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Rio de Janeiro
Rio is blessed with a wonderful natural setting, wedged between the mountains, with contrasting peaks including Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, topped by the famous statue of Christ, and the sea. Underneath lies a colourful state of mind called Carioca, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way, relaxed and high-spirited, through life. |
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| The City |
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Rio is blessed with a wonderful natural setting. The city is situated on a 15-mile strip of land, wedged between the mountains, with contrasting peaks including Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, topped by the famous statue of Christ, and the sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colorful state of mind called carioca, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way, relaxed and high-spirited, through life.
The cariocas are known for their warmth, beauty and their fun loving attitude to life yet they are also hard-working and competent. This competence has made Rio one of Brazil's most important cities economically speaking.
Despite their many hardships, the Brazilians remain a happy nation and this rubs off on the visitor, who often has the opportunity to learn to have a more refreshing outlook on life from the cariocas.
The cariocas will certainly add a very special touch to your group tour, which will make it all the more memorable.
The city of Rio, one of the world's most exciting, is the venue for your incentive group. Lush vegetation, stunning scenery -- a city wedged in between the ocean and the mountains offers you the unique carioca way of life: lots of sun, engaging natives, excellent dinners in world-renowned gourmet restaurants, a gamut of cultural/entertainment options, the lure of aquamarines, emeralds and other precious stones, and boutique shopping that will keep you at it for days.
In Rio you will find the best of what Brazil has to offer regarding hotels of international standard. There are 5 star hotels spread all over the city, located along the famous Copacabana beach, where the pulse of Rio seems to beat with its highest intensity, or further away, on beautiful beaches like Sao Conrado, Vidigal and Barra da Tijuca.
DISCOVERING RIO
Despite their long and treacherous voyage, the very first Europeans to discover Rio de Janeiro knew that they had found a very special and privileged location. Five hundred years later, that very same location on the Tropic of Capricorn gives Rio not only its dramatic scenery, but also its comfortable tropical climate with near perfect weather throughout the year.
It has never taken visitors long to discover that Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most beautiful cities. A beauty that comes from its natural tropical environment where mountains, forests, beaches, lagoons, vegetation and the South Atlantic blend to form one dramatic back-drop, a back-drop which is an attraction in its own right.
Corcovado Mountain (the hunchback), with its statue of Christ the Redeemer, dominates much of the carioca skyline, soaring 2,300 feet (706 meters) above the city.
Sugar Loaf Mountain, equally impressive in its own right, guards the entrance to the Bay of Guanabara, while 56 miles (90 km) of sandy beaches mark out the boundary between the land and sea.
Corcovado, Sugar Loaf and the beaches are but one small part of the natural beauty that makes Rio what it is.
There are other equally inspiring mountains such as the Dois Irmaos and the Pedra da Gavea to appreciate; forests like the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world; while even the man made park of Flamengo is thought to be the world's largest urban park.
Visitors to the city also have the chance to enjoy the Botanical Garden, considered to be one of the planet's most complete; the lake of Rodrigo de Freitas; the city's zoo; numerous parks and gardens; and all the animals, plants and birds that go to make up the preserved ecosystems of the parks of Rio de Janeiro.
A GREAT CITY
Man is not always one with nature, but in Rio de Janeiro he is trying his best to discover ways in which he can live in harmony with his natural surroundings. Where progress and conservation can walk hand-in-hand. Where the bikini or pair of shorts is as much a part of the scene as the business suit.
For all its natural beauty, Rio de Janeiro - with a population of around eight million - is one of the world's biggest and most populated cities. Over the years it has had to learn how to cope with the restrictions nature has put before it. The balance seems to be about right.
Being a major city, Rio offers its visitors the infrastructure its status merits. It offers a wide selection of hotels, restaurants and bars; it has numerous exhibition and conference centers; the cultural and sporting scene is justifiably famous; the shops and stores are world class; the city has well developed telecommunications, banking, financial and medical services and an extensive transport system which allows visitors and residents to move around the city easily be it by car, taxi, bus. bicycle or on foot. The city is served by its own modern international airport, as well as a city airport, while the port of Rio is one of the busiest in Latin America.
Thirty-two percent of the total Brazilian population live within a 300 mile (500 km) radius of Rio de Janeiro. In the same area sixty-five percent of Brazil's service industries and production and forty percent of its agricultural production can be found.
