Party like it’s 1899

While most visitors to Rio tend to base themselves in the Zona Sul (the wealthy south zone) and never stray too far from the beach, exploring the city’s historic center is something that should be on every vistor’s agenda.

And while there are plenty of museums and cultural centers to be found here, visiting Rio’s historic buildings needn’t feel like a school trip. Happily for visitors who have come to Rio to party, many of the old buildings have been transformed into bars, restaurants and nightclubs, making Old Rio a great place to eat, drink and make merry.

The atmosphere tends to be more informal than the nightlife and dining of the Zona Sul, and the crowd is less touristy – if you’re looking for authentic samba clubs, this is the place to find them.

The bars, clubs and restaurants are full of kooky charm – look out for the paintings of revellers, famous musicians and the equally famous Santa Teresa bonde (tram) that line the walls of Bar da Ladeira opposite the Lapa Arches, and at Beco do Rato, and admire the antiques, mannequins and assorted oddities that make dancing at Rio Scenarium such a memorable experience.

A celebrated samba club, Rio Scenarium is one of several nightspots located on Rua do Lavradio (map), Rio’s oldest street and a place that oozes historic charm. The handsome colonial buildings have been transformed into restaurants, bars and clubs, and most are filled with antique pieces that reflect the buildings’ history.

Many of the spots also feature photographs of Old Rio, so you can marvel at how much the city has changed over the years (what? no favelas? imagine!). Rua do Lavradio and nearby Avenida Mem de Sa are both great places to spend an evening, so grab a cab down here (or take the metro to Carioca) pull up a table at one of the pavement restaurants, treat yourself to a caipirinha and a plate of traditional Brazilian meat, rice, beans and fries, and prepare yourself for long night.