Going to Rio de Janeiro for the first time? Here’s an introduction to the city’s most attractive neighborhoods – bairros – which you simply need to visit. For more great tips, download our FREE city guide for Rio de Janeiro straight to your iPhone.
Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Walk the picturesque cobbled streets of Santa Teresa on your Rio de Janeiro city tour
By most people’s reckoning, Santa Teresa is Rio’s most beautiful neighborhood, and not a beach or a bronzed body in sight. The steep hills, hair-pin curves and colonial architecture have been drawing artists and bohemians to this area for generations.
Santa Teresa isn’t without its little inconveniences – public transport options are limited and most bars start shutting down before midnight. But just wander the picturesque cobbled streets, take in the great views across Guanabara Bay, and stop in at one of the many neighborhood bars: you’ll feel the magic that infuses this unique corner of Rio.
Recommended Santa Teresa hotel: Hotel Monte Castelo (rates start at 124 BRL [£26] per room, per night)
Centro, Rio de Janeiro
Just wait … after dark, Centro comes alive!
Without any beaches or forest covered mountains, Centro and its surrounding neighborhoods are often not the first stop by visitors to Rio. Yet those who can tear themselves away from the obvious allure of the sand will discover little-known bars hidden down ancient alleyways, and beautiful – if slightly crumbling – architecture.
The neighborhood of Lapa still retains some of the grit and grime that gave it such an edgy reputation in the past, but after dark it comes alive with bars and clubs that pound like the beating heart of this city of samba. Centro is Rio’s cultural soul – perfect for lovers of architecture and nightlife.
Recommended Centro hotel: Hotel Atlantico Business Centro (rates start at 159 BRL [£34] per room, per night)
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: Probably the most famous beach in the world …
Some of the sparkle of Copacabana has faded since its 1950s heyday, yet this is no washed-up has been. Take a stroll along the golden crescent of Copacabana Beach, gaze upon the grandeur of Copacabana Palace, one of the world’s great luxury hotels, and you’ll see there’s still plenty of glitter to go around.
Bring a towel and find yourself a nice spot, from where you can appreciate the turquoise waves, locals enjoying a game of beach football and bronzed beauties flaunting their teeny weeny bikinis. Also, check out the nearby Botafogo area, it’s a treasure trove mix of alternative bars and clubs. Copacabana still has it – and it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking to escape the hassle and steep prices of Ipanema.
Recommended Copacabana hotel: Arena Copabacana (rates start at 545 BRL [£117] per room, per night)
Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
…or is it Ipanema Beach?
There’s a reason that people who know hardly anything about Rio have a burning urge to visit. Even the name sounds kind of magical: Ipanema. This gorgeous beach is populated by equally beautiful people and overlooked by forest covered mountains. It’s pure, simple and uncomplicated pleasure. As home to Rio’s rich and famous, you’ll find high-end luxury hotels and restaurants, but this shouldn’t keep budget adventurers away. Check out the serene botanical gardens, the saltwater lagoon, and of course that great democratic melting pot, the famous beach, where slum-dwellers rub shoulders with millionaires.
Recommended Ipanema hotel: Mar Ipanema Hotel (rates start at 494 BRL [£106] per room, per night)
Urca, Rio de Janeiro
Enjoying the tranquillity of Urca is one of the most relaxing things to do in Rio
Urca is a small and wealthy neighborhood located right at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain and close to Copacabana Beach. The neighborhood, which is known for its fare share of celebrity residents and old casinos, only covers a few narrow, tree-lined streets and most of the residential houses dates from the late 1920s to the 1940s showcasing popular styles of the time such as art deco, faux Spanish colonial style and mock Tudor houses. Urca has a certain feel of the past and is a quiet and peaceful escape from the hectic and noisy parts of Rio.
Recommended Urca hotel: Hotelinho Urca (rates start at 220 BRL [£47] per room, per night)
Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro
Make it to Flamengo when you visit Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo is a residential neighborhood which is becoming increasingly popular among an urban middle class who can see the advantages of the neighborhood’s spacious apartments and convenient location just a few minutes from Centro and Copacabana thanks to the Metrô. Another draw is Flamengo Park, which is the largest public park in Rio de Janeiro with museums and cultural centers such as the Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna).
The neighborhood can also boast about its many splendid examples of art deco architecture, most notably the Biarritz Building near the beachfront. Flamengo offers excellent restaurants and a lively nightlife. Life’s good in Flamengo!
Recommended Flamengo hotel: Elegance Hotel (rates start at 209 BRL [£45] per room, per night)
Zona Norte, Rio de Janeiro
Estádio do Maracanã is one of the most iconic places to visit in Rio
Zona Norte – the North Zone – is without doubt the most overlooked area of Rio. With a few exceptions, such as Maracanã stadium, most travelers never set foot in this huge expanse of neighborhoods, but adventurous visitors will be rewarded.
Zona Norte is home to the world’s largest urban forest, bustling markets, generations-old restaurants, and some of Rio’s best night life. The relative lack of tourism means that Zona Norte attractions are some of the city’s most authentic and affordable. Show up on the second Sunday of the month, and you can even attend the Feira das Yabas, the festive market that centers on traditional Brazilian food and music – a true adventure.
Recommended Zona Norte hotel: Hotel Velario (rates start at 56 BRL [£23] per room, per night)
Zona Oeste, Rio de Janeiro
Praia do Pepê is the longest and definitely also one of the best Rio de Janeiro beaches
Zona Oeste – the West Zone – is often overlooked by visitors, yet people who venture along the spectacular cliff-top Avenida Niemeyer into the neighbourhoods of São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca will find an enchanting mix of natural wonder and modern convenience.
The affluent Barra da Tijuca is home to the city’s longest beach, Praia do Pepê. The beach is perfect for surfing and kitesurfing as well as for spotting a local TV celeb living in Barra da Tijuca since the major TV channel (Globo) is in the region. Turning away from the coast, visitors will find some of Rio’s most impressive mountains – perfect for hiking, climbing and hang-gliding. If you prefer to get your thrills through retail therapy, Zona Oeste contains Rio’s biggest, most luxurious shopping malls.
Recommended Zona Oeste hotel: Pousada do Village (rates start at 56 BRL [£12] per room, per night)
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