PEOPLE
Brazil is a country rich in resources yet one of its most precious resources is often overlooked, its people.
Brazil is a melting pot of races, colors and creeds. no one race, no one color and no one religion dominates in Brazil. There is room for all and that includes the many visitors who come to Brazil each year from every corner of the planet.
If Brazil's melting pot has a heart then that heart would have to be Rio de Janeiro, which more than any other Brazilian city, openly displays the diversity and talent of the Brazilian people.
BEACH LIFE
The importance of the beach to Rio de Janeiro should never be underestimated. the city's 56 miles (90 km) of beaches are an integral part of the Rio lifestyle, some of which - such as Copacabana and Ipanema - are world famous.
Rio de Janeiro is unique in having beaches which run though its very heart. Wherever you are in the city, you are never far from the beach.
Participant sports abound on the beaches. football, volleyball, gymnastics, and more traditional Brazilian sports like "peteca "and "futevolei", are played out on the sands of Rio, while out to sea, it is the surfers and wind-surfers who rule the waves. The pavements and paths, that run beside the beaches, are the playground for the city's cyclists, roller skaters and the people who simply want to walk, jog or sit and enjoy the scenery from a bench or the comfort of a small beach bar.
The beaches are also the site for many of the city's major sporting events with championships as diverse as volleyball, soccer, swimming and even tennis taking place on courts and in stadiums especially constructed on the sand. Likewise, musical extravaganzas and free concerts can also be seen throughout the year on the beaches of Rio, culminating in the New Year celebration which attracts millions of people to commemorate the arrival of the New Year and witness one of the world's truly spectacular firework displays.
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| History |
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Rio de Janeiro was discovered in 1502.
Founded in 1556, the city of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the colony of Brazil in 1776.
The Portuguese Royal Family fled from Napoleon and settled in Rio in 1808 when, for the first and only time, a European country was ruled from a country of the Americas.
This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic center of the Portuguese Empire.
In 1889, when the Republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country's capital, and remained so until 1960, when construction of the new capital Brasilia was finished.
OLD AND NEW IN HARMONY
Rio de Janeiro is a city of great contrasts highlighted by its natural setting. It is a city where historic buildings, churches and monuments sit side-by- side in harmony with ultra-modern, award winning architecture.
Rio de Janeiro still has many examples of its historic past to show.
Buildings which date from the 16th to 19th centuries reflect the history and growth of Rio.
In recent years the city of Rio de Janeiro has invested a considerable amount of time and money in restoring a part of its historical heritage. There is no better example than what has come to be known as The Cultural Corridor in the heart of downtown Rio. The Corridor includes a number of historic buildings - such as the Imperial Palace built in 1743 - as well as world class cultural centers and museums, most notably the palace itself and the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center which is housed in a building, dating back to 1880.
Rio and Brazil's historic treasures are to be found throughout the city in museums and art galleries, where the work of contemporary artists and designers is displayed throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts waiting to be discovered. Traditional street markets have their place alongside the super modern air-conditioned shopping malls and centers which offer hundreds of stores and boutiques under one roof. The city's resident and visiting musicans can choose between performing in the historic surroundings of the Municipal Theater, built in 1905, or on the stage of one of modern state-of the art night spots.
Residents can choose to live in historic areas of Rio, such as Santa Teresa, or ultra-modern suburbs like Barra da Tijuca. The visitor can choose between historic or contemporary hotels and everyone is free to choose between the type of restaurant or bar they like best. Be it the day's most fashionable restaurant or one that is rather more out-dated but which played its part in the history of the " bossa nova ".
Contrasts between the New and Old World are waiting to be discovered around every corner and help make Rio the very special city that it is.
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| General Inf |
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TELEPHONE AREA CODE
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CLIMATE
Rio de Janeiro is a tropical city. Summer runs from December through March with temperatures ranging from 25oC (77oF) to 42oC (108oF), while winter runs from June through August when temperatures can drop to around 20oC (68oF) in the day and to 16oC(60oF) at night.
CLOTHING
Appropriately enough for a city where the beach and warm weather play such an important role, casual dress dominates in Rio, although during working hours men will not feel out of place in a suit and tie nor women in smart dresses or suits. Few of Rio's night spots require formal attire. For men slacks and a sports shirt are sufficient; for women, casual attire is fine. Women may appreciate having a shawl or cardigan in the more heavily air-conditioned buildings, while a light sweater is all that is necessary for winter nights.
