A bar-meets-club inside a large reformed mansion, Carioca da Gema simultaneously combines the historical remains of Lapa’s past with the modernity that make the area so beloved today. For live music, Carioca da Gema hits the spot with performances every night from choro and samba to sertanejo and MPB (Brazilian pop music) from some of Rio’s best and most established local musicians. Arrive early for chit-chat and excellent Brazilian food before the music starts as once the band begins to play, it’s all about sipping on potent cocktails and allowing yourself to get swept along with the compelling rhythms.

The name literally translates as ‘Rio to the yolk’, or in other words, born, bred, raised and fed on a diet of undiluted Rio and everything that entails. In this case, it's an innate love for the rhythm of samba. Carioca da Gema survived Lapa’s gritty past and now stands out as one of the most successful music halls around, complete with non-stop live samba and dancing seven nights a week and even a well-regarded pizza restaurant upstairs.

During the week, Carioca de Gema in Lapa is a reliable option. Here you can shuffle the night away to live music played by some of the best samba bands in Brazil. Staying in the Lapa, carnival-themed Baródromo hosts excellent live samba performances and is a great way to soak up some year-round carnival atmosphere.

Samba lovers of all ages flock to this downtown dance house, where the fleet of foot and supple of rump shimmy and shake around the dance floor. The club is housed in a tall and handsome colonial building, with a balcony overlooking the crowded streets of Lapa - perfect for people-watching and catching a breath of fresh air before you carry on your dance-athon. If you don't feel confident to take to the floor yourself, just admire the locals' skill and sip on a caipirinha until the Dutch courage kicks in.

The name literally translates as “Rio to the yolk”, or in other words, born, bred, raised and fed on a diet of undiluted Rio and everything that entails. In this case, it’s an innate love for the rhythm of samba. Carioca da Gema survived Lapa’s gritty past and now stands out as one of the most successful music halls around, complete with non-stop live samba and dancing seven nights a week and even a well-regarded pizza restaurant upstairs.

Carioca da Gema is one of the most popular nightclubs in Rio de Janeiro with live samba music. Samba lovers of all ages flock to this downtown dance house, where lithe legs and flexible torsos shake up the dance floor. Housed in a tall and imposing colonial building, the club has balconies overlooking the busy streets of Lapa, perfect for people-watching and getting a breath of fresh air before continuing dancing.

Carioca da Gema is a renowned samba bar in the historic Lapa district of Rio de Janeiro. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and live samba performances, the venue is a popular destination for those seeking an authentic Brazilian music experience along with a glass of cold beer. Carioca da Gema has an energetic ambience, talented musicians, and a diverse drink and food menu featuring traditional Brazilian dishes.

The clubs generally start to really heat up around midnight, so most visitors enjoy a late dinner at one of Rio's many trendy eateries or botequins (traditional Brazilian bar) before checking out the club scene at the Rio Scenarium, Comuna da Semente or Carioca da Gema. Lapa is a popular area for revellers, as is Gamba. Rio also has a vibrant gay party scene, with many bars and clubs in Copacabana and Ipanema.

This place has a super vibrant atmosphere and great live Brazilian music. Playing Samba and Bossa Nova, traditional bands entertain locals and tourists almost every night. The venue, located in the heart of Lapa, is frequented mainly by Brazilians; Carioca da Gema is a great option for a live samba band, small place, hence book a table in advance or make sure to go early to fully enjoy the night.

Put your dancing shoes on, this festive club in Lapa is a dependable night out, seven days a week. Here, bands play samba and choro, the popular Brazilian instrumental music, to a very lively crowd, mostly above the age of 30. The exposed brick walls and the small stage give this place a cozy feel, though ‘cozy’ turns to ‘crowded’ on busy weekend nights.

Em um casarão de dois andares no bairro da Lapa, está o Carioca da Gema, um dos bares mais animados da região. O local traz a combinação que é a cara do Rio de Janeiro: samba de raiz, petiscos de boteco e uma ampla carta de cervejas, drinks e caipirinhas. A música não se resume só aos fins de semana e, quase todos os dias, uma banda sobe ao palco.

For live music, the Carioca de Gema in Lapa and Beco das Garrafas in Copacabana ooze bossa nova and have quality live shows nearly every night. If you are lucky, some nights you can also catch some live samba music. Meanwhile, the Bossa Nova & Companhia store in Copacabana is the place to get all of your CDs, records, and bossa nova merch.

Bar de Gema opened its doors in 2009 after a group of recent graduates in gastronomy thought of the idea. Turns out it was worth it, and the student’s creative menu has received numerous awards. Da Gema has some of the best-fried bites, including polenta topped with oxtail ragu, shrimp rissoles, and its famous coxinha.

A trip through Brazilian music wouldn’t be complete without venturing over to Lapa. Usually more connected to Samba, this cultural area of the city (featured on our Bohemian Rio walk), is a hub of Rio’s nightlife. Virtually every evening, the streets come alive with bustling bars, many featuring live music.

Carioca de Gema is only a few doors down from Bar Leviano, and equally as fun. Their set up is a bit more formal, with a stage set up in the front so it feels more like a concert than a party. But you’ll still have scores of locals in the middle of the room dancing the night away to the live music.

O Bar Carioca da Gema fica localizado em um casarão de 2 andares no bairro da Lapa. Ganhador de diversos prêmios devido à sua programação musical mais que especial, o lugar recebe regularmente grandes artistas de choro, bossa nova e samba. É um bar do Rio de Janeiro ideal para os amantes do samba.

Carioca de Gema: Housed in an old mansion in Lapa, Carioca de Gema bears some similarities to Clube dos Democraticos, both in physical terms as well as the experience you can have within it. It also serves food, which is great if you need some fuel to power your maybe-questionable dance moves.

It’s all about samba at Bar Carioca da Gema, where sambistas play live music seven nights a week in a historic colonial home in Lapa. At the door, you’ll be given a white slip where your tab for the night will live. You’ll pay it on the way out, and if you lose it, well, good luck.

For a night of great live samba music, delicious caipirinhas, dancing, and mingling with locals and other visitors, head to Carioca da Gema. This lovely small venue in a beautifully restored historic building in Lapa offers live Brazilian music seven days a week.

Another gem in Lapa is Carioca da Gema, a cozy spot where samba reigns supreme. The intimate setting allows for an up-close experience with talented musicians. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike come together to celebrate Brazil’s most iconic dance.

The neighbor of Café Cultural Sacrilégio is just as nice and cozy. We have no preference. Compare the entrance fee you have to pay and the band involved in order to make a choice.