Events
Rio is the best gay destination in the world!
Services specialized in this segment are becoming ever more frequent in the city, showing how important those tourists are
Rio is the best gay destination in the world!
Elected as the best gay destination in the world, Rio de Janeiro now confirms, through many attractions, why it is worthy of such title. Besides its endless natural beauty, the city also counts on an extensive schedule focused on gay tourism, which, according to recently carried surveys, is the most prominent segment in the industry. Hotels, restaurants, bars and night-clubs, besides rental car services and cab services specialized in servicing LGBT tourists represent the biggest difference that makes Rio a receptive city by nature.
- That is yet another victory which comes to reiterate Rio de Janeiro’s vocation as one of the best touristic destinations in the world. Rio welcomes everyone with open arms and it would not be any different with LGBT public” – said Antônio Pedro Figueira de Melo, the Rio de Janeiro Tourism secretary after Rio was elected the best gay destination in the world, at a contest held by Logo channel, in MTV, and website Outtriptravel.
One fourth of the approximately three million foreign tourists that visit Rio every year belong to the LGBT segment. From that total, 75% are men, with ages ranging between 20 and 35 years old and who remain in the city for an average of five days. According to the Ministry of Tourism, a gay tourist will spend approximately US$ 200 per day, against the US$ 74 spent by a heterosexual tourist.
The numbers and visitors satisfaction only reinforce the image of Rio as one of the main touristic destinations in the world. To fashion designer Carlos Tufvesson, member of the State of Rio de Janeiro LGBT Council and of the Rio City Hall Guaranty of Rights Committee, one of the main factor which rendered it possible for Rio to win is the fact that the city welcomes its visitors very well, and also offers an extensive and varied choice of activities.
- Rio is one of the few cities in the world that is inclusive by nature, because it has an extensive array of activities focused on leisure and fun, particularly between the months of December and January, and those aspects are increasingly attractive to the LGBT segment.
Tufvesson also highlights how significant is the diversity of programs the city has to offer tourists. According to him, all places in the city today are gay friendly, due to law no. 2.475/1996, which does not allow discrimination in any commercial facilities. Therefore, people tend to get together much more because they share the same tastes – in music, food – rather than due to sexual orientation.
Among the places most visited by LGBT tourists are the quarter of Ipanema, with its countless bars and night-clubs, as well as the beach that is known as the most democratic in the world; Tijuca Forest – the world’s largest urban forest. The Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer (selected as one of the wonders of the modern world) and the Botanic Garden are also to be highlighted. On Friday nights, one of the greatest symbols of Carioca bohemian life, the quarter of Lapa, gathers a vast number of Gay tourists, which are spread among the many bars and musical show theatres.
Electronic music parties are also among the most sought by LGBT tourists. The main events are “Moo” party, held in Centro (Downtown) and “Revolution”, which gathers DJs renowned all over the world. Each season the party is held at a different location, such as the Museum of Modern Art at Aterro do Flamengo, and “Armazém 5” (Warehouse 5) at Cais do Porto, in the city docks.
Still in accordance with a Carioca research institute (*), the main markets providing LGBT tourists are Europe and North America, which together represent 70% of the amount of visitors. Due to the fact that their standards are rated as “A”, they tend to stay in five star hotels, such as the Copacabana Palace, in Copacabana, Fasano, in Ipanema, Marina Palace, in Leblon and Santa Teresa Hotel, in the charming quarter with the same name.
- And this is only getting better: we gave our full support to the campaign for having Rio elected as the world’s best Gay destination and we want to continue serving well and improving the quality of services rendered to this segment of society – says the secretary of Tourism.
Restaurants such as “Gero”, in Ipanema, specialized in Italian cuisine; “Aprazível”, in Santa Teresa and “Garcia e Rodrigues”, in Leblon, are highly favoured by LGBT tourists visiting the city. Besides those, “Zazá”, in Ipanema and “Alessandro e Frederico”, in Leblon, are also much appreciated.
The city also offers actual consumerism temples, such as Shopping Leblon mall, in Zona Sul (the South Zone) and Barra Shopping mall, at Barra da Tijuca, which gather internationally known luxury brands such as Armani Exchange, Sara Chofakian, and places for leisure and entertainment, such as movie theatres with 3D technology, restaurants specialized in the most varied cooking styles as well as theatres.
