Brazil · SAMBA & CARNIVAL NIGHTS
13 reviewed
Samba in Rio is not a theatre show unless you book one. It is Pedra do Sal on a Monday, the Lapa arches on a Friday, and a rehearsal shed in the north zone every month of the year. The 13 best nights out sit below, together with the beginner classes worth an hour beforehand, with what you drink, how late it runs and what it costs.
Learn beginner samba in Ipanema with a carnival queen. Small group, step-by-step coaching, plus costume photos and videos.
“Gaby was such an incredible teacher who was patient, entertaining and lovely to meet. It was such a fun experience right before Carnival with amazing music and fun dance routines. I highly recommend to book this experience and have Gaby showcase a snippet of Brazilian culture.”
A 4-hour Lapa pub crawl with cachaça tasting, free caipirinha, live samba, and a DJ nightclub finale, guided for safety and fun.
“Excellent tour by lovely people. Would highly recommend, made it fun, interesting and safe!”
Experience Rio Carnival backstage at Samba City, tour Grande Rio’s float and costume prep, try outfits, learn samba, and end with caipirinha.
“This was such a fun activity! The guides went out of their way to entertain and everyone on the tour, no matter their age, had a great time!”
Hop-on hop-off Rio Samba Bus blends samba and MPB, bilingual audio, and iconic stops like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf in one day.
“It is a bus with only one level- up top with no shade at all. It was hot! Since there weren’t ear plugs, it was just a recording over speaker- you couldn’t really hear what they were saying. I thought we’d get closer to Christ the Redeemer but it was just in the distance. At least they sold cold beer on board….”
One-hour samba crash course in Copacabana with bilingual instructors, water, and nightlife tips. Beginner-friendly. From $25.
“It was fun. very beginners friendly. The only thing I did not like was that there were too any people in the studio so it was difficult to fully engage with the activity.”
Ginga Tropical Samba and Folklore in Rio: live dancers, live music, a samba class, and audience interaction at Teatro Fashion Mall.
“The dancers are amazing with high energy. So entertaining, well worth your time and money.”
Brazilian samba and folklore at Rio's Centro Cultural Veneza, with a samba class, live drums, and a Carnival finale for $65.
“Immensely entertaining and a fantastic way to spend an evening after a day at the beach or touring this stunning city. Have a caipirinha (or 3 - we did) before the show and enjoy this infectiously fun experience. Quick and easy Uber ride away from the popular beach areas will have you back at your hotel before midnight.”
Visit Pedra do Sal, learn Little Africa samba roots, and join a live street samba night with a local guide and included welcome drink.
“We were initially apprehensive about going to Pedra do sol after hearing mixed comments regarding safety. As soon as we met with our guide Gustavo and the lovely family that were also on the trip, we felt immediately at ease. Gastavo was brilliant, telling us about the history of the area and making sure that we had a great time. We can’t recommend this trip enough! Probably our favourite so far.”
Rio de Janeiro samba class and night tour with a bilingual instructor, included ticket and transfer, plus guided dancing at a samba club.
“Bruno was a fantastic teacher and guide. The street party was a fabulous experience and something we would never have attempted (or even known about) on our own.”
Pura Vida Hostel in Copacabana, Tuesday night: Caipirinha workshop and 1-hour Samba class with 2 cocktails and a Gabriela shot.
“Wonderful sooooo much! Easy to book and the guides were wonderful. It’s a little tricky to find just type in the name of the hostel it’s up the hill, but had an amazing time. Came as a solo and meet people definitely book you will enjoyed it a lot”
Hop on the Rio Samba Bus for a guided 2-hour loop through Copacabana, Sugarloaf, Lapa, and Christ the Redeemer, with music onboard.
“Pouvoir prendre le bus à n’importe quel arrêt à l’heure que l’on veut ou peu .😔perdu notre activité parce que on pouvait pas ce rendre à l’arrêt de départ”
Learn samba in Copacabana in about 1 hour. No experience needed, bottled water included, and you can try carnival costume options.
“Amazing experience! Great instructor who was a great dancer, energetic, and shared his playlist with us afterwards.”
Learn Samba de Roda in Salvador at Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba. English-led, beginner-friendly, and packed with cultural context.
“Samba was a delight. Our instructor was knowledgeable and helped us to learn the basic steps. It was very fun. I would highly recommend it.”
