Where To Stay In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 10 Best Neighborhoods - Updated 2024

where to stay rio de janeiro
Andrea Mae
Andrea Mae 
Updated
| 4 min read

If you are searching for a place with a great mix of vibrant urban life and numerous natural wonders, Rio de Janeiro can be the city you are looking for. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is Rio de Janeiro’s most famous tourist attraction. However, the city has so many places they take pride in. It is one of the world’s biggest cities, so you will not run low on iconic sites and fascinating activities to try when you visit. With the city’s soaring mountains, pristine crescent beaches, historic sites, urban parks, and more, one day is not enough to scour Rio. Find a great place and discover the best neighborhoods when you check out this list of where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 09, 2024.

1. Copacabana (from USD 47)

Rio de janeiro copacabana beach 2010
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user chensiyuan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Copacabana is believed to be the most urban neighborhood in Rio. It is situated on a strip of land in between the ocean and mountains. With its ideal location, it is a great place to visit for its lively scenes, glamour, and nightlife. If you are up for dancing and having fun until the sun comes up, Copacabana has various bars, restaurants, and dance clubs that can accommodate you. Besides that, it is also a place filled with pristine beaches and affordable accommodations, making tourists come back for more. The must-visit spots in the area are Copacabana Beach, New Mariuzinn, Fosfobox, and Lemme Fortress.

Stayed at this property?

Ritz Copacabana Boutique Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Rua Xavier da Silveira, 13 - Copacabana
3.33 km (2.1 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning


PortoBay Rio de Janeiro

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Avenida Atlântica,1500
1.58 km (1.0 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre Terrace

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3.96 km (2.5 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
181 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i felt safe and the space is very comfortable
Location:
great location quiet and cozy
leonardo’s apartment is at a perfect location close to restaurants laundry and the beach
Read more reviews

2. Santa Teresa

View over Favela - Santa Teresa District - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adam Jones, Ph.D. used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You will be charmed with the warm neighborhood of Santa Teresa. With its developments and innovations, Santa Teresa is now a booming spot for tourism in Rio de Janeiro. It is home to several artist studios, restaurants, and bars. You can find a lot of beautiful paintings on the walls, galleries, and boutiques all around the area. Most of the neighborhood is composed of colonial-style residential buildings. If you are in the area, it is advised to visit Ruins Park, a cultural space that offers a stunning view of Guanabara Bay and the city center.

Stayed at this property?

Santa Teresa Hotel RJ - MGallery

Wheelchair accessible

Address: Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660
4.32 km (2.7 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace


Villa Paranaguá Hotel & Spa - Boutique Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 71
4.33 km (2.7 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4.32 km (2.7 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
207 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great internet and great facilities
the bedroom is nice and comfortable aircon works really well and there's also a fan
i especially liked the acaii place right next door good cheese breads acai coffee and other breakfast snacks
we loved to have a garden and there is a very nace café just next door for breakfasts
the kitchen was extremely well stocked and makes cooking a breeze
Cleanliness:
clean and everything was working
the place was beautiful and clean
it is really save and the place is clean and paloma is a perfect host
amazing location in santa teresa clean and comfortable space with great ac
clean and cozy apartment in a good location in santa theresa
Host:
nice host and we felt like home
great hosts with lots of advice and tips
paloma was a fantastic and accommodating host
paloma is a very friendly and helpful host
paloma and flavio are great hosts
Location:
great location and great value
perfect location in the middle of santa teresa very close to restaurants bars and tramway station
very nice place perfect location
great place easy going amazing location
the perfect place in the heart of santa teresa
Read more reviews

3. Ipanema

Contrasts of Rio de Janeiro - Rocinha, Ipanema, and Mountains at Sunrise
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Donatas Dabravolskas used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you want to start your trip in Rio with an iconic place, then visit Ipanema. Although it is smaller in size than other neighborhoods, its appeal is undeniably huge. You can observe beautiful art trends and funky fashion in every corner. Ipanema offers both the beauty of nature and the vibrance of urban life. If you want to spend some quiet time, you can bask in the mesmerizing sunset in Arpoador, which also offers the view of the beach and Morros Dois Irmãos. You can also play soccer, volleyball, and frescobol on the beach. Besides that, there are many nightclubs and discos in the area, making Ipanema a place filled with vibrant nightlife.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Arpoador

