Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

Our Favorite Rio Hotels

• 5-Star Hotel: Copacabana Palace
• Boutique Hotel: A named villa.
• Cheap Hotel: Copacabana Best Deal
• Family hotel: Vila Galé
• Best Pool: Fasano
• With Private Pool: Casa Geranio
• Near Airport: Linx

a beach with a view of the ocean and mountains

Brazil`s most renowned metropolitan area, Rio de Janeiro is an extremely impressive city set in an extraordinary landscape, among soaring elevations that ascend from the ocean. It is home to iconic sights such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the well known Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The city is also renowned for its vibrant samba-infused nightlife and the globally celebrated annual Carnival. Beyond these widely recognized attractions, Rio’s historic city center provides a wealth of treasures, like cool architecture, premier museums and art galleries, and top-notch dining establishments.

Rio de Janiero Neighborhoods

The historic and commercial heart of Rio is known simply as Centro, a large rectangular grid of streets running from Guanabara Bay to the hills. This is where you’ll discover many of the city’s old churches, manors, and palaces, as well as major museums and galleries like the Espaço Cultural da Marinha, Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, Museu de Arte do Rio, and the Museu do Amanhã, Rio’s impressive science museum.

Lapa, most renowned for its nightlife, incorporates the southern end of Centro. Heading south along the bay, the adjacent neighborhoods of Glória,Catete, and Flamengo generally attract far fewer visitors but do have a scattering of hotels and important sights like the Museu de Arte Moderna (Modern Art Museum) and Museu da República (history museum).

Santa Teresa is encircled within the slopes above, one of the city’s most romantic enclaves and home to its most substantial collection of boutique lodgings. Nearby Cosme Velho acts as an entrance to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado hill. Returning to the bay, Botafogo is another chiefly residential neighborhood where the Museu de Ciências da Terra (science museum) and Museu do Índio (dedicated to Brazil’s indigenous peoples) are situated, while neighboring Urca is tucked away underneath Sugarloaf Mountain, an additional Rio icon with jaw-dropping perspectives from the summit.

The next bay south of Botafogo on Rio’s uneven coastline is Copacabana, the globally renowned beach neighborhood where activities are continually happening. Alongside comparable Ipanema and Leblon nearby, this is where most visitors opt to stay. West of Leblon, the coast is dotted with white sand beaches all along until the favored resort of Barra da Tijuca, while just inland, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (a lagoon) is encircled by a series of laidback neighborhoods that incorporate Jardim Botânico, home of the botanical gardens.

a large body of water with mountains

Getting To and Around Rio de Janiero

Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport (officially “RIOgaleão –Aeroporto Internacional Tom Jobim”) is located twelve miles (20km) outside of Centro with nonstop links all over the world, including numerous flights to locations in the USA, UK, Spain, Portugal, and cities across Brazil and South America. Express buses and taxis (the only choice at night) transport travelers into the city. The older and smaller Santos Dumont Airport, situated a few blocks from Centro, now primarily serves Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, and other Brazilian cities. It’s connected to the center by the light rail system. Given how simple it is to access the city (by taxi, 15 min to Centro, 30 min to Copacabana/Ipanema), there is little reason to stay at Galeão. If staying here for an early departure or late arrival is necessary, Rio Aeroporto Hotel has a conveniently located spot in the main terminal, and the more comfortable Linx Galeão is a brief walk or ride away.

While self-guided exploration of individual neighborhoods is convenient, viewing the full city requires taxis or public transit. Rio`s highly efficient, affordable and air-conditioned metro system is best for traveling between Centro, Botafogo, and Copacabana/Ipanema quickly. If frequent public transportation is planned, purchase a rechargeable Bilhete Único Carioca card for discounted rates.

Public transit is also simple to navigate centrally in Rio, though vehicles can become crowded and pickpockets frequent them. There’s also the relatively new light rail system ( VLT) which links Santos Dumont Airport and Praça XV to Centro and the Rodoviária Novo Rio (bus terminal). Taxis prices are reasonable in Rio (always demand drivers use the meter), and Uber also operates within the city.

