Where to stay in Rio? Top 5 neighborhoods

Like any city, Rio has good and bad neighborhoods. But it has a particular characteristic: proximity. What I mean is that everything in Rio is very close together. In other words, very upscale neighborhoods can have favelas (slums) and simpler communities right next to them. This doesn't mean that these places are dangerous, but when choosing accommodation in the city, it's very easy to make a mistake and end up in a less than pleasant location. Therefore, when you are looking for a place to stay in Rio de Janeiro, try to read recent guest reviews and pay extra attention to the location.

Rio is divided into zones. The South Zone - Zona Sul - is where the beaches and most of the tourist attractions are located. For me - as a tourist - there's no better place to stay, especially if it's your first time in the city. In the West Zone - Zona Oeste -, you'll find Barra da Tijuca, which is a very upscale neighborhood with wonderful beaches, but it's a bit further from the main tourist attractions, and it's also quite extensive. The Center is the oldest neighborhood in the city and unfortunately the most dangerous. So, in my opinion, it's not a possibility for someone coming from another country to have a good time in Rio. There are other more distant neighborhoods that can be much cheaper, but I really don't recommend them because they'll leave you very far and outside of what Rio has to offer best, which are its beaches, nature, and the bohemian atmosphere that the central parts have.

Let's get to what matters! My recommendations in Rio de Janeiro!

Ipanema/Leblon: for me, these are the two best areas in the South Zone of Rio. Besides the two beaches, which are wonderful, here you will find bars, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping malls, etc. Everything you need will be within a few meters, and the vibe of the area is unique. This will cost you a price, as the area is also the most expensive of my recommendations. An Airbnb for two people costs around US$70 per day.

The streets are lined with trees, the buildings have a 1960s architecture, and the hundreds of botequins - that's how they call bars - give the area its bohemian atmosphere. After a day at the beach, I recommend eating a classic roasted chicken - Galeto - at one of the Itahy locations, having a draft beer outside Belmonte while chatting, or watching the most beautiful sunset in the world at Arpoador. Any of these options will make you want to stay in Rio longer.

Copacabana: the most famous beach in the world lives up to its reputation! Despite its somewhat faded vibe, with older buildings and beachfront restaurants, Copacabana is charming and exactly what we imagine when we think of Rio de Janeiro, the 'Cidade Maravilhosa'.

The strip of sand is enormous, reaching 100 meters in some spots, the boardwalk is beautiful, and there's always someone playing MPB - Brazilian Popular Music - in some beach bar. Copacabana is the most touristy place in Rio, and this has its good and bad sides. While everything is close by, my impression is that the restaurants, shops, and hotels are a bit cheesy and old-fashioned. In any case, the value for money in staying in Copacabana is positive. Good location, many accommodation options, good infrastructure, and fair price - an Airbnb is in the range of US$40 to US$50.

Leme: for me, this is the best value for money in Rio de Janeiro! Leme is a small neighborhood located at the end of Copacabana beach and combines the best of both worlds for a traveler: good location, tranquility, and a great price. Being in the center of the South Zone, several tourist spots such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Santa Teresa, Urca, and the city's most famous beaches are less than a 20-minute drive away. In addition, Leme Beach is quite nice and not frequented by many tourists, which is great for those who want to enjoy the beach like a local.

If you stay around here, be sure to visit Restaurante Cervantes, which is one of the most traditional in the city, with a history of over 70 years serving various types of sandwiches with the famous pickled pineapple. It's also an excellent option for eating after a night out, as it only closes at 5 am. Every time I go to Rio, I make a point of stopping there to eat the traditional fillet with pineapple. It's really good!

Botafogo: if you want to have a more local experience, spend less, and still be close to everything, Botafogo is the place. I've stayed there a few times, and I can say it's one of the best value-for-money neighborhoods in the city. A small apartment on Airbnb for two people costs somewhere around US$35-US$45 per night.

The neighborhood is full of cool bars and restaurants frequented by a younger, more local crowd. The location is also very good because several tourist attractions are less than 30 minutes away, such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Museum of Tomorrow. In my opinion, especially if this isn't your first time in Rio, Botafogo is a great option.

Jardim Oceânico in Barra da Tijuca: Barra is the newest and most upscale neighborhood in Rio and is located in the West Zone of the city. Most celebrities and millionaires live there to escape the hustle and bustle of the South Zone. The problem is that Barra is far from the city center, and because it's so extensive, you need a car to get around more easily. But there is one place that doesn't have this problem: Jardim Oceânico.

Jardim Oceânico is located at the beginning of Barra and has a subway station that was completed in 2016, connecting the neighborhood to the South Zone of the city. This means that in 30 minutes, you can go to Copacabana or Ipanema, for example. Many people call the neighborhood 'South Zone in Barra' due to its similarity to neighborhoods like Leblon and Ipanema, where you can do everything on foot. Rest assured that there will be plenty of options for bars, restaurants, and supermarkets in the area. Because the apartments tend to be a bit larger, the prices are also higher. I did some research here, and the price of an Airbnb for 2 people is around US$70.

I hope you enjoy my tips and have an amazing stay in Rio! :)

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