14 Rio Nightlife Tours, Compared

1.Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 881 reviews · 4 hours · from $33Our pick

In Lapa, a local guide leads you from a cachaça bar to the Arcos da Lapa, Selarón Steps, live samba and a nightclub. The $33 price includes at least four cachaça shots, one caipirinha and skip-the-line entry. Guides such as Andressa, Raffa and Marcos have led past tours, though your guide may differ.

“Andressa and Nay were amazing guides, the samba spots were amazing and a great introduction into Rios Nightlife. I really enjoyed myself and the people there were really friendly. I would definitely recommend this bar crawl if your in Rio de Janeiro!”

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2.Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 785 reviews · 3 hours · from $57

Set out from Urca for a three-hour sail around Guanabara Bay, with views of Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado, and Flamengo Park. The crew serves caipirinhas, beer, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks, and there may be time for a swim. Hosts such as Paola, Lohanny, and Mariana have led trips in English and Portuguese.

“This was a fantastic experience! Everyone was so nice, welcoming, informative, and friendly! Plenty of drinks and snacks, great music, and lots of fun people to enjoy the evening with. Even got to dive off the boat and swim in the harbor for a little bit. Would 100% recommend when in Rio and would definitely go back again!”

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3.More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 362 reviews · 4 hours · from $17Best value

Meet your guide at Jurema Bar for a four-hour walk through Lapa, with cachaça shots, a stop at the Selarón Steps, local bars, live music, and dancing. Guides speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The route is social rather than a hard-partying pub crawl, and the venues can vary by night.

“The tour was great. Got a chance to try the local drinks and party with the locals!!!!”

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4.More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 247 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $40

Start in Lapa at 8:30 pm, meet your group over a welcome cachaça, then visit samba bars and a Latin club with local guides. You’ll stop at the Selarón Steps, get time for photos, and learn a few samba moves. Entry and some shots are included; other drinks cost extra.

“We met with the guides Marx & Wil at the meeting point then met all the others on the tour. A wide range of people from South, North & Central America & Europe. The guys made us all introduce ourselves by toasting a shot of Cachaça which then got us all acquainted & we began the tour. We visited multiple bars in Lapa mixing it with locals in the buzzing, vibrant atmosphere. This tour was a real eye opener for me. I Europe we all seem so sad. Work hard & go to sleep, rinse & repeat. The people in Rio De Janiero have a harder life but they live…”

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5.Pedra do Sal: Live Samba Night with Local Guide & Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 183 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Meet a local guide near Pedra do Sal and explore Rio’s samba scene in Little Africa. You’ll hear how the port, the area’s Afro-Brazilian past, and samba are connected, then join the street gathering for live music. Guides have included Helena, Gustavo, Yan, and Lena. One welcome drink is included; food and transport are not.

“Elena was an amazing an knowledgeable guide, she explained the rich history of Pedra Do Sal which made the experience even more unique!”

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6.Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 126 reviews · 3 hours · from $111

Head to Rio Scenarium, a former antique store in Lapa now spread across three floors of curiosities and live Brazilian music. This three-hour package includes fast-track entry, dinner with a choice of two appetizers and two mains, dessert, and selected drinks. Hotel pickup is available from Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, and Leblon.

“Best entertainment we've seen since arriving in Rio. The servers were friendly and looked after you always asking if we needed anything or if we were fine. I would definitely visit Rio Scenarium again.”

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7.Samba Class and Samba Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 115 reviews · 4 hours · from $63

Start with an hour of beginner-friendly samba instruction from a bilingual guide such as Marco or Bruno, then travel with your instructor to a Rio samba night. The four-hour experience includes club entry, fast-track access and three hours with your guide. Monday meets in Ipanema for a street party; Wednesday to Saturday meets in Copacabana for a club night.

“Bruno was an amazing teacher and host, he really loves what he does!”

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8.Live Samba Night at Pedra do Sal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40Top rated

Meet your guide at 8:30 pm for a small-group evening at Pedra do Sal, Rio’s historic samba gathering place in Little Africa. Hear about the area’s past, enjoy a welcome drink, watch live samba, and try a few steps if you like. Guides have included Vitória, Lena, Gustavo, and Helene. Food and extra drinks may be available to buy nearby.

“Great people, Great music and drinks. We learned a lot about Rio's history, met wonderful people and had lots of fun. Also have the options for some food and stay longer.”

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9.Skyline Night Tour Rio de Janeiro – Panoramic City Tour Rio Samba Bus

★★★★★★★★★★3.3 · 14 reviews · 3 hours · from $30

Ride the Rio Samba Bus for three hours through Copacabana, Flamengo, Botafogo, Lapa and Ipanema. The open-roof bus pairs nighttime city views with live Brazilian music. A Portuguese-speaking driver leads the route; drinks are available to buy at the on-board bar, while food and attraction tickets are not included.

“Jó hangulatú program volt. Kellemes hangú énekesek. Szép táj.Nagyon élveztük az egészet. Kár lett volna kihagyni.”

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10.Late Night Boat Party with DJ and Dancing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 12 reviews · from $44

Join a four-hour late-night boat party departing from Marina da Glória. DJs play house, funk, hip-hop, and Latin rhythms as you move between two decks and take in views of Rio’s beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. Food, drinks, and transport to the marina are not included.

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11.Samba Night in Pedra do Sal with 1 free caipirinha

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 4 hours · from $42

Meet at Largo de São Francisco da Prainha for an evening walk through Rio’s Little Africa, including Cais do Valongo and Pedra do Sal. A guide explains the area’s Afro-Brazilian history before you spend time with live samba on Monday night. One caipirinha is included. Bruno is named as a guide, though you should confirm who leads your date.

“Bruno, el guía es un chico muy amable, habla perfecto español y fué muy atento al coordinar conmigo ya que compré una hora antes de que comience el tour. Disfruté mucho de Pedra du Sal... que es para mi la mejor fiesta local.”

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12.By Night Tour: Roxy Dinner Show & Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 8 reviews · 4 hours · from $174

At Copacabana’s former Roxy movie theater, enjoy a three-course dinner by chef Danilo Parah, Bossa Nova from the Roxy Band and Aquele Abraço, a show of Brazilian music, dance, lights and visual art. Round-trip transfers are included from eligible South Zone hotels. Drinks cost extra.

“Buen show. Deliciosa cena. Muchos bailarines y buenos cantantes pero cantar canciones a estilo pop y bailes como actuales no me gustó. como que esperaba algo más tracional o de bailes típicos Pero en general recomendable”

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13.City tour, food, night attractions and more!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 8 hours · from $150

Nico Santana leads a private, eight-hour Rio tour in a comfortable vehicle, with hotel pickup and guiding in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Expect viewpoints, central landmarks, a lunch break and time in Urca. Nico can adapt the route to your interests, but entry tickets are extra, and night samba is an optional add-on.

“Amazing tour! Nico customized it based on our interests. Highly recommend!”

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14.Unforgettable Boat Party

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 4 hours · from $47

Romana Tour Servizi runs a four-hour boat party from Marina da Glória, pairing views of Rio’s landmarks with a two-floor nightclub setup and DJs playing house, funk, hip-hop, and Latin music. Your $47 ticket covers entry only. Food, drinks, and transport cost extra, and boarding is scheduled for 23:30 to 23:45.

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