Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro

Lapa in Rio de Janeiro

Samba lessons for free at a Lapa street party

Best time: all year round

Lapa
Lapa

Lapa is the centre of Rio's nightlife and the place to feel the real spirit of the Carioca lifestyle. Hundreds of bars, restaurants and dance clubs offer a great atmosphere and music from hip hop to samba. There are some hotspots like Carioca Da Gema with samba bands, Febarj for hip hop lovers, and Lapa 40 Gradus with Brazilian popular music. But not only the bars of Lapa are hot at night. The streets in this neighbourhood are closed for pedestrians from Friday to Sunday and are filled with musicians, street food, drinks, and beautiful people. The atmosphere is just mind​blowing. The sound of drums gets your feet moving, and the rhythm is irresistible. It seems that absolutely all the Cariocas naturally have the moves, no matter the age or gender. Even watching them dance is a pleasure. By the way, Lapa is a place where you can get some free samba lessons right on the street the locals are always ready to help. These streets are real fun, ​and you'll never forget their vibrant ambience.

Practical info

When do the streets of Lapa close for pedestrians?

Between Friday and Sunday, pedestrians can have the time of their lives on the bustling Lapa streets as they are closed for cars. This is an excellent atmosphere with lively music, plenty of street food, drinks, and beautiful people that provides visitors with an unforgettable Rio De Janeiro nightlife experience. Show more

Where to get samba lessons in Lapa?

Discover the true samba culture of Rio de Janeiro right in the streets of Lapa. Visitors can get free lessons as the friendly locals are more than happy to hone your samba skills. You can learn, have fun, and get into the lively atmosphere of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Show more

What genres of music can you find in Lapa?

If you love music and dancing, then Lapa should be your nightlife destination. From hip hop to samba or Brazilian popular music, you can find it all here. Carioca Da Gema, Febarj, and Lapa 40 Gradus are some of the best recommendations for finding the best bands and enjoying the beats that keep the Lapa streets alive. Show more

Which types of food are offered during Lapa street parties?

Lapa street parties have something for all tastes with an array of street foods on offer. Indulge your taste buds with snacks like Coxinhas, Pão de Queijo (traditional Brazilian cheese bread), churrasco, grilled meat skewers, to mention a few. With such culinary delights and carnival vibes blended in for a unique experience, you are sure to have a great time in Lapa. Show more

What is the recommended time to experience Lapa's vibrant nightlife?

Lapa is where life happens at night, and the most vibrant time to experience this lively atmosphere is from Friday to Sunday when roads are closed, and pedestrians can experience an unforgettable range of music, street food, drinks, and beautiful locals. With memories to last a lifetime, make a point of enjoying a taste of the Rio De Janeiro nightlife in Lapa. Show more

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