Someone recommended the street party in Lapa on a Friday night. I would agree with this as it's an amazing night out, but I would warn people to keep their wits about them. I've been twice now on separate trips a year apart and the second time (August 2005) it seemed a lot more crowded and definitely more shifty.

This maybe something to do with the fact that it's now in the trusty Lonely Planet as a 'Rio essential' so there are far more tourists now, which inevitably attracts more unsavory characters. I'm not saying this to be a travel snob - when we were there guns were fired at the top of the famous steps which resulted in a stampede and a nasty crush at the bottom. It's still a great night - just stay away from the top of the steps (the farther up you go the more shady it gets) and go in a big group if possible. Oh, and stay away from the brightly coloured shots in the plastic tubes - they're lethal and taste revolting - have a caipirinha!

Lapa - near Cinelandia metro.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

News weekly magazine Veja has a supplement 'Veja Rio' with listings, as do the papers Jornal do Brasil and O Globo on Fridays.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The biggest football stadium in the world! Try and get to a Flamengo game - their fans are crazy! Excellent football! Great atmosphere! They don't sell beer so the crowds aren't drunk - they behave that way because they are excited!

Everyone in Rio can direct you to Maracana. It is a stop on the Metro.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends