Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 7 Best Areas & Hotels

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Alli Sewell
• 12 min read

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A beach with turquoise water next to buildings and a greenery-covered mountain
Rio de Janeiro is a bucket list destination with a range of neighborhoods to explore

Known around the world for its beaches, landmarks, and party atmosphere, Rio de Janeiro is a bucket list destination for many. However, once you've decided to visit the city, choosing where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, can be challenging.

Landmarks and attractions are spread across the city, with almost all top neighborhoods offering relatively easy access. If you want to be right on the beach, Copacabana or Impanema will appeal to you. If you're looking for a more laid-back area, maybe opt for Lapa or Santa Teresa.

To learn all about the most popular neighborhoods and what they offer, keep reading for the seven best places to stay in Rio!

🛏️ Best budget hotel: Rede Reserva Santa Teresa
🏨 Best mid-range hotel: Laghetto Stilo Barra Rio
🏖 Best family-friendly hotel: Rede Reserva Santa Teresa
💕 Best romantic hotel: Laghetto Stilo Barra Rio
🛎️ Best luxury hotel: Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro

7 Best Places to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  1. 7 Best Areas to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    1. Copacabana
    2. Leme
    3. Ipanema
    4. Centro & Lapa
    5. Santa Teresa
    6. Botafogo
    7. Barra da Tijuca
  2. Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    1. Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro with family?
    2. Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for a romantic getaway?
    3. Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for sightseeing?
    4. Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for a weekend trip?
    5. Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for a business trip?
    6. Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for nightlife?

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7 Best Areas to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A view from a lush mountain next to a beach near city buildings and green trees
Copacabana has postcard-perfect sandy beaches that everyone will love

Copacabana

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Copacabana is probably the most well-known neighborhood in Rio and is a popular place for first-time visitors to stay. The neighborhood is located on the city's south coast, between Ipanema and Leme.

The main attraction here is Praia de Copacabana (Copacabana Beach), this Brazilian landmark stretches for 2.2 miles and features sandy shores and beachside cafes. Parque Estadual da Chacrinha is additionally located within Copacabana, the perfect place for a relaxing walk in nature. You can also find an array of bars and restaurants to enjoy.

Best of all, Copacabana is well connected to other areas. You can easily walk to Ipanema and Leme, and public transport and taxis can connect you to other neighborhoods and landmarks. For example, Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) is only around 15 minutes away by car or an hour on public transport.

Staying in this renowned area does come at a price, though. Most hotels here are high-end, four and five-star resorts. While they have many amenities and fantastic views, room rates run high compared to other parts of the city. Short-term apartment rentals are available as well at a bit more reasonable rates.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Copacabana

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Copacabana

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Copacabana

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Copacabana

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Copacabana

A view of a forested mountain from the beach near palm trees and a sidewalk
Leme is very near the popular Copacabana but is less crowded

Leme

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Located next to Copacabana, Leme allows easy access to the perks of that neighborhood while being a slightly quieter place to stay in Rio de Janeiro. The area is also ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts who want to be near beaches and forests.

Not only can you walk to Praia de Copacabana, but you're also near Praia do Leme and Pedra do Leme, a forested area home to Forte Duque de Caxias. You'll also find beachside cafes, unique shops, and fun and relaxed bars.

Public transport can connect you to other central Rio neighborhoods, like Impanema and Botafogo, but Copacabana is really the only area you can quickly walk to from Leme. The public transport system can also get you to popular attractions, like Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) and Parque Lage, but it takes an hour to two to reach many top places of interest.

Accommodation is a little more affordable than in Copacabana, but it's not as cheap as some of the more inland neighborhoods. You can find hotels, including international chains and apartment rentals. If you're on a budget but want to stay in Leme, there are a few hostels.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Leme

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Leme

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Leme

💕 Romantic accommodations in and nearby Leme

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Leme

People on the beach near a mosaic walkway with a mountain in the background
Ipanema is where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for prime beachside hotels

Ipanema

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Ipanema is another well-known neighborhood. It's situated between Copacabana and Leblon, with Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon behind it. Ipanema offers beautiful beaches, a relaxed vibe, and stylish and upscale bars and restaurants. Therefore, it's a popular place to stay among younger travelers with a decent budget and couples on a romantic getaway.

As with Copacabana, it's best known for its namesake beach, Praia de Ipanema (Ipanema Beach). While relaxing on the sand, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Morro Dois Irmãos. You can also wander along the beachside promenade, famous for its black and white pattern.

Also, like the other beach neighborhoods, Ipanema has plenty of beachfront bars and cafes. In addition, you can walk to Praia do Leblon and easily access the trendy bars and restaurants Leblon is known for.

Hotels here can be a bit pricey, especially if you want to be as near to the beach as possible. There are some more affordable apartment rentals, though, and a hostel.

In terms of connectivity, you can really only walk to Leblon or Copacabana, depending on where you stay in Ipanema. You'll need to use a car (your own, taxi, or private driver) or bus to reach all other areas and attractions.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Ipanema

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Ipanema

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Ipanema

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Ipanema

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Ipanema

A long white arched wall with buildings and skyscrapers in the background
Lapa is a laid-back neighborhood with attractions like Arcos da Lapa

Centro & Lapa

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Lapa is located next to Centro, Rio's downtown area, and Santa Teresa, a residential hilltop neighborhood. While this is not a very popular area to stay in Rio de Janeiro among first-time visitors, it's a cool place to consider staying if you've been to Rio before and want to see a different side of the city.

The primary attraction here is Arcos da Lapa, also called Aqueduto da Carioca. On weekend evenings, you can even party under the arches, with live music and food and drink vendors on-site.

Another famous landmark here that has to be on your Rio itinerary is Escadaria Selarón, a set of steps covered in a colorful mosaic of tiles. Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, a uniquely designed church in Centro, is also worth a visit.

Hotels here are a little dated compared to those in the beach neighborhoods, but they have a certain bohemian charm and a more affordable price tag. Quite a few have pools as well. Hostels are also available with varying rates and amenities.

When booking accommodations, try to find something in Lapa instead of Centro. While you can explore Centro during the day, it becomes somewhat of a ghost town after 5 to 6 PM when office workers go home, and it can become a little unsafe.

It's around 25 to 30 minutes to Copacabana by bus from Lapa and Centro. You can also walk to some parts of Santa Teresa or take a short bus ride.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Lapa

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Lapa

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Lapa

💕 Romantic accommodations in and nearby Lapa

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Lapa

Aerial shot of houses and buildings surrounded by trees on a hilly terrain
Santa Teresa has scenic parks, charming restaurants, and a residential feel

Santa Teresa

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The relaxed and residential hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa is located to the north of Copacabana, next to Lapa and Centro. This is the ideal place to stay if you want to be somewhere quiet yet near many attractions.

As with Lapa, this neighborhood mainly appeals to repeat visitors to Rio. Its tranquilness may also attract families, and large groups can find affordable accommodation for multiple people.

Attractions here include the bohemian Parque das Ruínas, Museu da Chácara do Céu, and many quaint bars and restaurants. If you like sports, you're only a 10-minute drive from the Maracanã. You can see various events here, and it's currently home to the local football team CR Flamengo.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, and Cristo Redentor, among other landmarks, are within a 10 to 30-minute drive from Santa Teresa. You can reach the coast, and areas like Copacabana and Ipanema, in around 20 minutes when driving or an hour on public transport. You can also walk into Lapa and Centro.

Accommodation here is primarily apartment and house rentals and villas. These can vary in price, from affordable options with basic amenities to luxury villas with swimming pools and stunning views.

