Is it safe at Lapa at nite visiting different salons/bars? We are thinking of bar hopping between Scenarium and Carioca de Gema. We'll taxi back/forth but don't know whether we can walk safely to different places if they are close by. Also how do you rate them? Any other better suggestions. We like to try watch/dance the samba.

We went to Carioca de Gama last month and had no problems. We ate across the street at Nova Capelli and walked across to the Club. Carioca de Gema was a neat experience, a small club frequented by a lot of locals. The night we were there (a Monday) Richah was performing... a great experience. We did not go to Scenarium as trendy clubs are not our thing.

Thanks Jrlaw10. Can you please provide me with more info about Gema. Think it will be a good place to visit. Are the locals friendly in the bar? Do they dance up a storm? Is it easy to communicate(order drinks/ask for taxi service) to the servers without knowledge of any portuguese? Are there tables available in the evening(9pm) when you were there on weekday? What do people do without tables? How much is the cover charge, drinks etc. Any tips you can give me will be appreciated to prepare for the gafievia culture.

We went to Carioca de Gema and had a great time! We = me (age 52, wife (age 51), son (age 23) and daughter (age 20). We went on a Monday at around 10:00/10:30. The locals seemed friendly enough, although not a lot of English was spoken. As it is a small club most folks are in close proximity. Ordering drinks was fairly easy if you wanted a beer or a caiprihana (sp?) or knew the Portuguese name of your drink, The waiters walk the floor and get flagged down by the patrons. I believe there is no cover but there is a 2 drink minimum. You are handed a card when you enter by the "gatekeeper". When you order a drink the waiter enters a notation on the card. When you are ready to leave bring the card to the cashier. They will give you a pass that you hand to the "gatekeeper". The patrons can be divided into 3 groups: dancers, viewers and hangers. There is a small stage in front of which the locals come to dance up a storm. There are a few tables next to the dance floor and they are on a first come, first serve basis. The viewers stand at the back of the dance floor and watch the dancers and the music(the best place to watch is on the staircase). The hangers stand behind the staitcase and on the second floor where there is not a good view of the goings on, but you can hear the music and "hang out". Try typing in Carioca de Gema at "youtube" and you should get a good overview. Taxis shouldn't be a problem.

Hi jrlaw10,
It is so nice of you to provide me with such a detailed and interesting dance scenario at Gema. My husband and I will surely venture out one nite for such a fun and exciting experience. And we'll know what to expect and feel comfortable to take taxi for transportation. Also I shall check out Youtube. But I think you have given me all the info we need. Thanks very much for your help.