Best Concerts in Rio de Janeiro

Circo Voador is a venue that one can't easily forget, irrespective if you have been to a show there or have just seen it as you've passed by. A large tent-like structure, its name literally means the 'flying circus'. Located at Lapa, the venue is an open-air structure and takes advantage of Rio's tropical climate. Voador has played host to diverse genres in concerts and promises you a great time with the stars for company.

Teatro Das Artes was inaugurated in 1995 and is located at the Gavea Shopping Center. It has 421 seats and features other theaters and rooms like the Actors Theatre, blue room and red room at Das Artes. The place can be used to hold small to medium sized events. The acoustics of this theater are excellent and watching a play here make for a pleasurable experience. Like the Teatro Clara Nunes, the Teatro Das Artes largely hosts comedies too.

This lively samba club is housed in a beautiful old building that doubles as a storage warehouse for props and antiques used by the city's film industry. As a result, you will find yourself shaking a leg to a backdrop of mannequins, antique furniture and other relics from the past. Spread over three floors, revelers can chose to enjoy a meal from the restaurant, or just strut their stuff on the dance floor among bohemian locals and tourists alike. The club frequently hosts excellent live music, from samba to forro - check the website for listings. Always packed on weekends.

Named after the famous German-American author, Bar Bukowski is a firm favorite with Rio's young bohemians. The converted colonial building regularly features live music on the top floor, while DJs spin indie and alternative tunes downstairs. The venue also features a large outdoor drinking area with comfy seating and a bar. Those who like narguiles (hookahs) can try out the different flavors offered here.

The Cidade das Artes, or the City of Arts, is a state-of-the-art cultural center in Rio. It boasts great infrastructure and technical inventory to host events, shows, exhibitions and concerts of high calibre. It houses two concert halls, several multipurpose spaces, art galleries, theaters, as well as an on-site cafe and ample parking.

Teatro Odisséia has become an important landmark in the cultural scene of Rio de Janeiro. Its warehouse-industrial look gives it a casual and easy going atmosphere. It is more of a place for people to meet and exchange ideas, than a typical theater. If you want to dance, you can do that on the first floor of the building, where the bands perform. And the second floor has a small eatery where you can munch on oven fresh sandwiches. The floor above, is open for exhibitions and theatrical productions.