Lapa isn’t the only place to go out in Rio, but it’s certainly one of the most famous, where caipirinhas and samba are guaranteed almost every night of the week. On weekends, the streets around the old aqueduct fill with live music and crowds spilling out of the bars, and the party often goes on until sunrise.
But there’s more to Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, than nightlife: it’s also one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, with 19th-century townhouses, historic concert halls and some of Rio’s most photographed landmarks.
For me, Lapa has always meant concerts at my two favorite venues in the city, Circo Voador and Fundição Progresso, where the lineup goes from samba to rock, with some of the best Carnival rehearsals in Rio.
In this guide, I cover what to do in Lapa by day and by night, where to find the best samba, how to stay safe and where to stay if you want to be close to it all.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Lapa, Rio de Janeiro at a glance
📍 Where: between downtown and Santa Teresa, a short ride from Copacabana
🎶 Best for: samba, live music and nightlife
🚇 Getting there: metro to Cinelândia by day, ride-hailing at night
🏨 Where to stay: see my guide to the best hotels in Lapa
Lapa by day and by night
Lapa has two very different personalities. During the day, it’s a quiet neighborhood of old townhouses, offices and landmarks, best visited in the morning, when the Selarón Steps are less crowded. As night falls, the same streets transform: bars open their doors, music pours out of the samba houses, and the area around the Arches becomes one of the liveliest places in the city.
The best way to experience Lapa is to see both sides: visit the landmarks during the day, and come back at night for the samba.
What to do in Lapa
Lapa Arches
Built in the 18th century to bring water to the city center, the aqueduct is Lapa’s postcard and its natural meeting point. Today, the Santa Teresa tram crosses over the arches on its way up the hill.
Selarón Steps
The tiled staircase connecting Lapa to Santa Teresa is the work of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who covered its steps with tiles from all over the world. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the tour groups.
Cultural venues
Beyond the bars, Lapa is one of Rio’s busiest cultural hubs, and home to my two favorite concert venues in the city. Circo Voador, one of Rio’s oldest live music venues, is small and informal, with an arena that puts the audience just steps from the stage.
Right by the Arches, Fundição Progresso, a former factory, now hosts concerts across several spaces, plus a balcony overlooking the aqueduct. Between the two, the lineup goes from samba to rock, including some of the city’s best Carnival rehearsals. For classical music, Sala Cecília Meireles, on Largo da Lapa, is one of the city’s main concert halls.
Samba and nightlife in Lapa
Lapa’s nightlife is concentrated behind the Arches, along Avenida Mem de Sá, Rua do Lavradio and Avenida Gomes Freire. This is where you’ll find the best-known samba houses, from traditional bars with live music to Rio Scenarium, a three-story samba house filled with antiques that’s one of the most famous in the city.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the party also spills onto the streets, with crowds gathering around the Arches until late. During the day on Saturdays, Rua do Lavradio hosts an antiques fair, a good way to see the area before the nightlife starts.
For the best samba houses, what nights to go and what to expect, see my guide to samba in Lapa.
Is Lapa safe?
Lapa is very much a nighttime neighborhood, and how safe it feels depends on when and where you are. At night, the main streets around the Arches are crowded and lively, but crowds attract pickpockets, so keep your phone out of sight and bring only what you need. A few blocks away from the nightlife, the streets can feel empty after dark, and during the day, the whole area is quieter and calls for more street awareness.
A few habits make all the difference: stick to the busier streets, use a ride-hailing app to get back to your hotel instead of walking, and avoid wandering into empty side streets at any time of day. For more tips, read my full guide: Is Rio de Janeiro safe?
Where to stay in Lapa
Staying in Lapa makes sense if your trip revolves around samba and nightlife, since being able to get back to your hotel quickly is what makes the late nights work. My top pick is the Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro, set in a restored historic mansion with a pool, close enough to the nightlife but away from the noise.
For more options, from rooftop pools to a well-reviewed hostel, see my guide to the best hotels in Lapa. If you’d rather stay close to Lapa without being in it, Cinelândia is a short walk away, and I cover it in my guide to where to stay in downtown Rio de Janeiro.
How to get to Lapa
During the day, you can take the metro to Cinelândia, the closest station, though it’s still a bit of a walk to the heart of Lapa. Most of the time, a ride-hailing app is the easiest option, and at night, it’s the only one I’d recommend, both to get there and back. Lapa is also the gateway to Santa Teresa: the tram crosses the Arches on its way up the hill. For more on Rio’s public transporation system, read how to get around Rio.
Keep planning your trip to Lapa and Rio
Best samba in Lapa
The top samba houses, venues and bars in Lapa.
Best hotels in Lapa
Where to stay close to the nightlife, from rooftop pools to a hostel.
Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
The hilltop neighborhood next door, with colonial mansions and great views.
Best things to do in downtown Rio de Janeiro
Baroque churches, museums and historic cafés, just a short ride from Lapa.
Pedra do Sal
Rio’s most traditional street samba in Little Africa.
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
The best neighborhoods for every budget and travel style.
What to do in Rio de Janeiro
The best experiences in the city, from mountains to samba.
Best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro
Food is part of the experience and Rio doesn’t disappoint.
Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro
Rio is warm all year, but never the same. Find out what each season brings.
Lapa, Rio de Janeiro - FAQ
Is Lapa worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want to experience Rio’s nightlife and samba scene. During the day, the Arches, the Selarón Steps and the historic streets are worth a visit, but Lapa is at its best at night.
What is the best night to go to Lapa?
Lapa is busiest from Thursday to Saturday, with Friday and Saturday the liveliest night for street parties around the Arches.
Is Lapa safe at night?
The main streets around the Arches are crowded and lively at night, but pickpockets are common in the crowds. Keep your phone out of sight, stick to the busy streets and take a ride-hailing app back to your hotel.
How do I get to Lapa from Copacabana?
During the day, take the metro to Cinelândia or Glória, both a short walk from Lapa. At night, a ride-hailing app takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Written by Karina
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Karina spent over a decade working in the tourism industry, with experience in some of the world's leading travel destinations. She created Going to Rio to bring that same standard of practical, traveler-first guidance to visitors exploring Rio de Janeiro. Learn more about Karina
