The best sambas in Rio de Janeiro

One of the last urban quilombos in Rio, the Renascença Clube hosts musician and composer Moacyr Luz every Monday (yes, to kick off the week right) with the most traditional samba circle in the city. What started as a casual get-together on a non-working day for musicians has turned into a big party for a growing loyal audience. The repertoire mixes original songs with classics from Cartola to Zeca Pagodinho.

If the bar is open, there's samba (and for free). With stunning views of the Zona Portuária, the verandah heats up at 7.13pm, quickly filling up with people singing along and showing off their dance moves. Regulars include Sambar&love, Peso na Balança, Marcelle Britto with As Brabas do Samba, Batuque Suburbano, and Nego Chandi. 

Samba every day, Monday through Sunday. Fixed programming (starting at R$10) includes circles led by Arlindinho, son of Arlindo Cruz, every Monday, and the Encontros Casuais project with Mosquito and Inácio Rios on Thursdays. The schedule often features Grupo Arruda, Moyseis Marques, and Casuarina on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar attracts a diverse, high-spirited crowd from young hipsters to the older generation.

One of Brazil's oldest bars, opened in 1907, hosts a traditional samba circle every Saturday. The street gets packed with a mixed crowd, from the old guard to young folks drawn by the nearby trendy spots. A great option for good music, good food, and some flirting. Further down Rua do Resende, there's a charm ball on the first Saturday of every month.

The Samba Circle at Pedra do Sal has been happening every Monday for over 16 years, from 6pm to 11pm, at this historic monument. Other groups perform from Friday to Sunday, including Samba de Lei and Samba da Alvorada. The spot was a cradle of samba in Rio, with icons like Donga, Tia Ciata, Pixinguinha, and João da Baiana moving there. The vibe is free and draws a younger crowd (even featuring DJs during breaks).

Every Thursday, SIBC (as it’s affectionately known) takes over Fundição Progresso. Formed by a new generation of samba artists, the circle lasts for hours with a classic and upbeat repertoire. Free entry until 9.30pm, when the music starts (you can get half-price entry with 1kg of non-perishable food). The place fills up with a younger crowd dancing until dawn. From R$20.

This samba circle is such a big deal it’s a Cultural and Intangible Heritage. It was formed in 1961 by young carnival enthusiasts from Ramos in the Zona Norte. After two years, it moved to the Center, becoming a phenomenon that still attracts crowds today. In the 1970s, it got a permanent headquarters, where samba happens every Sunday, frequented by both unknowns and celebrities like Beth Carvalho and Jorge Aragão.

Known for quality music, especially jazz led by bassist Ney Conceição since 2014. Post-pandemic, the lineup includes samba circles on Thursdays, alternating between Pedro Holanda and Elisa Addor and Samba do Raphinha, starting at 7pm. It’s a laid-back spot with good food, great for mingling. Cover charge is R$15.

This Penha house is a key cultural spot with deep-rooted samba circles and a program featuring traditional names. Past performers include Leci Brandão, Revelação, Galocantô, Netinho de Paula, and even the Velha Guarda da Portela. Open every Saturday and Sunday, with entry between R$15 and R$30.

If you’re ready to start your Friday early, kick things off at this dive bar at the beginning of Lapa. Open events usually start at 5pm, with samba circles and pagode groups playing popular 90s hits. By 6pm, the place is packed, and the beach chairs by the painted wall are all taken—but who needs to sit in such a lively atmosphere?

At Praça do Samba Edson Cortes, recently renovated by the city and named after the late founder of Galocantô, eight samba circles rotate every Sunday starting at 2pm. It’s market day in Glória, so shop early, enjoy lunch at the various stalls, and then join the fun that continues until around 10pm. Groups like Mesa da Diretoria and Gloriosa are the popular ones.

Every Tuesday at the Nova Gafieira (formerly Estudantina), the Pagode da Garagem gets everyone dancing to classics by Bezerra da Silva, Jovelina Pérola Negra, and Cartola. More pop tunes come from Fundo de Quintal, Martinho da Vila, and even Djavan, plus new sambas by local composers. The event has a pay-what-you-can entry.

The first LGBTQIAPN+ samba circle brings the heat to Mourisco Mar in Botafogo every Sunday. Produced by Márcio Lima and Pablo Falcão, it offers a diverse repertoire matching its audience: from classic sambas to contemporary tunes, including Luedji Luna and Baianasystem. There's also 90s pagode and hits by Ludmilla. Flawless. Free entry until 6pm, then R$20.

Good music and a stunning beach view – no wonder this combo is a hit. Tourists and locals flock to the Alalaô Kiosk every Thursday at 7pm for Samba do Orelhão at Arpoador Beach. The playlist includes classics from Jorge Aragão, Zeca Pagodinho, Arlindo Cruz, and Beth Carvalho. Arrive early to catch the exhibitions and don't miss the drinks while enjoying the tunes.

With 15 years of history in Lapa, Vaca Atolada is one of those joints guaranteed to be lively till morning. There’s always samba when it’s open, but insiders say Thursday is the best day with the group Alma de Sambista. From Friday onwards, it’s a great spot for a late-night drink in a festive atmosphere.