From sunset to sunrise with a veteran of the Carioca nightlife scene
With the Lapa Arches, favelas and Christ the Redeemer immortalised on her arm, it is clear that this girl from Minas Gerais has come to call Rio de Janeiro her home. A beautiful blond with a charming and infectious smile, Nicole Nandes knows Rio’s nighlife scene like the back of hand. With decades of experience working as a promoter in some of the city’s former top venues, including Bunker, Dama de Ferro and Club 69, today she is an influential figure in the city’s ever‐growing rap and hip hop scene. I live for the night but i also love the daytime. I get around a lot, know a lot of places and I love the majority of the place that I go to. It was almost an impossible task to choose” she reveals about her top tips to get the best out of carioca days and nights for those that are serious about partying.
Leme Beach provides the perfect setting for those classic late afternoons in Rio, being the most tranquil spot along the Copacabana coast. At the foot of Pedra do Leme, there are various places to grab a beer and a nibble until night falls. “Quiosque Pedra do Leme serves one of the best sardine dishes in Rio” Nicole advises. For those that really want to chill just get comfy on the sea wall where you’ll find yourself in the company of all the fishing enthusiasts. “A great spot to watch the sun go down or enjoy a full‐mooned night.”
Address
: Avenida Atlântica, QL 15A , Leme
Phone
: +55 (21) 3228-6748
Schedule:
Sun 08:00 às 00:00, Mon 08:00 às 00:00, Thu 08:00 às 00:00, Fri 08:00 às 00:00
In the quiet neighbourhood of Horto, on Rua Pacheco Leão you’ll find some hidden gastronomic gems, establishments that are brimming with charm. One of the new highlights is Sobe, a place that is as about as laid back as it gets. “The bar has a gorgeous decor, with a retractable roof and a huge palm tree in the middle; perfect vibes. Then menu is fabulous as are the cocktails.” The venue always has a great music line‐up at the weekend, with live jazz and DJs as well as putting on seasonal events featuring guest chefs.
Samba, rock, reggae, MPB, classics and newcomers continue to grace the stage at Circo, as its affectionately known, one of the most iconic venues for the city’s youth and music scenes. “The programme is always impeccable, entry never expensive and even better still, it’s right in the heart of Lapa with the arches providing the backdrop. And the energy there can only be understood by those that have been. Circo is more than just a gig venue, it is part of the city’s cultural vanguard” Nicole emphasises, and she would know being a regular mainly during the national rap and hip hop event they host here.
For 25 years Rio’s biggest hip hop and R’n’B (charme in Brazil) parties have been taking place under the Negrão de Lima Viaduct in northern suburban neighbourhood of Madureira. The party goes down every Saturday night, with resident as well as guest DJs from all over Brazil, spinning rap, hip hop and R’n’B. There are still very few cariocas who have been to this party. It is one of the must‐visits for any lover of black music, and if you really want to experience the real culture of Rio which includes the North Zone too! Nearby there is also the Portela samba school and Parque Madureira, with the best street skate courses in Rio.”
A bar of renown, abundant supplies of beer, cachaça and Brazilian bbq until 5 in the morning. This the Copacabana legend that is Galeto Sat’s, an old gem of carioca late nights. “A great place for a post‐night‐out drink or for a Sunday hang out. It is famous for its delicious grilled chicken hearts, the best I’ve eaten in the city, for its garlic bread, another speciality, and of course for its grilled chicken. They know how to pull a beer well here and Rio’s bohemians are grateful!”
