Great area full of rich Afro-Brazilian history! The block party would be an amazing thing to…read moreexperience. Take a walking tour and learn more about the area.

This place was recommended to us by our Uber driver. This was a very lively area with bars,…read morerestaurants and free samba outdoors during the evening. I had never heard of this place so I did not know what to expect. I only knew they had good samba on Monday nights. So, we got there about 9pm. Went to a bar, had some food and drink. The bar we were at was having a book signing and lecture by an author. Very eclectic crowd. Once we departed, we went on to find the outdoor music. It was crowded, but not overwhelming. There were mini-food stands with all sorts of drinks, beer, and hot food made to order, like hot dogs, sausage, etc. I was told the people behind the drink stands did not appreciate me taking pictures because I didn't buy anything from them....oops. As we walked further we noticed 2 very steep hills and they were both packed with people standing, sitting, squeezing in where ever they could fit. We grabbed a few beers, found a good spot to stand and see the music and started having conversations with people around us. At the center, we noticed the live samba, or pagode. There were about 5 or 6 musicians in total, sitting in a circle, with a space for donations in the middle. It was so cool because everyone was singing along. It was so chill, laid back and peaceful. Using the bathroom was a bit of a production. You could either use the 1 Port-a-john, or you could buy a beer from the bar nearby, wait on the line that people tried to squeeze to the front of, and use one of the two bathrooms they had up two flights of stairs. So, just be prepared for that. Or use the bathroom at one of the bars/restaurants nearby. I am sure there were other bathrooms nearby, but it was my first time there and it was sort of confusing to figure out.

Yelp Review 2025 #187:…read more Arcos do Lapa also known as Carioca Aqueduct because that was the original function of this structure when it was built in the 17th-18th century. It brought fresh water from Carioca River. But because of technical and financial issues, the project was put to a halt. By the 19th century, it served as a bridge for Santa Teresa tram I was walking around Lapa on my first day in Rio at 9am and 6am the next day. Of course, you can take better pictures at 6am while the city is still asleep. No cars, only a handful of people. There's a lot of homeless people in this area. Watch your step because there's plenty of poop here both from dogs and humans - not something you'd read on travel blogs and travel guides. The aqueduct is in between the cathedral and Escadaria Selaron. Check it out at night too when it's lit up.

I went here pretty quickly thanks to a friend I knew and met up with on another trip so I didn't…read morespend that much time here but there's a bunch of bars and things around here which we did have a beer at but these arches are famous here It's cool to see this kind of tech because you mainly see it in Europe so to see it so far away in Brazil is cool

The Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro is the stadium where all the parades and celebrations of Carnaval…read moreare happening, that you have seen in movies and television. There are obviously blocas and parties happening everywhere during Carnaval, but if you want to see the schools who are putting together the floats and performances, this is where to do it. The floats that the schools create are so impressive, I couldn't even believe it. Giant constructions of characters and scenes, with some having animatronics moving around even. The stadium of the Sambadrome itself is very much like a high school football stadium, with metal bleachers, and concrete construction - so not too comfortable at all in itself. But the people who are attending the parades in the Sambadrome, are very active and moving around a lot, so you won't stay in your seat anyway usually! There are folks with beers and waters walking around and selling them right to each bleacher area or seat, so you won't go thirsty while attending the festivities. Overall, the Somadrome is not the most comfortable stadium I have ever been to, but for the events of Carnaval, it worked just fine and was a fun space to celebrate and see the floats and festivities!

Nothing prepared me for what I actually experienced during Brazil's carnival at the Sambodrome…read more Initially I thought it would be like the Caribbean carnival where everyone is involved, but this was a spectator event similar to watching a sports game. But oh my gosh, the presentation was nothing short of amazing, beautiful, and well thought out! There were 4 acts and we got a flag for each act. It started at 10pm and ended around 6am!

Never quite made it this far out to Leme before but wanted to check out the forte. The gates at the…read moreend of the driving road are pretty easy to spot and there are signs the whole way directing you into the fort and up the cobblestone path to the top of the fort which provides you with excellent. views of Pão de Açúcar, Niterói, and Copacabana. On clear days you can also see Cristo, Dois Irmãos and Pedra da Gávea. Entrance was free and hours are clearly listed on the booth. The guard gave us tickets but no one collected them. Along the way, the school and buildings are to the left while the huge Pedra de Leme towers in front with the beach to your right. There headquarters are carved in the side of the mountain and it looks impressive. The cobblestone path leads steeply up to the top, surrounded by newly restored vegetation which provides a home for many local fauna. Micos (tiny marmosets) make noises and follow you along the electrical wires and branches above, often curious of the human encounter. There's also plenty of cute little birds singing, beautiful butterflies, sneaky lizards and vultures flying overhead. Bring bug spray because the mosquitos are aggressive. There were a series of religious plaques that line the path but many have not been kept up. At the top you are rewarded with excellent panoramic views that provide a perspective that can't be view anywhere else. There's also a couple of old rotating binoculars to look at the scenery but they're a little difficult to maneuver. Inside the fort, there's a couple of videos highlighting the history and attacks that the forte engaged in. Everything is well labeled and translated in both Portuguese and English. There are bathrooms and a water fountain at the far end of the fort. Definitely a great place to get some exercise up the hill (not too strenuous only 1.2km) check out some views and relax.

The entrance to the fort is located on the extreme end of Leme Beach (near Posto 1), and costs R$4…read moreto enter. The fort and surrounding area are owned and operated by the Brazilian Army, so what you have is a natural area that's clean, safe, and beautiful. After entering the complex, follow the signs that say "visitação do forte" and walk up a long (and a bit steep) brick road. Along the way you'll see lots of wildlife, including monkeys, lizards, birds, and butterflies. There are markers along the walkway that explain the history of Leme Hill (Morro do Leme) and the fort. The fort is at the top and is pretty well preserved, with a few art exhibits and views of Pão de Açúcar, the Atlantic Ocean, and Copacabana that can't be beat. It also explains some of the military history of Brazil and the role the fort played in a few of the revolutions. There are howitzers on the top which have been maintained very well, and a scope which is free of charge. Someone has been feeding the monkeys up there, because they are extremely tame and will let you get very close - but be careful, I've heard that they bite. The "hike" up should only take 10 min or so, and the entire visit is definitely worth a trip. Not many people seem to know about the fort, so it seems a bit underutilized and therefore not crowded.

One of the most popular landmarks in Brazil, the Selaron Steps are a highlight of the Lapa…read moreneighborhood. we were lucky to be able to stop by twice first time at night which was great because there were not that many people around & the next time during the day so glad we came before just way too many people during the day hard to really enjoy the area. The steps are a fun colorful display of different countries, art, bright colors & traditions infused together to make these crazy colorful steps. This was a nice stop for sure & definitely worth the look.

Walk up the steps to be able to view all the tiles. Walking down the steps you won't see all the…read moretiles. Have a drink at the top at a rooftop bar.

I live here and I love it - the beach is long, clean, and beautiful. There are plenty of…read morerestaurants, of course the mall is great. The biggest downside is the inSANE traffic on the Avenida. Hopefully the new construction for the Olympics helps to clear some of that up somehow. The new BRTs are coming along quickly and I have high hopes for those!

The beach and entire area are a welcome reprieve from the rest of chaotic Rio. The boulevards are…read morewide, and the properties upscale adding to the vibe of one of the most beautiful, sandy beaches. Some days the waves are gigantic, lovely for watching (but too dangerous to swim). It starts at Barra and continues to Recrieo, many KMs to the SE. I'd recommend to anyone who wants to get away from the ridiculous crowds and 'crime' at Ipanema and Copacabana