Rio doesn't plan. It shows up.

The Rio night

In Rio the night often starts at the beach: the sunset applauded at Arpoador, an ice-cold draught beer in the late afternoon and then samba in Lapa or at Pedra do Sal. The heat pulls everything onto the street, and bar tables take over the pavements until late.

Rio locals are famous for the "drop by sometime" that never happens, but when it comes to going out, improvising works. YesTonite builds on that: you see who else is going out today near you and, with one message, decide together where to show up.

In summer the streets never empty, and at Carnival the street parties take over the whole city, from the Centro to the Zona Sul.

Thursday to Saturday is when the city goes out most, but almost every night there's samba somewhere. Many people start at the corner bar and only decide the rest after the second beer.

Where Rio goes out

• LapaThe Arches, samba circles and live music venues make it the classic night-out spot.
• BotafogoSmall bars and lots of buzz, with busy streets on weeknights too.
• Pedra do SalOpen-air samba circle in the historic centre, near the port area.
• Santa TeresaSteep streets, old mansions and bars with views over the bay, for an unhurried start to the night.
• Ipanema and LeblonCorner bars and restaurants near the beach, with a calmer feel.
• CopacabanaBeachfront kiosks and traditional bars along Avenida Atlântica.