Host or Travel: Gay Rio de Janeiro Shakes Its Bunda in Ep. 2 of Our New Travel Series

Olá, gatas! We just got back from Rio for Episode 2 of our new series, Host or Travel, and if you thought the caipirinhas were strong, wait 'til you get a taste of the local flavor. The heat, the samba beats, the winding streets—Rio spoke to us, and we think it’ll speak to you, too.

In case you missed it, we got our glutes righteously wrecked climbing the Escadaria Selarón in Lapa, sipped bebidas with the artsy crowd in boho-chic Santa Teresa, and let the locals of Ipanema Beach gag us with how they handled a few volleyballs. And when the sun went down, we discovered that Rio nightlife is just as hot as its beaches—Club Turma OK had us sweating in all the right places.

But we only scratched the surface. And we’re not done scratching. So grab your sunscreen, your smallest sunga, and enough Rio-mance to make you think you're fluent in Portuguese.

Here’s our list of more spots you should check out.

Rio de Janeiro's Food

Aprazivel — Aprazível offers a rare and essential experience: the chance to slow down, indulge in organic flavors, and appreciate the beauty of your partner-in-dine. As you feast on some of the freshest Rio de Janeiro food, let your imagination run wild with all the ways you could work up an appetite for round two.

Bossa Lounge — Your soon-to-be favorite rooftop in the heart of Rio. With its stylish bar, smooth tunes, and jaw-dropping oceanside views, it's the perfect spot to get things rising higher than its 20th-floor perch.

Bar dos Descasados — While the name might mean "unmarried," after a few of their expertly crafted cocktails, you'll be ready to say "I do" to a night of indulgence. Let the goat cheese omelet be your wingman.

Rio Nightlife

Pink Flamingo — Flamingle at Copacabana's hottest gay bar in Rio de Janeiro, where the drinks are strong enough to make even the most rigid flag pole bend. The beats will have you shaking your tail feathers and hunting for your next juicy shrimp.

Tropik Beach — When all the sun and seawater leave you craving a different kind of wetness, hit up this spot for tropical cocktails that'll make your beach balls tingle and your coconuts stand tall and proud.

The Home — This sleek, sexy techno temple will have you sweating on the dance floor and playing in some darkly fun corners. Rave now, sleep later.

Arts and Culture

Crescer e Viver — Circus performances where the performers believe in freedom, self-expression, and the power of a well-timed wink. It’s daring, seductive, and just a little bit naughty—but don’t worry, they always practice safe-circus.

Fundiçao Progresso — Rio’s biggest independent cultural center where you can go and let your freak flag fly. Check out the art, music, and maybe a few urban farmers—perfect for getting down and dirty with some hoes.

Samba in Pedra Do Sal — Shake that bunda at the birthplace of samba. On Samba Day, it's a non-stop party of hot rhythms and sweaty bodies where anything can happen.

We came, we saw, we caipirinha'd. From the sun-kissed shores of Ipanema to the pulsing rhythms of Lapa, this city really knows how to make your bossa feel extra nova in all the right ways. So if you're wondering "is Brazil LGBT friendly?" the answer is a resounding yes—Brazil LGBT culture is thriving, and Rio is at the heart of it all. Até logo for now. 

See you in LA for Round 3. 

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments!