Rio de Janeiro doesn’t sleep when the sun goes down - it comes alive with music and a contagious energy that sweeps you into the city’s rhythm.
We spent weeks exploring the city after dark, following local tips and uncovering unique places.
Whether you’re into dancing, live music, or just sipping a cold beer by the water, these 9 fun things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night will help you experience the city like the locals do - from samba circles in bohemian Santa Teresa to rooftop jazz parties and thrilling football matches.
9 Unique Things to Do in Rio at Night
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services we have used or that we believe will add value to our readers. Thank you for supporting us!1. Kick off Monday with Neapolitan pizza and live music at Zola
Zola Pizza in Santa Teresa
Start your week in the charming hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa with a stop at Zola Pizza, known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pies made with Italian tomatoes. On Mondays, they turn up the atmosphere with live music.
We stopped in for an espresso one afternoon and came back that night for the best pizza we had in the city, accompanied by a live ensemble playing Argentine gypsy jazz.
Located off-the-beaten path, it captures the bohemian, local spirit that makes Santa Teresa so special.
2. Join the Tuesday jam session at Armazém do Cardosão
Tuesday nights at Armazém do Cardosão are all about jazz.
This former 1950s warehouse, perched on a hill in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Laranjeiras, draws locals who know it’s one of the city’s best midweek nights out.
The music is so good it spills into the street, where people stand with cold beers and chat away with friends. Arrive early, around 5:30pm, to get a table and watch the place fill up as the sun sets.
This spot feels like a local secret and was one of our favourite nights out we had.
See our list of the best bars for music and socializing in Rio.
3. Sip cocktails and dance at Quartinho Bar on Thursday night
Quartinho Bar in Botafogo
Quartinho Bar feels part living room, part art gallery, with mismatched chairs and bold artwork on the walls. It draws an alternative crowd and serves handcrafted cocktails - the best we had in the city.
On Thursdays, the seating is pushed aside, the resident DJ sets up, and the space turns into a buzzing dance floor that keeps going late into the night.
4. Experience the Saturday samba circle at Samba dos Guimarães
On Saturday nights, Mercado das Pulgas in Santa Teresa turns into a lively samba circle called Samba dos Guimarães. The energy is contagious with people dancing, chatting, and swaying to the beat.
We loved the ritual of groups setting ice buckets of beer on the ground and dancing around them.
It’s a local crowd, but we felt welcome as tourists, and being in bohemian Santa Teresa means you can spend the afternoon exploring before the music kicks off.
5. Watch a Sunday football match at Maracanã Stadium
Sunday is game day in Rio, and there’s no better way to feel the city’s pulse than at Maracanã Stadium.
Sunday is when the most important matches are usually played, and the atmosphere is wild.
We watched rivals Flamengo and Fluminense face off, with over 70,000 fans turning the stadium into a roaring sea of colour and sound.
Flamengo lit red flares and chanted at full volume, while Fluminense answered with pounding drums and full-on songs. It was pure football madness.
For safety and to really understand the match-day rituals, book a guided tour. They’ll handle tickets, transport, and make sure you’re in the right section so you can just focus on the experience.See our list of 14 things NOT to do in Rio de Janeiro.
6. Party at The Maze's monthly jazz night
Once an artist’s home, The Maze has evolved since the 1980s into a guesthouse-turned-music venue high up in the hills. Once a month, it transforms into what feels like the best party in the city.
When we went, the ensemble featured a vocalist, trumpet, sax, piano, and upright bass, keeping the crowd dancing well into the early hours.
Vans take you to the top, where staff lead you through the winding favela streets straight to the party.
Check their Instagram for upcoming events - it's the one night you don't want to miss!
7. Start your night with sunset beers at Bar Urca
Begin your evening in Rio with a cold beer and seafood snacks at Bar Urca, a beloved neighbourhood hangout since the 1930s.
Perched along the quiet waterfront in Urca, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sky turn gold over Guanabara Bay.
Order from the takeout window, find a seat on the low seawall and soak in the scene before heading off for a night out.
Don't miss our list of the most Instagrammable spots in Rio.
8. Bar hop through the Botafogo neighbourhood
Spend an evening out in Botafogo, one of Rio’s coolest nightlife hubs. The neighbourhood draws a young, creative crowd with its mix eclectic bars and restaurants.
Wander down Rua Fernandes Guimarães and Rua Arnaldo Quintela, where the sidewalks are lined with lively joints, easy for hopping between.
Check out our full list of 15 non-touristy things to do in Rio de Janiero.
9. Experience Santa Teresa’s bohemian nightlife at Bar Novooeste
Bar Novooeste in Santa Teresa
Perched in the hills, Santa Teresa offers a night out with a local, bohemian feel.
Our favourite spot is Bar Nooveste, where the warm welcome, great burgers, and inclusive atmosphere set the tone for the evening.
People spill onto the sidewalk with drinks in hand, music plays inside, and quirky touches, like The Pink Panther silently looping on the TV, add to its charm.
We hope you enjoyed these fun things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night!
Don't miss our list of the 21 Top Things to See and Do in Rio.
Get started on planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🚆 Cog Train: Reserve your train ticket to see Christ the Redeemer
- 🚡 Cable Car: Reserve your cable car ticket for Sugarloaf Mountain
- 🛫 Flights: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however)
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