Rio de Janeiro has long been a favored getaway destination for jet-setters, as well as a hotspot for gay travelers. As with other globetrotters, Rio’s allure for gay travelers lies in the combination of sun, sand and tiny bathing suits on well-built sun worshippers, as well as the beautiful scenery, diverse activities and attractions and exciting gay nightlife. Add to all this Brazil‘s generally pro-gay attitude (they score well with issues like same-sex marriage), and it’s easy to see why a diverse array of travelers find themselves drawn to Rio’s sunny shores.
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Following my most recent visit to Rio de Janeiro, I’ve put together a quick-reference guide to some of Rio de Janeiro’s best gay bars and nightlife. Here’s some info to get you started planning that gay vacation getaway.
• The Week, Rio’s coolest big gay nightclub, closed for extensive renovations, but continues to host parties at places like Cosmopolitan.
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• On weekends, you can usually find a crowd at LeBoy, a dance club in Copacabana. It can be rather touristy and certainly isn’t the most upscale or hip place to hang out, but it continues to draw crowds.
• Galeria Cafe is a tiny-but-hip little venue in Ipanema, with a small dance floor and good mix of music and patrons.
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• Also exuding a hip vibe is 00 (Zero Zero), a stylish club in Gávea. Sunday nights are the official LGBT nights, with a well-dressed crowd of men and women.
• In the lively Lapa district, LGBT revelers head to Sinônimo, a three-floor venue with live music, DJs and what Time Out calls a “superior cocktail bar.”
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Also worth noting:
• LGBT Pride takes place in September in Rio de Janeiro, with a lively parade and festival, as well as lots of private parties at bars and clubs. Gay pride is a great time to enjoy Rio’s festive vibe.
• Also festive (and rather gay) is Carnaval, the annual pre-Lenten celebration. Be sure to book early (check out the LatinFlyer booking engine on this page for some of the best deals).