The area surrounding Galeria Alaska in Copacabana, used to be the meeting point for gays, lesbians, and transvestites in the 70's and 80's. If you're on a nostalgic trip, sorry - little of it remained. Sótão, the hottest gay disco of the 70's, is long gone. Teatro Alaska, once official headquarters to all-male burlesque A Night with the Leopards, was purchased TV evangelists... There are new venues to explore, though.

The Copa is a cool lounge with a 60's atmosphere, colorful drinks, and cute waiters. There aren't any signs at the door - look for the theatrical red curtains and the hostess behind the glass. Enjoy the kitsch decor once you're inside. There's a dance floor, and a number of parties (including a lesbian night) keep things happening.

Along Copacabana beach there's Maxim's Cafe (mixed), near Copacabana Palace Hotel. This is a traditionally gay-friendly area known as Bolsa, near Lido. Transvestites and hustlers are pretty much part of the scene, and you should exercise some caution. Gay Kiosk Rainbow is right across the street. It can be easily identified by the family-sized rainbow flag. Owners Xanda and Rubirosa are sometimes seen in drag, and there are performances on weekends. If you're in the area, go for a fresh coconut water, or a romantic drink under the stars. La Cueva is still around after 30 years in business. Le Boy Bar is the latest addition to Le Boy complex.

Baixo Leblon, with a number of bars, cafes and restaurants, is an interesting area for you to walk around. Venues stay open until very late. This is not an openly gay area, and there are also students, surfers, jiu-jitsu guys, and the whole Rio fauna. Start at the Cazuza square, in the beginning of Av. Ataulfo de Paiva. Walk your way down the first two or three blocks of both Rua Dias Ferreira and Ataulfo. Stop for an ice-cold beer, gourmet ice-cream, pizzas, snacks, juices, or a full meal. The newsstand, tobacco shop, and drugstore are open around the clock. Bar d'Hotel, a sophisticated cafe at hotel Marina All Suites along Leblon beach, is in a walking distance.

If you are looking for leather bars, fetish bars, bear bars, Levi's bars, or anything that specific, you will be disappointed. The Carioca scene is more for integration than segregation. Gays, lesbians and friends often share favorite venues and parties with straights. There aren't any bars with mazes and dark rooms either - try the dance clubs and saunas instead. Click around the map below for insiders tips and reviews of each venue.