ELECTRICITY
The electric current in Rio is 110 or 120 volts, 60 cycles, alternating current. Some hotels and large apartment blocks do have some 220 - volt outlets.
AIRPORT
Rio's International Airport is located on Ilha do Governador, which has excellent access to Rio's south zone where most of the major hotels are located. The airport is served by 26 international carriers as well as the three major Brazilian airlines and, between them, they offer direct flights to and from more than 70 international cities and most of Brazil. A shuttle service operates between Rio and Sao Paulo from Rio's smaller, city center airport, Santos Dumont. An efficient taxi and bus service links the international airport with the main hotels and residential areas.
HOTELS
At the last count Rio de Janeiro had 125 hotels which between them offered 14,168 rooms. Of these, 12 hotels (4.585 rooms) were classified as 5-star by the Brazilian tourist board; 21 (2.517) rooms) as 4-star; and 38 (3.767 rooms) as 3-star.
BUSINESS HOURS
Most offices and stores are open from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Stores are also open on Saturday from 10am to 1pm, while most of the large shopping centers, such as RioSul and Barra Shopping, open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 10pm. Some shoppings also open on Sunday. Rio has a number of 24-hour convenience stores, many of which are located at, or close to, main gas stations. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm.
CARNIVAL
Carnival - Brazil's most famous celebration - is celebrated during the four days preceding Ash Wednesday, the day which marks the beginning of Lent. Tradition aside, many companies and offices close for Carnival on the Friday preceding Ash Wednesday and only re-open on the Monday of the following week. It is not advisable to schedule conferences, conventions or congresses during the Carnival period, although it can be offered as a pre or post event option. Dates for Ash Wednesday for the next years are: 1999: February 17 // 2000: March 8.
TAXIS
Rio has an extensive fleet of taxis which can be hailed in the streets, as well as a series of special taxis operated by licensed companies, which can be found at the airports, hotels or booked by phone. From the international airport and the main shopping centers, most of the special taxis work on a rate fixed by area, which is paid in advance at the company's own desk.
MEDICAL
Rio de Janeiro and Brazil have a number of internationally respected hospitals, clinics and doctors but treatment is expensive so visitors are strongly advised to take out medical insurance before traveling to Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro a group of volunteers operate the Rio Health Collective (RHC), a free English-language central information and referral system for physical and mental health problems. The RHC will provide the names of qualified medical and health professionals who speak other languages in addition to Portuguese. The RHC can be contacted in Rio on 325-9300.
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| How To Get There |
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The international airport, Galeao, is situated 15km north of the city on Ilha do Governador.
Today, with the new Linha Vermelha, the express highway, the Southern hotel areas can be reached in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Specially trained guides will receive clients with a name board and, on the way to the hotel, they will give all the necessary information about arrangements for the client´s stay in Rio de Janeiro.
For those who opt not to make use of this important service, other transport is available:
There are two air-conditioned airport buses that leave about every 30 minutes; one goes to the centre and Santos Dumont airport and the other goes to the city centre and along the beaches to Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Vidigal and Sao Conrado. The driver will stop wherever you ask him along the route. You can catch the bus on the 2nd floor (arrivals) of the main terminal.
Important: on departure, we recommend you take a taxi to the airport as you may have to wait up to half an hour with all your luggage and often with no shade or shelter. It is probably worth paying the extra dollars to avoid the possible hassle.
There are also several taxi companies at the airport. Probably the easiest way is to pay a set-fare in advance at one of the stalls at the airport (about 30 US$ to Copacabana and Ipanema). A slightly cheaper option would be to get one of the yellow taxis and they will charge according to the meter.
TRANSFER IN FROM CITY AIRPORT TO HOTEL
The smaller Aeroporto Santos Dumont is in the heart of the city on the bay, and serves those arriving on the Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte shuttle or on some of the national flights.
This shuttle service, however, is not included in the air pass and special air fares so most of the foreigners arrive at the other airport.
From there you can take taxis or the air-conditioned bus service. The limo service is also available (see above).
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| Restaurants |
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Rio is a melting pot of all sorts of cuisine. There is no "Carioca" cuisine, you must choose every day the style you would prefer. Quality in general has risen in the past three years and every one finds something suitable for his taste and mood. We recommend as well Japanese restaurants, which are very good and affordable.
