Lapa

Rio de Janeiro

Lapa which includes street scenes and a city
Lapa showing outdoor art as well as an individual male
Lapa featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Lapa
Lapa showing a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Attend a service in the city’s main cathedral, ride the tram across a colonial-era aqueduct  and then dance the night away in this popular Rio neighborhood.

The neighborhood of Lapa in Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places in the world to experience the diversity of Brazilian music. Walk through the neighborhood on any night and you will hear the full range of Brazilian music as well as popular music from around the world. Spend the day visiting the city’s towering cathedral and relics from the colonial past, then hop between nightclubs and bars throughout the evening and dance until dawn.

Lapa is renowned for being one of Rio’s best neighborhoods for nightlife, so you can expect to find music and dance lovers here every evening. Start out the night by catching a concert at Sala Cecília Meireles (Cecília Meireles Hall), which specializes in relaxing choro music and classical chamber music. Then check out a singer-songwriter at Rio Scenarium, the neighborhood’s most popular bar. Despite its three floors, this bar can get very crowded, so make a reservation in order to avoid the line. Finally, dance the night away in a Lapa nightclub specializing in anything from classic Brazilian Funk to contemporary electronica.

In addition to being at the forefront of Rio’s cultural scene, Lapa is also one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Visit architectural landmarks, like the Arcos da Lapa, an 886-foot-long (270-meter) Roman-style aqueduct built during Brazil’s colonial years. Ride a tram across the top for great views, then visit the nearby street fair to sample inexpensive local dishes.

Visit one of Lapa’s most striking structures, the Metropolitan Cathedral. Towering over the area from a height of 246 feet (75 meters), this cone-shaped church was built to resemble a Mayan pyramid. Attend a service or visit the Sacred Art Museum located in the basement, which features sculptures and many other religious artifacts. A short walk to the southeast is Passeio Publico (Public Promenade), based on a model of Lisbon’s main park. Established in 1783 this is the oldest park in Rio de Janeiro.

Lapa lies to the southwest of Cinelândiain downtown Rio. Arrive by bus or metro, but avoid driving since parking can be hard to find.


Popular places to visit

Things to do



Other neighbourhoods around Lapa

Rio de Janeiro showing modern architecture and a pond

Rio de Janeiro Centro

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Rio de Janeiro Centro
Museum of Modern Art which includes interior views

Glória

You might enjoy the museums while in Glória. Museum of Modern Art is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Gloria Station or Russel Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Glória
Santa Teresa showing heritage elements

Santa Teresa

The mountain views and monuments are just a few things visitors like about Santa Teresa. Selarón Steps and Corcovado are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Largo do Guimarães Tram Stop or Largo do Curvelo Tram Stop to get around the larger area.

Santa Teresa
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Catete

Catete is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Largo do Machado Station or Catete Station to explore sights like Largo do Machado.

Catete
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Flamengo

Well-liked for its beaches and breweries, Flamengo is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Catete Palace and Flamengo Beach, and jump on the metro at Flamengo Station to get around the city.

Flamengo
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Botafogo

Botafogo is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.

Botafogo

Lapa