With more than 6 million inhabitants, Rio de Janeiro presents very different scenarios, from beautiful beaches to the central financial district, from residential neighbourhoods to favelas. We could call it the city of contrasts! And, precisely because of this variety of places, when planning a trip to Rio the choice of where to stay becomes essential! Above all, one must focus one's search on the safest neighbourhoods and those close to the main attractions!
So let's find out everything you need to know about where to sleep in Rio de Janeiro, which are the best neighbourhoods to stay in and which ones to absolutely avoid!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
Rio de Janeiro is a very large city and the choice of the area in which to stay depends a lot on the type of holiday you want to experience. Definitely, the most popular areas are Copacabana and Ipanema! Copacabana is the realm of beach and nightlife, so if you are travelling with your family, we recommend you opt for the eastern part of the district, where the Leme district is located. Ipanema is quieter than Copacabana, very safe and full of things to do. In this case, the area mainly suitable for families is the western part, where Leblon is located.
If you want to stay on the beach but are looking for a cheaper area, then choose Botafogo! This neighbourhood is located close to Sugarloaf Mountain, is well served and from here you can easily reach both Copacabana and Centro.
Finally, another great area to stay in is Centro, more specifically the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighbourhoods. The former is the realm of the movida, a small bohemian neighbourhood full of clubs and shops. Santa Teresa, on the other hand, is a quieter and more romantic area!
Recommended areas tosave money: Centro (Lapa), Botafogo
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Leme, Leblon, Centro (Santa Teresa)
Recommended areas foryoung people: Copacabana, Botafogo, Centro (Lapa)
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Rio de Janeiro. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Rio de Janeiro on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Guide to areas of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil, with an area of no less than 1,197.46 square kilometres and more than 6 million inhabitants! Understanding how the city develops is fundamental to getting around with confidence! From an administrative point of view, the municipality of Rio de Janeiro is divided into 33 administrative regions(Regiões Administrativas), grouped into 7 subprefectures(Subprefeituras).
Geographically speaking, the city is divided into neighbourhoods, called Barrios, while culturally and historically speaking, Rio can be divided into 4 large zones:
Centre: or Centro Histórico, the oldest area of Rio, where the neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa are located
South Zone: or Zona Sul, the richest and most touristy one, which includes Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo and many other small residential and tourist districts
North Zone: o Zona Norte, a residential area, but not recommended for tourist stays
ZonaWest: or Zona Oeste, among the least recommended areas to stay in, except for the neighbourhoods of Joá, Barra da Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes
Areas to avoid: all neighbourhoods in the north and west (except Joá, Barra da Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes). Also to be avoided are the favelas, located in different parts of the city. Care should also be taken in the evenings in the more touristy areas.
Zona Sul / Copacabana
Cobacabana is undoubtedly the most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro and is one of the most desirable districts to stay in, along with Ipanema! The beach is about 3.4 km long, from the Copacabana Fortress toAvenida Princesa Isabel, full of shops, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as some of Rio's most famous hotels, such as the Belmond Copacabana Hotel! But even though it is one of the busiest areas, one still has to be very careful, especially at night, so it is best to stay in the more touristy and busy areas!
This district is really chosen by everyone: by young and old in search of the unbridled carioca movida, by those who want to relax all day on the beach and also by families with children. In the latter case, it is best to concentrate on the eastern side, towards the residential district of Leme.
As far as transport is concerned, Copacabana is served by the metro, more precisely by the orange L1 and L4 lines and the green L2 line.
Average prices in the district range from around €10.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Sea view flat with two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, private bathroom and washing machine. Free WiFi. Ideal for groups | |
Hostel 300 m from the beach, with swimming pool and bar. WiFi connection. Private rooms or dorms for up to 12 people, female dorms available. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel facing the beach, with a top-floor pool with panoramic ocean views, Brazilian à la carte dishes for lunch and dinner, free WiFi and bar with exotic drinks. Ideal for couples | |
5-star beachfront hotel with swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, gym. Suites with ocean view. Ideal for couples and families |
Zone Sul / Leme
Photo by tommyk_421. Leme is a small, quiet residential neighbourhood located immediately east of Copacabana. Surrounded by greenery and with a beautiful beach, it is ideal for walking and reaching the viewpoint with the colonial Duque de Caxias fortress. Moreover, by staying here you will be very close to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain and the Botafogo neighbourhood.