BRAZILIAN
Mentha $$ - R. Lauro Müller, 116 - G3 FM Hall - Rio Sul Shopping (Botafogo), tel. 2543-0580; cc: AE, MC, D, V. Daily 12h/23h
Siri Mole & Cia. $$$ - R. Francisco Otaviano, 50 (Copacabana), tel. 267-0894; cc: all, 12h/1h; mon 19h/lh.
Bar do Arnaudo $ - R. Alm. Alexandrino, 316-B (Sta. Teresa), tel. 252-7246, 12h/22h; sun 12h/20h. Closed on mon.
Casa da Feijoada $$ - R. Prudente de Morais, 10, (Ipanema), tel. 523-4994; cc: all, 12h/24h.
CHURRASCO / BBQ
Majorica $$ - R. Sen. Vergueiro, 11 (Flamengo), tel. 205-6820; cc: Ae, D, Mc, 12h/24h.
Esplanada Grill $$$ - R. Br. da Torre, 600 (Ipanema), tel. 239-6028; cc: V, 12h/1h.
Porcao de Ipanema $$$ - R. Br. datorre, 218 (Ipanema), tel. 522- 0999; cc: all, 11h/1 h. Rodizio.
Porcao da Barra $$$ - Av. Armando Lombardi, 591 (Barra da Tijuca), tel. 493-3355; cc: all, 11h/1h3O.Rodizio.
Marius Leme Av. Atlantica, 290-A (Leme), tel. 542-2393; cc: all 11h3O/Oh3O.Rodizio.
Porcao and Marius lead a battle in quality and sophistication. As well as the traditional meat, sushi and shrimps are also offered. The result is that Churrascaria is no longer just a basic meal, but is often used now for social events of the Rio High Society. Among Brazilians, Porcao Ipanema is the place to be seen (and they are willing to queue for a while), whereas tourists should go to Marius Leme, to eat in the "old fashioned" way from the skewer.
FRENCH
@@@ Claude Troisgros $$$ - R. Custodio Serrao, 62 (Jd. Botanico), tel. 537-8582; cc: Ae, 12h/15h3O, 19h3O/Oh3O; sat 19h3O/Oh3O. Closed sun.
Open by Claude Troisgros, one of the finest chefs in the world, the menu changes according to the season. He understands superbly how to mix French cuisine with Brazilian flavour. We recommend you ask for the Menu du Chef.
ITALIAN
@@@ Satiricon $$$ - Rua Barao da Torre, 192 (Ipanema), tel. 521-0627; cc: all; 12h/2h; mon 18h/2h.
Many good Italian Restaurants have open in the last few years, but for its consistency and class, this restaurant remains on top. Equivalent to its sister in Buzios, the Spaghetti with rucola and shrimps and the pargo al sale grosso are unrivalled.
@@@ Cipriani $$$ - (Hotel Copacabana Palace) Av. Atlantica 1702 (Copacabana); tel. 545-8747; cc: all; 12h30h/14:30, 20h/24h.
Modern Italian cuisine with chef Francesco Carli. Try the Rucola Salad with shitake and parmesano as a starter. Gratinated green Tagliolini, Ribs from the deer with funghi and apple puree or Gnocchi with aubergines are recommended.
@@ Quadrifoglio $$ - Rua J.J.Seabra, 19 (Jd. Botanico); tel. 294-1433; cc: all; 12h30/15:30, 19:30/1h.
For over 12 years the favorites on the menu remain ravioli filled with apples, exquisite risottos and tagliattelle with funghi. Excellent desserts.
@@ Margutta $$$ - Av. Henrique Dumont, 62 (Ipanema), tel. 259-3887; cc: Ae, D, V, 19h/lh;sat and sun 12h/lh.
Excellent combinations of pasta, fish and seafood. Always fresh, prepared by the experienced Paulo Neroni. Try the fish with tomato sauce and herbs, shrimp with safran, baked fish with sale grosso or lobster filled with spaghetti.
@ da Brambini $$$ - Av. Atlantica, 514 (Leme), tel. 275-4346; cc: Ae, 12h/lh.
Gilberto Brambini offers tasty dishes with a mediterranean inspiration, like shrimp ravioli, spaghetti with langoustines, a mixed fry of four different fishes and spinach tortelloni.
