Minors are not legally allowed at night clubs, but sometimes it seems they forgot to warn the door people about it. Beer and liquor are served at most venues, usually without the need to present any I.D. You do not have to tip bartenders, but tips are appreciated. Now that you know all the basics, let's go club-hopping!

You don't have to go far from your hotel to reach the clubs. Try Baronetti, Nova Lounge and Spazio in Ipanema, Melt, in Leblon,  Sky Lounge in Lagoa, and 00 (Zero Zero) in Gavea.

In Copa the scene is a very mixed. Bunker has different parties every weekend with guest DJ's, and attracts an alternative crowd. Mariuzinn, with 30 years of tradition, moved on to the main street (the old headquarters is now home to a lesbian club).

Humaitá, Flamengo, Botafogo and Centro also have good dance clubs. The area around Lapa is now very popular, with clubs like Rio Scenarium and Carioca da Gema. Many rave parties happen in Centro, too. The piers, an old train station, warehouses, and a movie theater of the turn of the century have already been the setting of unforgettable parties. Fundição Progresso is where mega-parties usually happen, attracting as many as 5,000!

In Barra the clubs are predictably located in the malls, like São Thome or the Hard Rock Cafe. Av. Armando Lombardi is known as Baixo Barra due to the concentration of night clubs. Nuth Lounge since its opening gathers a lot of beautiful people, and some of the best DJ`s. Shenaningan`s, Bombar and Guapo Loco with their branches in Barra are also guaranteed fun alternatives. Rave parties sometimes happen in locations off-Barra like Vargem Grande. On Friday local newspapers publish an entertainment supplement with listings of the main parties happening on the weekend. Flyers are distributed on the beach, and at some cool boutiques in Ipanema, Leblon or the malls.