Nightlife in Rio is not all about the historic downtown. On the other side of South Zone lies the '''West Zone'''. And special attention should be paid to '''Barra da Tijuca'''. ''Barra'' as it is called, and its surroundings are now the most expanding neighborhoods of Rio, and entertainment is the big deal over there. Enormous shopping centers are good for shopping (of course) and have cinemas and bowling alleys to offer. But the clubs are the piece de resistance of the neighborhood. Filled with young good-looking boys and girls (you have to be eighteen to go in, but there's always a way around that), the clubs of Barra are a 'must' among the foreigners.
At the far Eastern end of the Barra beach, you will find Cabana do Pepe. Pepe was a famous hang glider that passed away in a hang gliding accident in Japan a few years ago. He started a sandwich shop on the beach that makes a variety of healthy sandwiches. Especially good are the fruit smoothies. Not to be missed. Cabana do Pepe is currently run by Pepe's widow. This is the most popular area of the Barra beach, and is the best area for people watching.
There are many surfing schools all along the Barra beach that hold one and half hour surfing classes. The classes are fairly inexpensive and are mostly populated with locals. Some of the surf instructors do speak English.
Do not miss the chance to go hang gliding in Sao Conrado. No previous experience necessary. There are several companies that offer English-speaking tandem flights for the adventurous. It is an absolutley thrilling and breath-taking experience to jump off the side of a mountain and glide gently to the beach below.
Popular upscale shopping malls are the adjacent '''New York City Center''' and '''Barra Shopping''' [http://www.barrashopping.com.br/] malls. Special buses are available to take tourists here. Nearby you will also find the '''Sao Conrado Fashion Mall''' [http://www.scfashionmall.com.br/], complete with an Emporio Armani. Some may find these malls more than a bit too sanitized and American, though, and menacing-looking security guards in mafioso-look dark suits and sunglasses keep out the riff-raff. (Meaning anybody not obviously middle-class.) This might make you feel protected, or might make you feel a bit embarrassed. The more adventurous tourist might make sport of trying to get the guards to smile, as one might a Grenadier Guardsman.
The leather goods in Barra Shopping are some of the best bargains in the mall. Shoes and belts are especially inexpensive. The selection of electronics is very limited and overpriced at all malls. Kopenhagen chocolate shop has some of the best chocolates. It is quite nice to stop and have a coffee at one of the several coffee shops in Barra Shopping and people watch. Many of the guards at Barra Shopping are rather attractive ladies, but are quite serious about their job.
'''Downtown Shopping''' is a new urban development intended to match the density and mixed-use nature of a traditional downtown area. There are many shops, botiques, cafes, restaurants, offices, and a movie theater complex. A small park can be found nestled in a quiet corner of the complex. At night, the shops close and the nightlife begins. Live music can be found at any of several restaurants. When the music is particularly good, the area around Barril 8000 basically turns into a street party.
'''Rio Design Barra''' is the newest and poshest mall in the area. It's a bit farther away, towards Recreio, about 5-10 minute drive from Barra Shopping. Originally conceived as an exclusive home/funiture shopping center, about two years ago it started to change. Top Brazilian designers have decided to open stores there and Rio Design Barra is an option for the affluent population in Barra who does not want to drive to '''Sao Conrado Fashion Mall'''. The mall also has excellent restaurant options and two movie theaters. Much less crowded and a lot more charming than most shopping centers in Rio. Worth the visit.
This area of Rio is where many of the middle class locals and International executives have moved - Ipanema being considered somewhat passe' - but is utterly characterless, consisting of row upon row of identical high-rise condominiums.
There is also an excellent 'light' feijoada served at the '''in House''' restaurant in Rio design Barra on Saturday lunchtimes. It is slightly sanitised in that it doesn't include the ears and tails that a traditional feijoada may contain, and a full menu is also offered for those not wanting the feijoada.
'''Barril 8000''' [http://www.barril8000.com.br/] has two locations in Barra: On the beach (Av. Sernambetiba, 8000) and in the Downtown Shopping complex. The menu is typical Brazilian Bar food with lots of meats, pizzas, and a roasted potato dish well worth trying. Try the bolinhas de bacalhau or the quibe to start. Most nights, you can find live music after 10pm, which makes for a nice night out on the town.
Still in the Downtown Shopping complex, '''Galeria Gourmet''' is a very popular option for lunch and dinner. Great variety of salads, grilled meat, pasta, fish and all you think of. You pay a fixed price for the all-you-can-eat buffet. In the evenings, there is usually a live band playing outdoors and the place gets pretty crowded.
Further down the beach is '''Lokau''', an excellent restaurant in Recreio near Posto 10. Skip the pizza and pastas in favor of the more traditional Brazilian cuisine. The Bobo de Camarao and the Moqueca Capixaba are personal favorites. These meals serve two, so order accordingly. Sit on the second floor patio and enjoy views of the beach and sunset.