In a large and bustling city like Rio de Janeiro, it can be difficult to decide which neighborhood to stay in when you visit! Rio is known for its beautiful beaches and impressive hills, so to get the best of those sights, consider staying in Urca. This historically wealthy neighborhood is located right next to the beautiful Guanabara Bay and at the foot of Sugar Loaf mountain. Most of the houses and buildings date back to the 1920’s, and the neighborhood has preserved its architectural heritage in a way that other parts of the city have not. It is a charming and safe place to stroll on the beach promenade, through the streets of the neighborhood, or up a hilly walking path. Here are ten of the best Airbnb vacation rentals in the neighborhood of Urca, most of which have views of the ocean, mountains, or both!
1. Beautiful apartment at the foot of Sugar Loaf (from USD 63)
This colorful apartment truly reflects the vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro! With pastel colored walls, stained glass windows, and bright accents like lamps and pillows, this rental’s décor has been thoughtfully curated to create a unique environment. Up to six guests can stay in the apartment’s two bedrooms and lounge on the sofa, balconies, or even the indoor hammock! Air conditioning makes this apartment a comfortable place to rest after sightseeing, and there are also two bathrooms and a kitchenette for convenience. Located in Urca, a safe and charming neighborhood in Rio, the apartment is close to lots of sights in the are! Right outside is the cable car that goes to the top of Sugar Loaf, and within walking distance is Praia Vermelha, a beautiful beach with stunning views of the mountain.
Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4.51 km (2.8 mi) from Christ the RedeemerSuperhost
Accommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable beds and good amenitiesfurthermore it was a treat eat their amazing breakfastthe caipirinhas are tasty (and strong) and the breakfast is very goodgorgeous apartment with plenty of light and airythe apartment is super close to the sugar loaf and everything looks exactly as shown on the picturesCleanliness:
very clean with everything we neededclean comfortable safe and spaciouswe loved this apartment very clean and beautifully put togethergreat room and comfortable bed clean bathroom and delicious homemade breakfast every morningthe house is in a very nice neighbourhood clean nice secur and spacious enoughHost:
claudio was a great host thank you again for the caipirinhasvery welcoming and helpful hostsmarcio and claudio are very helpful hosts always ready to helpgreat place nice host everything perfectvery nice and helping hand hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location near sugarloafthe location is greatgreat place in great locationnice accommodations in a good locationvery close to the beach safety area
2. Peaceful bedroom in Leme (from USD 14)
This cozy and inexpensive guest room is the perfect place for travelers who want to see all of Rio’s sights for an affordable price! Up to two guests can stay in this cozy private room, which has its own bathroom too. Located in the Babilônia area of the Leme district, this neighborhood is safe and popular with tourists. It is close to the beaches, mountains, and the Forte Duque de Caxias. Located at the top of Morro do Leme, this impressive fort is surrounded by vegetation which provides a lovely nature walk on the way up, and beautiful views from the top.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4.13 km (2.6 mi) from Christ the RedeemerSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioning worked great but wifi is slowthe aircon and shower worked really well and the wifi was generally very gooddefinitely worth any difference in price because the room is huge and the views are gorgeousthanks to gilcelia and her family for the nice roomCleanliness:
the room was very clean neat and tidythe room was clean and comfortable and within easy walking distance of copacabana beach which was awesomeHost:
gilcelia is an amazing hosti had a lovely time staying with gilcelia she was a wonderful hostgicelia was an awesome host who went out of her way to make sure i had a great stayi had a great experience gilcélia was a wonderful host who came and picked me up down in lemeotherwise gilceilia and her family are great hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
good location close to leme beach and decent pricegreat option if you are looking for an affordable place to stay while in rio
3. Warm and welcoming house in Urca (from USD 43)
It is rare in any crowded city to find an entire house for rent, let alone a home that is as affordable as this guesthouse! The home can sleep up to eight guests in its two bedrooms. Though some of the rooms have multiple beds in them to accommodate as many guests as possible, the house is spacious enough that it doesn’t feel cramped. It has two floors, two bathrooms, and even two balconies for enjoying the fresh ocean air! The home is warm and cozy, much like its neighborhood of Urca. The host is generous and goes out of her way to make guests feel welcome.
Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3.67 km (2.3 mi) from Christ the RedeemerSuperhost
Accommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
she was really thoughtful and kindneusa antonio and their family were great hosts and good peopleneusa maria was a very kind hostRead more reviewsLocation:
neusa’s place is wonderful it’s right by pão de açúcar praia vermelha and a great shopping mallwould highly recommend staying at her cute place in urca
4. Elegant Urca room with beautiful view (from USD 37)
The elegant décor in this private room rental will make you feel like you are staying in a luxurious hotel. The room has a bed, television, and even an en-suite bathroom, so you will have as much privacy as you desire! It also has a stunning view of the ocean from the large, sunny window. Urca is a charming and quiet part of Rio de Janeiro, and this apartment is the perfect starting point for exploring the city. There are dozens of markets, bars, and restaurants all just a short walk away. Sugar Loaf is also accessible by foot. If you wish to go further into the city or see the Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer statue, there are lots of public transportation options right outside as well.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
5.01 km (3.2 mi) from Christ the RedeemerSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
rooftop table and chairs pleasant though we didn't usethe room looks just like it does on the photosthe room was just as described with a beautiful viewwe had a wonderful time at cissa's place the room is impeccable and the view very beautifulthe apartment is as described and cissa is a warm and generous hostessCleanliness:
clean room and bathroomvery clean and cozy apartmentcissa's place is clean and beautiful in quiet urcaroom was big and cleanawesome bedlinens clean towels soapHost:
the owner is friendly and helpfulcissa was a wonderful host with a beautiful safe home in urcacissa was a very helpful host and accommodating hostthe hospitality is incredible thanks for hostingon top of having a wonderful host she provided a special roomRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and really good neighbourhoodlocated in a lovely neighbourhood that is safe and quietlocated in a safe area with restaurants close by and transport virtually at the front doorreceived some great tips and the location is walking distance to copacabanayou can go by bus very easy to the city center
5. Charming flat in Copacabana
If you’re looking for a hotel experience for an Airbnb price, this rental is a good bet for you! It is a private apartment located in the Royal Residence—a luxurious building with lots of amenities. There is an elegant lobby, refreshing pool, and relaxing sauna. Guests will also have access to a gym, eateries, game room, and convenience store. The apartment can sleep up to four guests in a colorful and clean space. There is a kitchen with seating at the counter as well as a small dining table. The best part of the apartment is probably the view—on the balcony, you can relax in the chair or the hammock and take in the stunning surroundings. The skyline, ocean, and mountains all blend together for a truly spectacular sight!
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3.78 km (2.4 mi) from Christ the RedeemerTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the apartment is beautifulthe equipments were good and the view from the apartment amazingthe apartment hotel offers very good facilities including heated poolthis place have very nice location with beautiful view from both bedroom and living roomCleanliness:
the apartment was very clean and roomythe bathroom was cleanit was spacious and cleanamazing stay great location beautiful view clean apartment (with daily cleaning services )it is spacious clean very well equipped and above all well placed (5 minutes walk from copacabana beach)Host:
larissa is a very nice host helpful answers for any questionsin addition the staff in the building is very courteouswe highly recommend larissa as a host and would definitely stay at her place againapartment was lovely and well-locateddeco could be updated great reception and staffhelpfull kind and the price is more than reasonable for this beautiful apartmentRead more reviewsLocation:
great location the place had everything i neededthe neighborhood was nice and it was a short walk to the beachgreat location close to the copacabana beachgood location with nice views close to everythingthe apartment is spacious well equipped and in perfect location
6. Cozi Urca studio in front of the sea
This brand new studio apartment is a clean and convenient accommodation for exploring the city! Two guests can stay in this loft, which has everything a visitor could need, including a full kitchen. There are even two twin beds in the bedroom which can be separated or combined depending on the guests’ preferences. Right outside of the apartment, there are stunning views of the water and the city skyline. Urca, where the apartment is located, is a charming neighborhood on the southern side of Rio. It has its own attractions, like Sugar Loaf and Praia Vermelha beach, but is also conveniently located to exploring other parts of the city. Be sure not to miss two of the beaches that Rio is known for—the Copacabana or Ipanema!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4.46 km (2.8 mi) from Christ the RedeemerTop guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the place itself is very clean and tidyit was comfortable and very cleanlovely place to stay very clean and well looked afterthe apartment was very clean and comfortable and a great value for the moneythe bed was comfortable and the studio was kept generally cleanHost:
eduardo was an amazing hostteresita was an amazing host very sweeteduardo's grandma was a great hostexcellent host very responsive to all communicationsterezina was super friendly and always available when we had further questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location super safe great valueamazing location we were able to quickly go from one neighborhood to the other without much troublevery nice and good situated placethis is a great little quiet get-away to come and relax in after carnivalthe place is beautiful the neighbourhood really safe and beautiful
7. Room overlooking the sea
Located right on the shores of the Guanabara Bay at the foot of Sugar Loaf, it will be hard to believe that this perfectly placed rental is so affordable! The private room can host up to two guests for a nightly rate that is less than the cost of your dinner. The cozy room has a desk and wardrobe. Guests are permitted to use the shared living room, kitchen, and even the washing machine if needed. Step right outside and you will find yourself in a beachy paradise! Right outside is a promenade where you can stroll and take in the views of the water, colorful houses, and Sugar Loaf. Just a short distance away is a beach where you can kayak, paddleboard, or just soak up some rays!
4.68 km (3.0 mi) from Christ the Redeemer
8. Private room right on Guanabara Bay
This private room rental has the perfect views of beautiful Rio de Janeiro, and is also conveniently located to explore the city, not just stare at it! Up to two guests can stay in this inexpensive private room, which is located in an apartment with great amenities and a helpful host. Step right outside and find yourself on the shores the Guanabara Bay. You’ll also find public transportation options that can bring you to Corcovado mountain, where the world-renowned Christ the Redeemer statue is located. This 30 meter (98 feet) high statue is a must-see for any visitor to Rio. Reach the top of the mountain by taking a train or, if you’re in good shape, hiking up the walking trail at the south side of the mountain. The impressive statue and stunning views from the top of the mountain will make the journey more than worth it!
4.69 km (3.0 mi) from Christ the Redeemer
9. Loft in front of Sugar Loaf
The stunning design of this apartment makes it a unique, elegant, and cozy place to stay—not to mention convenient to everything you would want to explore in Rio! The loft has a warm feeling inside due to its rich wooden room dividers, parquet patterned floors, and quirky, 70’s inspired furniture. Up to three guests can stay in this apartment, which has a unique elevated bed in the one bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room. A full kitchen and hammock are other great perks of staying in this apartment. Outside, the possibilities are endless. You can stroll around charming Urca on foot, or better yet, by bike! Rental bikes are available to ride on the bike path that runs through several neighborhoods in Rio. Pedaling is one of the best ways to take in this thrilling city!
4.36 km (2.8 mi) from Christ the Redeemer
10. Quiet getaway in Copacabana
The Copacabana is one of the most famous beaches in the world, drawing millions of visitors to its white, sandy shores and bright blue water every year! The 4 km (2.5 miles) long beach features a promenade, occasional concerts, and a dazzling fireworks display every New Year’s Eve. A visit to Rio de Janeiro would not be complete without a stop at the beach, and if you’re lucky you might even get to stay nearby. This private room rental would be the perfect place if your main plans in Rio are to lay on the beach! It can sleep up to two guests in a twin and trundle bed. The cozy room has lots of shelves for your luggage and a sunny window. Guests have access to the rest of the home as well, which includes a kitchen and even a hammock on the patio!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3.91 km (2.5 mi) from Christ the RedeemerAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
respect to the room the space is clean nice spacious comfortable and the common areas were very nicegreat airbnb kind people clean house great locationHost:
lee is an extremely helpfully and communicating host and did his best to make our stay enjoyableanother great stay at lee's very hospitable and willing to lend a handRead more reviewsLocation:
the house is very well located it was very easy to get around walking bus or metrogreat room in a quiet and safe neighborhood
A charming neighborhood in an exciting location
Urca has the best of everything Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Its streets hug the ocean’s shore and the beach is never more than a short walk away. In a matter of minutes you can go from a thrilling cable car up Sugar Loaf to looking at the most beautiful views of the city, hills, and ocean imaginable. Its convenient location close to public transportation make it easy to see the rest of the city’s famous sights. Most importantly for travelers after a busy day, it is a quiet and peaceful neighborhood to return to in the evenings. Start with these Airbnbs to plan your trip to Rio de Janeiro today!
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