Best Places To Stay In Rio De Janeiro

Let’s talk about it. The place that’s been at the top of everyone’s bucket list for the last couple of years: Brazil. And, if we wanna get more specific with it: Rio De Janeiro. Whether you’re wanting to go for Carnaval, to see the iconic beaches, or, just because you recently rewatched the movie Rio like I did (shout out Riannah for reminding me of its existence), everyone’s talking about Brazil. And it’s for good reason. But what no one’s talking about is where exactly you need to be staying, so I’m here to change that.

Like any city, Rio has several places that you can stay. Depending on which one you pick, it’s gonna shape how you experience the city and, obviously, you wanna have the best experience possible, right? Right. Now, I’m not here to tell you that you HAVE to stay anywhere in particular. Nope. I’m just here to give you the information I wish I had before I planned my trip to Rio. You’re welcome.

Where To Stay In Rio De Janeiro?

Great question. In general, the South Zone will be your best bet. It’s known as Rio’s safest (and wealthiest) area and it’s where you’ll find most of the tourist attractions, and consequently, the tourists. Not to say that’s even a bad thing. Even though allegedly, supposedly, it’s the most touristy area, I can’t say it ever really felt all that busy (I say as someone who went in a lower season). Either way, you still get a taste of authentic Brazilian life, while still being able to do as much sightseeing as your heart desires. If your heart desires.

Okay, Caira, that’s great. Now are you gonna tell us where exactly to stay in the South Zone or…? Hold on, man, we’re getting there. Scroll down.

My Top 3 Places To Stay In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

1. Leblon

To start off this journey, we’re gonna imagine it as one big, long strip of beach (because that’s quite literally what it is). At the furthest end of this strip – depending on where you’re coming from, but in this scenario it’s the furthest, okay? – we have Leblon. Out of our three, this is the wealthiest neighbourhood, and apparently the safest, according to Brazilians. It’s also the least crowded, specifically in terms of the beach area. My two theories for this, that no one asked for, are 1. Because it’s the most expensive area to be in and 2. It’s so far down the strip, if you’re coming from the other end, that people don’t actually walk that far. 

The area itself is more residential than the other two, but it’s also more modern, hence why it’s more expensive. If you’re someone who likes to do luxury travel or you just want somewhere that’s slightly quieter, this is probably the place you want to stay.

In terms of things to do, it’s further away from your main tourist attractions like Christ The Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. However, there are still things to do around the area. The number one thing being the beach, obviously. This specific part of the beach is where all the volleyballers and joggers tend to be, so if you’re into either of those, you know where you gotta go. It’s also the part that has the iconic mountain backdrop, you know the one, that everyone and their mum gets their Rio beach pics with (me included). Though, lowkey, I wouldn’t suggest getting them here because you’d be hella close.

Outside of beach-ish activities, it’s close to other things like the Botanical Gardens. I’m saying that to say it’s there, not as a suggestion to go. From what I remember, it was a cute lil thing to do, but defo not worth the price. To be fair, I wasn’t actually intending to go there, but Google Maps was telling me you could get to Parque Lage through there (you can’t), so that’s how I ended up there. I did get one of my favourite Rio pictures ever there though, so can I really complain? No. Moving on.

You can get around pretty easily. It has two metro stations, although I never actually used them, but they’re there. It’s also walkable to other areas, like our next one, but, depending on how long you’re willing to walk, it’s lowkey far from our last one. Fear not though, my friends, it’s an easy enough drive. Or bike ride, because I did do that. It took about 20-30 minutes on a good day.

2. Ipanema

So, getting back to our nice leisurely stroll along the beach, up next we have Ipanema. From what I’ve heard from other people irl, and seen on the general interweb, I think this is the collective favourite area for tourists and locals alike. Not me though. I’m not like the other girls. I need to be different somehow – I say like I wasn’t there literally every day.

Honestly though, I do understand why everyone loves it so much. Even though they’re literally next door neighbours, Ipanema is wayyy more lively than Leblon, probably because people can actually afford to have fun there. For that reason, I can see it being great for solo travellers, especially if you’re worried about being alone or making friends. There’s always gonna be something going on or someone to talk to. That, and the fact that it’s relatively safe and walkable. 

