Rio Scenarium
Rio Scenarium
4.5
7:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday
7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday
7:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
8:00 PM - 3:00 AM
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Centro
Downtown Rio is the place where this city was born. With modern skyscrapers sharing space with historical buildings and landmarks, this neighbourhood is living proof that the old and the new can live together harmoniously. As you would expect, downtown is where all major companies house their offices. However, the region isn’t restricted to businesses. Gems such like the “Paço Imperial,” which is a cultural centre that used to serve as a residence for governors of Brazil, can be found here. Pedra do Sal, a Monday night street party, is also in this neighbourhood. This landmark is the birthplace of samba and is famous for its “roda de sambas” (“dance circles”). Stop in for one and get closer to discovering where Brazilian happiness comes from.
How to get there
- Presidente Vargas • 8 min walk
- Carioca • 8 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,145 within 5 kms
Attractions
626 within 10 kms
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4.5
2,415 reviews
Excellent
1,558
Very good
637
Average
109
Poor
53
Terrible
58
ABGSC
Washington DC, DC119 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is literally a tourist trap. We waited for about 30 minutes to get into this ramshackle club. I didn’t mind so much as we chatted with fellow line standers and listed to music. There is no VIP or bottle service at this venue. Scenarium is a three level old mansion with effectively folding tables and chairs scattered about that they serve drinks and food at. We were forewarned about the food so stayed away. On the second floor there is a connection to a dance club. That part was ok. The DJ played a mix of Brazilian, Latin and American top 40 hits. One positive thing about this club is that you will likely find some English speaking patrons and to some degree staff.
The problem comes when you go to leave the venue. Instead of using credit cards or cash to pay as you go, they take your photo upon entry and give you a house charge card to charge your drinks/food on. At the end of the night everyone has to queue up, turn in their cards and pay their tab. This resulted in an hour long line TO GET OUT OF THE CLUB!
If you go and you’re even thinking about leaving, get in line. There is nothing worse than feeling trapped in a venue in a place that is not your own. God only knows what would happen if you lost your card and someone else started charging to it or if a waiter mixed them up.
Besides being a fire hazard of mass proportions and a museum of junk (read armless statues not like Venus) this place just isn’t worth it. Enjoy it from the outside and visit a better bar on the same street.
The problem comes when you go to leave the venue. Instead of using credit cards or cash to pay as you go, they take your photo upon entry and give you a house charge card to charge your drinks/food on. At the end of the night everyone has to queue up, turn in their cards and pay their tab. This resulted in an hour long line TO GET OUT OF THE CLUB!
If you go and you’re even thinking about leaving, get in line. There is nothing worse than feeling trapped in a venue in a place that is not your own. God only knows what would happen if you lost your card and someone else started charging to it or if a waiter mixed them up.
Besides being a fire hazard of mass proportions and a museum of junk (read armless statues not like Venus) this place just isn’t worth it. Enjoy it from the outside and visit a better bar on the same street.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snorre V
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Nice building and things inside. But samba was average, drinks very expensive and DJ was not good. Beer and drinks cost almost the double that Lapa who is 400 meters away. Also 35 reals in covercharge first.
The DJ was just playing 70-80 rock and twist, and not latin, brazilian, pop or light techno/rap. So was not a good place to varied dance.
So we went to Lapa afterwards and was much better in all ways.
The DJ was just playing 70-80 rock and twist, and not latin, brazilian, pop or light techno/rap. So was not a good place to varied dance.
So we went to Lapa afterwards and was much better in all ways.
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miren Savard
Calgary, Canada41 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We booked a show where the tickets said there was a samba show at 9 pm. We came, got a table and waited for the show. At 10 pm, there was still no show. We asked and they rescheduled it to 1 am without informing us! I was with my children so there was no way we would wait to 1 am and besides, that’s a 4 hour delay! We would not have bought tickets if we knew beforehand the show was at 1 am. It’s basically a nightclub. I am so disappointed, I have a bad taste in my mouth for Brazilian culture if they think this is acceptable behaviour. No one gave me a refund. Don’t ruin your vacation. Do not go here.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
selwyn a
Melbourne, Australia487 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Need to arrive early to get a decent table. Long lines & very slow moving as well. Virtually no English & no well organised. Great samba music but food & drinks pretty limited & lots of deep fried options. Drinks beer & Caiperinhia only. Staff not well trained & unaware of what was included in cover charge. Great ambience with lots of eclectic art & collectables on display. The street outside is also entertaining & quite safe
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sofi NS
Athens, Greece22,973 contributions
Aug 2019
For me, if you wanna see Rio's beauty and glamour you don't go to Copacabana. You go to Rio Scenarium and the area around it. The place itself has grown larger over the years as it acquired adjacent rooms and incorporated then into the concept bar. You take at the entrance a card where all your orders, drink and food are charged there and you pay as you exit at the cashiers. There are 3 stories on the building each decorated into a unique concept, from classic to bizarre. The decorator nailed it. From a wall full of clocks to music instruments and furnitures all is carefully chosen and placed. The band playing on the first floor can be seen through an atrium from all other floors. The food menu is limited to 10-12 basic dishes but is enough for the occasion. There are also prive rooms. I adored it.
