street corners, it's now possible to find something to suit every kind of taste almost every night of the week. Venues for theater, opera, ballet, and classical music are plentiful, and smaller, more intimate (and often more intriguing) events happen in most neighborhoods.

More discerning arts enthusiasts should pick up the Portuguese-language Mapa Cultural or bilingual Guia do Rio published by Riotur, the city's tourist board. The Portuguese-language newspapers Jornal do Brasil and O Globo publish schedules of events in the entertainment supplements of their Friday editions, which are also to be found online at www.jb.com.br and www.oglobo.com.br. Finally, Veja Rio is the city's best entertainment guide, published every Saturday and available in all newsstands.