This is an area recommended for families, who perhaps want to be close to the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches but without being in the middle of the nightlife. Instead, here on the seafront, you will find small, informal and quiet bars, traditional bakeries and restaurants.
The location is also very good, between Copacabana and Botafogo. The reference metro station is Cardeal Arcoverde, where the orange L1 and L4 lines and the green L2 line run.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel in the quiet, beachfront district of Leme. Swimming pool, gym and restaurant, family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families | |
Completely surrounded by greenery, 1.8 km from the beach. Rooms with sea or mountain views, WiFi, pets allowed. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel 600 m from the beach. 24-hour reception, airport transfers, shared kitchen and free WiFi. Private rooms or dormitories. Ideal for young people | |
5-star hotel located on the border between Copacabana and Leme. Facing the beach, two swimming pools, spa and wellness centre, gym, bar. Ideal for couples and families |
Zona Sul / Ipanema
The second most famous beach in Rio de Janerio, after Copacabana, is definitely Ipanema. A chic and trendy area! But, above all, it is one of the safest areas in the whole of Rio! Being a more touristy and exclusive neighbourhood, prices are higher than in Copacabana and other areas. Here too there is no shortage of clubs, restaurants and shops, as well as wonderful accommodation with a sea view!
Ipanema is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the beach, sea and tranquillity! Because although it is very crowded during the day, in the evening it is certainly quieter than Copacabana. Here, you can also immerse yourself in the traditional carioca lifestyle. If you are travelling with your family, it is best to concentrate on the eastern area, near the residential district of Leblon.
As for transport, Ipanema is served by the metro, more precisely by the orange L1 and L4 lines and the green L2 line.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Residence of flats, 700 m from the beach. Pets allowed. Choice of suites, lofts or studios, equipped with bathroom, one or two bedrooms, equipped kitchen. Ideal for families and couples | |
Hostel with 24-hour reception, bike rental, bar and WiFi. Private rooms with full bathroom or dormitories for up to 12 people. Ideal for young people | |
90m2 flat with 2 bedrooms, equipped kitchen and washing machine. Maximum capacity of 6 adults and two children. Free WiFi | |
5-star hotel with top-floor pool overlooking the sea, spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant and beachfront. Rooms with sea or courtyard view. Ideal for couples |
Zona Sul / Leblon
Photos by Mariordo. Leblon is a wonderful luxury neighbourhood just west of Ipanema. An exclusive and very quiet area, here you can stroll among high-fashion boutiques, dine in French and haute cuisine bistros, or catch a show at the famous Leblon Theatre. You will also be within walking distance of the famous Ipanema beach.
This is an exclusive area recommended for high budget travellers and families. The neighbourhood is in fact much quieter than Ipanema and the services are excellent. Here you will find mainly luxury hotels and accommodation with all amenities, ideal for a relaxing and luxurious trip.
Finally, the location is the least convenient between Ipanema, Copacabana and Leme, as it is the district furthest from the centre. But it is still very well connected to the rest of the city by means of transport: the reference stop is Jardim de Alah, where the orange L1 and L4 lines pass, ideal for moving between the beaches.
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
105sqm flat a few metres from the sea with 3 bedrooms, equipped kitchen, 2 bathrooms and washing machine. Bike rental available. Ideal for families or groups | |
Flat with private terrace with fountain, shower, hammock and table and chairs. Free parking | |
4-star hotel 400 m from the beach. Choice of rooms and suites (also with lounge and kitchenette). Swimming pool, gym and restaurant. Ideal for couples and families | |
4-star hotel 200 m from the beach and 4 m from the metro. Swimming pool, spa, gym and some ocean view rooms. Ideal for couples |
Zona Sul / Botafogo
If you want to stay in the beach area but at the same time want to save a little money, the best option is the Botafogo district, with the neighbouring Flamengo district. It develops around the half-moon bay of the same name, where the Praia de Botafogo is located, with a wonderful view of the Sugarloaf Mountain, which is easy to reach! From here you can also move easily to Copacabana and the centre of Rio.
