Yelp Review 2025 #187: 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. read more

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I went here pretty quickly thanks to a friend I knew and met up with on another trip so I didn't spend 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 read more

Arcos da Lapa - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rio de Janeiro, RJ

I was fine with the drive-by we did with our private tour guide, but because we had some extra time, my spouse wanted to return and take pics. Originally built as an aqueduct to supply the city of Rio with fresh water from the Carioca River, the double level arches now supports part of a tram system that links Rio to Santa Teresa. While we never saw the tram running, the arches provided for some great photo ops. OVERALL: Free site, nothing exciting. read more

Arcos da Lapa - The arches - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rio de Janeiro, RJ

You have to try stop by Lapa during your trip to Rio. We got there a bit early at 8pm as we were hungry and planned to just grab a bite there. We were surprised to see so many food stalls there which was great as we love street food. After walking up and down the street and looking at all the vendors we stopped by a pasta joint just west of the aqueduct. To our surprise the owner spoke perfect English. He was very helpful in telling us about the area and where we needed to go. The pasta was really good too so be sure to stop by and try it. We then hit up a few bars street vendors. They had the cheapest drinks we've seen anywhere and they were very stiff. Get a fresh fruit caipirinha as they're incredibly tasty and the blend it with whole fruit right in front of you and they were only about $5 US. The bars are really cool around the area and they have plenty of samba, reggae, hip hop and all types of music. Again, a stop in this are is a MUST. Regarding safety, I never once felt threatened here even though we went to about 10 bars in the area. Just be smart and not have jewelry and keep your wallet in your front pocket and you'll do just fine. Also, avoid dark alleys but I shouldn't have to tell you that. Don't pay attention to the rumors. This area is safe. read more

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We came here for nightlife in Rio and loved it. The streets are lit up with people and there are bars everywhere. You cannot come here and say there is nothing to do. You don't know where to go first! read more

This is where you come for the nightlife. If you want to party, dance samba, get some drinks, bar hop, grab a bite to eat till 3 or 4 in the morning then you come here. Every night it's busy even weekdays. At least during summer it was. My friends took a taxi from Copacaba to here and it's was pretty cheap at 33 reais per trip. read more

Arcos da Lapa - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rio de Janeiro, RJ

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My friend and I were exploring Lapa on our trip to Brazil, and saw Arcos da Lapa right in the middle of town. It's a huge and spread-out series of arcs that are very nice, and things like street performing, samba dancing, music playing, and more happens right in front of it. The only letdown is that it's now covered in graffiti, which I really don't understand why anyone would do that. Fyi, right behind the Arcos de Lapa is where the street of nightlife begins. read more

I went there with a free walk tour .. I get pretty safe even though people told me not to go there during the day. It's a beautiful place filled with history and culture. read more

Arcos da Lapa - Laps - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Rio de Janeiro, RJ

They're pretty famous... they also happen to be in the exact same location as Rio's hottest night life area. Enough said! read more

In Lapa you are always assured of a good party night. Especially on Fridays the place is crowded with people and always a good mix of locals, foreigners and tourists. Besides all the bars and clubs, you don't even need to enter any of them to have a good time. There is always a party outside, under the Arcs or at the stairs of Selaron. Enjoy a good and cheap Caipirinha at one of the kiosks and of course don't forget to eat a tasty Tapioca! read more

Friday night outdoor Samba with a drink and good food!

One of the iconic spots in Rio de Janeiro are the arches of Lapa. I'm fond of them not just because of my photographer's eye, nor just because I live not five minutes away -- but it's a beautiful sign of the city, on the edge of Lapa, a neat bohemian neighborhood where you can find all sorts of bars and places to hang out. That said, the arches and the square next to it are also a fun place to chill out -- most nights see the square fill up with booze and food tents, and Lapa essentially turns into one big street party kind of hangout spot. The arches of Lapa at night are definitely one of the things that make the neighborhood a prime spot to hang out -- so what are you waiting for? Come join in! read more

A neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro with various musical events. The site is Lapa, downtown, where you'll find Arcos da Lapa. Site of poetry, lyrics of the samba, the chords sound the northeast and electronic music, all live in this area of bars in the streets Mem de Sa, and Lavradio Riachuelo. read more

Beaches during the day, but Lapa at night. The bar district