Lapa, Santa Teresa and Rio De Janeiro Centro

The three suburbs more or less combine to form the old centre of Rio De Janeiro - which is a fairly old city (it is almost 500 years old). Most of the old colonial buildings have been destroyed, replaced with skyscrapers. It is still a fascinating place to walk around, and there are some surprises.


The New Cathedral, ugly on the outside, beautiful inside.

The old buildings have a distinct colonial style, while the modern replacements are usually pretty ordinary.




The aqueduct, otherwise known as the Arches of Lapa. Now carries the surviving tram line to Santa Teresa.


Santa Teresa and Lapa are very much the hippie quarters - lots of artists stay around here, and thus, like Observatory in Cape Town, it is the center of music and art in Rio De Janeiro. There are loads of clubs and bars, many featuring live music every night. From Samba to trance, Friday nights are however the biggest, where Lapa basically becomes one big street party, with a few bands playing outside for free (though they are not that good). There is a big police presence, and everything works pretty smoothly.