The back story
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Neighbourhood guide
Santa Teresa and Lapa: the tram, the steps and the samba
The hilltop lanes of Santa Teresa, the bonde over the Arcos da Lapa, the Selarón steps and the music of Lapa by night.
Neighbourhood guide · Rio de Janeiro
Santa Teresa and Lapa: up the hill and into the night
The hilltop lanes, the bonde over the Arcos da Lapa, the Selarón steps, Aprazível and the music of Lapa.
What's onThis week in Rio de Janeiro
What to see and do
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Lapa to Santa Teresa
The Escadaria Selarón
The stairway between Lapa and Santa Teresa covered in tiles from all over the world by the artist Jorge Selarón.
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Over the arches
The Arcos da Lapa and the Santa Teresa tram
The white colonial aqueduct of Lapa, crossed by the bonde on its way up to Santa Teresa.
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A collector’s house
Museu da Chácara do Céu
A collector’s modernist house and art collection in Santa Teresa, with views over the bay.
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On the Largo da Lapa
Sala Cecília Meireles
Rio’s concert hall for chamber and classical music, on the Largo da Lapa.
Largo da Lapa 47, Lapa, Rio de JaneiroExplore View on map
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On foot
Santa Teresa on foot
From the Selarón steps up through the lanes of Santa Teresa to the Chácara do Céu.
Where to eat
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In the MICHELIN Guide
Aprazível
Brazilian cooking on garden terraces in Santa Teresa, with the bay below. In the 2026 MICHELIN Guide selection.
Rua Aprazível 62, Santa Teresa, 20241-270 Rio de JaneiroExplore View on map
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In the MICHELIN Guide
Térèze
Modern cooking at the Santa Teresa Hotel RJ. In the 2026 MICHELIN Guide selection.
Rua Felicio dos Santos 15, Santa Teresa, 20241-260 Rio de JaneiroExplore View on map
Bars and music
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Under the arches
Circo Voador
The open-sided concert hall beside the Arcos da Lapa, for Brazilian music and late nights.
Where to stay
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On the hill
Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery
A hotel on the hill of Santa Teresa, with Térèze, its restaurant in the MICHELIN selection.
Rua Felicio dos Santos 15, Santa Teresa, Rio de JaneiroExplore View on map
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A mansion in Lapa
Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro
A hotel in a restored mansion in Lapa, close to the arches, the Selarón steps and the samba bars.
Rua Riachuelo 124, Lapa, Rio de JaneiroExplore View on map
Share your Santa Teresa & Lapa tips
Climbed Santa Teresa or danced in Lapa? Tell other readers where the music was.
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