@ La Botticella $$ - R. Prof Ferreira da Rosa, 88 (Barra da Tijuca), tel. 493-7771, 2Oh3O/lh, sun 13h/1h. closed mon.
Giancarlo and Carmen produce dishes like capeletti de foie gras with mushroom sauce, ravioli with mascarpone and nuts and Tagliarini with seafood.
@ Alho Oleo $$ - rua Buarque de Macedo, 13 (flamengo), tel. 557-8541, cc: all; 12h/2h.
Good service and excellent food.
Sushi Brasil $$ - R. Maria Quiteria, 46 (Ipanema), tel. 521-4668; cc: all, 12h/2h. Take XX $$ - Estr. da Gavea, 698 (S. Conrado), tel. 322-4063; cc: Ae, 19h/24h. closed mon.
Sushi Leblon $ - R. Dias Ferreira, 256 (Leblon), tel. 274-1342; cc: Ae, D, 19h/lh; sun 13h/24h. closed mon.
Sushi Garden $ - Estr. da Gavea, 899, (Shop. Fashion Mail) (S.Conrado), tel. 322-4932; cc: Ae, 12h/lh.
Zen $$ - Praia de Botafogo, 228, (Centro Empresarial,Botafogo), tel. 533-5060; cc: all, 12h/14h3O, 19h/23h3O; sat 18h/24h. closed sun.
Madame Butterfly $$$ - R. Br. da Torre, 472 (Ipanema), tel. 267-4347; cc: Ae, D, 12h/2h.
Kampai $$ - R. Visc. de Ouro Preto, 5 (Botafogo), tel. 552-2545; cc: D, Mc, V, 12h/15h, 19h/23h3O; sun l2h3O/22h3O. closed sat.
SEAFOOD
@ Quinta $$$$ - R. Luciano Gallet, 150 (Vargem Grande), tel. 428-1396, 13h/18h; closed mon-fri.
In a charming country house, Lulu Correia de Araujo presents his menu degustation: grilled langoustines (starter), sea food moqueca, grilled shrimps with bacon, pineapple and wild rice.The desserts are delicous Brazilian specialities.
@ Candido's $$ * (sea shore) - R. Barros de Alarcao, 352 (Pedra de Guaratiba), tel. 417-1007; cc: D, Mc, 12/18h; sat and sun 12h/21h.
Not only beautifully located, but also excellent food is served while you enjoy the view of the bay.
@ 476 $$ * - R. Barros de Alarcao, 476 (Pedra de Guaratiba), tel. 417-1716; cc: Ae, 12/18h; closed mon and tue.
For over 20 years located in an old fisherman's house it offers a great view of the bay. Together with Candido's this little street in this simple village outside of Rio, represent a hot address for any gourmet.
Barracuda $$$ - Marina da Gloria (Prq. do Flamengo) (Flamengo), tel. 265-4641; cc: all, 12h/lh; sun 12h/18h.
A Cabaca Grande $$ - R. do Ouvidor, 12, (Centro) tel. 509-2301; cc: Ae, D, V, 11h3O/l6h. closed sat and sun.
PORTUGUESE
@@ Adegao Portugues $$ - Campo S. Cristovao, 212 (S. Cristovao), tel. 580-7288 cc: Ae, D, 11h3O/23h3O, sun 11h3O/21 h.
Norwegian cod fish, portuguese octopus and european ingredients are the base for the tasty dishes. Though very successful for many years, this restaurant has maintained its rustic charm. Portions are meant to be shared.
@@ Penafiel $$ - R. Sr. dos Passos, 121, tel. 224-6870, I Ih/I 5h3O. Close Sat and Sun.
For three generations, the owners maintained the formula of excellent cuisine at moderate prices, in Traditional portuguese style.
@ Antiquarius $$$$ - Rua Aristides Espinola 19, (Leblon), tel. 294-1049; cc: D, 12h/2h.
The high society has chosen this Restaurant as its favorite. In an elegant ambience, cod fish is served in many variations. By international standards, however, it is far overpriced.
@ Adega do Valentim $$ - R. da Passagem, 178 (Botafogo), tel. 541-1166; cc: all,12h/1h.
Inspired by the restaurants of Portugal, it is cosily decorated with wine bottles along the walls. Cod fish is the speciality, accompanied by tradicional music.
@ Mosteiro $$ - R. S. Bento, 13/15, (Centro)tel. 233-6478; cc: D, Mc, V, 11h/16h. closed sat and sun.
