Rio de Janeiro: where everything happens

Ivan is a cosmopolitan guy teaching languages and living in Rio de Janeiro with his French boyfiend. As our mister of the week he took his time to give you not only the best addresses of the gay scene in Rio, but some personal tips on how to make the most out of this incredible city. Trust our hosts to stay like a gay local.

What makes your city a favorite gay destination?

The popular Ipanema and Copacabana beaches make Rio de Janeiro the perfect place to spend your holidays. Local guys, called "cariocas", are also a good reason to come and visit Rio. 

What is the best gay event that takes place in your city?

As many other cities all around the world, Rio de Janeiro organises a gay pride parade. Unfortunately, this year the parade has been cancelled due to financial problems.

Of course, during Carnival and New Year's Eve thousands of gays come to Rio to share good moments. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, I would suggest you to come out of these periods. Going from May to November could be a very good alternative.

What is your favorite gay establishment to grab a bite for lunch? a nice dinner?

The best gay restaurant to have a snack is Tô Nem Aí (rua Farme de Amoedo, 57)

My favorites not-gay restaurants in Ipanema are :

- Papa Fina (rua Vinícius de Moraes, 153), a good and not expensive self service restaurant with food per kilo of excellent choice. The perfect place to have lunch before going to the beach.

To have dinner I would recommend the following restaurants :

- Lapamaki, a Japanese restaurant (rua Vinícius de Moraes, 124). My little advice : make a reservation to have dinner in the quiet terrace on the third floor. 

- Venga, a Spanish tapas bar (rua Garcia d'Avila, 147). 

Best gay bar for a cheap beer?

Why would you go to a bar when you could have a beer on the beach at sunset? This is one of the magic moments you will live in Rio. And forget about beer, just take the local Caipivodka, Caipiroska ...

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

The bar Tô Nem Aí is the perfect place to have a refreshing beer or a cocktail and meet people after a long day on the beach.

On Sundays during summer season, you can not miss the pool party at the hotel Casa Mosquito (Rua Saint Romain, 222). Fabulous cocktails and probably one the best views of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Which famous gay person is from your city?

I do not think there are worldwide gay celebrities from Rio de Janeiro.

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?

For those who like house music The Week is definitely the best choice for Saturday night !

Where to start a gay tour in your home city?

You can start your day by having a fresh breakfast in one of the many terraces of Ipanema. After your breakfast, head to the beach (Posto 9) and spend your day sunbathing and chatting. Do not forget to try the refreshing coconut water. 

Have dinner in one of the many gay-friendly restaurants in Ipanema and if you have any energy left, go to have fun in a nightclub.

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?

Ipanema beach (from posto 7 to posto 10) is without a doubt the best place to meet both local gay community and tourists during the day.

Lapa neighbourhood is not gay in itself but you can find a gay bar crawl very popular among local gays.

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?

If you really want to meet local gay people in an uncredible atmosphere with 3 different dance floors, and you do not mind to make a journey of 40 minutes by taxi you must absolutely go to Boate 1140 (Rua Cap. Menezes, 1140). It's open from Friday to Sunday. This is definitely an amazing place to spent a weekend night far from the tourist bubble of Ipanema and Copacabana. Go there before it becomes "The place to be".

How gay-friendly is your home city?

Rio de Janeiro and specially the neighbourhoods located in the south zone (Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon) is absolutely gay-friendly and one of the most openminded cities in South America.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Cariocas are not used to having brunch on weekends.

What is gay life like in Rio?

Posto 9 at Ipanema beach is the main meeting point of gay life in Rio. "Onde tudo acontece!!!" (It's where everything happens).

What are your favourite gay venues in Rio?

Chilling on the beach at the sunset, with friends and/or lovers.