A Nightlife Guide To Botafogo Rio De Janeiro

A first-time traveler to Rio de Janeiro will be told that the best place in the city for nightlife is Lapa. However, for or a more alternative experience with whimsical bars and modern gastronomy, Botafogo is where it’s at. Botafogo was even considered 2017’s hottest neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Here is a complete nightlife guide to one of the city’s best going-out spots.

The best places for…wine

1. WineHouse

Just like the name suggests, WineHouse is all about the wine. The best options to try on the menu are the Brazilian offerings which are making a small yet steady entrance into the world of global wines. The Brazilian sparkling whites or rosés are among the best to order yet don’t miss your chance of trying orange wine here too. Ask the owner – Dominic – for recommendations of the best food and wine pairings.

WineHouse, R. Paulo Barreto, 25 – Loja E – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, +55 (21) 3264 4101

Sparkling white wine at the WineHouse | WineHouse

2. Le dépanneur

Bakery, Deli, Restaurant, Bar, Sandwich Shop, French, Brazilian, Fast Food, Vegetarian

This French delicatessen is becoming a firm favorite on the Botafogo scene and even on a regular weekday night, expect to be added to a short waiting list for a table. Once you finally do get a seat, opt for one on the outdoor wooden terrace and select one of the many wines from the extensive menu. You can go to the bakery inside and choose your own platter of nibbles including fresh bread, various spreads, delicious cheese, and indulgent desserts.

The best places for…beers

Hocus Pocus is a locally-made beer and since 2016, it’s been voted as the best artisanal beer in Rio de Janeiro, according to Veja’s Comer & Beber, Brazil’s bible when it comes to wining and dining. The brewery finally opened their own bar in Botafogo which has a rustic setting of wooden beams and exposed brickwork and serves all the different types of Hocus Pocus. If beer is your thing, make sure you swing by to enjoy the best of Rio’s beer.

Hocus Pocus DNA, R. Dezenove de Fevereiro, 186 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, +55 (21) 4107 3107

3. Marley's Pub

Bar, Gastropub, Pub, Brazilian, Pub Grub

Spread over two floors, Marley’s Pub is the closest you’ll find to a good old pub in the traditional British-style. The live music (mostly rock and indie style) and the gourmet burgers and chips are worth the visit, yet the artisanal beers on draft are the cherry on the cake. They serve several local brands including Jeffrey’s, among the best artisanal beers in Rio de Janeiro and includes light Pilsens to heavier ales among its collection.

The best places for…a great atmosphere

4. Jungle Garden Pub

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Brazilian, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub

Jungle Garden Pub really does have a jungly garden out the back with vines sprawling up the walls and plenty of well-lit palms adding a bit of green to the venue. It’s a buzzing place with a good crowd of young professionals and people dropping in for an after-work drink (or two). The smooth cocktails and live music add to the social atmosphere.

5. Comuna

Botafogo’s original hipster hangout, Comuna still stands out in Botafogo for its laid-back space and its homemade burgers. The venue often collaborates with a local artist by dedicating a wall for the artist to decorate how they please and there are also regular pop-up shops hosted here. Thursdays and the weekends are the busiest days where visitors end up spilling into the street outside when the patio inside gets too crowded.

Comuna, R. Sorocaba, 585 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, +55 (21) 3579 6175

The best places for…karaoke

Casa da Matriz

This nightclub has several dance floors dedicated to rock and indie music, making it popular among the local young Brazilians and the foreign exchange students. The party kicks off around midnight and the doors rarely close before 6 a.m. Wednesdays are known as its karaoke nights where a live band plays various rock and indie hits to accompany you as you sing along to the crowded dancefloor before you.

Casa da Matriz, R. Henrique de Novais, 107 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, +55 (21) 2226 9691

6. Drinker

Cocktail Bar, Nightclub, Brazilian

This small nightclub is popular for after-work drinks and attracts many young and older professionals who work in Botafogo. The drinks menu with a selection of great cocktails is definitely one of the biggest draws to the place, yet many people love heading here on Tuesdays just for the karaoke nights. The music options include classic pop, rock, and indie choices and there is a live band on hand to provide the backing.

The best places for…dancing ’til dawn

Bar Bukowski

If you love rock music and all things metal, then Bar Bukowski is your spot. One of the only true rock bars in Rio de Janeiro, Bar Bukowski’s popularity has stood the test of time as it brings the best of American, British, and Brazilian rock to its eager audience every weekend. Set inside a former mansion, the space has several dance floors with different rock music and an outdoor patio which is great for chatting.

Bar Bukowski, R. Álvaro Ramos, 270 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, +55 (21) 2244 7303

The best places for…a dinner date

7. South Ferro

For a casual dinner date, head to South Ferro. The tiny venue creates an intimate atmosphere and the simple, minimalistic design keeps it feeling laid-back. The two highlights on the menu are the slices of homemade pizza and the ramen which is one of the best in Rio de Janeiro. They also serve wine and great cocktails.

South Ferro, R. Arnaldo Quintela, 23 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, +55 (21) 3986 4323

The intimate atmosphere inside South Ferro | South Ferro

Oui Oui

Oui Oui is a restaurant that marries French cooking techniques with typical Brazilian flavors to create a highly innovative menu. Rather than big, hearty portions, the food is prepared in little portions so diners can make their own, personalized tasting menu. For a romantic date night in a sophisticated setting, Oui Oui makes a great choice.

Oui Oui, Rua Conde de Irajá, 85 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, +55 (21) 2527 3539

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.