A large variety of portuguese specialities on the menu.If you are in the neighborhood, don't miss the monastery of Sao Bento.
@ Cosmopolita $$ - Tr. do Mosqueira, 4, (Lapa) tel. 224-7820; cc: all; 11h/24h; sat 11h/16h. Closed sun.
Founded in 1926, this bohem little tavern, you'll feel the Rio of the good old days. A simple, but very good cuisine.
Bacalhau do Rei $$ - R. Mq. de S. Vicente, 11 (Gavea), tel. 239-8945; cc: all, 11h/1h; sun 11h/21h.
SWISS
@ Casa da Suica $$$ - R. Candido Mendes, 157 (Gloria), tel. 252-5182; cc: Ae, V; 12h/15h 19h/24h sat 19h/24h.
In the building of the Swiss consulate, the owner Volkmar likes his clients, politicians and entrepreneurs, to feel comfortable. Though famous for all types of fondues among locals, the insider tip among Swiss, is the Fondue Bacchus (not writen on the menu). If you ask for a dish flambe, Volkmar will prepare it for you at the table.
INTERNATIONAL
@ Barreado $$ - Estr. dos Bandeirantes, 21295 (Vargem Grande), tel. 974-6990; cc: Ae, V, M, 18h/24h; sat 12h/24h, sun 12h/20h. Closed mon.
Unusual restaurant, with some excellent dishes like the shrimps in pumpkin and cream cheese and fish on banana leaf.
@ Sagrada Familia $ - R. do Rosario, 98, tel. 253-5572; cc: all; 11h3O/l5h3O. closed sat and sun.
The menu is based on recipies from California, mixing several styles. Duck with mango and risotto with funghi and paglia e fieno with chicken nachos are examples.
Mistura Fina $$ - Av. Borges de Medeiros, 3207 (Lagoa), tel. 537-2844; cc: Ae, 12h/3h.
A sophisticated ambience and creative dishes, combine with the Jazz Shows starting from 23h.
Atrium $$ - Pca.XV de Novembro, 48 (Paco Imperial), tel. 220-0193; cc: Ae, 11h3O/l5h3O. closed sat and sun.
Decorated in a very interesting fashion, located in the middle of a renovated cultural centre.
TRENDY
Garcia e Rodrigues $$ - Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 1251 (Leblon), tel. 512-8188, 11h/24h; tue 12h/ 15h, 20h/24h.
Guimas Gavea $$ - Rua Jose Roberto Macedo Soares, 5 (Gavea), tel.259-7996, cc: Ae; 12h/1h.
Photochart $$ - Pca Santos Dumont, 31 (Jockey Club, Gavea), tel. 512-2247; cc: all; 12h/2h.
The same description applies to all of these. Pleasant atmosphere, creative menus and good looking people.
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| Night Life |
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Rio offers a diversity of nocturnal attractions which include world class restaurants, friendly corner bars, shows, music, theater, cinemas, discotheques, night clubs and the warmth and hospitality that goes with the city s tropical setting.
The city has a good circuit of bars with live music, and night clubs which offer top names from Brazilian and International show business. These include Mistura Fina, Ballroom, Canecao, Imperator and Metropolitan. The erudite arts have as their home the city's magnificent Municipal Theater where world class opera, dance and classical music are presented on a regular basis. Small recitals take place in Rio's other concert halls.
Visitors looking to dance the night away have a wide range of options which include large international discos, discreet and exclusive nightclubs as well as traditional dance halls and the samba schools themselves. However, to many visitors' surprise, samba is not as easily found as one might imagine. The only regular show is now at the Plataforma Showhouse, where members of Rio´s more successful samba schools perform glitzy music and dance routines. This is an option for those who want to see the colourful dancing and elaborate constumes, even though it has now become more of a tourist affair than anything else. If you are in Rio during the months leading up to Carnival, it is well worth visiting one of the samba schools where you will find locals dancing to the samba rhythm practising for the big parade.
Rio's night life is complemented by other major events which take place during the year from rock concerts, jazz festivals and dance extravaganzas to traditional local festivities that often light up the night sky of Rio. Consult the newspapers to find out more details about what's going on: both the Globo and the Jornal do Brasil have special entertainment sections which list cinema, arts events and concerts. (Also on Fridays they both have supplements listing the events of the week ahead).
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