Lapa

If you come to Rio to revel in samba, Lapa is the place for you. This festive neighborhood ignites at night, when local patrons swing their hips and sip on delectable cocktails. Brimming with rows of tapas bars, clubs, and live music venues, Lapa's seductive night crawl certainly isn't lacking excitement or charm. You'll definitely want to check out Rio Scenarium, a popular three-story Brazilian club known for its vintage décor and 10,000 movie props. Admission to most clubs cost about 12 BRL to 25 BRL (roughly $7 USD to $14.50 USD).

"Friday night is a must. If you want to see how Rio parties, go to Lapa," raves one recent TripAdvisor user.

A quick downhill walk from the Santa Teresa neighborhood, Lapa serves as the heart of Rio's night scene. Taxis are easy to flag, but keep your wits about you and don't walk in unpopulated areas after dark. We recommend visiting during the weekend, when prime clubs fill up. If you're staying near Copacabana and Ipanema Beach in Zona Sul, Lapa is a brief cab ride away.