Santa Teresa and Lapa

Enchanting Santa Teresa sits overlooking the bright lights of Lapa and Centro. This charasmatic neighbourhood was once home to some of Brazil´s finest artists and creative minds. There are still tiny art studios dotted around as well as random, unusual art sculptures in the street, and every wall space is covered in interesting, colourful graffiti.

The winding cobbled streets are lined with incredibly beautiful coloured houses, each one unique. Parts of the neighbourhood have become run-down and faded, and seem abandoned but some of these crumbling buildings are the most charming in Santa Teresa. The old yellow trams cross over the cobbles whilst people hang onto the sides and VW Beetles and Campervans dodge them.

Lapa sits just below the stunningly beautiful architecture of Santa Teresa. Lapa is a bright, busy bustling neighbourhood and quite a contrast to peaceful Santa Teresa. Lapa is famous for the vibrant samba clubs and the beautiful Lapa steps.

The Lapa steps have been designed by an artist that actually lives in one of the coloured houses that line his masterpiece. Hundreds of interesting designed tiles and colourful mosaics have been used in this unique, bizarre creation.

Whilst trying to find a good samba club in Lapa, we stumbled across a lovely cobbled street full of samba bars set in old houses with grand balconies overlooking the street. This is exactly what I expected from Rio´s nightlife but in such an unexpected area. Maybe Lapa isn´t just about the bright lights and seedy bars.