On foot from the studio
Lapa core
Arcos da Lapa to Dida Bar e Restaurante
The default walk from the studio: aqueduct, tiled steps, cathedral, Lavradio, and the food and music doors that define a first night.
Planning
- Best time
- Late afternoon into evening
- Who it is for
- First-night guests who want to stay close to the studio
- How to go
- On foot from the studio
Walking time is movement only. The hour range includes visits.
Open this itinerary in Google Maps
Loading map
Stops
Arcos da Lapa
The Carioca Aqueduct, popularly known as Arcos da Lapa, is a striking 18th‑century stone structure that once carried water to Rio’s residents.
Escadaria Selarón
The Escadaria Selarón is a world-famous flight of steps between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, entirely covered in ceramic tiles by the Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón.
Catedral de São Sebastião
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is the seat of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, dedicated to the city's patron saint.
Nova Capela
Nova Capela is in Lapa, about 5 minutes on foot from the studio.
Beco do Rato
Beco do Rato is in Lapa, about 5 minutes on foot from the studio.
Casa da Cachaça
Casa da Cachaça is in Lapa, about 5 minutes on foot from the studio.
Lilia
Lilia is in Lapa, about 5 minutes on foot from the studio.
Dida Bar e Restaurante
Dida Bar e Restaurante is in Lapa, about 5 minutes on foot from the studio.
Elevation
27 m ascent · 7–20 m
About the neighborhood
Lapa sits under the Carioca Aqueduct, an eighteenth-century waterwork that later carried streetcars toward Santa Teresa. The neighborhood took its evening character from theatres, gafieiras, and the bars along Mem de Sá and Lavradio.
The tiled steps of Jorge Selarón climb toward Santa Teresa; the concrete cathedral stands a few minutes west. This walk stays close to the studio and is the usual first outing.
Historical notes
- The Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa) was completed in 1750 to bring water from Santa Teresa into the city. Source: Wikipedia
- Jorge Selarón began covering the steps between Lapa and Santa Teresa in 1990; the flight has 215 steps and more than 2000 tiles. Source: Wikipedia
- The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, designed by Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, was dedicated in 1976. Source: Wikipedia
Stories along this route
Rock in Rio
The biennial festival began in Rio de Janeiro in 1985; the City of Rock is across town, while Lapa remains the night base under the arches.
Rio Carnival
Rio’s carnival returns every year before Lent: street revelry across the city, and samba-school parades on a separate avenue.
Lapa: The Birthplace of Rio’s Bohemian Spirit
Lapa is a Centro neighborhood of historic streets and a night scene that still draws musicians and late tables.
Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa)
The colonial arches in Lapa still carry the Santa Teresa tram across the neighborhood they once watered.
Escadaria Selarón
Jorge Selarón’s tiled stair between Lapa and Santa Teresa is a work he called a tribute to the Brazilian people.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
The seat of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro stands in Centro, dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the city’s patron.