Lapa core
The default walk from the studio: aqueduct, tiled steps, cathedral, Lavradio, and the strongest food and music doors.
How to go: On foot from the studio
Arcos da Lapa
The Carioca Aqueduct — Arcos da Lapa — is the colonial arcade that now carries the Santa Teresa tram.
Escadaria Selarón
Escadaria Selarón is Jorge Selarón’s tiled staircase from Lapa toward Santa Teresa — a work he called a tribute to the Brazilian people.
Catedral de São Sebastião
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is the conical concrete cathedral on Avenida República do Chile.
Nova Capela
Nova Capela is a restaurant table on Avenida Mem de Sá, the main walking street of Lapa nightlife.
Beco do Rato
Beco do Rato is a Lapa samba house with daily music and a real food offer, not another generic bar card.
Casa da Cachaça
Casa da Cachaça is a Mem de Sá institution — Rio’s first cachaçaria, open since 1960 and listed as Carioca cultural heritage.
Lilia
Lilia at Rua do Senado 45 is a Michelin-selected contemporary table a few metres from the cathedral — destination dining, not another boteco.
Dida Bar e Restaurante
Dida Bar e Restaurante on Rua do Lavradio 192 is African and Afro-Brazilian cooking with samba and jongo — a Lapa table with a distinct kitchen.