Top Bars in Rio De Janeiro – Most Viewed (2025)
Experience Rio de Janeiro's magnificent bar scene with beachfront cocktail bars along Copacabana, rooftop venues with Christ the Redeemer views, and trendy speakeasies in the up-and-coming neighborhoods. Discover craft beer bars in the historic districts, sophisticated cocktail lounges in the city center, and traditional Brazilian bars in the old town. From classic Brazilian hospitality to experimental molecular mixology, Rio offers a unique blend of beach culture, carnival spirit, and contemporary cocktail innovation in Brazil's most beautiful coastal city.

Founded in 1985 in the Leblon neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, Academia da Cachaça has earned its reputation as a shrine to Brazil’s beloved spirit. From the moment you step inside, the ethos is clear: here cachaça is not a side-drink — it’s the main event. The décor reflects a vibrant Brazil-with-flair aesthetic: colourful accents, inside/outside seating, and a convivial atmosphere that feels both local and welcoming to visitors. Located at Rua Conde Bernadotte 26 in Leblon, the bar is positioned in one of Rio’s most upscale beach-side neighbourhoods. On the drink side, expect an enormous variety of cachaças — from traditional white to aged, artisan bottlings — and expertly made caipirinhas that highlight seasonal fruits, honey, or regional flavours. For example, a highlighted cocktail is the “Caipirinha Acadêmica” made with limão galego, mel (honey) and cachaça Seleta. Food-wise, the house serves authentic Brazilian fare: legendary feijoada available every day, generous in portion, plus bar-style snacks and traditional dishes that pair perfectly with the drinks. The vibe is lively rather than club-wild — you’ll find groups sipping flights of cachaça, friends gathered for drinks, and diners enjoying a long meal. It’s a great spot to learn about Brazilian drinking traditions, taste varied flavours and soak up the local scene. The outdoor tables in Leblon make it even more relaxed, especially in the early evening. According to a travel review: “The caipirinhas were also a 10/10… the feijoada was absolutely delicious… the variety of cachaça available at the bar adds to the unique experience.” Tips: Ask for a cachaça tasting flight so you can sample white vs aged. If you’re going for feijoada, get there relatively early — the portions are big. Although the house is well-known, it maintains a friendly, non-pretentious feel. Dress smart-casual suits nicely.

Nestled at Av. Bartolomeu Mitre 1314 in the leafy Gávea district of Rio de Janeiro, Bosque Bar is less a standard bar and more a hybrid of outdoor lounge, nightclub and party terrace. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the setting stands out: many parts of the venue feel open-air or semi-outdoor, with lush vegetation or natural touches around the terrace and bar area. According to the tourism board, the bar offers “a stunning view of Christ the Redeemer” in a “space full of the wonders and charms of Rio’s nature.” The crowd tends to skew younger, energetic and party-oriented. Several reviews describe Bosque Bar as “a vibe – the crowd was enjoying the music … very thick crowd” where the night is built around dancing, socialising and late-night drinking. Music programming varies by night but often leans into DJ sets, live music and samba-inflected rhythms. In terms of drinks and food, you’ll find a usual mix of cocktails (signature and classic), beers and spirits, alongside bar snacks like sandwiches, fries, hot dogs and lighter fare. The website mentions “more than 40 drinks … kebabs, pastries, fries, sandwiches and hot dogs” as part of the kitchen offering. Nestled at Av. Bartolomeu Mitre 1314 in the leafy Gávea district of Rio de Janeiro, Bosque Bar is less a standard bar and more a hybrid of outdoor lounge, nightclub and party terrace. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the setting stands out: many parts of the venue feel open-air or semi-outdoor, with lush vegetation or natural touches around the terrace and bar area. According to the tourism board, the bar offers “a stunning view of Christ the Redeemer” in a “space full of the wonders and charms of Rio’s nature.” The crowd tends to skew younger, energetic and party-oriented. Several reviews describe Bosque Bar as “a vibe – the crowd was enjoying the music … very thick crowd” where the night is built around dancing, socialising and late-night drinking. Music programming varies by night but often leans into DJ sets, live music and samba-inflected rhythms. In terms of drinks and food, you’ll find a usual mix of cocktails (signature and classic), beers and spirits, alongside bar snacks like sandwiches, fries, hot dogs and lighter fare. The website mentions “more than 40 drinks … kebabs, pastries, fries, sandwiches and hot dogs” as part of the kitchen offering. Do keep in mind: entry fees may apply (especially on busy nights) and the bar can get crowded and intense. One review mentions: “the entrance fee may be relatively high … if you’re foreign, be cautious of potential price discrepancies.” Wanderlog Overall, Bosque Bar offers a flavourful slice of Rio nightlife—where nature meets dancing, terrace meets DJ booth, and the energy builds into the early hours. If you’re in Gávea, dressed to go out and ready for a lively night under the trees, it’s a strong pick. Do keep in mind: entry fees may apply (especially on busy nights) and the bar can get crowded and intense. One review mentions: “the entrance fee may be relatively high … if you’re foreign, be cautious of potential price discrepancies.” Overall, Bosque Bar offers a flavourful slice of Rio nightlife—where nature meets dancing, terrace meets DJ booth, and the energy builds into the early hours. If you’re in Gávea, dressed to go out and ready for a lively night under the trees, it’s a strong pick.
