Samba band at one of the most traditional live music venues in Lapa.
Some areas of Lapa are not that safe. However, you can safely enjoy what Lapa has to offer by sticking to the safest zone of the neighborhood — the heart of Lapa.
Lapa is the most popular area to enjoy Rio de Janeiro’s nightlife and you should not miss a night out in Lapa. Nevertheless, the neighborhood should not be explored on foot at night. Instead, you should take a taxi from your hotel to the exact address you want to go (or to the safest and most popular corner).
Taking a taxi is the safest way to get to Lapa.
You have two options to safely enjoy Lapa:
Option 1) Have a drink and/or dinner at one of the many restaurants/bars in the area, especially on the corner of Mem de Sa with Lavradio streets — the safest and most popular corner in Lapa.
Option 2) Get into one of the many popular live music venues (the most famous is Rio Scenarium) and have a great time all night long, watching and listening to live samba, forro, rock, salsa, or other rhythm featuring that night.
There are more than 33,000 thousands yellow taxis in Rio de Janeiro. Hail one to Lapa.
By the end of the night out, you should take a taxi right there in front of the restaurant or concert hall you were. A taxi from Lapa to Flamengo, Gloria, Catete, Largo do Machado, or Santa Teresa takes approximately 10 minutes and costs roughly US$ 10 depending on the location of your hostel or hotel.
A taxi from Lapa to Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo, Leme, or Leblon costs more — approximately US$ 15 in about 15-20 minutes on a yellow cab. A taxi to distant neighborhoods such as Sao Conrado or Barra da Tijuca takes at least the double of the fare and time of that to Copacabana.
Planning a night out in Lapa when visiting Rio de Janeiro? Get your copy of My Rio Travel Guide and learn more about Lapa, safety, nightlife as well as things to do, places to eat, and places to stay in the most exciting city in Brazil.
Click below to have fun in Rio — safely!