Wifi Available

Address: Rua Francisco Otaviano, 177 - Copacabana
4.5 km (2.8 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle


Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Avenida Vieira Souto, 80
4.61 km (2.9 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna

Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4.56 km (2.9 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
165 reviews  
Entire apartment 2 Beds 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the furniture is good the bed was comfy the aircon made our stay pleasant
my favorite features: 24-hour supermarket across the street and washer/dryer in the apartment
both beds were comfortable clean and had air conditioners
jose's place is awesome everything is exactly as described the apartment has everything you might need
Cleanliness:
the apartment was generally very clean and organized
it was very clean well organized and inviting
Host:
jose was a great host
jose was a great host
jose was the best host
owner is very nice and helpful
josé is a wonderful host he’s very responsive and professional
Location:
location is very good
realy nice place location location perfect
excellent place within a perfect location
well kept and a great location
super close to beach both copacabana and ipanema
Read more reviews

4. Leblon (from USD 46)

200 Mirante Setimo Ceu Leblon Rio de Janeiro
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Maria Daniela Gav... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Leblon is one of the posh neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. It is a famous spot frequently visited by local television personalities and movie stars. If you are done exploring Copacabana and Ipanema Beach, Leblon Beach is a more luxurious option. On the southern end of the place, you can also find great surfing spots. If you want to appreciate the picturesque views of Leblon Beach, Ipanema, and Arpoador, head on over to Leblon Viewpoint, which is the best spot for sightseeing.

Stayed at this property?

JANEIRO Hotel

Address: Avenida Delfim Moreira, 696
6.67 km (4.2 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Airport shuttle (additional charge) Security alarm Business centre Lift Private parking Access to health care professionals Pets allowed Restaurant


Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

Wheelchair accessible

Address: Avenida Niemeyer, 121
7.95 km (5.0 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
6.39 km (4.0 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
384 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire loft 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
diego's place is cozy but it makes excellent use of space
we had a wonderful stay in this charming apartment
we had a very nice stay in the apartment we recommand
Cleanliness:
very clean and stylish place
it gets good light through the windows and was incredibly clean
great spot sparkling clean in the best location in rio
Host:
diego is an amazing host and super quick in responding
diego is also great host and very quick to respond with any questions you might have
diego was a wonderful host and answered all of our questions promptly before and during our stay
Location:
fantastic place centrally located in leblon
in a great location
beautiful apartment in perfect location
a very nice place on a perfect location
what a beautiful place
Read more reviews

5. Lapa (from USD 98)

Arcos da lapa Rio de Janeiro
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Claudiorgs, claud... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you want to experience a bohemian-style vacation in Rio, Lapa is the place to be. With its architectural and cultural attractions, many tourists visit Lapa throughout the year. It is situated in the city center so you can visit bars, restaurants, and cafes on foot or by bicycle. Some must-visit spots include Arcos da Lapa and Selarón Steps. You can also go to cultural centers, including those in Caixa and Banco de Brasil.

Stayed at this property?

Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro

Wifi Available

Address: Rua Visc. de Maranguape, 9 - Centro
4.79 km (3.0 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Pets allowed Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry


Days Inn by Wyndham Rio de Janeiro Lapa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Rua do Rezende 107
5.13 km (3.2 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Business centre Facilities for disabled guests Internet services

Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
5.09 km (3.2 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
204 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire loft 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the apartment is spacious clean and lovely
Host:
nonetheless the host did her best to resolve those issues which i greatly appreciated
Location:
i extended my stay a few more nights amazing location in the heart of lapa
very good great close to many bars and places to stroll
Read more reviews

6. Urca (from USD 63)

Urca, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - panoramio (18)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rainer Strehl used under CC BY-SA 3.0

For those tourists who prefer to have a laid-back and relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of urban neighborhoods in Rio, you can opt for Urca. It is situated at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. Although it is a serene district, it also has its own version of stunning waterfront bars and restaurants that offer one of Rio’s most scenic dining experiences. The accommodations in the area are also cheaper compared to Ipanema and Leblon, so if you are on a tight budget on your Rio trip, you can try staying in Urca.

