Rio Santa Teresa and Lapa Samba Tour

The bucolic atmosphere of its old buildings and the traditional yellow cable car turn the Santa Teresa neighborhood into one must-see. It is a perfect place for a walking tour. Moreover, the Santa Teresa neighborhood is also famous for its gastronomy diversities. There are many bars, restaurants, and cafes, each with its particular style. In the Santa Teresa neighborhood, you can find haute cuisine, German food, and Carioca typical bars, besides, popular Brazilian northeastern food. Therefore, the Santa Teresa neighborhood is an eclectic place. It is a true paradise for those who like to eat well and discover new flavors. However, on our walking tour, we focused on simple, traditional bars and restaurants that represent Rio's street life soul. After the Santa Teresa neighborhood, we go down the hill to explore the other bohemian stronghold of Rio - The Lapa neighborhood. In the Lapa neighborhood, besides, browsing around, we will visit nice places to hear and enjoy Samba music.

Our first stop will be at the "Armazém São Joaquim" Located in one of the most traditional, rustic, and charming townhouses in the center of Santa Teresa, a neighborhood in the central area of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The "Armazém Cultural São Joaquim" is a cultural, artistic, and gastronomic center where the public can find in a single place the specialty of Brazilian cuisine, in an old-fashioned tavern, combined with a multitude of activities and artistic events that include workshops and art workshops, poetry and philosophy, music, photography, in addition to a rich cultural program consisting of dramatized readings, poetic soirées, theater shows, acoustic musical shows, and literary releases. At Armazém São Joaquim you will try one of their famous snacks - Espetinhos (skewers). You'll be kindly invited to choose between Noble beef skewer (The favorite one among meat lovers): Rare, medium rare, or well-done barbecue.

Second Stop - Bar do Mineiro (Miner's Bar) A classic carioca the bar do Mineiro is super traditional in Santa Teresa, it gathers many tourists and Cariocas every day. With a bohemian atmosphere, walls of old tiles, simplicity, and zero luxury. The house is famous for its snacks and cold beer. At Bar do Mineiro you'll try: The Famous Caldinho de feijão (Brothy beans) - A well-seasoned and very nutritious bean broth served in a cup or bowl. The bean broth is a tasty appetizer, much loved among Brazilians, special those bohemians who like to have a cup of "Caldinho de Feijão" once in while through the night to balance the drunkenness and avoid a hangover. Delicious!!!

3rd Stop - Armazém de São Thiago in Santa Teresa | Bar do Gomes. Even the path from the center of Santa Teresa neighborhood to the Bar do Gomes, a little further away from the center (10 min walk) is like a trip back in time. Also known as Bar do Gomez, this quaint bar offering a variety of snacks in a cool 1920s-style gallery has been on the same corner since 1919. The Bar do Gomes is one of the most iconic and traditional in Rio de Janeiro. It's a unique retro environment. The place is one of the most popular sites in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. In 2011 the establishment acquired the status of "Cultural Heritage of the city of Rio de Janeiro", after being listed by the city hall. At Armazém São Joaquim/Bar do Gomes you will try: The beef jerky with gorgonzola ball The Codfish ball For drinks, we highly suggest you try the Caipirinha! It is said to be the best one in town! Cheers!

Agô - Bar da Encruza is the newest bar in Santa Teresa. The space celebrates religions of African origin. Our last stop in Santa Teresa's neighborhood is at Agô - Bar da Encruza. It is one of the newest bars in Santa Teresa's neighborhood. The space celebrates religions of African origin. The expression “Agô” means a license request for entry/exit, and passage movements in Yoruba religious temples. Therefore, Agô is an Afro-centric bar and restaurant. The Agô-Bar da Encruza was created by businesswoman Kananda Soares, in 2001. Before, Kanada had created another very unique place in the Santa Teresa neighborhood: "The Favela Hype". At Agô, the decoration, the menu, and even the crafted drinks are a tribute to the terreiros. Therefore, Agô-Bar da Encruza honors terreiros (Afro-Brazilian religious temples) in their dishes and delicious drinks and appetizers. Agô - Bar da Encruza is about a black protagonist. Agô!

The first stop in the Lapa neighborhood will be at Bar Colarinho do the Samba! One of the most fantastic bars in Lapa! The concept of the bar is to be an extension of the samba schools. The concept of the bar is to be an extension of the samba schools. It's the only bar in Lapa where you can listen to live samba-enredo - The Samba Music composed exclusively and different ones every year, for the samba school carnival parades. The Colarinho do Samba decoration is very carnivalesque, with carnival masks hanging from the ceiling. It's the only bar in Lapa where you can listen to live samba-enredo (the Samba Music composed exclusively with different ones every year, for the samba school carnival parades), the year around. So what are you waiting for?! Let's to Samba!

Cafe Cultural Sacrilegio (Pass-by Only)

Second stop at Lapa: The Café Cultural Sacrilégio In the heart of Lapa, the Café Cultural Sacrilégio is quite a different place. Reference for remarkable creativity. The identity of the name is in the play of the 'sacred' with Rio's bohemia. The result is an interactive house full of history. At Café Cultural Sacrilégio, music is part of its history. The building, which was home to the composer and musician João Pernambuco, who organized soirées with Villa Lobos, Pixinguinha, and Donga (Icons of Brazilian popular music of the 20th century), is preserved by the municipal authorities. Everything at Café Cultural Sacrilégio is designed to guarantee quality entertainment, whether in the selected musical program, in the irresistible menu, or in the setting, which after revitalization has become a spectacle in itself. The formula is unbeatable, with a live show, delicious snacks, drinks, and that stupidly cold beer like all Cariocas and visitors enjoy!

Leviano Bar (Pass-by Only)

At Leviano Bar there is a mix of Samba, forró and even acrobatic shows With a beautiful view of the Arcos da Lapa and the Cathedral, the Leviano Bar has a wonderful kitchen, with well-prepared meals, snacks, and sweets. The drinks are made by bartenders who put on a show while preparing the drinks that are the main highlights of the house, such as the Sexy Delícia and the Amante.

The last attraction: Beco do Rato Located in a hidden corner, between Lapa and Gloria Neighborhood, Beco do Rato has been operating since 2005. A place of good music, culture, beautiful people, personalities, cold beer, and great snacks. In charge of the counter is Marcio Pacheco, also responsible for the best samba circle in Rio, Samba Luzia. A devotee of São Jorge, Márcio did a bit of everything during his career, but he always knew that his home would be the tavern. Indeed, the area was in a previously neglected space where he created his bar, initially opened as a beverage warehouse, and later it helped to revitalize the region, close to the famous Escadaria Selarón. You will love this place! We can't wait to have you on our tour!