The Neighborhoods

The Neighborhoods

Centro

Architectural gems left behind from the days of Portuguese colonialism share space with modern high-rises in Rio's financial district. Ornately decorated churches, museums, and palaces are just some of the highlights. The neighborhood is a virtual ghost town from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning, when the work week begins.

Copacabana

The longest stretch of beach in Rio is the main attraction in the city's most touristed neighborhood. It's the perfect place to stroll, people-watch, soak up the sun, or gaze in awe at the giant old apartment buildings and hotels (including the Copacabana Palace) that line the Avenida Atlântica.

Ipanema

Famous for being the place where the "Girl from Ipanema" was spied and then written into lyrical history by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes back in the '60s, this posh neighborhood today is a collection of tree-lined streets harboring upscale condos, fabulous restaurants, and trendy shopping. The beach is beautiful and attracts not only tourists but cariocas from all over the city.

Lapa

Adjacent to Centro, this historic neighborhood has some of the best music halls and dance clubs in the city. If you're looking to explore Rio's nightlife, you'll become intimately familiar with Lapa.

Leblon

Extending west from Ipanema, this affluent, intimate community borrows some of its neighbor's trendy charms, but is slightly funkier. The narrow streets are flush with small restaurants and bars. Sadly, the beach here is not great for swimming since the water is often polluted.

Santa Teresa

One of the first residential neighborhoods in Rio, Santa Teresa is worth a visit to explore its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with beautiful, Portuguese-style homes. It also has some traditional Brazilian restaurants, excellent local craft stores, and art galleries.

São Conrado & Barra da Tijuca

West of Leblon, these low-key Zona Sul neighborhoods have long stretches of unspoiled beach. Residential condos and malls crowd the streets, which are not suitable for walking around. It's best to take a cab straight to the beaches, which are quieter than Copacabana and Ipanema and are especially recommended for kids. Hang gliders land just behind São Conrado Beach.