Rio de Janeiro has many options for night-time entertainment. The most bohemian neighborhood and also one of the oldest in the city is Lapa, close to downtown. Considered by many as the cradle of carioca irreverence, today the district houses many bars, show venues and nightclubs, which mix diverse musical genres. Traditional samba and choro styles are the most popular. It is common to walk through the neighborhood and find a samba group playing.

Since the early 1950s, Lapa has been one of the main points of reference for the city’s nightlife. The district, with its famous cabarets and restaurants, was known as the "Montmartre Carioca," frequented by artists, intellectuals and politicians. Architecture is another notable feature of the neighborhood, which houses an aqueduct dating from the eighteenth century, the Arcos da Lapa. Many elegant buildings from the early twentieth century can also be found in the area.

The districts south of downtown also have lively nightlife. The bars and clubs of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are famous throughout the city and attract people of all ages. The beachfront of the three districts is also a good option, with its kiosks, wide sidewalk and bicycle path for night-time exercise. In Barra da Tijuca, nightclubs are particularly popular. In general, they attract a younger crowd who prefer electronic and other modern music styles.

Another highlight of the carioca night tests are the samba schools. Most of them are located to the north of the city, and attract large crowds. Demand grows as carnaval approaches.

Like any of the world’s large cities, Rio de Janeiro has very special places that are not generally known. Cariocas are the best sources of information to find out about these places.