Where to stay in Rio? 7 Best places for your 2025 trip.

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most iconic cities in the world. Known for its breathtaking beaches, famous landmarks, vibrant culture, and of course Rio Carnival, it was on our bucket list for a while. When we finally decided to go, we were faced with one of the biggest questions – Where should we stay in Rio?

During our research, we found out that there was no straightforward answer – Rio is an incredibly diverse city with each neighbourhood offering its own unique charm and atmosphere. Because of that, no matter why you’re visiting this city and what you want to do or see, you will find a perfect match. We’ve prepared below an overview of the best places to stay in Rio, from laid-back beach vibes to urban excitement, and we hope this will help you in planning your trip!

To help you decide which part of Rio is best for you, we’ve divided this article into two sections. First, we introduce each of the main neighbourhoods in Rio, along with places to stay and our recommended restaurants. This will give you a clear sense of the general vibe and atmosphere of each neighbourhood, which should help you decide where to stay in Rio.

Our second section is dedicated to those seeking something specific: “Where to stay in Rio for…,” where we highlight the best areas that align with particular interests. Therefore, if you prefer, you can head straight to that section and then return to read the details for the neighbourhoods that interest you the most.

Where to stay in Rio? Top 7 neighbourhoods

Map of Rio neighbourhoods with best places to stay

Centro

Centro is Rio’s downtown area, where the city’s history and modernity meet. It’s home to important landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral as well as some amazing hidden gems. It’s also a great base for history buffs and those wanting to experience the city’s bustling area. However, it can be hectic and busy, especially during weekdays. We recommend staying here for only a couple of days to see the main attractions and then head somewhere quieter.

Lapa

Just a short walk from Centro is Lapa, a vibrant and historic neighbourhood famous for its nightlife and cultural scene. This is also where you will find the famous Escadario Selaron – the iconic colourful tiled steps you have to see when in Rio. 

Lapa has long been a favourite among partygoers and culture enthusiasts. During the day, you can explore the neighbourhood’s charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings, art galleries, and trendy cafés.

Most iconic stairs in Rio in Lapa area.

However, when the sun sets that Lapa truly comes to life. As live music spills out of the bars and clubs, you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere well into the early hours. If you’re looking for an authentic Rio experience, filled with rhythm and soul, Lapa is undoubtedly the place to be. We chose to stay here for 3 days during Rio Carnival as it is close to Sambadrome and to some great blocos. It was really convenient to get around and had great bars with live music which we love.

Santa Teresa

Just uphill from Lapa, Santa Teresa offers a peaceful vibe with narrow streets and colonial-style homes. This neighbourhood is perfect for travellers seeking a quieter escape from the busy tourist areas while still staying close to the action. Moreover, Santa Teresa is known for its creative vibe, attracting artists, musicians, and writers to its bohemian charm. You will find here many galleries, small boutique shops, and intimate cafés here with great coffee and delicious food. We only spent one day here on our way back from the most famous spot in Santa Teresa, Christ the Redeemer. We wished we stayed here for couple days more to get lost in those charming streets and enjoy the laid back atmosphere.

Copacabana

Copacabana is well known around the world for its golden beach and vibrant atmosphere. This lively area is perfect for those who want to be at the centre of the action, with beachfront bars, restaurants, and an endless array of activities. Whether you’re into beach volleyball, strolling along the promenade, or sipping a coconut under the sun, Copacabana has it all.

Its proximity to many tourist attractions, including the Forte de Leme and Sugarloaf Mountain, makes Copacabana ideal for first-time visitors. It also transforms into a lively spot at night, with clubs and bars offering everything from samba to electronic beats. So it’s perfect for those seeking to experience best Rio vibes.

Copacabana a perfect neighbourhood to stay in Rio

We stayed here for few days and enjoyed the proximity to the beach and great restaurants around here. However, we found the beach itself way too busy. There were too many vendors hassling us, which definitely wasn’t relaxing. That is why we preferred Ipanema beach, as it was less crowded and had more chilled vibes all around.

Leme

Located at the far end of Copacabana Beach, Leme is a more peaceful, residential alternative to its more famous neighbour. It offers a more laid-back atmosphere with a much quieter beaches. Therefore it’s perfect for travellers seeking relaxation but who still want to be close to Rio’s iconic attractions.