This is an ideal district for those who want to save money without giving up the sea. The prices here are cheaper than in Copacabana and Ipanema, but there is no shortage of hotels, services, shops and, above all, good nightlife, so it is also suitable for young people!
Botafogo's location is also excellent: facing the sea, between Copacabana and Santa Teresa, crossed by the orange L1 and L4 metro and the green L2 ( Botafogo station). The only area to avoid is the Favela Santa Marta, which is in the north-western part of the district!
Average prices in the district range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €100.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Residence just a few metres from the beach. Rooms with private bathroom. Lounge and communal garden. Pets allowed. ideal for couples | |
Hostel with communal kitchen and lounge. Family rooms with children's play area available. Excellent location | |
B&B/Hostel with only private rooms for two people, private bathroom. 600 m from the beach, barbecue area and shared terrace. Ideal for young people and couples | |
5-star hotel facing the beach, with wonderful views of Sugar Loaf and Cordovado. Swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant. Ideal for couples and families (triple room available) |
Centre / Lapa
After seeing three areas by the sea, it is time to move on to the historic centre of Rio de Janeiro. Here the best areas in which to sleep are Lapa and Santa Teresa. Lapa is one of the city's most central and charming neighbourhoods, once inhabited by the bourgeoisie. Today it is an area with a bohemian soul, where the main attraction is definitely theAqueduto da Carioca. Completely renovated, Lapa has become the centre's nightlife hub, with numerous clubs and discos!
If during the day the district is fairly quiet, at night it becomes the realm of the movida, making Lapa the best area in the centre for young people and those who want to have fun! The party goes on until the next morning, so we advise against it if you want to sleep at night or if you are travelling with your family!
Finally, the area is served by the metro, more precisely orange lines L1 and L4 and green line L2 (reference stop Cinelândia), leading to Copacabana and Ipanema. Towards Santa Teresa, however, you will have to use the historic tram
Average prices in the district range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €180.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with swimming pool, gym and restaurant. Double, triple and quadruple rooms. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Hostel in the heart of Lapa, with barbecue area and a communal kitchen, bar and 24-hour reception. Private rooms and dormitories for up to 10 people available. Ideal for young people | |
30 sqm flat for up to 3 people. 24-hour reception, equipped kitchen, WiFi connection. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel in the heart of Lapa, a few steps from the Aqueduct. 24-hour reception, parking and restaurant. Double and triple rooms. Ideal for couples and families |
Centre / Santa Teresa
The second recommended area to stay in the centre is Santa Teresa, a residential district that, after its foundation in 1750, became Rio's chicest area! In fact, it is nicknamed the Montmatre of Rio and, among the main attractions, the wonderful Selaròn Staircase can be found here.
It is a very quiet neighbourhood, where you will find many museums, making it ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and for families! Of course, as with all neighbourhoods in Rio, it is still recommended to be very careful in the evenings and to stay in the more touristy streets, without entering dark alleys.
As for transport, Santa Teresa is only served by the historic tram, so it may be a little inconvenient. To reach the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana you will first have to reach Lapa by tram, and then travel from there by metro.
Average prices in the district range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
B&B with jacuzzi and terrace on the top floor, overlooking the city. Rooms with balcony. Shared kitchen and dining area. Ideal for couples | |
B&B with outdoor pool and terrace with barbecue area. All rooms have a balcony. Generous continental breakfast and Wi-Fi included | |
4-star hotel with swimming pool, gym and restaurant. 24-hour reception and shuttle service. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star tropical-style hotel with panoramic views of the bay of Rio de Janeiro and free Wi-Fi. Swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, restaurant. Ideal for couples and families |
Countries near Rio de Janeiro where to stay
Rio de Janeiro is a very large city, the best solution is to stay in the indicated neighbourhoods, rich in accommodation and services and also among the safest. In Rio itself many areas are really not recommended, for example it is best to avoid the northernmost districts and those in the west!
Since a large part of the city is already inadvisable, it is even more inadvisable to choose to stay in some neighbouring city or town, both for safety and organisational reasons! Travelling would take far too long and is definitely not worth it.
