Famous for its magnificent historic buildings and lively nightlife, Lapa is eternally popular with both tourists and locals alike. For visitors wanting to experience the heart and soul of Rio, dancing the night away in Lapa is a rite of passage. When the sun goes down, the neighbourhood’s nightclubs come to life with the sultry sounds of samba, forró, and choro emanates.

Bohemian at heart, the neighbourhood is brimming with artists, musicians and creatives. For some of Rio’s best people watching, Passeio Publico park is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. Vintage shops and trendy cafes line the streets, with vibrant public art instalments like the Selarón Steps adding a splash of colour to the scene. Of course, a night out in Lapa isn’t complete without descending on the Carioca Aqueduct, the undisputed symbol of the neighbourhood.

Conveniently located adjacent to Centro, Lapa’s bars are equally as popular with nine-to-fivers as they are with eager tourists. The neighbourhood is a short 25-minute drive from Galeão International Airport and 45 minutes by metro to iconic Rio attractions like Ipanema Beach and the Sugar Loaf Cable Car.

Anchoring the neighbourhood, the towering Carioca Aqueduct was constructed in the mid-18th century. Originally, it served as a channel funnelling fresh water from the Carioca River to colonial Brazil. Today, it’s been converted to a tram bridge and stands tall as a bona fide Rio de Janeiro icon.