Written 1 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CamiMasdeu
Tortuguitas, Argentina46 contributions
Sept 2017
After reading a million reviews about Rio Scenarium and some recommendations, I was still unsure about what to expect and if we were going to like it.
We were in Rio for 4 days for my husbands birthday and no kids. We went to all the best restaurants and recommended attractions and after having seeing it all I have to say this is definitely a MUST when visiting Rio!
Reservations are highly recommended so you can get a good table on the first floor infront of the band. The show usually starts at 8:30pm and depending on the day they have different artists and type of music. Ours was Samba and Bossanova. Food is not great at all but bare in mind you are not there for the food! The picanha didn't look good so we just ordered some empanadas and grilled shrimp and rice and it was OK. The service, by our two waiters named Eduardo was impeccable and better than many Michelin star restaurants and 5* hotels! We were taken care by them like royalty! Every additional beer we ordered they changed our glass and brought ice cold ones! Kudos to them because they were AMAZING and made our night a truly fantastic one!
The ambiance is really lively, fun, unique and relaxed... you will see all kinds of people and dress codes.
If you want to have fun, listen to some great live music, dance, people watchor meet someone, this is the place to be! On the second floor there is even a nightclub if you prefer more Dance/Electronic music. We were there for a while and it was great!
We were there from 8:30pm to 1:30am! Trust me and don't miss the chance to visit it!
We were in Rio for 4 days for my husbands birthday and no kids. We went to all the best restaurants and recommended attractions and after having seeing it all I have to say this is definitely a MUST when visiting Rio!
Reservations are highly recommended so you can get a good table on the first floor infront of the band. The show usually starts at 8:30pm and depending on the day they have different artists and type of music. Ours was Samba and Bossanova. Food is not great at all but bare in mind you are not there for the food! The picanha didn't look good so we just ordered some empanadas and grilled shrimp and rice and it was OK. The service, by our two waiters named Eduardo was impeccable and better than many Michelin star restaurants and 5* hotels! We were taken care by them like royalty! Every additional beer we ordered they changed our glass and brought ice cold ones! Kudos to them because they were AMAZING and made our night a truly fantastic one!
The ambiance is really lively, fun, unique and relaxed... you will see all kinds of people and dress codes.
If you want to have fun, listen to some great live music, dance, people watchor meet someone, this is the place to be! On the second floor there is even a nightclub if you prefer more Dance/Electronic music. We were there for a while and it was great!
We were there from 8:30pm to 1:30am! Trust me and don't miss the chance to visit it!
Written 11 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aamnas-Travels
Scotland, UK23 contributions
July 2017 • Friends
If you're around Rio at the weekend I think a night out to Rio Scenarium is a must. We unfortunately didn't anticipate how popular this place would be on a Saturday night so weren't able to get a dinner reservation, but went for drinks after. There are several bars (specialising in every type of cocktail) split over three floors and also a club.
The decor is brilliant; very vintage and luxurious, with lots of quirky items on display. There are two live bands (on separate floors) playing jazz / samba throughout the evening until just after midnight, after which the DJ takes over in the club. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, and the scenarium caters to people of all ages in my opinion (there are plenty of places to lounge if you're looking for a quieter evening, or you can go clubbing). Be prepared to meet plenty of tourists and locals alike. You're guaranteed to have a great time even if you can't samba at all.
Overall I would say this place is suitable for anyone looking to have a fun evening out. Just bear in mind it is quite expensive (has a R$50 entry fee, and you don't pay for drinks until you're leaving the scenarium at the end of the night....)
The decor is brilliant; very vintage and luxurious, with lots of quirky items on display. There are two live bands (on separate floors) playing jazz / samba throughout the evening until just after midnight, after which the DJ takes over in the club. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, and the scenarium caters to people of all ages in my opinion (there are plenty of places to lounge if you're looking for a quieter evening, or you can go clubbing). Be prepared to meet plenty of tourists and locals alike. You're guaranteed to have a great time even if you can't samba at all.
Overall I would say this place is suitable for anyone looking to have a fun evening out. Just bear in mind it is quite expensive (has a R$50 entry fee, and you don't pay for drinks until you're leaving the scenarium at the end of the night....)
Written 14 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Preshie143
London, UK70 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
Scam! Do not go. We ended up here after a recommendation and from the reviews from the locals, we decided to give the place a try. I'm not one for Samba but thought it would be a nice experience while in Rio.
Once entering the venue, there are no signs that there is an entry fee. We took our seats, had something to eat and then went downstairs to dance to the live music until we decided to leave. At this point, the service and atmosphere was below average. I was secretly wishing that I had gone to the bar in my hotel.
On entry, you are presented with a card which records everything you eat/drink. You then pay when you exit the restaurant.
On leaving, we noticed a charge of 65 BRL each. Once we asked what the charge was for, we were told that it was an entry fee. There are no signs of explaining that there is an entry fee in Portuguese or English at the door and no one notifies you of this.
