Lapa

Rio de Janeiro
Lapa featuring outdoor art as well as an individual male
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 neighbourhood.

The neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhoods 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 neighbourhood’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 neighbourhoods. Visit architectural landmarks, like the Arcos da Lapa, an 886-foot-long (270-metre) 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 metres), 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


Top hotels in Lapa

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hotel Atlântico Prime
4 out of 5
Rua do Resende 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is S$45 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$45
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,190 reviews)
"Boutique hotel close to the harbour and walking distance to dining areas and a few sightseeing spots"

Reviewed on 22 Dec,2023

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Américas Granada Hotel
Américas Granada Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Avenida Gomes Freire, 530 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is S$60 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$60
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"I like everything about it the hotel"

Reviewed on 16 Jan,2024

Américas Granada Hotel
Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro
Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro
3 out of 5
Rua Visc. de Maranguape, 9 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro
The price is S$65 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
S$65
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (282 reviews)
"My wife and son enjoyed their stay even though their room did not have a tv. I cant remember if I saw that it would be so that is on me. All that matters is they enjoyed their stay."

Reviewed on 10 Nov,2023

Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Villa Rica
Hotel Villa Rica
3.5 out of 5
Rua Conde de Lages 2, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is S$60 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
S$60
per night
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
7.8/10 Good! (790 reviews)
Lapa has great hotels.
"Great location, easy access to tourist areas, bars, clubs, downtown, subway station about 5 minute walk. Street is very quiet at night."

Reviewed on 15 Dec,2023

Hotel Villa Rica
Hotel Vina del Mar
Hotel Vina del Mar
3 out of 5
Rua Joaquim Silva, 57 - Centro, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is S$48 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
S$48
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Copacabana Beach and Christ ...
7.2/10 Good! (538 reviews)
"The hotel is clean well kept, the staff is very professional and friendly, but the streets are not the cleanest."

Reviewed on 17 Feb,2024

Hotel Vina del Mar
Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlântico Rio
3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is S$81 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$81
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Ipanema Beach and Copacabana ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Close to beach area .easy to find way around. Very good breakfast. Nice and cool reception area. Good aircon in room."

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2024

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Lapa

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Centro

4/5(19 area reviews)

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
Default Image

Gloria

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

You might enjoy the museums while in Gloria. 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.

Gloria
Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa

4/5(5 area reviews)

Get to know Santa Teresa and its many features like its mountain views and monuments. You might want to explore sights like Selarón Steps and Mirante Dona Marta, and you can jump on the metro at Largo do Guimarães Tram Stop or Largo do Curvelo Tram Stop to get around the city.

Santa Teresa
Default Image

Catete

You might enjoy the beaches while in Catete. Largo do Machado is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Largo do Machado Station or Catete Station to see more of the city.

Catete
Default Image

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 Park, and jump on the metro at Flamengo Station to get around the city.

Flamengo
Default Image

Botafogo

4/5(6 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travellers 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