🎭 Overview

Rio during Carnival (Feb 13–18, 2026) is pure energy: blocos (street parties) by day, samba parades at the Sambadrome, and endless nightlife by night. Here are the must-know areas and venues for your group, with a Carnival-specific lens.

🍹 Nightlife Neighborhoods

Copacabana

• Vibe: Touristy but classic. Beach bars, hotel rooftops, and underground clubs.
• Highlights:
  • Rooftop bars (Fasano, Sky Leme).
  • Fosfobox Club → underground house & techno, Carnival late nights.
• Why Carnival? Easy to stumble from blocos on the beach into clubs and bars nearby.

Ipanema & Leblon

• Vibe: Trendy, upscale, younger crowd.
• Highlights:
  • Bar Astor → iconic cocktail spot.
  • Jobi → famous boteco (bar-food and beers until sunrise).
  • Street blocos spill over from the beach into late-night hangouts.
• Why Carnival? Posto 9 on Ipanema Beach is the epicenter of Carnival beach parties.

Lapa

• Vibe: Historic arches, samba heart of Rio, huge street party zone.
• Warning: Men have been getting drugged in this area so stick to bottled drinks they open in front of you
• Highlights:
  • Carioca da Gema (authentic samba).
  • Rio Scenarium (massive samba club, very popular).
  • Open-air street party under the arches every night.
• Why Carnival? Lapa transforms into an open-air rave, blending blocos and clubbing.