🛏️ Budget-friendly places to stay in and nearby Santa Teresa

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Santa Teresa

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Santa Teresa

💕 Romantic accommodations in and nearby Santa Teresa

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Santa Teresa

A view of a forest and mountains from a railed elevated area
Botafogo is perfect for those who want to relax with exceptional hillside views

Botafogo

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Botafogo is another of the less popular locations to stay in Rio de Janeiro among most tourists, but one that may appeal to your needs. This trendy neighborhood is found above Copacabana and Leme.

Being so close to Pão de Açúcar, staying in this neighborhood means you'll probably have an excellent view of the mountain from your accommodation. Other nearby landmarks include Praia de Botafogo, Parque Lage, Museu Histórico da Fortaleza de São João, and Cristo Redentor.

You'll find many stylish bars and eateries, plus shopping malls here. Despite the neighborhood's name, it's about a 25-minute drive to Estádio Nilton Santos to watch the Botafogo football team.

You can connect to other neighborhoods and landmarks via car or public transport. You may also be able to walk to Leme or Copacabana, depending on exactly where you stay in Botafogo.

Regarding accommodation options, you can find some well-priced chain hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and most luxurious rentals with breathtaking views. If you're looking for a fun base with great nightlife or want to splurge a little in a more relaxed neighborhood, consider Botafogo for your stay!

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Botafogo

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Botafogo

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Botafogo

💕 Romantic accommodations in and nearby Botafogo

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Botafogo

Aerial shot of roads with cars surrounded by the ocean and buildings
Barra da Tijuca is the place to be for a luxurious vacation

Barra da Tijuca

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Those planning a tranquil yet luxurious Rio getaway (with a decent budget) will be interested in Barra da Tijuca. This upscale neighborhood sits to the west of Ipanema and Leblon, with Parque Nacional da Tijuca between the two.

As it's a coastal neighborhood, you'll also get to enjoy beaches here, like Praia da Barra da Tijuca, Praia da Reserva, and Praia da Joatinga. These beaches are less crowded than the likes of Praia de Ipanema and Praia de Copacabana.

You'll also be close to Itanhangá Golf Club and can easily access the nature attractions, like hiking trails, in and around Parque Nacional da Tijuca. Shops, including luxury stores, bars, and restaurants, are also plentiful.

All of these amenities come at a cost, though, with accommodation options here being some of the most expensive in the city. Options include oceanfront hotels and luxury villas and rentals.

If you want to reach any of the popular eastern neighborhoods, they are around 25 to 35 minutes away when driving. You can also take public transport, but this can take over an hour, especially if trying to get to places like Copacabana or Botafogo.

🛏️ Budget-friendly place to stay in and nearby Barra da Tijuca

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Barra da Tijuca

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Barra da Tijuca

💕 Romantic accommodations in and nearby Barra da Tijuca

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Barra da Tijuca

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Copacabana is where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for families who like beaches
Copacabana offers many kid-friendly things to do

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro with family?

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Rio is a fun and unique family destination with something for all ages and interests. For a lot of families, the best location to stay in Rio de Janeiro will be Copacabana.

The neighborhood has easy access to the beach (an attraction kids of all ages will love) and is connected to many other areas and attractions. For example, you can easily access other beaches, like those in Leme and Ipanema.

You can also get to nature spots with lots of wildlife, like Parque Nacional da Tijuca and Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, in 10 to 15 minutes by taxi. Additionally, you'll find accommodation options with many amenities, including kid-friendly swimming pools.

Leme is another good choice if you want somewhere a little bit quieter. Santa Teresa is also a nice, safe, and affordable neighborhood for families if you don't mind not being within walking distance of the beach.

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Copacabana

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for a romantic getaway?

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If you're planning a romantic getaway or even your honeymoon, Rio is an excellent destination! Where to stay exactly will depend on your interests and the type of vacation you and your partner want.

Couples that want to splurge and unwind on the beach should opt for Barra da Tijuca. Along with scenic beaches, you can find romantic hotels, spas, and high-end eateries. You can also get to more central Rio quite easily if you want a day of sightseeing.

