The Ipanema neighbourhood is known for its beautiful, 2 km golden sand Ipanema Beach, rated the second best beach in the world in 2025 by the Lonely Planet guide. Surf, sunbathe and swim in the crystal-clear waters, before sipping a refreshing caipirinha at one of the local snack bars. At night the neighbourhood comes to live with its many seaside restaurants and bars offering views out over the glistening sunset waters and vibrant nightlife scene. In addition to the beaches, check out the upscale clothing stores that the area is known for, and on Sundays, the Ipanema Hippie Fair, offering a fantastic insight into authentic Brazilian artwork and culture.

Another top pick is Copacabana, known for its stunning crescent shape 4km beach, and beautiful views of the surrounding hills and Sugarloaf Mountain, often featured in many a Rio postcard. Copacabana is a prime central location in Rio, near to a range of shops and restaurants, and easily accessible by underground. As you wander along the picture-perfect waterfront, look out for the iconic black and white pavement pattern, designed by Roberto Burle Marx, based on a Lisbon drawing. With a wide variety of hotels to choose from, from high-end, luxury properties to cheap and cheerful budget properties, there is something for everyone, here.

With its stunning beaches, upscale atmosphere, and high-end dining, the Leblon area is less crowded than its neighbours of Copacabana and Ipanema, meaning quieter and more tranquil beach settings, still boasting golden sands and breath-taking views of the surrounding hills and mountains. A favourite with celebrities, Leblon offers a stylish and exclusive vibe, with many modern buildings and high-end establishments. Soak up the atmosphere with a cycle along the waterfront, walk along the boardwalk and checkout the waterfront workout area for adding in some outdoors exercise!

This neighbourhood offers a unique and beautiful stay in Rio, offering a great alternative to its more famous beach areas. It is known for its bohemian and artistic vibe, with artists, musicians and intellectuals flocking to take part in the scene. Santa Teresa is also known for its spectacular views across the city, which can be enjoyed from its trendy bars and restaurants, often set within jungle-draped avenues and tree canopies. Check out the Largo dos Guimarães to pick up the lively social scene and to experience the local life.

A stay here means you are nearby to many historical landmarks, being one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Brazil. This area is home to the famous Escadaria Selarón, or the ‘Lapa Steps’, a set of world-famous colourful mosaic steps, made up of over 2000 tiles on 125 steps, from 60 countries, built by Jorge Selarón. You’ll also find the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches) landmark, an aqueduct built in the mid-18th Century to source water from the River Carioca, made up of 42 arches. Lapa is also known for its lively nightlife scene, with open-air street parties, bars and stylish clubs, offering a real taste of the samba music and energetic social scene that Rio is known for.