We do not recommend renting a car in Rio. Parking is difficult (and impossible to find), the one-way system is confusing, roads are congested, carjacking can be a problem in some areas at night, and local drivers rarely seem to stick to the rules anywhere in the city. Public transportation is good in Rio de Janeiro and beyond that, Uber is a safe option.

The Best Places to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

a beach with palm trees and palm trees

Best Neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro for…

  • Best Neighborhood for Novices: Ipanema
    Rio is full of colorful, hip neighborhoods, however Ipanema is the ideal starting point for an initial trip to the city. It`s among Rio`s safer, more affluent neighborhoods, with most lodging either on the seaside or a brief stroll from the iconic beach, constantly a hive of action (the principle beach road closes to site visitors on Sundays). Nearby Leblon is among Rio`s most interesting purchasing hubs, and you`ll locate many exceptional eateries and bars all through Ipanema, indicating less requirement to journey further at nighttime. As for sightseeing, thanks to the subway you`ll manage to swiftly move to Copacabana or up to Centro (the ancient center and commercial zone), or head further west toward the beaches of Barra da Tijuca.
  • Best Area to Stay for Sightseeing: Centro
    If enjoying the beach is not a top priority, Centro is the best area to absorb the city`s rich history. The historic city center is sprinkled with baroque churches and convents, colonial Portuguese palaces and mansions, old forts, libraries, belle epoque cafés, and leisurely palm-dotted plazas. You`ll also be near Lapa, the premier nightlife district, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ statue, and the Macaranã Stadium, the Brazilian shrine of soccer. The assortment of hotels here isn`t as varied or good as in Ipanema or Copacabana, but there are some decent budget options and a couple better quality hotels near the central Santos Dumont airport ( Novotel RJ Santos Dumont and Prodigy Santos Dumont) The most romantic neighborhood is considered to be Santa Teresa
    Clinging to the slopes below Lapa and the city center, Santa Teresa is a leafy, captivating neighborhood of cobbled streets, “ladeiras” (steps), and gorgeous boutique hotels providing stunning views over the metropolis and ocean below. Its bohemian vibe is kept by a cluster of artist studios and galleries, and indie stores and bars. Take the aging “bonde” (tram) up from Lapa, or admire the painted tiles on the Escadaria Selarón stairway by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. The Museu Chácara do Céu displays an eclectic collection of Brazilian and European art near the romantic Parque das Ruínas (which has a lovely café); while further up, Cosme Velho is the starting point for the cog railway up to the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado. Be sure to check out the Largo do Boticário nearby, a small plaza surrounded by a picturesque ensemble of weathered, overgrown Neoclassical buildingsWe enjoy spending time at the Explorer Bar for cocktails and the Bar do Mineiro for feijoada and Brazilian cuisine. The Mercado das Pulgas is also a nice spot to experience live samba music on weekends. Several excellent boutique hotels are located in this area, such as the Casa 48 Guesthouse,Casa Caminho do Corcovado,Casa Vermelha Guesthouse,Chez Georges,Rio Boutique Suites,Villa Paranaguá,Casa Geranio, and Vila Santa Teresa. For a more affordable option, try the JO&JOE Largo do Boticário.
  • Prime Neighborhoods for Nightlife: Arco de Teles and Lapa (Centro)
    It`s difficult to defeat Rio in terms of exhilaration at nighttime. Popular areas involve the Arco de Teles downtown area (on Travessa do Comércio and Rua Ouvidor), and Rio`s traditional nightlife hub, Lapa (particularly on Fridays and Saturdays), simply to the south of the city center (Centro). Reside samba and economical caipirinhas in plastic cups, cocktail bars, nightclubs and dive bars – it`s all present here. Circo Voador is a well-liked outdoor real-time venue nearby the Arcos da Lapa (aqueduct), while Nova Capela is our beloved old-fashioned Brazilian restaurant and bar in Lapa. On Avenida Mem de Sá you can taste craft spirits at Casa da Cachaça before reviewing the scenario at the Rio Scenarium nightclub on Rua do Lavradio. Nearly every Rio neighborhood boasts some sort of bar scene, particularly at the weekend, with Botafogo (Rua Nelson Mandela) and Ipanema/Leblon good examples).“Caipirinha” is the most renowned Brazilian cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane spirit), unpeeled lime, sugar and ice. Samba is hugely popular in Rio de Janeiro. Good places to see it (or join the dancing) include Trapiche Gamboa on Praça Mauá in Centro district, and Beco do Rato and Carioca da Gema in Lapa. You can also check out the weekly samba gatherings (“roda de samba”) at the Pedra do Sal plaza and the “ Samba da Ouvidor” in Centro. Books Hostel is a reasonably priced option if you want to stay near the nightlife action in Lapa.

