Centro, the beating heart of vibrant Rio, is ideal for eager tourists who want to immerse in the city’s culture by visiting its top landmarks, shops, galleries, and museums. This neighbourhood will not disappoint those who want to experience the city by night either.
However, Lapa is the go-to neighbourhood for experiencing the best of Rio’s nightlife. The vibrant area, sitting between Centro and beach neighbourhoods, is buzzing with live music and dancing most nights of the week.
Santa Teresa, on the other hand, is one of Rio’s most refined and quiet neighbourhoods. Populated by old mansions, boutique hotels, and contemporary cafes, it offers a welcome respite from the city for families.
Beachfront neighbourhoods Copacabana and Ipanema are top picks for those with big budgets that want glitz and glamour, with swanky seafood restaurants, boujee boutiques, and high-end hotels line its streets. Although Rio is generally gay-friendly, Ipanema is also the epicentre of the city’s LGBT culture.
Head to Leblon, a super upscale neighbourhood at the far end of Ipanema Beach, if you want to sleep amongst Rio’s rich and famous. This small but ultra-trendy area is where foodies will find the city’s most coveted restaurants and bars.
Hipsters will feel most at home in Botafogo, a laid-back bohemian neighbourhood near Copacabana and Sugarloaf Mountain. Its graffiti-adorned streets are lined with edgy bars, much different from the typical samba bars of Lapa. As an up-and-coming neighbourhood, Botafogo also boasts cheap accommodation.
Rio is connected by a metro system that will allow you to explore the city easily from wherever you decide to stay.
