Rio de Janeiro · SAMBA & LAPA NIGHTS
Live samba in Lapa starts late and ends later. The 15 below cover the beginner classes, the guided bar runs under the arches and the big shows, priced, timed and honest about what time you will get back.
Learn basic samba steps in Ipanema with an experienced carnival performer, try on costumes, and receive photos and videos for $25.
“Gaby was such an incredible teacher who was patient, entertaining and lovely to meet. It was such a fun experience right before Carnival with amazing music and fun dance routines. I highly recommend to book this experience and have Gaby showcase a snippet of Brazilian culture.”
Explore Rio’s Lapa nightlife with cachaça tastings, a free caipirinha, live samba, local bars, and a DJ club for $33.
“The pub crawl was amazing. I had a amazing night. Also, the tour guide marcos was very nice. Definitely would recommend it !”
See Rio Carnival from backstage at Samba City, try parade costumes, learn samba, and enjoy a caipirinha near the port.
“We enjoyed our tour and our guide was good fun. Only issue was the meeting place was difficult to find and a lot of the group had problems finding it too.”
Rio Samba Bus review with route details, music, major sights, practical tips, drawbacks, and advice on whether this $30 Rio tour fits your plans.
“It is a bus with only one level- up top with no shade at all. It was hot! Since there weren’t ear plugs, it was just a recording over speaker- you couldn’t really hear what they were saying. I thought we’d get closer to Christ the Redeemer but it was just in the distance. At least they sold cold beer on board….”
Explore Santa Teresa, Lapa, and Centro by tram and on foot, with the Selarón Steps, Ruins Park, hotel transfers, and a multilingual guide.
“Great service and guide . Nice pace and very interesting.Great value. Good communication from company and well looked after.”
Learn Rio’s samba in a friendly one-hour class in Copacabana, with bilingual instructors, basic steps, music, water, and nightlife tips.
“Love it! Thiago was a great guide. Super knowledgeable”
Experience Rio Carnival energy through samba, forró, axé, capoeira, costumes, live music, and an interactive Brazilian folklore show.
“an excellent show! the performers are super talented and it was really fun!”
Rio’s Ginga Tropical brings samba, capoeira, Brazilian folklore, live music, colorful costumes, and audience dancing to a lively Botafogo stage.
“The best show i have ever been to..it was so much fun from the minute they started till the end...truly portrayed the essence of Brazil..Loved it and totally recommend to anyone visiting Rio.”
Join a local guide for live samba at Pedra do Sal in Rio, with Afro-Brazilian history, a welcome drink, local nightlife, and practical safety tips.
“Lena was a great guide! I had a fun group and Pedra do Sal was amazing. I loved learning about the rich history! This is perfect for solo travellers who want to experience Brazil’s night life with someone knowledgeable and feel safe!”
Learn samba in Rio, then join a live music night with a local guide. This beginner-friendly tour includes transport, entry, and three hours at the club.
“Easy to follow lesson followed by fun night at out at club I probably would not have gone to”
Learn to make two caipirinhas, take a samba lesson, and meet people at Pura Vida Hostel in Copacabana for $12.
“Wonderful sooooo much! Easy to book and the guides were wonderful. It’s a little tricky to find just type in the name of the hostel it’s up the hill, but had an amazing time. Came as a solo and meet people definitely book you will enjoyed it a lot”
Ride Rio’s Samba Bus past Copacabana, Sugarloaf, Lapa, Christ the Redeemer, and Ipanema with music and flexible hop-on stops.
“Pena ter pego um dia com chuva! Nao aproveitamos!”
Explore Santa Teresa and Lapa by vintage tram and on foot, with art, history, city views, Selarón Steps, and local guides.
“Lorena our guide made this walking tour very enjoyable and informative. From the meet and greet from our hotel, the subway and tram plus the walking tour, we felt in good hands safe and relaxed. I’m n was a super fun half day and we highly recommend it as part of overall view of Rio.”
Learn Brazilian samba in a friendly Copacabana studio with no partner or experience needed. A lively one-hour Rio activity for solo visitors and couples.
“Amazing experience! Great instructor who was a great dancer, energetic, and shared his playlist with us afterwards.”
Join a small-group samba night at Pedra do Sal in Rio, with local history, live music, dancing, a welcome drink, and free cancellation.
“Lena is a charming hostess. She gave us a fascinating insight into the area, it's history, her own history and her life, the nightlife as well as information about the flavella. The caprianha was delicious and the music, dancing and atmosphere was infectiously happy. Lots of cobbles and steps. You can buy food if you want to. Probably more appropriate for party people under 40 but if you only feel 25, go for it!!!”
Pick a summit, a stretch of sand or a night out.
