Nightlife

Clubs & Bars

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 (closed on Sun). 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. The most popular is Laranjinha (tel. 092/3658-6666; Mon-Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 5pm-5am) which has a great patio and stays open until the wee hours of the morning. Lower down close to the river there's a bunch of 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.

Centro has two popular Manaus gay bars: Turbo Seven (TS), Rua Vivaldo Lima 33, Centro (tel. 092/3232-6793; Sat and Sun 11pm), features drag shows and go-go boys; and Planeta A2 (Rua Saldanha Marinho 780, Centro; tel. 092/3673-0112; www.a2manaus.com.br), open Thursday to Saturday from 11pm to 6am.