Lapa Arches, Rio de Janeiro

A lot of very cool bars and nightclubs to visit and listen to some typical brazilian music. Must visit "Carioca da Gema" and listen to some "Chourinho" or "Samba". Don�t recomend walking around at night... and during the day evan.

Lapa is a great place to visit and is great for nightlife on a friday night.But be careful as it is quite a dangerous part of rio.Make sure you visit the famous steps.you will love it.

If you are coming to Rio for the first time, you'll probably find interesting taking a look at the flyers distributed at the hotels, full of touristic places to go. But don't. Some of the places yes, are worth seeing, but maybe only 10% of them. At Lapa you will find the true Rio de Janeiro. That historical neighbourhood, is surrounded by bars, restaurants, danceclubs and alternative places. There you will find all the tribes of Rio. The hip hop boys, party girls, rockers, skaters, samba lovers, capoeiristas, etc. Just avoid walking alone during the day, because the police isn't around in general and it's a desert/dangerous area.

Lapa was a life changing experience for me. Without a native hosting me, I would�ve missed out on this place and I did the first time I was here. I felt safe the entire night. There is a huge vibration of love. All mix together - a very alternative scene. The dramatic and historic buildings are decorated with bold bright grafiti that was impressive. The music was insane, so much of it and all kinds. I loved it. The bateria (percussion group) had the advantage of good accoustics due to assembling under the main arch, which no doubt was intentional. Samba dancers took the floor and shook their ass so well I almost got jealous. There were thousands and thousands of people on this Friday night. I went into one night club that had racks with costumes on it open for the public to use while we danced. It was way too hot though for some of the more theatrical ones. People danced freely with me no matter what place I went to and I sure stuck out like a sore thumb being American. It didn�t matter. The attitude is way too relaxed and in no condition to judge in Lapa. It is the real true Rio and her blood. It is pure culture at it�s height and I will never be the same again after this experience. I could not stop smiling. In fact, when I got home around 6 AM, I did indeed fall asleep with a smile on my face. I am dead serious! I love Rio. With all the places to go to in the world, I will keep coming back to this wonderful paradise. Yes, even Lapa is a paradise if you go into it with your heart open for love. Go to Lapa! Go on a Friday though and don�t come before midnight.

If you are coming to Rio for the first time, you'll probably find interesting taking a look at the flyers distributed at the hotels, full of touristic places to go. But don't. Some of the places yes, are worth seeing, but maybe only 10% of them. At Lapa you will find the true Rio de Janeiro. That historical neighbourhood, is surrounded by bars, restaurants, danceclubs and alternative places. There you will find all the tribes of Rio. The hip hop boys, party girls, rockers, skaters, samba lovers, capoeiristas, etc. Just avoid walking alone during the day, because the police isn't around in general and it's a desert/dangerous area.

Comming to Rio for the first, we went into the usual tourists traps, copacabana and Ipanema - also great, but when you go to Lapa in Central Rio , you experience the real Rio. Lots of bar and music everywhere. Start out at the famous bridge let the rhytms take you .....we did not experience any problems in Lapa, but in case - keep the Rolex watch at the hotel and take 50-100 RS with you - this will be enough for the whole night.....so, just go for it....Jorn, Denmark