Rio is the kind of place that moves in its own way. With its long afternoons, beachside energy and nights that call for at least a few Caipirinhas, the mood is set. In Rio de Janeiro, the line between day and night is pretty absent, and Ananda knows exactly how to navigate both.
As one of the key names in Brazil’s underground scene, Ananda has spent the past few years building a solid community through her brainchild KODE, the queer party that’s reshaped Rio’s club culture and invited anyone on the same wavelength to join in. Her sound moves between techno, bass, baile funk, Latin rhythms and everything in between.
So, for this All Day, All Night Rio edition, Ananda grants us the spots that keep her ever inspired, including art spaces, grassroots clubs and her favourite food hangouts in Glória. Consider it your insider guide to the city, straight from someone who’s helped define its nightlife.
Refresco Art Gallery
Refresco is a contemporary art gallery located in downtown Rio that embraces a playful yet bold approach to artistic expression. The space is known for its experimental exhibitions, showcasing emerging and established artists who challenge conventions and explore new visual languages. With a strong connection to the local creative scene, Refresco often becomes a meeting point for artists, curators, and cultural agitators. It’s not just a gallery, but a vibrant cultural hub where contemporary art feels accessible, fresh, and in constant dialogue with the city.
📍R. do Rosário, 26 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20041-000, Brasil
Trauma
We don’t have many clubs in Rio at the moment, so Trauma has become an essential refuge for the local underground scene. The venue regularly hosts local collectives, independent parties, and forward-thinking artists who are shaping the city’s nightlife. The two-floor space features a welcoming bar downstairs and an intimate, sweaty dancefloor upstairs that creates a raw, close-to-the-DJ energy. Its weekly program moves fluidly between electronic music, experimental sounds, and Brazilian rhythms, attracting a diverse crowd that keeps the dancefloor alive until late.
📍R. do Carmo, 58 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20011-020, Brasil
ISCA
Located in Glória, ISCA is one of my favourite spots for food and drinks when I’m in the mood for something relaxed and unpretentious. With outdoor tables and a beautiful view of Glória beach, the atmosphere is chill and inviting, perfect for long afternoons that slowly turn into evening drinks. The menu is dedicated to pintxos, traditional Basque-style skewered tapas, and everything is incredibly flavorful. My favourite is the “Bocadilho de camarão,” a delicious shrimp sandwich that’s simple yet unforgettable. Their drinks and natural wine selection are also a highlight, making it an ideal place to gather with friends.
📍R. do Russel, 724 – loja a – Glória, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22210-010, Brazil
Kode Fervo
Kode Fervo is the collective I founded nine years ago with the mission of uplifting queer and female artists within the electronic music scene. Over time, it has grown into a strong platform that celebrates diversity and pushes boundaries both musically and culturally. The sound moves between techno, bass, baile funk, and Latin club, creating edgy, genre-blending sets that reflect Brazil’s powerful musical hybridity.
The parties often take place in unconventional locations like warehouses and parking lots, reinforcing a raw, DIY spirit. Beyond the dancefloor, Kode also runs a music label dedicated to releasing and supporting local artists, expanding its impact beyond the party itself.
📍R. Sacadura Cabral, 154 – Saúde, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20081-262, Brazil
Fatchia Pizza
Located in a charming townhouse in Glória, Fatchia is a pizza disco bar with an intimate, speakeasy-style atmosphere. The space combines great cocktails, delicious bites, and carefully curated vinyl selections, creating a cosy yet vibrant environment. It’s the kind of place where you can start the night with a slice and end up staying for the music. As the name suggests, the must-have item is their pizza served by the slice — simple, satisfying, and perfect to pair with a drink while enjoying the soundtrack of the night.
📍Rua Benjamin Constant, 8 – Glória, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 23060-730, Brazil
GLAU
Glau is a resident DJ at Kode and an incredibly talented producer whose work stands out for its depth and research. His sound is a meeting point between rhythms from the peripheries of the world and sonic influences from the African continent. Blending these elements with contemporary electronic textures, he creates immersive sets that feel both political and danceable. His performances carry a strong identity, connecting ancestral references with forward-thinking club energy.
And That’s a Wrap on Rio de Janeiro’s Hidden Gems!
Rio de Janeiro has layers. Sure, there’s the beach and the big views, but there’s also a strong underground scene built by the people who live it every week; it’s a city that really opens up when you know where to look.
With Ananda as your guide, you’ve seen a side of Rio that feels personal and community-driven. Want to keep discovering what the city’s really about? Explore more with XCEED.
All Day, All Night: Napoli – Hidden Gems & Local Spots by Gigi Testa
Explore Napoli’s hidden gems through the eyes of Gigi Testa: underground clubs, lunch spots, and the spaces that shape her sound.
Here’s how to eat, drink, and party in Napoli—no basic recs allowed.