Ipanema and neighboring Leblon are an excellent choice as well. You can enjoy beaches and stylish bars and eateries for date night, and are also near the bustle of Copacabana. You can reach landmarks easily from these neighborhoods as well.

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Barra da Tijuca

Old canyons in front of a large gate surrounded by trees
Because of its proximity to many attractions, Copacabana is great for sightseeing

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for sightseeing?

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As Rio's top attractions and landmarks are a little spread out, there are a few neighborhoods to stay in Rio de Janeiro to consider when visiting for a sightseeing trip. Copacabana is a good option for first-timers to the city.

You can access one of the world's most famous beaches, with Ipanema and its beach also within walking distance. Public transport can connect you to all the other popular neighborhoods and landmarks like Pão de Açúcar.

A more relaxed option and a good choice for returning visitors is Lapa or Santa Teresa. In these areas, you're close to landmarks like Arcos da Lapa, Escadaria Selarón, and Museu do Amanhã.

It's a similar distance to Cristo Redentor as it is from Copacabana and only 15 minutes by taxi to Copacabana itself. You can easily drive over Ponte Pres. Costa e Silva as well to explore the sights of Niterói.

🛏️ Budget-friendly places to stay in and nearby Copacabana

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Copacabana

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Copacabana

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for a weekend trip?

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As with other types of trips in Rio, where to stay for a weekend will depend on what type of activities you want to do. The best options for most are the beach neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leme.

You can easily access beaches and lots of bars and eateries. If you want to do some sightseeing over the weekend, you can also reach renowned landmarks and tourist attractions from these areas via car or public transport. Additionally, there are accommodation options to suit most tastes and budgets.

Those wanting a high-end weekend getaway will enjoy Barra da Tijuca, where you can spend the weekend sunbathing, golfing, and relaxing with spa treatments.

🛏️ Budget-friendly places to stay in and nearby Copacabana

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Copacabana

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Copacabana

Aerial shot of an urban area with skyscrapers on a cloudy day
The downtown area of Centro is the home of many corporate and business offices

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for a business trip?

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Deciding where to stay in Rio for a business trip will largely depend on where your meetings and other events are being held. If these things are spread across the city, Lapa may be a good neighborhood to stay in Rio de Janeiro.

It's only around 25 minutes from Galeão International Airport, just five minutes from Santos Dumont Airport, and has affordable accommodation options. It's also next to Centro, where many business offices are located.

Alternatively, you could choose a place with excellent amenities for after-work activities. In this case, Copacabana is a great option. You can easily get to other parts of the city for meetings and can then enjoy the beach, bars, restaurants, and more in your free time.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Lapa

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Lapa

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Lapa

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for nightlife?

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The best place for nightlife in Rio will depend on what type of nightlife you enjoy. However, generally, Ipanema and Leblon are considered top nightlife areas. Leblon has the most stylish bars and eateries with a range of cuisines.

You can also find samba bars in these areas with live music. Additionally, both neighborhoods offer easy access to beach bars and nightclubs in Copacabana. If you want to party all night and just walk "home," opt for Copacabana.

Younger and budget tourists may enjoy Lapa. On the weekend, you can party for cheap under Arcos da Lapa. You're also close to multiple laid-back and unique nightclubs like Rio Scenarium.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Leblon

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Leblon

In Conclusion

It can be confusing to decide where to stay when visiting Rio as there are so many options. Hopefully, this list of the best neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro has given you an idea of what each area has to offer, allowing you to choose the best place to stay for your needs.

Whichever neighborhood you decide on, you'll have a fantastic time in this vibrant Brazilian city!

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Alli Sewell

Written by Alli Sewell

allisewell EDITOR Currently based in Canada, Alli has also lived and worked in the UK and Brazil and traveled in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She loves finding the best photo-ops and food and drink locations wherever she goes.

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