a view from the top of a mountain

    • Best Neighborhood for Food and Restaurants: Botafogo
      Individuals will find exceptional cuisine all through Rio, but particularly in the flourishing Botafogo neighborhood, with Ipanema/Leblon not far behind. Highlights in Botafogo include the Slow Bakery for sandwiches and artisanal breads; Liga dos Botecos for drinks and local favorites (like coxinhas/chicken croquettes); Chef Alberto Landgraf’s Oteque for a splurge; Naturalie Bistrô for high-quality vegetarian dishes; and tiny Michelin-starred restaurant Lasai for beautifully crafted tasting selections).Enjoying a “feijoada” on Sundays has become somewhat of a tradition in Rio. The national Brazilian dish essentially consists of a black bean stew filled with various cuts of pork and beef served alongside rice, “farofa” (cassava), and steamed collard greens. Casa da Feijoada in Ipanema offers a fine place to sample it.
    • Best Neighborhood for Shopping: Leblon (Ipanema)
      Leblon is one of Rio’s main retail hubs, with upscale shopping centers like Rio Design Leblon and Shopping Leblon, and many stores lining the leafy Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva. It’s also considered the safest place to shop and easiest to navigate for first timers, close to numerous hotels and the beach. The Feira Hippie de Ipanema or “Hippie Market” (for handicrafts and souvenirs) still takes place in adjacent Ipanema on Sundays. The main shopping street in Ipanema is Rua Visconde de PirajaIn Centro, the sub-area known as Saara (around Alfândega between Rua Uruguaiana and Rua Primeiro de Março) has many stalls and stores selling all sorts of discounted items such as jewelry and beachwear. Elsewhere in Centro, the Rio Antigo Market (antiques and flea market) in Lapa happens every first Saturday of the month, while the open-air Mercado Uruguaiana is a daily market best known for inexpensive clothing. The massive Riosul mall is conveniently situated in Botafogo, but the largest malls are in Barra da Tijuca further west (such as VillageMall and Barra Shopping).
    • Best Place for Local Vibe/to get off the Beaten Path: Urca
      Though it’s basically in the center of Rio, facing Guanabara Bay, you’ll be surprised how few foreign visitors make it to Urca (other than hurrying through on their way up Sugarloaf Mountain). This tiny enclave includes a couple of small but generally calm beaches where locals swim, and the Mureta da Urca (the walled promenade), a fabulous spot to watch the sunset. For cocktails, head to Boteco Mureta da Urca; locals also hang out at Bar Urca and no-frills barbecue restaurant Bar Garota da Urca.
    • Best Places for Families: The Jardim Botânico/Ipanema area

Rio is an enjoyable place for children. In addition to the landmark attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana beach, and soccer matches at the Maracanã, there’s the Museu do Amanhã (a futuristic science museum), a Planetarium (Museu de Astronomia e Ciências Afins), the BioParque do Rio (the city zoo), and AquaRio, a major aquarium (all in the Zona Norte or Centro)

Attending a professional basketball match in New York City has not been covered because it depends on when you travel, but if you enjoy sports, it is worth checking if there are tickets available or at least, tours of the Madison Square Garden arena.

a path leading to a forest filled with plants

  • Best Neighborhood to Stay for Beaches: Copacabana

Copacabana Beach extends over 2 miles along Rio`s coastline and is considered one of the finest beaches in Brazil. Luxurious resorts like the Copacabana Palace dot its shoreline, while inexpensive lodging can be found a few blocks inland. Its vibrant promenade lined with kiosks playing samba is iconic to Rio. The mountains provide stunning views of the seafront. Visitors remain safe during daylight hours along the beachfront, though nightfall calls for caution. Its soft, white sands are cleaned each day but swimming isn`t recommended due to pollution levels in the waters.