Stayed at this property?
Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
54 meters (176.2 ft) from Sugar Loaf cable car
440 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire loft 2 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable beds and good amenities
furthermore it was a treat eat their amazing breakfast
the caipirinhas are tasty (and strong) and the breakfast is very good
gorgeous apartment with plenty of light and airy
the apartment is super close to the sugar loaf and everything looks exactly as shown on the pictures
Cleanliness:
very clean with everything we needed
clean comfortable safe and spacious
we loved this apartment very clean and beautifully put together
great room and comfortable bed clean bathroom and delicious homemade breakfast every morning
the house is in a very nice neighbourhood clean nice secur and spacious enough
Host:
claudio was a great host thank you again for the caipirinhas
very welcoming and helpful hosts
marcio and claudio are very helpful hosts always ready to help
great place nice host everything perfect
very nice and helping hand host
Location:
great location near sugarloaf
the location is great
great place in great location
nice accommodations in a good location
very close to the beach safety area
Read more reviews

636 meters (0.4 ft) from Sugar Loaf cable car
56 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi strength was excellent when using two laptops and two phones
Host:
leonardo is the epitome of a great host
leonardo is a very friendly and supportive personality and offers very good advice where to go in rio
leonardo is very responsive extremely helpful and accommodating
Location:
excellent value and great location
Read more reviews
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1.34 km (0.9 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
193 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
rooftop table and chairs pleasant though we didn't use
the room looks just like it does on the photos
the room was just as described with a beautiful view
we had a wonderful time at cissa's place the room is impeccable and the view very beautiful
the apartment is as described and cissa is a warm and generous hostess
Cleanliness:
clean room and bathroom
very clean and cozy apartment
cissa's place is clean and beautiful in quiet urca
room was big and clean
awesome bedlinens clean towels soap
Host:
the owner is friendly and helpful
cissa was a wonderful host with a beautiful safe home in urca
cissa was a very helpful host and accommodating host
the hospitality is incredible thanks for hosting
on top of having a wonderful host she provided a special room
Location:
great location and really good neighbourhood
located in a lovely neighbourhood that is safe and quiet
located in a safe area with restaurants close by and transport virtually at the front door
received some great tips and the location is walking distance to copacabana
you can go by bus very easy to the city center
Read more reviews

7. Centro (from USD 119)

CentroRJ
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Leandro Ciuffo used under CC BY 2.0

Centro is a place filled with gorgeous architecture such as Metropolitan Cathedral and Municipal Theater. It is considered as the financial center of the city and the root of the Central Region. Besides that, Rio’s downtown spot is perfect for those looking for a laid-back atmosphere compared to Copacabana and Ipanema. Here, you will find the National Museum of Fine Arts and National Historical Museum among many attractions.

Stayed at this property?

Prodigy Santos Dumont

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: Av. Almirante Silvio de Noronha, 365
4.53 km (2.9 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre


Windsor Asturias Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Rua Senador Dantas, 14
5.0 km (3.2 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4.98 km (3.1 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
353 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire loft 3 Beds 7 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 7

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment was equipped with everything we needed and check-in was easy
two really nice people the apartment is really in the center of the town
Cleanliness:
the flat itself in good condition clean and well equipped
it is spacious bright fully equipped and was very clean
hot shower new comfy bed fully stocked kitchen washing machine clean towels and sheets
Host:
joacquim was a great host
márcia and joaquim are great hosts
joaquim was a perfect host
he was a great host and was very responsive
very friendly and helpful front desk
Location:
excellent spacious and in a great location
thanks joaquim great location and quick response
i definitely recommend this place and intend to come back here myself
Read more reviews

8. Botafogo

File3 - Praia de Botafogo - Bairro de Botafogo - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Amgauna used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Botafogo is one of the most visited neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro because it is filled with cultural centers, bars, and malls. With its ideal location, you can conveniently access various tourist destinations around the area. It also boasts bustling nightlife and great accommodation options. The most visited sites in the district are Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden and Parque Lage. Botafogo is also close to Urca, so staying here will be a lot easier if you plan to visit Sugarloaf Mountain.

Stayed at this property?

Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Praia de Botafogo 242
2.06 km (1.3 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace


Plaza Spania Boutique Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Rua Muniz Barreto, 554
2.06 km (1.3 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Internet services

Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2.05 km (1.3 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
109 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire loft 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

9. Gávea (from USD 33)

Gavea-hipodromo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hmaglione10 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Gávea is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. It is situated in the South Zone of the city. Just like Lapa, it is also a great bohemian quarter, which makes it famous for young tourists. If you want to explore this district, it is recommended to head to Jardim Botânico first, home to over 8,000 plant species, and Instituto Moreira Salles, a spot where you can appreciate impressive exhibitions of the works of Brazil’s famous photographers and artists.

Stayed at this property?

Boutique Hotel Gávea Tropical

Address: Rua Sergio Porto, 85
8.39 km (5.3 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car

Grocery deliveries Concierge service Walking tours Private parking Air conditioning Children television networks Fire extinguishers Laundry

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
7.01 km (4.4 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
37 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great balcony with a cool view and comfortable beds
great apartment with view of the local forest
the tv is kinda small and outdated so bring your own laptop to watch your favorite tv show
very comfortable and quiet apartament
Cleanliness:
the apartment was clean and well equipped
Host:
host is very responsive and accommodating
we stayed at silvia's apartment and she was very attentive during our stay always communicating with us super fast
silvia and leci were very kind and helpful with everything we need
silvia is very attentive; the communication was easy and she was always quick to respond
great communication from the hosts though overall though a nice place for a good price
Location:
location is great near great supermarkets and more
very comfortable and well located
it's very close to everything and very safe
the apartment is cozy great for couples well located in a safe neighborhood near shops and restaurants
jardim botanico is about a 15 walk away and definitely a must-see in rio
Read more reviews
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
6.64 km (4.2 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
174 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 4 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there are plenty of bath and kitchen towels and the washer/dryer works great
after staying here for the last 98 nights i wish i could give this apartment ten stars
kitchen is small and very useful with plenty of kitchen utensils
Cleanliness:
comfortable clean smart appartment in a very good location
her apartment is spotlessly clean with quality appliances smart personal and very comfortable and relaxing
the place is very clean and in a very good location
good location nice clean and tidy
it was very clean and tidy with good internet speed as well
Host:
host very welcoming and really helpful throughout our stay
great service miriam is a great host
she is very helpful and her hospitality is beyond expectations
congrats to a super host :)
miriam is a wonderful host and is very thoughtful
Location:
location is fantastic and will be better when gavea metro station starts to operate
would love to return back and stay at miriam's place
miriam is a nice person flexible and reliable gavea is the best place in rio thanks miriam
Read more reviews

10. Lagoa

Lagoa - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil - 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adam Jones, Ph.D. used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated near the massive Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Lagoa is an upscale spot with a pleasant residential neighborhood. This is a famous place for young tourists and locals because of its relaxing beaches and lively night bars, restaurants, and nightclubs for evening entertainment. Besides that, it is also a great spot for the whole family because it has a playground for kids, a roller skating rink for teens, and various sports and workout areas for adults.

Stayed at this property?
Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4.47 km (2.8 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
54 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 5 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i and 4 of my friends stayed at this apartment for 4 days
Cleanliness:
the apartment is very cozy and clean
Read more reviews
Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3.29 km (2.1 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
61 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Host:
great place for getaway scape the host response is super fast and explained everything super well
Read more reviews
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3.85 km (2.4 mi) from Sugar Loaf cable car
126 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
incredible an oasis with a pool a great bed efficient air conditioning and several relaxing hammocks
Host:
and great hosts
amazing home amazing hosts very addictive indeed
Location:
very nice place not very conventional appliances but cooking over the stove was still interesting
Read more reviews

Fall in love with Rio

A few days are not enough to scour the whole city of Rio. To avoid going on multiple trips just to explore everything, organize your travel itineraries and book accommodation in advance so that you can explore more in Rio. Plus, you have a list of neighborhoods to choose from, so pick one that will suit your taste. With its unique combination of natural sites and man-made attractions, you will certainly be head over heels with Rio de Janeiro.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Andrea, a freelance content writer based in the Philippines, is both a teacher by profession and a passionate writer. Her travels, primarily with family and occasionally with friends, have left her...Read more

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