One of the most popular areas for lgbtq+Q+ nightlife in Rio de Janeiro is the neighborhood of Lapa. There are several bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to the community here, including The Week Rio, which is one of the largest gay clubs in Latin America. Other popular spots in Lapa include La Cueva and Canastra Bar.
Another popular spot is Ipanema, which is known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. The Farme de Amoedo street in Ipanema is particularly popular among the lgbtq+Q+ community, with several bars and clubs like Galeria Café and Número.
Finally, the neighborhood of Copacabana also has several bars and clubs that are welcoming to the lgbtq+Q+ community. Some popular spots include Fosfobox and Dama de Ferro.
With the spotlight of the world soon to be shined on Brazil, perhaps it will be helpful to highlight some of the many reasons why this is the unofficial gay capital of South America as well. Let’s see – there is the year round beach weather, hot guys with chiseled abs who are not afraid to show off, and the constant stream of sizzling parties that will rival any on the face of the planet. That’s just a beginning, so keep reading and then pull out that calendar of yours and find time to experience Rio in its entire gay splendor for yourself.
Rio is everything you can expect from a Brazilian city: It is chaotic, steamy and vibrant, all at the same time. Rio de Janeiro is beautifully situated at the Atlantic coast around a couple of bays and beaches that give you spectacular views on the city. In one glance you can see the wealth of areas like Ipanema or Copacabana and the poverty of the surrounding favelas. It proofs how fascinating Rio de Janeiro can be. Rio will also be the host of the 2016 Olympic Games. The gay area of Rio is Ipanema. Here you find the popular famous gay beach, and some gay bars, clubs and saunas. The other tourist area is Copacobana beach, not far from it.
Gay nightlife in Rio starts late, and we do mean late. Do not expect the bars to fill up before midnight. But once the crowd is in and enjoying the caipirinhas or one of the local beers, the night can begin. Most of the popular gay bars are situated in either Ipanema or Copacabana, though there is not a very specific gay area. As the taxi's are dead cheap, so be sure not to walk from one bar to another. Around 2 am, the guys will move towards the clubs. Le Boy is still one of the popular choices on Copacabana, but a new club dubbed The Week, down in Centro attracts the biggest crowds of cute and muscled guys. Rio does not really have a leather, or any other fetish scene for that matter, (the weather is too hot anyway...). So if you're up for playing around in this way, you will need to go to one of the many gay bath houses.
Next to New Years Eve at Copacabana, the Carnival Rio must be the highlight of the year. It is a fascinating weekend, as it seems the people of Rio only live for Samba. Next to all the (gay) balls and many parties, you should look out for the street carnivals, where local samba bands parade the streets of the city. One of the oldest and most gayest is the Banda de Ipanema, which parades the boulevard on Carnival Saturday and Monday, attracting thousands of people coming off the beach, and ending in a massive street party in front of Bofetada. But without discussion, the main event of Carnival is the Samba Parade at the Sambadrome. This is main competition of all the Rio Samba Schools. On Carnival Sunday and Monday, the 12 best schools parade the special strip, watched by hundred thousands of spectators. This is how you know Rio Carnival: outrageous costumes, massive floats and all glitz and feathers. Each school presents a theme and has exactly 80 minutes to parade the strip. And the most impressive school wins.... You can buy tickets for the special boxes in advance. These (tourists) tickets will cost you at least a couple of hundred dollars. If you're not willing to spend that money, and are okay with a view a bit further off, just buy tickets for the cheaper grandstands and the beginning or end of the strip just on the streets around Sambadrome. Carnival is a once in a lifetime experience...
A short but important note on safety: Rio is a big and mainly poor city. There are a few rules to take into consideration for your safety: do not bring too much money with you on the streets or when you are going out to the bars, don't bring your expensive camera or jewelry in public. At night, take a cab (even for a few blocks). Do not bring strangers into your hotel room. Our experience is that the guys who are not speaking English tend to be more after your money. If you want to have sex with one of the local cuties, go to one of the sex hotels and rent a room for a couple of hours.
Rio is a big city and it's quite important you stay in the right area, which means safe for tourists. The best option is to stay in Ipanema , or otherwise Copacabana that is next to it. In these areas most tourists stay, and you can walk perfectly on the streets. In some other areas you should really take a taxi to go from one point to the other especially if you travel after dark.
As you can tell, there is no shortage of action in Rio. Beyond that, Brazilian hospitality is sure to warm your hear and leave you wanting more. From the great food, awesome weather, and hot steamy guys at every corner, do you really need any more reasons to visit Rio? Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa for travel to Brazil, but that is generally quite easy to get. After securing that, plan out your trip, pack your bags, and then head to this gay paradise in South America!