  • Safety in Rio de Janeiro
    Brazil’s reputation as a dangerous location to explore is often exaggerated, with most of the nation perfectly safe to discover. Having mentioned that, street criminal activity in the cities can be an issue, especially in Rio. Use typical care (avoid deserted streets, take licensed taxis at night, and depart expensive possessions at the hotel) and you should fare well. Most of the brutality is drug associated and focused in the favelas, the shantytowns that surround Rio. Needless to say, avoid all favelas unless you are touring with locals/local guides who know the region. And on city beaches, never desert your things unattended. The best time to explore Centro is on a weekday (throughout the day) – it tends to get deserted and questionable on Sundays. It’s preferable not to hike up the Corcovado or between Copacabana and Botafogo at any time. Copacabana and Ipanema tend to be fairly safe, but don’t linger on the beach too late.

The 7 Best Places in Rio de Janeiro for Tourists

1. Centro

a city with tall buildings and skyscrapers

The commercial and historic center of Rio is known as Centro, blending Portuguese colonial remnants, Neoclassical 19th-century monuments, and modern skyscrapers. It’s not the Rio of popular imagination – there are no beaches – but those interested in the history of the city (and Brazil in general – Rio was the capital until 1960), will want to spend significant time here.

Stretching from the waterfront inland is the primary east-west avenue, Avenida Presidente Vargas, which leads to the Sambadrome, location of the famous Carnaval parade. Running parallel just south is the shopping center known as Barzar do Saara, a maze of stalls selling various goods ranging from handicrafts to beachwear. Overlooking the bay at the east end is the Espaço Cultural da Marinha (a maritime museum home to the Galiota Dom João VI, constructed for the Portuguese king), the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (a vast arts center), and nearby Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária, an attractively designed baroque church.

North of Vargas is South America’s largest aquarium, the AquaRio, the Museu de Arte do Rio (art museum), and the Museu do Amanhã, Rio’s impressive science museum designed by Santiago Calatrava. Taking a stroll along the waterfront here allows viewing of the stunning mural called Etnias (“Ethnicities”) painted by street artist Eduardo Kobra for the 2016 Olympics. South of Vargas along the waterfront is Praça XV de Novembro, a vast square that was once the hub of old Rio and still hosts a weekly crafts market on Thursdays and Fridays. Features of the plaza include the 18th-century Paço Imperial cultural center housed in the former home of Portuguese colonial governors, the stately Palácio Tiradentes, the Museu Naval charting Brazil’s naval history, the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé old cathedral, and the beautiful Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo church next door. Highlights west of Praça XV de Novembro include Igreja de São Francisco de Paula another historic church, the vast and ornate 19th-century library of Real Gabinete Portuguêsde Leitura, and the Convento de Santo Antônio, the oldest church in Rio.

Found in the southern area of Centro is Cinelândia plaza, also known as Praça Floriano Peixoto, home to elegant buildings such as the Theatro Municipal which draws inspiration from the Opéra in Paris, and the Museu Nacional das Belas Artes dedicated to fine arts. Nearby sits the Museu Histórico Nacional chronicling history up until 1889, Lapa known for nightlife, the advanced Museu da Imagem e do Som focused on music, and the Catedral Metropolitana, Brazil`s striking modernist cathedral resembling an ancient pyramid and towering over its surroundings.

There are not as many hotels in Centro as one might expect – Copacabana and Ipanema are the traditional tourist destinations – but there’s a major cluster along Av. Gomes Freire and some good deals to be had, though budget lodgings in Centro tend to be poor quality. Copacabana and Ipanema are easy metro (subway) rides away from Centro.