Walkable from…? Just wait a minute, I’m getting there, man! As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, I say it’s walkable because you could walk anywhere in the area and find something to do. There’s restaurants, Sunday markets, coffee shops, clothing shops, hair shops, obtuse, rubber goose, green moose. You get the idea. They have it all in Ipanema. And, yes, there’s the iconic Havaiana store. Side note: if you’re going any time soon, pls, I’m begging, get me some more. Thanks so much <3

Now, if you don’t wanna walk to all of that, it’s very, very easy to get around. There are 2 metro stations (which, again, I didn’t personally use, so I have nothing to report on them) and a fuckton of bike docking stations (which I did personally use). One thing on those though, I don’t know if the universe just hated me and my sister, but like every 3rd bike we’d try to book just… wouldn’t work? To this day, I couldn’t tell you why. It just wouldn’t release from the dock or let us cancel. So we literally had to just stand there, while the other one was being charged for their bike, until it magically unlocked or cancelled itself. Weird.

The only real downside, for me, in Ipanema, as beautiful as she is, was the beach. I know, I know, don’t hate me! The actual beach itself? Stunning. But, I noticed that it was a lot more busy and chaotic compared to our last choice (and our next one). Like, it was kinda impossible to even walk along the beach/street without tripping over someone else or being cornered by vendors. Lowkey, I do get it though, you gotta make your money somehow. HOWEVER, one thing I’d definitely say this beach is best for is the sunset. Oh my lord, I’ve never seen sunsets more beautiful than I did on Ipanema beach. So, if you only go there for one thing, let it be the sunset. Exhibit A:

3. Copacabana 

Lastly, but most definitely not leastly, we end our 10k steps in my personal favourite (I’m lowkey biased though because it’s 100% because of the beach): Copacabana. I’d say she’s kind of a mix of Leblon and Ipanema; She has commercial hotels, sure, but the vibe is still very chill. If you’re someone that likes luxury stays, but isn’t looking to pay the luxury stay price tag in Leblon, this is your best option. 

If it’s your first time in Rio, I’d probably point you towards Copacabana. Not just because we love her over here, but also because I’m assuming you’re gonna wanna do all the tourist attractions, right? Well, you’re in the right place. Out of the three, it’s the best place to be for alla that because it’s the closest to all the popular places. Your Christ the Redeemers, Sugar Loaf Mountains, even the central area. Plus, it gives you a nice lil introduction to Rio, without the chaos of Ipanema.

Okay, so let’s talk beaches, since that’s where we’ve been taking our stroll. Personallyyyy, this was my favourite out of the three. The actual beach isn’t as busy, to ME. The vendors tend to be less aggressive, to ME. And, there’s a wider range of stores and restaurants on the actual beach front, to ME. Do not come for me if you disagree. Thanks so much. Now, that could all very well be because of the time of year I went, because Carnaval had literally just finished, so maybe it was just less busy than average. Who knows. Either way, it was my favourite of the three (and also the best spot to see the sunrise).

Like Ipanema, the actual area has a lot going on. You’ve got your restaurants and your bars, but you also get the bonus of it being a more commercial area with banks, pharmacies, and supermarkets. Hey Siri, play Hannah Montana – Best of Both Worlds. Unlike Ipanema though, sometimes it can actually be cheaper to stay here. Don’t ask me why. I really couldn’t tell you because, in my head, I thought it would be more expensive because it’s so commercial. Apparently, I thought wrong.

Transportationally, it’s just as easy to get around as the others. You can walk. You can bike. You can use your preferred non-affiliated (unless they wanna sponsor me) ride sharing app. If you’re looking to go to any of the attractions, especially, this the best place to be booking rides.

FAQs: Where To Stay In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil?

Question 1: Safest Neighbourhoods in Rio?

The safest area in general is the South Zone (Zona Sul). Within that, my top 3 would be Leblon (for more luxury), Ipanema (for more lively and authentic), and Copacabana (for a mix of the two).

Question 2: Is It Better To Stay In Ipanema or Copacabana? 

Depends on your vibe. If you’re looking for somewhere more bustling, and more aesthetic – Ipanema. If you want somewhere slightly quieter, and a bit more commercial – Copacabana.

Question 3: Where To Stay in Rio For First Timers?

If you’re a person that’s wanting to do all of the touristy things, the best place to stay would be Copacabana because it gives you easy access to places like Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

What’s The Best Place To Stay In Rio?

Made your choice yet? No? Oh shit, I thought I gave you enough time. My bad, gang. Pause and come back. Okay, done? Cool. Let’s discuss. The best place for you depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. If you want a more residential, homey, but still luxury feel, go with Leblon. If you’re tryna be a part of the vibes and pretend you’ve been living here your whole life? Ipanema. If you want a mix of the two, Copacabana.

Either way, book that trip to Rio. I promise you will never regret it.

Byeee, bestie

Caira