2 Best Bars in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

Here the roda de samba—where musicians sit and play instruments around a central table (in fact the only table in this tiny bar)—is legendary, as is the help-yourself beer policy. The no-nonsense owner makes drink notations and keeps the crowd in check. The standards of the music here are as high as the bar is simple: big-name Brazilian musicians have been known to drop in for a jam session, and on weekend evenings the revelry often spills out onto the street.

The iconic Blue Note has opened a branch in one of the most musical cities in the world, the birthplace of bossa nova. Every week, big names in Brazilian and international music perform in concerts. Check the updated schedule on the website before you go. The bar also participates in special events in the city, such as the LGBTQ+ parade and New Year's Eve, selling VIP seats.