Formerly notorious for its shady nightlife, Lapa is also a vibrant intellectual and artistic centre and home to a school of music and a park. Since the early 2000's and the stunning rehabilitation of the district, the old buildings have been converted into bars and dance halls. The bohemian spirit is back. The cariocas come here for a drink, to dance and listen to music. An emblem of Rio, the former Arcos de Lapa aqueducts, which date from the colonial era, stretch out in a long white line.