Services specialized in this segment are becoming ever more frequent in the city, showing how important those tourists are. One of the best highlights is Nova Aliança cab services cooperative, specialized in transporting gays and lesbians, and which serves all of Rio, particularly the South Zone. Tourism Agency “Rio G”, in Ipanema, specialized in LGBT tourism, offers specific tourism packages which include visits to the city’s main touristic spots.
In order to guarantee the improvement on services rendered to tourists, the City Hall is already investing in manpower training and specialization, such as teaching foreign languages, specialized services for public of various age ranges and needs. The Tourism Secretariat also has a website (www,rioguiaoficial.com.br) displaying all activities available in the city, suggestions and an icon meant exclusively for LGBT viewers. The guide’s printed issue, which is published every two months, as of the special summer issue, shall display an icon only with programs focused on LGBT public.
Services
Cooperativa Nova Aliança: 3391-7372 / 3391-7864
(Cab/Taxi services)
Central service hours: 07h to 23h
After 23h, there is a stop at the corner of Vinícius de Moraes with Visconde de Pirajá streets or through telephone 7848-0503 (Alexandre)
It has a 30 car fleet, taking about 150/200 trips per day. The cooperative also provides rental car services. It has 40 vehicles, which models include Zafira, Dobló, Sprinter, Toyota and Corola. The vehicles have drivers that can take individual or groups sightseeing trips. The Drivers are evaluated by Psychologists to provide tourists with the best service.
Hotels
Copacabana Palace
Located at the famous Copacabana Beach, Copacabana Palace is the most well known hotel in Rio de Janeiro, offering hospitality to the rich and famous since 1923.
Address: Av. Atlântica, 1.702
Phone (21) 2548-7070 - Fax. (21) 2235-7330
E-mail: reservas@copacabanapalace.com.br
Website: www.copacabanapalace.com.br
Hotel Fasano
The hotel structure offers 92 apartments with balcony, featuring a flat screen 32“ TV set, DVD, work desk, among other things.
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 80
Phone 3202-4000 - Fax. 3202-4010
rio@fasano.com.br
www.hotelfasano.com.br
Marina Palace
Marina Palace hotel stands out for its closeness to the best boutiques, restaurants and night-clubs, as well as an “A” class service with luxury and comfort.
Address: Av. Delfim Moreira, 630
Phone 2172-1000
Booking: 2172-1010
Booking Central: Phone 2172-1001
reservas@hotelmarina.com.br
www.hoteismarina.com.br
Santa Teresa Hotel
Luxury and comfort at the top of one of the most beautiful quarters in Rio de Janeiro.
Address: Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660
Phone:. 2221-1406 / 3380-0200
E-mail: reservas@santateresahotel.com.br
Site: http://www.santateresahotel.com
SHOPPING malls
Shopping Leblon
Mon-Sat, 10-22h - Sun and holidays, 15-21h
Food Court: Sun-Thu, 10-24h Fri-Sat, 10-1h Holidays, 12h-1h
Address: Av. Afrânio de Mello Franco, 290 - Leblon
Phone (21) 3138-8000
São Conrado Fashion Mall
Mon-Sat, 10-22h Sun, 15-21h (stores) Food Court, from 12h until the last customer leaves.
Address: Estrada da Gávea, 899 - São Conrado
Phone (21) 2111-4444
Barra Shopping
Stores
Mon. to Sat. from 10h to 22h
Sun. from 13h to 21h.
Food and Leisure
Mon. to Sun.: 10h to 23h
Mercado Praça XV (Market Square)
Mon.: 10h to 22h
(Passageway into NYCC open as of 10h)
Sun.: 13h to 21h
Mon. to Sat.10h to 22h
Opening Hours on Holidays:
Stores
15h to 21h
Address: Av. das Américas, 4666 – Barra da Tijuca
Phone: 21 4003-4131
Night-Clubs
Galeria Café
Rua Teixeira de Mello, 31 – Ipanema
Phone: 21 2523-8250 / 21 2523-8250
Night club with parties, from Wednesdays to Sundays, an art gallery with bimonthly exhibitions, an open space for Bazar Galeria (performance shows by new fashion designers, always on Sundays)
Opening Hours: Wed. to Sat., from 11h to 20h – Parties after 22h30
Sundays, from 11h to 20h, with Bazar Galeria – Party after 21h
00 (always on Sundays)
Av. Padre Leonel Franca, 240 – Gávea
Phone: 21 2540-8041 and 21 2540-8041
Located at the Gávea Planetarium, it has an hybrid design which combines an open air garden with a contemporary cuisine restaurant, and a modern dance floor. On Sundays, starting at 17h, “00” welcomes into its garden-deck the house DJs Pax (deep house) and Paula J Bastos (electro). At 22h the main dance floor is opened, with the best house music by house DJ Rafael Calvente + special guests. Projections on ceilings and walls add color to the night along with a varied group of men and women that appreciate GLS electronic scenario.
