Lapa
#6 in Best Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro
Key Info
Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 5.0Value
- 4.0Food Scene
- 4.5Atmosphere
If you come to Rio to revel in samba, Lapa is the place for you. This festive neighborhood ignites at night, when locals swing their hips and sip on delectable cocktails. Brimming with rows of tapas bars, clubs and live music venues, Lapa's seductive night crawl certainly isn't lacking excitement or charm.
You'll definitely want to check out Rio Scenarium, the most popular Brazilian club that features three stories, vintage decor and a long list of craft cocktails. Other popular bars and nightclubs in the neighborhood include Lapa 40 Graus and Clube Dos Democraticos, which has been home to Brazilian music and dancing since 1867.
A quick downhill walk from the Santa Teresa neighborhood, Lapa serves as the heart of Rio's night scene. Taxis are easy to flag, but keep your wits about you and don't walk in unpopulated areas after dark. We recommend visiting during the weekend, when prime clubs fill up. If you're staying near Copacabana and Ipanema Beach in Zona Sul, Lapa is a brief cab ride away.
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#1 Christ the Redeemer
This iconic landmark is a must-see attraction in Rio. Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this statue of Jesus Christ stands with arms outstretched to the city from above Corcovado Mountain's staggering 2,330-foot elevation.
Started in 1922 and completed in 1931, the monument — made of concrete and covered in soapstone mosaic tiles — stands 125 feet tall as a religious and cultural symbol of the Brazilian people's warm and welcoming culture. The monument rests atop Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park and is the most famous attraction in Rio de Janeiro, visited by nearly 2 million people each year. Recent travelers recommend visiting on a day with clear skies since the vantage point is the best in the city.
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