2. Copacabana

a beach filled with lots of beach chairs and umbrellas

Copacabana (which includes adjacent Leme) lies around 10km south of Centro, its world-renowned 4.8km beach a Rio icon and host to some of the city’s best hotels. The beach is marked by two historic fortresses – the Forte de Copacabana, and Forte Duque de Caxias (now both museums) – but there’s otherwise little in the way of sights. Instead, it’s an enjoyable place to be based, lounging on the beach by day and sipping caipirinhas in the beachside kiosks in the evenings. Handicrafts are sold along the promenade (with its famed black and white wave motif designed by renowned Brazilian landscape architect Burle Marx), while seafood restaurants line Av. Atlântica and the blocks inland.

Copacabana offers a wide range of lodging options, with the most affordable hostels located above Leme Beach at the eastern end of the shoreline and budget hotels a few blocks inland from the main beach. To avoid potential muggings, do not walk through the tunnels connecting Botafogo and Copacabana – take public transportation like the bus or metro (subway) instead.

Matianellu • Hotel phone: +55 21 3936-8240

3. Ipanema and Leblon

a surfboard sitting on top of a sandy beach

Just west of Forte de Copacabana, Ipanema flows seamlessly into Leblon to form one continuous 4-kilometer beach. While the surf here is generally calmer than at Copacabana, it still attracts board riders. Along with plenty of activity, the stretch boasts hip cafés, bars and boutiques, with high-end shopping especially concentrated in Leblon. Sundays are particularly lively, with the main beach road closed to vehicles and the sands crowded with sunbathers, volleyball matches, and ‘footvolley’ games.

Similar to Copacabana, the beach is split into “sections”: Section 8 is popular with the LGBTQ community, while Section 9 has a bohemian atmosphere ( Hippie Market or “Hippie Market” still takes place in Ipanema on Sundays inland from Section 8). At the eastern end of the beach, Pedra do Arpoador offers beautiful views of sunset; don`t be surprised to see locals burst into spontaneous applause as the sun sinks down, continuing a tradition since the 1950s.

West along the coast from Leblon lies endless white beaches extending all the way to the popular resort town of Barra da Tijuca, accessible by metro from Ipanema and central Rio. Along the way is Rocinha, Rio`s largest favela community best explored on a guided tour with Marcelo Armstrong, as well as the lovely beach at São Conrado frequented by hang gliders and surfers.

4. Botafogo

a large body of water with a city skyline

Botafogo is one of the less visited neighborhoods that lies on the coast between Centro and Copacabana, containing a small beach at the tip of a curving bay. It’s a good option if you’d prefer something a bit more tranquil with easy access to the remainder of the city via metro. The southern side is dominated by the watercrafts of Rio de Janeiro’s Yacht Club and the family friendly Museum of Earth Sciences (science museum). Inland, central Botafogo is home to the enlightening Museum of the Indian (dedicated to Brazil’s indigenous peoples but currently closed for renovation), the House of Rui Barbosa, the wonderfully preserved 19th-century house of writer and anti-slavery campaigner Rui Barbosa (1849–1923), and the Villa-Lobos Museum, which commemorates Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887–1959).

The iconic figure of Christ the Redeemer sits high atop Corcovado (hunchback) hill to the west of Botafogo, unveiled in 1931 and now one of Rio’s prime attractions – advance reservations are essential. The panoramas from the summit are spectacular and worthy of the effort to reach them. Most visitors experience it on tours or independently using the cable car from the Cosme Velho station (take public transportation or a taxi to arrive there).

5. Glória, Catete, and Flamengo

a clock tower in the middle of a garden

The adjacent neighborhoods of Gloría, Catete, and Flamengo located just south of Centro, though the beaches of Flamengo aren`t Rio`s finest, the lodging here is convenient for both the historical center and Copacabana/Ipanema, usually at much lower prices. Now mainly residential and fairly affluent, these areas are busy but relaxed at night with mainly locals exploring the restaurants and bars. Major sights include the Museu de Arte Moderna (Museum of Modern Art), the distinct octagonal church of Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro, and the Museu da República (former presidential residence covering Brazilian history from 1888 onwards).”

