Brazil owes much of its musicality to Africa, including the most famous Brazilian beat - the samba. Legend goes that it all started in Downtown Rio, in the house of a freedwoman named Tia Ciata (Aunt Ciata). It used to stand in the spot where today is the Terreirão do Samba, next to the Sambodrome.

Not surprisingly many of the Gafieiras and Samba Halls are located in the historical Centro of Rio, especially around Lapa. There are sophisticated clubs with gourmet menus and feature attractions. And more relaxed clubs with tables in the open air, while you listen or dance to a live band.

Gafieiras, Pagode and Ballroom Samba

Samba de salão, the ballroom samba, is one of the most sensual beats for a couple to dance to. Many Cariocas take lessons of ballroom samba, and you are welcome to join the fun. To get started you have to learn a simple basic step. Let a local friend take the lead, and get down!

The perfect place to practice your newly acquired dance skills are the samba parlors, the gafieiras. Some of them, like Estudantina, have been around for decades. A visit is almost mandatory. The atmosphere is familiar and friendly. You may invite ladies to dance, and they may also pick you up.

Getting Around Lapa

We have been accused of being partial by always setting Ipanema as the starting point of our maps. We are guilty as charged, after all this is a website made in Ipanema. But Lapa is the place to be when you want to experience samba. With the subway working until midninght on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends, this is a practical way to get there. Share a taxi back home.

As a lot of people tend to hang out in the streets chatting with friends, be streetwise. Pickpockets may try to take advantege if you look tipsier than the next guy!