Imagine someone's house turned into a night club. 2 Dance floors, 2 bars, 1 shop, 1 movie room and a viedo game room! Yes, play all those games from your childhood drunk for free! Frequented by Rio's neo-hippie, students and the alternative crowd. Enjoy a few beers at the bar down the street while waiting for the place to warm up. (ages 18 to 30) Approach index: 4 Get there at: 1am :: Dress casual.

Rua Henrique de Novais 107, Botafogo :: Also good on Thurs thru Sun

Another down and dirty dive where the locals come to jam various styles of Carioca music, from samba to bossa nova to chorinho. Very authentic, very mixed. (ages 20 to 50) approach index: 1 Get there at: 9pm :: Dress casual.

Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50, COpacabana :: Also good on Tue-Sat

Super zen Amazonian themed outdoor lounge facing sparkly Lagoa with lots of rustic sofas and benches, accommodating couples to groups. Amazonian finger foods and various flavored caipirinhas. (ages 26-40) approach index: 2 Get there at: 10pm :: Dress casual.

Kiosk da Lagoa (reta do Corte Cantagalo) :: Also good on Thu-Sat

The closest thing you'll get to a luau, since its on the beach right next to lugarloaf, in the safe area in Rio (Urca's military complex is around it). Free show of chorinho, pagode and samba by some of Rio's diehards. The latin simplicity: free music, panorama and cheap beer makes this one of the most important nightlife stops of your tour. Even if for an hour. (ages 20 to 70) Approach index: 2 Get there at 9:30pm. Cancelled on rainy days. :: Dress casual.

Praia Vermelha, Urca :: Also good on Mon and Fri