Copacabana

Copacabana is a club on the lower level of the Casino da Madeira, on Avenida do Infante in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The casino, a landmark designed by Oscar Niemeyer, sits at the western end of the hotel zone near the seafront, and the club uses that setting to offer a more polished night out than the old-town bars. It has an indoor room and an outdoor area known as Copacabana Garden, which lets patrons move between the dancefloor and open-air space.

The crowd is mostly in the twenties to forties and includes residents, hotel guests and casino visitors looking for a late drink. The mood is dressier than at most Funchal venues. The door enforces a clear dress code: closed shoes are required, and shorts and tank tops are not allowed. Smart-casual clothing is the safe choice, and patrons should carry photo identification, as age checks are standard.

Music changes with the event and can include Latin sounds, pop and dance hits, with DJs leading the programme. The name evokes Brazilian beach culture, and themed nights are common in clubs of this type. The drinks programme covers beer, wine, spirits, cocktails and shots, priced at the upper end of Funchal's range, in keeping with the price band of the venue.

The club opens Fridays, Saturdays and holiday eves from 11PM to 4AM. A cover of roughly €10 to €20 (about $11.50 to $23) is reported, depending on the event. Tables and bottle service for groups may be possible, and enquiries can be made on +351 291 140 424. Weeknights are typically closed.

The busiest period runs from about midnight to 3AM. Because the casino is a short taxi ride from the old town, many patrons arrive after dinner or after visiting other bars. The garden is the better spot on warm nights, while the indoor room suits dancing.