In downtown Manaus, the best spot for an evening drink is Bar do Armando, Rua 10 de Julho 593 (tel. 092/3232-1195). Located on the square in front of the Opera House, this venerable drinking spot is the nighttime home of Manaus's artists, intellectuals, journalists, and other ne'er-do-wells. The conversation is always interesting and the beer is served icy cold. Farther down near the Praça da Matriz, Manaus's downtown nightlife scene degenerates into the sleazy mix of sailors and prostitutes traditional in a large port. Praça da Matriz itself remains reasonably safe, but it's best to stay off side streets like Rua Visconde de Mauá.
The city's best nightlife spot is out near the Tropical Manaus at Ponta Negra Beach. People stroll up and down the wide boulevard, there are regular concerts and events at the amphitheater, and a number of bars have live entertainment in the evening. One of the most popular is Laranjinha (tel. 092/3658-5483; Mon-Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 5pm-5am) which has a great patio and stays open until the wee hours of the morning. Lower down closer to the river you'll find a whole bunch of botequins that double as barracas (beach kiosks) during the day when the beach is crowded and open at night for a causal beer or snack. Most places open at 5 or 6pm on weekdays and stay open until at least 1 or 2am. On weekends many venues open at 11am and stay open until 3 or 4am. Inside the Tropical Manaus, the disco Studio Tropical Night (tel. 092/3659-5000) has DJs Thursday through Saturday.
There is a trio of popular gay bars in Centro: Enigma's Bar, Rua Silva Ramos 1054, Centro (tel. 092/3234-7985), open Thursday through Sunday, offers live music and DJs. Turbo Seven (TS), Rua Vivaldo Lima 33, Centro (tel. 092/3232-6793), features drag shows and go-go boys; only open on Saturday and Sunday, from 11pm onward; and A2 (Rua Saldanha Marinho 780, Centro; tel. 092/3673-0112), open Wednesday to Saturday from 11pm to 4am.
