10 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro at Night

Rio de Janeiro comes alive when the sun goes down, inviting you to explore its culture, cuisine and nightlife. Whether you want to relax on the moonlit beaches, enjoy live music in the local bars or immerse yourself in the samba scene, you'll find a variety of options to make the most of your nights out in this city.

There are many things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro all day, but exploring the city at night is an experience that will immerse you in the very essence of this Brazilian capital. Here is a list of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night, so you can make the most of your visit to the city.

Without a doubt, visiting Christ the Redeemer at night in Rio de Janeiro is a very interesting experience. This emblematic monument is located at the top of Corcovado Mountain and, as soon as the sun goes down, it lights up spectacularly. From there, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the gradually illuminating city and the Guanabara Bay.

This experience is ideal if you are a photography lover, as you will be able to capture unique images while enjoying a quiet moment in the middle of the vibrant city. Visiting Christ the Redeemer is an interesting option to do in the early evening, as it is usually open until around 8pm.

A good alternative is to join a guided tour of Christ the Redeemer during the day and stay at the top until the evening to enjoy the unique view. If you go on your own, you have the option of taking a taxi or using the train that takes you directly to the base of Corcovado Mountain. From there, you can take a short tram ride to the summit for an unforgettable night-time experience - don't miss it!

Interesting facts

• Location: Tijuca National Park - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro.
• Days and hours: every day from 8 am to 8 pm approximately.
• How to get there: you can take the Corcovado Train from Corcovado Railway Station.

Listening or dancing to the rhythm of the samba is one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night. And the place to enjoy this experience to the fullest are the clubs and bars in Lapa, undoubtedly, where this rhythm is the protagonist. This neighbourhood is located in the city centre, close to the iconic Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art.

One of the emblematic bars you can go to is the Lapa 40 Graus, a lively club where mostly young people go, and where live samba bands play.

You can also go to Rio Scenarium, one of the most popular clubs in Rio de Janeiro, where you can enjoy live shows, dance music and the chance to join the dance floor with locals and visitors.

Nightlife in Lapa usually starts after 9pm and goes on until the early hours of the morning. To get to this neighbourhood, you can take a taxi, which is the most recommended option at night, or use Rio's public transport system. Lapa is a place that comes alive especially on Fridays and Saturdays, but any night of the week you can find something exciting to discover.

Santa Teresa is one of Rio de Janeiro's traditional neighbourhoods located in the hills surrounding the city centre. It is a neighbourhood that has long been a haven for Rio de Janeiro's intellectuals and artistic scene. Although it is surrounded by favelas, it is a very safe and interesting place to dine.

In the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, you will find a variety of authentic restaurants and bars, such as Aprazível and Bar dos Descasados, which offer delicious Brazilian dishes and beautiful panoramic views of the city.

In addition to enjoying a regional meal, if you go a little earlier you can stroll through the neighbourhood's cobblestone streets and see its artistic murals. You can also sign up for a tour of one of Rio de Janeiro's favelas, which is interesting if you want to learn more about the local culture. You can reach the neighbourhood by taxi or the historic Santa Teresa tram. Note that most restaurants in Santa Teresa open their doors from 5pm onwards, so you can dine early if you prefer.

Without a doubt, Copacabana is one of Rio de Janeiro's most characteristic and popular neighbourhoods. Its crescent-shaped beach becomes a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, where you can stroll along the shore illuminated by the lights of the buildings and enjoy the sea breeze. Don't forget to try the delicious snacks that street vendors offer along the promenade.

Avenida Atlantica is the nightlife heart of Copacabana and is lined with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. If you are looking for live Brazilian music, there is something for everyone. You can also take the opportunity to sample authentic Carioca cuisine in the local restaurants. The view of the iconic illuminated Copacabana Palace Hotel is an attraction in itself.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to witness various cultural events, festivals or mega-concerts on Copacabana beach at night. For example, visiting Rio de Janeiro in December is highly recommended, especially for the New Year's Eve celebrations on the beach.

If you want to experience the real Rio nightlife, this neighbourhood offers a festive atmosphere that will allow you to live unforgettable nights in this bohemian and emblematic area of the city.

Brazilians are known all over the world for their passion for football and the high standard of their game, so it's an interesting idea to attend a football match in the city and cheer on the teams alongside the locals. This is a must for football fans, but also for anyone who wants to learn more about the local culture.

Matches of local teams, such as Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo, are usually played at the Maracana Stadium and the Olympic Stadium Nilton Santos, and many take place in the evening. It is important to check the tournament calendars to find out the dates and times of the matches in advance, and to book your ticket for football activities in Rio at the ticket office or online.

Many companies will also include a transfer to and from your hotel with the purchase of your ticket, and even give guided tours so you know how the tournaments are run and can understand the matches like a local. You can also take a guided tour of the stadiums during the day, and learn about the history of the football teams and the outstanding players who have been part of them.

