Beco do Rato
Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
Beco do Rato is a small, unpretentious bar hidden on a side street of Lapa where some of Rio's best samba musicians gather almost every night. There are no tourist buses, no cover for most nights, and no dance floor — just a spontaneous roda de samba that spills into the street, cold beer, and cariocas of every age singing along to songs they've known since childhood. It's the version of Lapa nightlife most travelers never find, and one of the last places in central Rio where samba is played the way it was in the 1930s: acoustic, communal, and free.
Quick facts
- Category: nightlife
- Neighborhood: Lapa
- Best time to visit: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from about 9 PM — these are the traditional samba nights and the crowd is mostly local.
- Coordinates: -22.9138, -43.1795
- Cost: Free entry — see "How to Get There" for transport costs.
Why Beco do Rato is special
Beco do Rato is the antidote to Lapa's tourist-trap bars. The musicians are working professionals who play here because they love it, not for a paycheck. You'll hear samba de raiz, choro, and partido alto instead of Top-40 remixes, and you'll be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cariocas rather than in a roped-off VIP section.
Best time to visit
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from about 9 PM — these are the traditional samba nights and the crowd is mostly local. Arrive by 8:30 PM to get a spot near the musicians. Weekends are busier and slightly more touristy but still authentic.
How to get to Beco do Rato
Take an Uber to Rua Joaquim Silva 11, Lapa — the bar is on a quiet side street two blocks from the Arcos da Lapa. From Cinelândia metro station it's a 10-minute walk, but at night an Uber is safer.
Safety tips for Beco do Rato
Lapa side streets can be sketchy after dark — Uber door-to-door. Carry only the cash you plan to spend, leave your passport and main phone at your hotel, and keep your phone off the table. The bar itself is very safe once you're inside.
Prefer to visit with a local guide?
We've hand-picked an English-speaking small-group tour that features Beco do Rato and nearby Lapa highlights.
See Beco do Rato tours on GetYourGuideLocation on the map
Approximate location in Lapa — see "How to Get There" above for turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Beco do Rato?
Beco do Rato is located in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro (approximate coordinates -22.9138, -43.1795). Take an Uber to Rua Joaquim Silva 11, Lapa — the bar is on a quiet side street two blocks from the Arcos da Lapa. From Cinelândia metro station it's a 10-minute walk, but at night an Uber is safer.
When is the best time to visit Beco do Rato?
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from about 9 PM — these are the traditional samba nights and the crowd is mostly local. Arrive by 8:30 PM to get a spot near the musicians. Weekends are busier and slightly more touristy but still authentic.
Is Beco do Rato safe for tourists?
Lapa side streets can be sketchy after dark — Uber door-to-door. Carry only the cash you plan to spend, leave your passport and main phone at your hotel, and keep your phone off the table. The bar itself is very safe once you're inside.
Why is Beco do Rato considered a hidden gem in Rio?
Beco do Rato is the antidote to Lapa's tourist-trap bars. The musicians are working professionals who play here because they love it, not for a paycheck. You'll hear samba de raiz, choro, and partido alto instead of Top-40 remixes, and you'll be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cariocas rather than in a roped-off VIP section.
Book tours & experiences near Beco do Rato (GetYourGuide)
Beco do Rato guided tour
A small-group tour that features Beco do Rato and nearby Lapa highlights.
Links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports PlanRio.
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