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Arcos da Lapa
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Along with the beaches, the Christ statue and Sugar Loaf mountain, another postcard-perfect image of Rio are the mammoth white arches that stand in city's historic center.
At night, revelers gather... Read More
Along with the beaches, the Christ statue and Sugar Loaf mountain, another postcard-perfect image of Rio are the mammoth white arches that stand in city's historic center.
At night, revelers gather below the arches as a huge street party unfurls - head here on a Friday night to see Rio's party spirit at its liveliest. The area around the arches is taken over by hundreds of stalls selling all manner of tempting treats to eat and drink, from fresh-baked pizzas and beers to Northeastern acaraje and fruity-but-potent cocktails. Surrounded by bars and clubs pumping out everything from hip hop and favela funk to samba and pagode, the Arcos da Lapa are the starting point for many a memorable night out in Rio.
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EXPERT TIPS BY:
Lucy Bryson
Rio de Janeiro Local Expert
- Lapa's Best Restaurants, Late Night: "Don't bring credit cards or cameras to Lapa, as petty theft remains a problem despite improved policing."
- Street Food: "Head here on a Friday night for the liveliest street scene."
- Best for Lapa's Best Restaurants Because: Stalls selling pizza, grilled meats, Northeastern specialities and burgers with all the trimmings can all be found near the arches after dark.
- Best for Street Food Because: The area around the Arcos da Lapa is packed with street food stalls after dark on weekends.
- Best for Late Night Because: Hungry partiers can feast on street foods from sundown to sunset during the famous weekend street party beneath the arches.