Interesting facts

• Maracana Stadium: Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, Portão 3 - Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro.
• Olympic Stadium Nilton Santos: R. José dos Reis, 425 - Engenho de Dentro, Rio de Janeiro.

If you are looking for a cultural experience in Rio de Janeiro, you can visit the Municipal Theatre, an impressive construction, both inside and out. At night, the lighting transforms this building into a real jewel, highlighting its majestic columns, its decorations and its large windows. No doubt you will be able to take a good photo session of this theatre.

In addition, at night, the Municipal Theatre comes alive with a variety of plays and shows, ranging from concerts by symphony orchestras from around the world to stagings of plays, operas and ballets.

The detailed programme, including times and dates, is available on its website, so I recommend that you check it out before planning your visit. Getting there by underground is easy and quick, so you can't miss it if you're looking for night-time cultural experiences in Rio de Janeiro.

Besides, the Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro is a place where history and art merge, so it is a good idea to take advantage of the guided tours to learn about its history and all its secrets, as it is even the subject of a spooky legend.

Interesting facts

• Location: Floriana Square S/N - Downtown, Rio de Janeiro.
• Days and times: the schedules may vary, so you should visit the Municipal Theatre's website to see the days and times of the performances.
• How to get there: Metro Carioca | Cinelandia - Lines 1 and 2.

If you have a special taste for gastronomy, you can't miss a cooking class in Rio de Janeiro, which usually starts at sunset. This is a great opportunity for you to explore the city's gastronomic tradition and get to know the authentic dishes of Rio and Brazil.

Most classes are held in small groups, and you can come with family, friends or your partner, or take the opportunity to meet new people. With the guidance of local culinary experts, you can learn the most representative recipes of the region, such as picanha steak, seafood moqueca with cassava and other delicacies.

No previous cooking experience is necessary, as the instructors usually guide you through every step of the process. In addition, many classes end with a dinner where, in addition to tasting a delicious regional dish, you'll be able to pair your dish with fresh caipirinhas and a traditional dessert. If you want to combine your love of food with a taste of Rio de Janeiro's local culture and gastronomy, these classes are a perfect way to explore the city's nightlife and culinary scene.

For a night out with a difference, you can't miss out on a cruise on Guanabara Bay. You can also enjoy the night views of the city, while being transported by the music of the DJs on board. These adventures usually start after 10pm at the NewClub, where you can enjoy free beers before boarding the cruise ship.

Cruises usually depart from Marina da Glória after 11pm. On many of these ships you will be offered an open bar while the boat turns into a floating disco with the characteristic sound and lighting.

During the party on board, you will sail by some of the main attractions of the city, such as Praia de Botafogo, Praia do Flamengo, the Amanhã Museum, the Giant Wheel and the Rio-Niterói Bridge, so you will have the opportunity to capture unique photos of the city at night.

Without a doubt, this option is one of the best cruises to do in Rio de Janeiro, if you want to experience what it's like to party on board these boats. DJs usually play music to dance the night away, in a variety of styles such as funk, reggaeton, hip-hop and cumbia.

Ipanema is known to be one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals looking to enjoy the beach during the day and the lively nightlife after sunset. In the area you will find a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cafés offering live music, DJs and dancing.

One of the most emblematic bars in Ipanema is the Garota de Ipanema, a place famous for the celebrities who frequent it, and ideal for bossa nova lovers. It serves local dishes ranging from cod croquettes and crab skates to the traditional feijoada or picanha, perfect for sharing with family or friends, as well as caipirinhas.

Another highly recommended venue is Galeria Café, a place that offers a varied programme of parties, contemporary art exhibitions and other events. On weekends it also functions as a bazaar, exhibiting the creations of designers and stylists, always accompanied by drinks and DJs.

You can also stroll along the Orla de Ipanema, its promenade, where there are usually a variety of events at night. Don't forget to check the city's events calendar at the time of your visit to make sure you don't miss anything.

In the heart of Rio, you will find Pedra do Sal, a tourist destination not to be missed if you want to experience the essence of samba. Usually on Mondays and Fridays, this historic site comes alive with samba wheels, where local musicians gather to play the rhythms of samba and other Afro-Brazilian musical genres.

Pedra do Sal is a site of great importance in Brazil's musical history and a living testimony to Rio's cultural diversity, so you can't miss it if you are a music lover. It's also a great opportunity for you to join in the fun by dancing or listening to the music, in an authentic atmosphere.

Pedra do Sal is easy to get to from various points in the city, as it is located about 3 km from the centre, near the Museu do Amanha, an iconic futuristic museum whose shape is reminiscent of bromeliad flowers and could be your stop before this plan. It's best to arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the show. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothes and dancing shoes, and to check specific times and events before your visit, as the experience may vary from day to day.

Useful information

• Location: Rua Argemiro Bulcão - Saúde.
• Admission: free.
• Days and times: Mondays and Fridays from 9pm.