A veritable Lapa institution, Rio Scenarium attracts huge numbers of tourists as well as the die hard local sambistas who still, thankfully, lead the way on the dancefloor to help the place retain an air of authenticity. The fact that the live bands are always exceptional doesn't hurt either, and since the venue is practically a museum of kitsch nick-nacks as well, the first impression is always a knockout, even if the queues to get in and host of other options nearby mean that you're unlikely to become a weekly regular.

The antique clock collection is as impressive as the doll collection is creepy, and having expanded on the already-massive three floors with a separate, spacious dancefloor complete with DJs and another bar, the capacity is huge. The food is also well worth a try, from roast beef sandwiches (R$24) to grilled camembert with apricot chutney and toast (R$45), the menu is varied, not overly expensive and a good excuse to arrive early and swerve the queues that snake down the road at weekends.