Most Friday and Saturday nights, the streets of this small neighborhood—Rio's version of Paris' Montmartre—are full of people. If you're lucky, you may catch a drumming circle or a capoeira display, a stunning mixture of dance and martial arts. Nearby, there are small clubs and live-music venues where you can dance to samba and Brazilian hip-hop. Located in the area around the the arches of the old aqueduct, Arcos de Lapa, Rio de Janeiro.

Transport: Take a taxi from the hostel for around R$25 or by bus or pick up for R$2.50.