Cine Ideal
Rua da Carioca, 64 - Centro
Phone: [21] 2221-1984 / [21] 2221-1984
A rare sample of belle époque style architecture, it is one of the largest electronic music clubs in the city, specialized in LGBT audiences. Opening Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 23h30
Le Boy
Rua Raul Pompeia, n° 102, Copacabana (Posto 6)
Phone: 21 2513-4993 / 21 2513-4993
The most famous Gay night club in Rio de Janeiro, it hás been working since 1992. Its structure and decorations follow the trend os night-clubs in Europe and in the United States. On the dance floor, besides the magnificent room with a high ceiling equivalent to the height of four floors, the clients can experience the most modern sound, light and video equipment.
The Week
Rua Sacadura Cabral, 154 – Saúde
Phone: (21)2253-1020 / (21)2253-1020
Following its headquarters in São Paulo, The Week Rio is different because it opens only on Saturdays, allowing the place to be used during week-days for private events and parties. Its line-up also gathers Djs that are listed as some of the best in domestic and international electronic music. Besides their regular Djs, the Week also receives frequent guest Djs from countries such as the United States, Mexico and Canada, among others.
BARS and RESTAURANTS
Bar Bofetada
Rua Farme de Amoedo, 87 – Ipanema
Phone: (21) 2227-1676 / (21) 2227-1676 / 2227-1675
PARTIES
Festa Moo
Location: Espaço Franklin
Av. Passos, 36 – Centro
info@moo.com.br
Buati
Location: Boate Erótika
Av. Prado Junior, 63 – Copacabana
Revolution
One of the most well known electronic music parties in the country, held by producer Rosane Amaral, it attracts approximately 3500 people in every season. It is held at different locations every time, such as MAM, Armazém 5 at the Docks, and Monte Líbano Club, among other places, and attracts Cariocas and also foreign and Brazilian tourists alike. In order to find out where the party is being held, just access the website www.revolutionparty.com.br
RESTAURANTS
Bar Bofetada
Rua Farme de Amoedo, 87 – Ipanema
Phone: (21) 2227-1676 / (21) 2227-1676 / 2227-1675
Gero
There are dishes prepared on the spot and twelve varieties of fresh pasta on the menu in the first restaurant by the Fasano group in Rio, the elegant stage where dishes following classical Italian recipes are paraded.
Rua Anibal de Mendonça, 157 – Ipanema
Phone 2239-8158
Credit Cards:. All
Fasano Al Mare
Traditional Italian Cooking with Sea Food
Av. Vieira Souto, 80 - Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro - Lobby – Ipanema
Phone 3202-4000
C.C.: All.
Alessandro e Frederico Pizzaria
The restaurant values individual pizzas made of a thin dough, with thick borders and crispy crust, made with noble ingredients. Pata negra pizza, besides the famous Spanish ham, takes also mozzarella cheese made with buffalo’s milk, fresh tomatoes, arugula and fresh artichoke bottoms); Black tartufo, is made with black truffles, mushrooms and truffled olive oil.
Rua Garcia D´Ávila, 151 lj. A – Ipanema
Phone 2522-5414 / 2522-6025
C.C. All
www.alessandroefrederico.com.br
Garcia & Rodrigues
The bistro offers recipes elaborated with the dried tomatoes and Parma ham duo, together with ice-cream yogurt and roasted snowy grouper on top of potatoes and scented with herbs.
Av Ataulfo de Paiva,1.251 – Leblon
Phone 3206-4100 - C.C. All.
Aprazível
Genuine Brazilian cooking full of flavors and scents influenced by the cooking in the State of Minas Gerais and family recipes.
Rua Aprazível, 62 - Santa Teresa
Phones. 2508-9174 / 2507-7334
C.C. All.
Bar dos Descasados – Santa Teresa Hotel
The perfect place for drinks with friends.
Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660 – Hotel Santa Teresa - Santa Teresa
Phones. 3380-0200 / 2222-2755
C.C. All
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