Marvelous City, is a destination that has always excited the imagination of the gay and lesbian traveler. Cosmopolitan Cariocas are friendly with gays, lesbians and trans-people, making you feel welcome almost everywhere. Language should not be a barrier. Most people you actually have to deal with understand basic English or Spanish. Others will try hard. And body language is universally understood, of course.
The beach is the perfect setting to make new friends, and find out what is going on. Go to Farme Gay in Ipanema, a little to the east of cross-street Farme de Amoedo. This spot attracts local TV stars, gays and lesbians, international celebrities but, most of all, this is Barbie land. Before you ask, Barbie is a term used by locals to describe muscular and well-off gay men who live on the South Side. Don't miss the gay dodge-ball and volleyball matches on Sundays.
Balcony Bar & Restaurant - Located right in front of the beach, this is one of the famous meeting places in Copacabana. Here, if you are a single man you can have dinner or lunch and not be alone. At any given time you will find about beautiful Brazilian women waiting to meet you. If you are looking for other tourists, this is also the place to be. You will meet people from all over the world that are very friendly and like to talk openly about their experience in Rio. Located at Av. Atlantica, 1424.
The Galeria Cafe, one of the first gay friendly houses in Rio, use their environment for both parties, exhibitions and other cultural events. From Wednesday to Saturday, the house opens during the day and night. From 10 am to 13h, the visitors can relax in chaise lounge reading a book and savoring a drink or even enjoying an exhibition. The Coffee Gallery reopens its doors again to 22.30, occur when the festival, performances and events to the sound of DJs. On Sundays during the day, is a bazaar of products from fashion, art, decor, jewelry, jewelry and accessories from 27 exhibitors. An event that happens every month is the CineSambalanço with unprecedented display short films and conversations with directors and guests. Djs animate the environment later in the day.
Also popular is Dama de Ferro -, Rua Vinicius de Moraes 288, Ipanema (tel. 021/2247-2330; www.damadeferro.com.br). Decorated by artist Adriana Lima, who also did the amazing decor at Galeria Café, Dama de Ferro is the it-spot at the moment, popular with gays and straights; high tolerance for electronic music is a must. Cover is R$10 to R$25 (US$4.20-US$10), open Wednesday through Sunday.
Le Boy, Rua Raul Pompeia 102, Copacabana (tel. 021/2513-4993; www.leboy.com.br.; Bus: 415), is the largest and best-known gay club in Rio. It's glamorous, funky, and extremely spacious with a soaring four-story ceiling hovering somewhere above the dance floor. A range of special events attracts national and international celebrities and assorted (beautiful) hangers-on. Go after 11pm, when things really start to hop. The club is open Tuesday through Sunday; cover ranges from R$5 to R$15 (US$2-US$6.25) for men. This may be the only club in town where women pay more than men; any night of the week the cover for women is set at a hefty R$60 (US$25). All for equal opportunity, Le Boy's owner recently inaugurated La Girl next door, Rua Raul Pompeia 102 (tel. 021/2247-8342), Rio's first truly upscale nightclub for gay women with excellent DJs and Gogo girl shows. La Girl is open on Monday and Wednesday to Sunday (men only allowed on Mon and Sun). Cover ranges from R$5 to R$10 (US$2-US$4.20).
The Copa, Rua Aires Saldanha 13 A, Copacabana (tel. 021/2256-7412; www.thecopa.com.br; Bus: 128), The Copa works for almost six years and moves the GLS night in one of the most famous neighborhoods in Rio, Copacabana. The house serves drinks, snacks and more complete meals for dinner. The decor is based on trends of the 50, 60 and 70, with original objects fetched into the breach and movable season, making the environment variable and pleasant.
The animation of the night is up to the resident DJs who play the best of new wave, dance, house, electro and pop, in addition to special guests to mark presence in events organized by the house. |
