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Rio de Janeiro is back in the global spotlight. According to Time Out magazine, Rua do Senado, in the heart of Lapa, was voted the coolest street in the world in 2025, surpassing iconic addresses in London, Tokyo, and New York. This choice says a lot about the Carioca spirit: a blend of art, diversity, history, and freedom that pulses on every corner.
Amid graffiti-covered walls and the sounds spilling out of bars, Rua do Senado represents contemporary, creative, and vibrant Rio—the same spirit embodied by Hotel Arpoador by the sea. A hotel in Arpoador where nature meets the urban landscape, and where the Carioca experience takes shape every day, from sunrise to sunset.
Rua do Senado: the new symbol of creative Rio
Located in downtown Rio, Rua do Senado has been reborn in recent years as a cultural and emotional hub. Historic townhouses now host bars, studios, thrift shops, and antique stores, all wrapped in a bohemian atmosphere filled with Brazilian music.
What was once a forgotten street is now a meeting point for artists, producers, and travelers seeking authentic experiences in Rio—those born from the mix of tradition and invention.
Credit: Solar dos Abacaxis/Press
What to do on Rua do Senado: a quick guide to enjoying the coolest street in the world
- Visit Solar dos Abacaxis
A vibrant cultural center with exhibitions, performances, and interventions that celebrate art, politics, and ancestry. One of the most dynamic spaces in Rio’s contemporary cultural scene. - Explore the antique shops and thrift stores
Rua do Senado is a paradise for lovers of objects with a story: furniture, rare pieces, vinyl records, ceramics, artworks, and unique finds that only Lapa can offer. - Dine at some of the most interesting restaurants downtown
Labuta Bar — a classic Carioca bar (boteco).
Lilia — seasonal ingredients in a contemporary, conscious menu; featured in the Michelin Guide.
Destilaria Maravilha — signature cocktails and locally produced spirits in a relaxed, welcoming setting. - Stroll through Feira do Lavradio
The traditional antiques and art fair, held on Rua do Lavradio just steps from Rua do Senado, is a deep dive into Carioca popular culture—music, crafts, food, and dance.
According to a report by CBN, Rua do Senado stands out for its creative atmosphere and the blend of traditional bars with new highlights of Carioca gastronomy. Armazém do Senado, a house dating back to 1907, hosts a classic samba circle and is a favorite meeting point for locals, while newer spots like Labuta Braseiro are refreshing the area’s scene.
From downtown to the sea: Arpoador as an extension of this vibrant Rio
Like Rua do Senado, Hotel Arpoador captures the spirit of freedom and creativity that fascinates the world. As the only beachfront hotel in Rio de Janeiro, it sits in one of the city’s most iconic locations, between Copacabana and Ipanema, where the sunset becomes a daily spectacle.
Here, the experience goes beyond accommodation—it’s about feeling the city’s rhythm. In the morning, the sound of the waves awakens the body; in the afternoon, the terrace becomes the stage for the sunset at Arpoador; and at night, arp bar serves signature cocktails and coastal cuisine that celebrates Rio in every detail.
Where to stay in Arpoador, RJ: between the sea and the city
For those wondering where to stay in Arpoador, the answer lies in the balance between comfort and authenticity. The best hotel in Arpoador is the one that places you at the center of Carioca life, with the sea on one side and the urban buzz on the other.
From the terrace, you can watch surfers gliding over the waves, with the Dois Irmãos mountains framing the sunset in the background. On the other side, a short walk leads to galleries, bookstores, and cafés that share the same creative energy now defining Rua do Senado.
That is exactly the proposal of Hotel Arpoador: to be a meeting point between nature, art, and everyday life—a place where you can relax while still feeling part of Rio.
The Rio that inspires the world—and begins in Arpoador
At a time when the world is once again turning its eyes to Rio and its authenticity, a hotel in Arpoador represents the perfect synthesis of a lifestyle that blends simplicity, beauty, and expression.
Just as Rua do Senado has gained global recognition, Arpoador remains the city’s most iconic setting—where the sun bids farewell to the sea and people gather to celebrate life.
Staying at Hotel Arpoador is more than choosing a place to sleep; it’s becoming part of a living story made of encounters, art, music, and horizon. Because the coolest Rio in the world is right here—between the sidewalk, the sea, and the open heart of those who live it every day.