I think some of the posters here didn't read your interests. Rio is a better city than Sao Paulo but unfortunately Rio's night life can be severely lacking, especially on weeknights. I think Sunday morning is a great time to head to Rio, especially since Av Atlantica is closed on Sundays and you can stroll through and get a feel.

Last time I was in Brazil I flew into Sao Paulo for 1 night, headed to Foz for 2, then to Rio for the rest of my trip. I had a girl I know from Rio fly up to Sao Paulo, got a club level room at the Renaissance (not a cheap hotel, but worth it for a short stay) and we went out and had a good time. Some notable night spots:

Sky Bar at the top of Hotel Unique: http://www.hotelunique.com.br/skyerest_ing.html

D-Edge (ranked as #42 night club in the world) http://www.d-edge.com.br/

Provocateur (I didn't go here but have heard its on par with D-Edge) - http://provocateurclubsp.com.br/

Love Story. A super late night club where Mike Tyson infamously punched a photographer at a few years ago: http://www.danceterialovestory.com/

I went to the 1st 2, wished I could have went to the others I mentioned. Definitely stay 2 nights if that is what you are interested in because Rio by far is a daytime city. An honest assessment I have found can be found here: http://www.rooshv.com/is-sao-paulo-b...orth-the-visit


By the way, when is your trip? I'll be in Rio for 2 weeks in April