6. Urca & Sugarloaf Mountain

people on a beach with umbrellas

Urca is a tiny coastal location situated on the promontory between Botafogo and Copacabana – it is surprisingly overlooked by most visitors despite being one of the most scenic and conveniently positioned neighborhoods in the city. Its two small beaches – Praia da Urca and sheltered Praia Vermelha – are popular for swimming and feature a handful of trendy bars and eateries. The headland contains another fortress, now the Museu Histórico da Fortaleza de São João, but the primary attraction is Sugarloaf Mountain looming above. A cable car has operated here since 1912, but nowadays the sleek Teleférico do Pão de Açúcar whisks passengers up to Morro da Urca (722ft/220m) where there is a theater, restaurant, and shops before continuing to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain (1300ft/396m). Along the shoreline, Mureta da Urca (the stone walkway) is a popular spot to watch the sunset while enjoying a chilled beverage or two.

7. Lagoa, Gávea, & Jardim Botânico

a statue of a man sitting on top of a fountain

Situated north of Ipanema lies Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, a body of water connected to the ocean by a narrow channel. This area provides a pleasant retreat from the beach. Accommodations are not highly rated in this vicinity; day trips from Ipanema offer a convenient means of exploration. Primarily residential communities surround the lake, such as Lagoa to the east and Gávea to the west, with Jardim Botânico located centrally. Recreational activities beyond cycling or rollerblading around the lake comprise visiting the House Museum Eva Klabin, the 1931 home that served as the base for Eva Klabin, an affluent art collector, and the Museu Flamengo, a place of pilgrimage for fans of the renowned Rio soccer team Flamengo. The Jardim Botânico (botanic garden) itself primarily comprises a dense Atlantic forest, with monkeys, parrots, and various wildlife roaming its grounds and gardens, while horse racing enthusiasts should inspect the nearby Hipódromo da Gávea racecourse. Parque Lage offers another tranquil greenspace, as the former estate of industrialist Henrique Lage (his past mansion serves as a café).

There are not many hotels up here. Ipanema is the nearest neighborhood with a wide variety of accommodation)..

a man walking down a sidewalk next to palm trees

Rio de Janiero Travel Tips

    • While the larger hotels and tour companies have English speakers, it`s not expected that most people in Rio will understand you (though staff at museums, major restaurants and tourist sites, especially younger individuals, will speak a bit of English) – try learning some basic words of Portuguese before your trip.

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  • Free WiFi is available at Galeão Airport, and at cafés and museums through the city itself. You can also surf for free in Copacabana (primarily along Av. Atlântica and the beach) and Ipanema.
  • The city’s main visitor center is located at R. Sen. Dantas 76 in Centro.
  • Tips are not obligatory in Rio, but are appreciated. Locals generally pay 10–12% in bars and restaurants.
  • During Carnival (February/March) in Rio, there is a massive celebration – nothing else quite compares globally. Street parties, parades, and unceasing revelries essentially close down the city for a week. Another excellent time to be in Rio if you appreciate festivities is New Year`s Eve, when up to two million locals congregate on Copacabana beach to watch a tremendous fireworks show and dance until sunrise.
  • One of the best ways to gain understanding of Rio`s notorious favelas is through participating in a guided tour led by insider Marcelo Armstrong, owner of the well established 3 hour tours of Rocinha and Vila Canoas communities.

More Rio Neighborhoods

a city street filled with lots of traffic

Discover Ballard: While Ballard is a little less convenient than Capitol Hill, we believe it`s worth exploring and is the neighborhood in Seattle we find ourselves drawn to most often. Undoubtedly the highlight is the Ballard Farmers Market on Sunday mornings—if you`re in town that day, do not miss it. We enjoy Root Plants for coffee, Miro Tea for tea, and 8oz Burger for food, among many other fun spots. Ballard Ave NW has much of the activity.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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