Where to stay in Rio

Although Rio is a bustling city with over 6 million residents, most tourist activities are centered around downtown and the “South Zone,” which includes iconic neighborhoods such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.

In this guide, we will cover where to stay in Rio and you’ll find everything you need to know about each area, including their pros and cons, the kind of atmosphere to expect, and recommendations for hotels and, if you are considering Airbnb as an option, where in the neighborhood I would suggest you to look into. When deciding where to stay, consider your personal preferences, budget, travel style, and the experience you’re hoping to have.

Still unsure after reading? Don’t worry—my personal recommendation at the end of this article might help you make your decision.

Copacabana

Probably the most famous beach in the world, but before you conclude that this is the obvious place to stay, know that, like many touristy neighborhoods, it can be crowded and full of tourist traps.

Accommodation options are vast, ranging from luxury hotels like the Copacabana Palace to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some options for you to consider – all options have a high 8+ rating in Booking.com.

Budget – Windsor Martinique Copacabana: this is one of the many Windsor Hotels and the one with the highest ranking alongside the Windsor Copa. In general, you will have a good experience at the Windsor hotels. My suggestion to you would be the Martinique, due to its location closer towards the end (or would it be the beginning?) of Copacabana, closer to Ipanema. 

Mid range – Miramar by Windsor Copacabana: highlight is its infinity pool that offers a panoramic view of the Copacabana beach and the Sugarloaf on the left. Many great reviews and comments on the hotel’s breakfast too.

Luxury – Copacabana Palace: a symbol of Copacabana, the Copacabana Palace was opened in 1923 with the goal to establish a world-class hotel to cater to the growing number of wealthy tourists visiting Rio. Over the decades, the Copacabana Palace has hosted numerous celebrities, world leaders, and artists, including Mick Jagger, Princess Diana and Frank Sinatra. 

Airbnb: as a general rule, the closer you are to Ipanema, the better your location will be within Copacabana. And naturally, the closer to the beach, the better. Keep in mind that Nossa Senhora de Copacabana Avenue, which runs parallel to the beach and spans the entire neighborhood, is Copa’s main commercial street. While convenient, it can get quite busy and noisy, so staying in an apartment directly on this street might not be the best choice.

2. Ipanema

Right next to Copacabana, Ipanema attracts a younger crowd that often describe it as “cooler” than Copacabana. Accommodation options will be more limited and more expensive here, but on the other hand you will have walking distance access to many (great) restaurants and shopping.

Budget – Atlantis Copacabana Hotel: despite its name, this hotel is actually located in Ipanema, right at the corner that divides Ipanema from Copacabana, very close to the Arpoador rock. It has a pool on its rooftop that, despite being super small, offers an amazing view of Ipanema beach and the Dois Irmãos and Gavea Mountains. 

Mid range – Ipanema Inn Hotel: has a premier location, in the heart of Ipanema, with easy access to the beach and nearby restaurants and bars. Great breakfast with fresh fruits, breads, pastries and juices is the highlight of the hotel.

Luxury – Fasano: while Copacabana Palace impresses for its grand architecture and opulence, Fasano, designed by Philippe Starck, is modern and minimalist. Its design is definitely one of Fasano’s highlights, alongside its infinite pool on the rooftop.

Airbnb: you can’t really go wrong with any area in Ipanema you decide to stay. The most prestigious area will be around Garcia D’Avila street, where luxury brands stores and some of the best restaurants (many of them in the Barão da Torre Street) are located. Visconde de Pirajá is the main commercial street and, just like in Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, it might be a bit noisy so make sure to pay attention to the comments of previous guests if that is a concern to you.

Leblon

If you’re walking along Ipanema’s promenade heading away from Copacabana toward the Dois Irmãos Mountain, you might not even realize when you’ve crossed into Leblon. These two neighborhoods are seamlessly connected by the same stretch of beach and share a similar vibe and atmosphere.

That said, Leblon is considered slightly more upscale and family-oriented, perhaps because of its popular “Baixo Bebê” (loosely translated as “Baby Spot”) area at Post 12, where families can enjoy a small playground right on the beach for their kids. But Leblon isn’t just for families—walk down the bohemian Dias Ferreira Street, lined with bars and restaurants, and you’ll find young people having casual lunches, beers and drinks or enjoying upscale dinners with friends.

Since Leblon is home to many of Rio’s affluent families and less frequented by tourists, hotel options are very limited in the area. The ones available are mostly in the mid-range to luxury category.

Mid range – Promenade Palladium Leblon: this 4-star hotel offers comfortable good size rooms and it is located just two blocks away from the beach.

Luxury – Janeiro Hotel: Janeiro Hotel was previously known as Marina Palace Hotel and went through an extensive renovation, as many other hotels in Rio, to transform into a luxurious hotel. It was reopened in November 2023, so expect brand new accommodations and modern facilities, such as its rooftop infinity pool.

Airbnb: if hotel options are limited, there are many Airbnb accommodations in Leblon, often at more affordable prices. The same rule applies here: the closer to the beach, the better (and pricier). The area near Dias Ferreira Street tends to be the busiest, with easy access to the best restaurants and bars. Just a word of caution: while Leblon is Rio’s most upscale neighborhood, there is a lower-income housing area right behind the Leblon Mall, with some condominiums for people from less privileged backgrounds. I’ve seen apartments listed in this area, so be sure to check the map and read the descriptions carefully to avoid any surprises.

Others areas you could consider

Santa Teresa: staying in Santa Teresa is ideal for culture enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic experience. Unlike most celebrities who opt for the Copacabana Palace or the Fasano, Amy Winehouse chose to stay at the charming Santa Teresa Hotel when visiting Rio in 2007. The area has only a few hotels and hostels, and due to its hilltop location and distance from the beach, it’s not the most convenient place to stay. However, if you’re eager to experience this unique stay location, consider spending a night or two here, and then move to a hotel in a more central location for the rest of your stay.

Botafogo: what was once a residential area has recently become the hipster neighborhood of Rio, where young locals enjoy great food and drinks at trendy bars and restaurants. The biggest downside is that it’s not near the beach, so you’ll need to take an Uber or public transport to get there. However, for other attractions like the Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer, Botafogo is centrally located and convenient. While hotel options are limited, the ones available are budget to mid-range, such as the Injoy Suites or the Yoo2 Hotel (which offers a surreal view of the Sugarloaf), making Botafogo a good choice for those looking for good value for money.