We asked for a manager, Maldo Moises, who was extremely rude and told us that it was our fault that we couldn't pay! The point was not that we couldn't pay but that we were not told of the charge and he could not point us to anywhere on entry or on a leaflet which advertises a door charge. He was speaking to both a Corporate Banker and an Energy Economist. His poor attitude and lack
of customer service was the issue.
Do not come here. It is a trap. The food is not great and the service is awful. The 1 star reviews are very accurate.
Once entering the venue, there are no signs that there is an entry fee. We took our seats, had something to eat and then went downstairs to dance to the live music until we decided to leave. At this point, the service and atmosphere was below average. I was secretly wishing that I had gone to the bar in my hotel.
On entry, you are presented with a card which records everything you eat/drink. You then pay when you exit the restaurant.
On leaving, we noticed a charge of 65 BRL each. Once we asked what the charge was for, we were told that it was an entry fee. There are no signs of explaining that there is an entry fee in Portuguese or English at the door and no one notifies you of this.
We asked for a manager, Maldo Moises, who was extremely rude and told us that it was our fault that we couldn't pay! The point was not that we couldn't pay but that we were not told of the charge and he could not point us to anywhere on entry or on a leaflet which advertises a door charge. He was speaking to both a Corporate Banker and an Energy Economist. His poor attitude and lack
of customer service was the issue.
Do not come here. It is a trap. The food is not great and the service is awful. The 1 star reviews are very accurate.
Written 28 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan H
Stockholm, Sweden28 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This a great samba club, but don’t eat here. Tried strips which they had not even warmed up! Since the music is so good I gave them a three but the food is zero!
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dhteodoro
Geneva, Switzerland2 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
I fight started on the first floor, next to the band and no security appeared. Then, I guy that was in the fight got a gun out of his bag and shot the other guy, 1 meter away from him. No security came. Only his friends split up the fight. He was not put out of the place by any security. He stayed there and was treated as he was the victim. The staff justified he was a cop. Despite having a metal detector in the entrance, they allowed him to enter armed. The place put everyone lives at risk allowing this cop entering the place with a gun. After the fight and shot, there was blood on the floor. The only action that the staff did quickly was to clean it. There were 50% or more tourists in the place. It happened less than 1 meter from us and we have no idea of what happened to the guy that was shot.
Written 12 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear dhteodoro,
At august 11th, an Federal Agent arrived at Rio Scenarium and, upon entering, the metal detector advising that the agent was carrying a weapon. In accordance with standard procedure, security staff requested that he present his license and identify the weapon for the required safety registration, which he did.
The federal agent presented his identification and invoked the Federal Law which allows for the possession of firearms in public and private places.
During a misunderstanding with a client, the agent took out his weapon and fired at the client. The 5th Police Precinct was called and two officers charged the federal agent, bringing him to the police station. He was detained in flagrant violation in accordance with the Anti-Terrorism Law in effect during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
The victim, who was conscious, received first aid on the spot and was taken by ambulance to Hospital Souza Aguiar, where he is well and in the process of recovery.
We’re very sorry about that. We always worked to protect and do the best as possible for our clients and was the first time this ever happened. We’ll work to do the best and never occur again. Please, we’d like to invite you to come back to revel out this bad impression.
Our sincere apologies
Scenarium Group
Written 15 August 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oí, por favor, eu gostaria de saber qual seria a idade minima para entrar?
Obrigada
Written 27 February 2024
Estoy por reservar en la página web, a la hora de elegir la mesa me sale en diferentes lados, cuál es el más recomendable, ya que no aparece bien qué piso es o qué vista tiene, cuál recomiendan elegir?
Written 20 January 2024
En la página para reservar me salen varios lugares, cuál es el mejor asiento o cuál es la mejor mesa que me recomienden elegir???
Written 20 January 2024
Crianças pagam ingressos? Tenho um menino de 10 e uma menina de 4. Eles podem entrar?
Written 3 July 2022
não sei te responder ! estavamos somente em adultos !
Written 4 July 2022
Qual melhor horário? Sáb de dia ou a noite? Só toca samba?
Written 4 October 2020
Há estacionamento próximo? O local é perigoso para ir desde a estação da carioca?
Written 3 January 2020
Olá, sim te um estacionamento próximo na rua ao lado, em frente a delegacia, este fica até as 4hs da manhã (pois alguns fecham as 00hs). Quanto a ir da estação da Carioca (a pé) dependendo do horário até dá pra ir. Eu não costumo andar a pé por ali a noite. O Rio é uma grande cidade, então sempre há um perigo.
boa sorte e boa diversão.
Written 3 January 2020
Can I bring my 2 year old kid in? If not where can I go in rio and see samba dancers with my child?
Written 30 September 2019
Depende do evento e do período. Pode variar de 40 a 80 reais.
Written 2 October 2019
Puedo ingresar a comer y escuchar música con mi hija de 10 años?
Written 1 February 2019
No creó que dejen entrar a menores de edad... Pero no te lo puedo asegurar..
Written 2 February 2019
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