Ipanema

Just a short walk from Copacabana lies Ipanema, an area renowned for its more sophisticated and upscale atmosphere. This vibrant area is home to chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and trendy bars, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ipanema Beach. Often regarded as a more modern, youthful, and fashionable version of Copacabana, Ipanema offers a fresh and dynamic vibe. In fact, we highly recommend visiting Ipanema over its more famous neighbour, as it truly captures the essence of Rio’s contemporary charm.

Sunset at Ipanema looking through the palm trees

We were so happy that we were able to watch the sunset here. Watching the sky turn intense red and orange whilst sipping the delicious caipirinhas to the sounds of live samba in the background was truly magical.

Ipanema is the perfect place for those seeking a mix of relaxation and luxury, with easy access to Rio’s cultural attractions

Leblon

Leblon is Rio’s most exclusive area, offering luxury living at its finest. It is home to high-end shopping malls, upscale restaurants, and some of the most expensive real estate in the city. Leblon Beach is much quieter and relaxed compared to Ipanema and it attracts a more refined crowd.

Leblon is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and luxurious stay while still being travelling distance to Rio’s best attractions. With lush green spaces and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, Leblon offers an elegant and tranquil escape for those looking for the best of both worlds.

Where to stay in Rio

Sometimes you just know what we want to do and see on you holiday. If this is you, then use the below to save yourself some time and pick the best neighbourhood for you.

Where to stay in Rio for Rio Carnival

If you’re coming to Rio for Carnival and planning to see the Samba Parade in Sambadrome, we recommend staying in Lapa as it is closest to the stadium, but also where many blocos are. Another great area is Santa Teresa as there are many great blocos around there – Carmelitas being the best one to attend there.

A Samba Parade at Sambadrome during Rio Carnival

There is a great bloco in Ipanema by famous Banda de Ipanema that you don’t want to miss if you also want the proximity to the beach!

Where to stay in Rio for safe neighbourhoods

Rio de Janeiro has a rather poor safety reputation however during our visit we found that it is way safer than we thought. During our stay we visited and walked around 6 biggest neighbourhoods and at no point we felt unsafe. But admittedly, we were careful and aware of our surroundings all the time. However it’s not like you can’t use your phone in public or other scary stories we were told before we visited.

In addition, kept everything close to us (cross boy bags and money belts), left valuables back home. We were also careful with our phones, using a phone tether, and avoided areas that looked sketchy. Although, we did walk back from the Sambadrome once, but it was fine.

It’s important to note that some areas are safer than others. Therefore, if you want to feel more at ease, definitely opt for palces in the South, like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.


However, if you’re visiting around Carnival, then you’re safe in most of central Rio as the security and tourism police are out in much greater numbers – we had no problem staying around Central and Lapa.

Where to stay in Rio for museums and culture

A lot of people only associate Rio with Carnival, parties, and stunning beaches but not many people know that there are so many other things to do and see here that cater for those who love culture and museums. For those, we recommend staying in Centro or Lapa as most of museums are there or near by.

A museum of Future in Rio de Janeiro shown from outside

It is an excellent base to explore on foot and by public transport. And when you feel like you want to relax on the beach you can take metro and enjoy time in Ipanema or Leblon really easily – or do like us and spend some time in central to see the sights before moving closer to the beaches for relaxation!

Where to stay in Rio for best beaches

Rio has over 83km of sandy coastline and with 99 beaches you will definitely find the right one for you! If you’re looking for vibrant and lively atmosphere the famous Copacabana is definitely the place. There so many beach bars and restaurants that it provides a great base for those beach lovers who also want to dance the night away to the sounds of samba.

If more relaxed and upscale vibes are what you’re looking for then head to Ipanema. This is where you’ll find this iconic long beach shot with two mountains in the background (Morro Dois Irmãos) as well as many chic boutiques and restaurants. Ipanema is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets which you can admire from there.

Leblon is the most luxurious neighbourhood in Rio and it attracts similar crowd. It is perfect for those who are looking to have a relaxing time on the beach paired with access to designer shops and expensive restaurants.

Summary

Rio de Janeiro is a city that truly offers something for everyone, thanks to its diversity and unique neighbourhoods. For instance, you can explore historic districts like Centro, or immerse yourself in the bohemian charm of Santa Teresa or enjoy the sun in Ipanema. Each area, in fact, has its own distinct character.

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant nightlife, peaceful streets, or cultural landmarks, Rio has endless opportunities to offer. We’re certain you will find a right place for you and have the best time ever here.

We really enjoyed our time in Rio because of the diversity, delicious food and many hidden gems we found exploring this city. If you have any questions regarding planning your trip feel free to DM us on IG.