Gay and Gay Friendly Clubs / Discos in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

[TotallyOz]

Clubs/Discos

1 Le Boy | R. Raul Pompéia, 102 | 21 2513-4993 | http://www.leboy.com.br/site/

If this location seems familiar to you, chances are it's because you're already been to their sauna, Le Boy Fitness. The club part is ultra-famous among the Rio gay scene, with rent boys, go-go boys, drag shows, strip shows, and theme nights that really pack them in. If the bar seems dead, check the dark room for the action.

2 Buraco da Lacraia | Rua Andre Cavalcanti, 58 | 21 2242-0446 | http://buracodalacraia.com.br/portal/

There's a huge local crowd here of young hotties who come for the karaoke and drag shows, and stay for the dark room cruising action in this down-home club that has none of the pretension of the more chichi clubs, but all of the fun. Show up ready for anything, because anything goes here.

3 Cine Ideal | Rua da Carioca, 64 | 21 2221-1984 | http://cineideal.com.br/portal/

If you get tired of the at-times monotonous house music that's popular here, head up to the rooftop terrace for a bit of quiet, a great view of the city, and some flirty chatting with anyone who catches your eye. Note though that the house music can bring in a mixed crowd, but it's overwhelmingly gay.

4 The Week | R. Sacadura Cabral, 154 | 21 2253-1020 | http://www.theweek.com.br/

As you've come to expect from this high-end club chain, Rio's The Week is sleek, sexy and fun; this one is in a big ol' villa that they use to maximum effect. There are top DJs that bring in a hot crowd that's ready to party all night long. Note that security is tight here, so you'll need to have ID to enter and then given a bar registration card that you pay on the way out.

5 La Cueva | Rua Miguel Lemos, 51 | (21) 2267-1364 | http://www.boatelacueva.com.br/

Tired of the smooth Brazilian bodies everywhere? Then get your woof on at this cave-themed bear bar that skews a bit mature, but has plenty of young admirers milling about. Friday is the best night for action, and your entrance fee includes two drink tickets. Woof!

6 Lounge 69 | R. Prudente de Morais, 416 | 21 2522-0627 | no website

Lounge 69 has a bit of word-of-mouth, underground cache, but once inside it's like they imported a beach party directly from the shoreline. Order a fruity cocktail, and get your groove on under the laser light show that pulses in time to the tropical dance music.

7 Boite 1140 | Rua Capitão Menezes 1140 | 21-3017-1792 | http://www.boite1140.com.br/

You can get a VIP card from their website to get a discount at the door and other perks (don't be put off by the hetero stock images; it's gay, gay, gay). Then once inside, enjoy the live acts, drag shows, and top-notch guest DJ. It's a fun time!

8 Sinônimo | Rua Mem de Sá 118 | (21) 8635 9767 | http://www.sinonimolapa.com.br/

The Lapa neighborhood used to be known as a hetero playground, but Sinônimo has changed that, and has made a real impact on the gay nightlife scene. Doors open at 8pm in case you want to make an early night of it, but you'll most likely stick around 'til the wee hours as the DJ brings the funk and the live shows bring the crowd to their knees.

9 Papa G | Travessa Almerinda Freitas 42 | http://www.papag.com.br/PapaG/Inicio.html

It's worth the bit of a trek to get to Papa G to check out their packed schedule of entertainment and fun, with each night featuring a drag show, a live performance, and a different DJ. Check their schedule for theme nights, and splurge (relatively) on a VIP experience, which is all-you-can-drink.

10 Club Gayligula | Rua Ubaldino do Amaral, 50 | (22) 2461-44 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/gayligola.htm

We're putting this under both clubs and saunas, because while some may go for the facilities, others will insist it is a straight-up gay sex club there's no beating around the bush here! There are dark rooms, video rooms, glory holes, cruising areas but no escorts.

[msclelovr]

Thanks for all this info. Just a small point on Buraco da Lacraia (number 2 above) and La Cueva (number 5); you omitted the suffix .br and with it, these links work

http://buracodalacraia.com.br/portal/ http://www.boatelacueva.com.br/

[TotallyOz]

Thanks msclelovr, I have made the changes above to point to the correct URL. Much appreciated!

[Guest tagasian]

A big thank you TotallyOz, for the gay and gay friendly lists. It will make my trip easier. Trying to decide which ones to go to after doing the touristy things a first timer should see.....

[Guest parisrio2000]

I believe The Week in Rio is closed now.

[axiom2001]

Obrigado! I plan to use in the future!

[Theolover]

Great info.. Thanks

[ihpguy]

LaCueva is more "inter-generational" than "bear" from my experience.