The Best Jazz Clubs In Rio De Janeiro

Music is the fabric of daily life in Rio de Janeiro, a city where the musical rhythms course endlessly through the streets putting an unshakeable bounce in anyone’s step. Say “Rio” and it’s usually samba and bossa nova that comes to mind, yet the city has a thriving jazz scene from a host of talented jazz performers. We round up our favorite places to go for a night of jazz in Rio.

1. TribOz

Tucked away just off the main street of party district Lapa, TribOz provides somewhat of a sanctuary from the region’s gritty, underground scenes. The décor, food and wine menu reflect the roots of the Australian owner and sets the scene for a memorable night out. Live music is of the essence at TribOz, yet its heart truly lies in jazz. Even if you’re not into dancing, the great Australian wine and seductive jazz notes create a wonderful atmosphere for an evening out in town.

TribOz, Rua Conde de Lages, 19 – Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2210 0366

http://instagram.com/p/BQ4MMCuFbb-/?taken-at=252482489

2. Bangalô Bar e Restaurante

The surrounding palm trees and rustic settings inside Bangalô create a cosy and relaxed environment, and the delicious seafood offerings on the menu add to its appeal. Throughout the week, the restaurant-bar hosts live music performances with a heavy emphasis on jazz, a personal preference of the owner Barbara Mendes who is a renowned jazz singer in her own right.

Bangalô, Av. Lúcio Costa, 1976 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2493 0313

The view of Barra da Tijuca © Dudu Pontes/Flickr

Esch La Casa Del Habano

The elegant décor lined with wooden details create the appropriate setting for a bar that sells Cuban cigars and locally-brewed beer. Esch sets the scene for those looking for a sophisticated evening out with a delicate, accomplished menu, and the soft yet rhythmic notes of live jazz add to the graceful ambience. Some of the city’s finest jazz bands play here throughout the week.

Esch, Rua Dias Ferreira, 78 A – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2512 5651

http://instagram.com/p/BN_sF6nj9X1/?taken-at=1507905

The Maze

Sat at the peak of the community Tavares Bastos, the area lends The Maze privileged views over Guanabara Bay and features a backdrop to remember. The venue itself is a labyrinth of winding corridors and sudden staircases, decorated in a handmade mosaic pattern. Although known to play a mix of genres, it’s for jazz that The Maze is famous with both established and upcoming jazz singers performing for the eager, young crowd on the weekends.

The Maze, R. Tavares Bastos, 414 – Casa 66 – Catete, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2558 5547

The views from The Maze © Marina Herriges

3. Bar Semente

The exposed brickwork and dimly lit setting adds to the cosy and intimate vibe of this bar. Its small size means that the venue gets crowded on weekends, although reservations can be made in advance. The bar plays host to a wide range of musicians, including some of Rio’s best jazz musicians that perform unforgettable shows.

Bar Semente, R. Evaristo da Veiga, 149 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2507 5188

http://instagram.com/p/BN0bS0OhW6I/?taken-by=bar_semente

4. Clube dos Macacos (Clube 17)

In addition to being a sports ground with football pitches, tennis courts and swimming pools, Clube dos Macacos (officially Clube 17 but often referred to as Clube dos Macacos) transforms into a restaurant-bar in the evening. The surrounding exotic vegetation of Jardim Botanico, creates a pleasant and exclusive feel. The restaurant serves good, honest food and ice-cold drinks, and hosts regular nights with live jazz bands.

Clube dos Macacos, Rua Pacheco Leão, 2038 – Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2274 1429

http://instagram.com/p/BQir-d5jPXA/?taken-at=241658829

5. Carioca da Gema

A former colonial mansion, Carioca da Gema is a key meeting point in Lapa for some of the best musicians in the city from samba and choro, to bossa nova and jazz. The regional significance of samba has lent jazz some of the local samba beats, creating an uplifting genre of samba-jazz that is often played live at Carioca da Gema. The great food, moreish cocktails and wonderful music provide everything for a great night out.

Carioca da Gema, Av. Mem de Sá, 79 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2221 0043

http://instagram.com/p/BR4sYzSj7c9/?taken-by=barcariocadagema

Nova Lapa Jazz

One of the most exciting jazz bands on the scene, Nova Lapa Jazz unites two fantastic elements – a jazz band that brings both local and international jazz tunes, and outdoor street parties. Rotating between the Lapa arches and near to Praca Tiradentes in Rio’s city center, musicians spontaneously play various tunes to the large crowds that gather there. Drinks are bought from local street sellers from Brazilian beers to strong caipirinhas in plastic cups, adding to the casual, friendly vibe this street party brings.

Nova Lapa Jazz, R. Luís de Camões, 30 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Lapa arches where there is live jazz © Alexandre Macieira

Rio Scenarium

Being one of Rio’s most famous nightclubs, news of Rio Scenarium has gone beyond Brazil making it one of the most popular nightlife venues among both locals and travelers. Each floor is richly decorated with antiques and vintage items, adding to the elegance of the venue. The balconies on each floor overlook the main stage so the star band of the night can be seen from any place. Rio Scenarium hosts many genres of music – often with several bands playing at once – including chorro, samba, bossa nova, and of course, jazz.

Rio Scenarium, R. do Lavradio, 20 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 3147 9000

http://instagram.com/p/BRjWcNpggtp/?taken-by=rioscenarium

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.