First-time visitors to the Latin American paradise known as Rio de Janeiro can follow a simple formula. Stay at a hotel in zona sul (the southern zone of the city where Ipanema and Copacabana are located.) From zona sul, you can enjoy the beach by day and party hard by night at local bars and clubs.
Rio’s other gay bar crawl can be found in the Lapa neighborhood (with a few spots technically in Centro, but less than 20 minutes away by foot.) Lapa is not gay per se, but open to anything and everything fun. On the way to gay parties at Buraco da Lacraia and Sinônimo, you will inevitably be swept up in the rhythms of live music or tempted to stop for a bite of some of Rio’s most mouthwatering restaurants where gays and straights come together.
Rio de Janeiro explodes with activity during Carnival, Gay Pride, and New Year’s Eve. And don’t forget to download our Google Map of Gay Rio de Janeiro to navigate the city.
Boate 1140
Rua Capitao Menezes, 1140
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Locals love this gay party palace in Jacarepaguá. Brazilian beats and Brazilian guys and the rock the house every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check the Boate 1140 website for the occasional Thursday promotion and more info about the club.
Buraco da Lacraia
Rua André Cavalcânti 58
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Escape the gay tourist bubble of Copacabana and Ipanema for a truly unique Brazilian experience. Catch their legendary cabaret show of politics/comedy/performance art. Years ago, Buraco had a 2nd dance floor where sexy garçons wearing only an aprons and a bow ties would happily serve you drinks, but now, you may find a much reduced crowd on the first floor singing karaoke. However, they still have a dark room for the adventurous.
Fosfobox
Rua Siqueira Campos 143 (loja 23 & 24)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
This long-running gay-friendly Copacabana music venue is named after a type of matchbox and tucked within a small shopping plaza, Fosfobox is a small club with a big focus on music. On any given night you may encounter techno, house, or neo funk. View the lineup and get more info on the Fosfobox Facebook page. Fridays tend to be the gayest.
Galeria Cafe
Rua Teixeira de Melo 31
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Highly recommended on Friday nights! First time visitors to Rio are often surprised by the current lack of gay nightclubs in Ipanema. (Rest in peace, Dama de Ferro.) However, every Friday, Galeria packs in the young hotties and a few of their straight female BFFs. Music ranges from “flashbacks” to the 80’s and 90’s to pop divas of today like Rihanna. Galeria is not very big and gets sweatier (and sexier) as closing time approaches.
Rua Raul Pompéia, 102
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
⛔ Closed 4/4/2016 – No info on re-opening ⛔
The legendary Le Boy is a must-visit for any gay tourist visiting Rio. Located on the edge of Copacabana, within walking distance of Ipanema, Le Boy attracts hordes of tourists, hot local men … and unfortunately a few criminals. (Watch your wallet, cellphone, and drink. “Boa Noite Cinderela” is the phenomenon of slipping drugs into stranger’s drinks and robbing them.) Le Boy stays faithful to the gay nightlife formula of pumped-up go-go boys, fabulous drag queens, club remixes of pop favorites, and strong drinks. At 3AM, the darkroom section becomes very active.
Read our full review of Le Boy »
La Cueva
Rua Miguel Lemos 51
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
The oldest remaining gay bar in Rio de Janeiro is worth a visit if you are staying in Copacabana. There is often no cover, or the cover includes two free beers. La Cueva (Spanish for “the cave”) is located below street level and has a cavernous look and feel. The bar (with a small dance floor) markets itself as a bar for ursos (bears), but it is extremely popular with maduros (older guys) as well.
Papa G
Travessa Almerinda Freitas 42
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Located an hour away from the tourist zone of Copacabana, Papa G rewards gays and lesbians who are up for the trip with big parties Wednesday through Sunday. Musically, it’s a great place to party to Brazilian beats like pagode and funk from both DJs and live performers. Strong drinks, and outrageous drag shows, make Papa G a club to remember.
Rua Duvivier 21
Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil Google Map »
Since the doors opened in 2019, Pink Flamingo has been a gay nightlife favorite. Highly recommended! Read our full review
Avenida Nossa Sra. de Copacabana 1417
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
This relatively small bar with a dance floor is located inside a former TV network facility. The crowd is young but with enough tourists sprinkled around to make everyone will feel welcome.
Read our full review of TV Bar »
Up Turn Bar & Lounge
Avenida das Américas 2000
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
Very lively bar on Saturdays for anyone curious to visit the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood. Get more info and view photos on the Up Turn Facebook page.
Rua Sacadura Cabral 135
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Google Map »
The place to be every Saturday. You will have no complaints about the high cover charge once you see how The Week brings together the best DJs, performers, and boys in Brazil. Highly recommended!
Read our full review of The Week »
