Rio's bar culture is legendary. The Carioca tradition centres on the boteco -- a no-frills neighbourhood bar with ice-cold draught beer (chopp), simple finger food, and tables spilling onto the pavement. In recent years a new breed of upscale botecos has emerged, keeping the relaxed atmosphere but adding craft beers and better food.
The Lapa neighbourhood is the epicentre of Rio's nightlife. On Friday and Saturday nights the streets around the Carioca Aqueduct fill with thousands of people moving between samba clubs, forr bars and open-air stages. In Ipanema and Leblon, the scene is more polished -- cocktail bars, wine bars and international pubs line the streets behind the beach. For something different, try a kiosk bar on the shore of the Lagoa at sunset, where you can sip caipirinhas with views of Corcovado reflected in the water.
Nightlife in Rio starts late. Midnight is considered early, and most places keep going until well past dawn.