Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro?

We’ve been to the Cidade Maravilhosa a couple of times, staying in two different areas. Here, we share our impressions of where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, across various tourist zones — based not only on our experiences as travelers but also on our insights as travel agents.

Copacabana

Copacabana

Copacabana is the most iconic neighborhood in Rio, home to one of the most famous beaches in the world. The beach is long and offers a wide range of hotel options for every budget. It's well connected by public transportation, and walking along its beachfront promenade is definitely an unforgettable experience. It’s also very close to Ipanema — you can easily walk there.

The downside? At night, it can feel a bit intimidating. Some streets are poorly lit, with trees blocking much of the light, making it feel even darker.

In Copacabana, the postos (numbered lifeguard stations) serve as important landmarks. Between Posto 3 and Posto 4 is what we’d call the heart of Copacabana — where there’s more activity and infrastructure. We’d recommend avoiding accommodations far from the beachfront.

We stayed at the Mercure Rio Boutique Copacabana, right on Avenida Atlântica, across from the beach. Fantastic location!

We stayed at the Mercure Rio Boutique Copacabana,  right on Avenida Atlântica, across from the beach. Fantastic location!

■ See hotels in Copacabana on booking.com

Ipanema

Ipanema

Right next to Copacabana is Ipanema, considered one of the safest and most sophisticated neighborhoods in Rio. It has an excellent selection of bars and restaurants. The beach is quite lively and offers stunning views, especially at sunset. Unlike Copacabana, Ipanema’s beachfront area is quieter, but just a few blocks inland, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant at night — and it feels safer and more relaxed.

Accommodations in Ipanema tend to be more expensive, and there’s less variety compared to Copacabana.

Leblon

Without even realizing it, you’ll go from Ipanema into Leblon, an upscale neighborhood with high-end restaurants and shops. The beach here is quieter than Ipanema’s, and the area also feels very safe. However, accommodation options are limited, and it’s hard to find budget-friendly prices.

■ See hotels in Ipanema on booking.com

Selarón Steps

Lapa

Lapa is Rio’s nightlife district, full of bars, clubs, and samba events. If you're interested in local culture and want a more authentic experience, this could be a great option. It’s also very close to the historic downtown.

That said, despite its lively nightlife, taking a wrong turn here can lead to uncomfortable situations. It’s best to exercise caution when walking around at night. Hotels in this area are generally much cheaper than those near the beach.

On a work trip with other travel agents, we stayed at Vila Galé, a former convent turned hotel, offering excellent amenities and an amazing breakfast.

Barra da Tijuca

Located farther from the main tourist attractions, Barra da Tijuca is known for its wide beaches and calm, residential vibe. Distances within the neighborhood can be long, but it has solid infrastructure, including shopping centers. If you're looking for a more laid-back experience — or if you've been to Rio before — this could be a great choice.

Aerial view of Barra da Tijuca

We absolutely loved the vibe in Ipanema, especially at night, with its relaxed and friendly atmosphere of bars and restaurants. If we had to choose, we'd definitely stay in that area again.

Copacabana would be our second choice, thanks to its lively beach scene both day and night, and its wide range of accommodations for different budgets.

Have you been to Rio? Where did you stay? Did you enjoy the city?

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