Rio de Janeiro/Zona Sul

Most parts of the Zona Sul are easily accessible by bus or metro from Centro or Zona Norte. Line 1 of the subway runs from the Zona Norte and Centro through most of the main neighborhoods of Zona Sul, as far as Praça General Osório at the east end of Ipanema.
Real Auto Onibus offers direct bus connections from both airports to many locations in Zona Sul.

By metrô

Line 1 services the Zona Sul as far west as Ipanema. The stops are:

• Praça General Osório (in Ipanema) - for Ipanema Beach and Arpoador
• Cantagalo (in Copacabana) - for Arpoador and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon ("Lagoa")
• Siqueira Campos (in Copacabana) - for Copacabana beach, and coaches to Ipanema, Leblon, and Gávea
• Cardeal Arcoverde (in Copacabana) - for Copacabana and Leme beaches and Rio Sul mall
• Botafogo - for Botafogo beach, Botafogo Praia Shopping mall, and indie/art movie theaters; connection (integração) bus to Urca/Sugar Loaf and Jardim Botânico.
• Flamengo - for Flamengo beach, Guanabara Palace
• Largo do Machado (in Laranjeiras) - connection (integração) for a bus to the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado
• Catete - for the Museum of the Republic
• Glória - for Nossa Senhora da Glória church

By bicycle

There are a number of bike rental services, names and ownership have however changed a few times.

• Sugar Loaf Mountain

  phone: +55 21 2546-8433
  address: Av. Pasteur 520, Urca
  One of the defining landmarks of the city. The cable cars take you up from for a breathtaking view of much of Zona Sul and the center, and also the city of Niteroi, just across Guanabara Bay. You have to queue again at Urca Hill (Morro da Urca) station for the second part of the ride. You can also walk up a trail to this point (start on Trilha do Morro da Urca along the shore, then climb the stairs on your left) and take the cable cars to Pão de Açucar and back to Praia Vermelha for R$92, or just back to Morro da Urca for R$59, or just down to Praia Vermelha for R$39 (full prices). This ticket office closes at 19:30, the downward trip is free after that. At Morro da Urca you can take a sightseeing helicopter trip, if you can afford it. The area is pretty secure, thanks to the various military institutions nearby. The buses number 511, 512, 591 and 592 and the subway buses from Botafogo bring you to the base station. Do not make the mistake of thinking you have seen enough once you have seen the view from Cristo Redentor. Try Sugarloaf at sunset for a truly mind-blowing experience. It is also possible to hike/climb up via the Escalada do Costão.

• Corcovado

  phone: +55 21 2558 1329
  address: Rua Cosme Velho, 513
  The granite peak is capped by the 38-m statue of Jesus Christ (Cristo Redentor), Corcovado has been the vantage point for countless picture postcards and travel posters through the ages. It provides a sweeping panorama, from the interior of Guanabara Bay to the north, to Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Rodrigo de Freitas' Lagoon) to the south.

• Christ the Redeemer statueConstructed between 1922 and 1931, the statue is high, excluding its pedestal. The arms stretch wide.

ArpoadorThe rocks at the Copacabana end of Ipanema beach. From here you can see a panorama including Corcovado and Sugar Loaf. It is supposed to be the best place to watch the sunset from in Rio. Reputedly a bit dangerous so go there at weekends when there are lots of people and a few police around.

Guanabara Palace

address: Rua Pinheiro Machado - Laranjeiras

Former palace of the Imperial Princess, now the governor's office. Eclectic architecture. Not open to the public.

Largo do Boticário

address: Rua Cosme Velho

A delightful square of well-preserved colonial style houses that date back to 1831.

Laranjeiras Palace

address: Parque Eduardo Guinle

This is the official residence of the Governor of the State of the Rio de Janeiro

Monumento a Estácio de Sá

address: Av. Infante Dom Henrique - Gloria

Erected in 1973. Homage to Estácio de Sá, the founder of Rio de Janeiro

Churches

• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on the Botafogo Beach

  phone: +55 21 2551-7948
  address: Praia de Botafogo, 266

• Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Church

  address: 164, R. Gen. Ribeiro da Costa, Leme

• Church of Our Lady

  address: ~19, Rua Gago Coutinho, Rua das Laranjeiras, s/n°, Largo do Machado

Museums

• Casa das Canoas

  phone: +55 21 3322-3581
  address: Estrada das Canoas 1246 - São Conrado
  The former residence of architect Oscar Niemeyer. Call in advance.

• Museum of Folklore Edison Carrero

  phone: +552122850441
  address: Rua do Catete 179
  Part of the National Centre for Folklore and Popular Culture (CNFCP). The museum was created in 1968 and today has around 13,000 objects by various authors, techniques and origins, kept in technical archives, available for consultation by institution-related post-graduate specialists, by appointment.

• Indian Museum

  phone: +55 21 3214-8700
  address: Rua das Palmeiras 55 - Botafogo
  Focusing on the history of Native Brazilians, with many artifacts including a recently acquired home of the Umé culture. The gift shop has authentic handicrafts.

• Carmen Miranda Museum

  phone: +55 21 2299-5586
  address: Av. Rui Barbosa
  Here you'll find an amusing collection of photographs, posters, musical recordings, and, of course, gigantic fruity hats worn by the singing star. The building looks like an abandoned space capsule in the middle of the park.

• Army History Museum of Copacabana Fort

  phone: +55 21 2521-1032
  address: Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, 1 - Posto 6 - Copacabana

• Museum of the Republic

  phone: +55 21 285-6350
  address: Rua do Catete, 153 - Catete
  The former presidential palace (1893-1960), now hosts a museum of recent history and nice gardens, with an adjacent art gallery and small theatre that occasionally shows free movies. One of main features is the room where president Getúlio Vargas shot himself in 1954.

• Museu Villa-Lobos

  phone: +55 21 2266-1024
  address: Rua Sorocaba, 200 - Botafogo
  Heitor Villa-Lobos wrote about 1000 pieces and is considered one of the world's greatest composers. This small collection includes a number of personal items, musical instruments, pictures and hand-written work by Villa-Lobos.

• Oi Futuro

  phone: +55 21 3131-3060
  address: Rua Dois de Dezembro, 63 - Flamengo
  This former telephone museum hosts a fine gallery with temporary exhibitions of digital art or art with interactive medias; it is sponsored by the local phone company.

• Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS)

  phone: +55 21 3284-7400
  address: Rua Marques de São Vicente 476, Gavea
  Cultural Centre - at these days hosting a photo exhibition of the construction of Brasilia. Guided tours: Tu-F at 17:00.

Parks

• Botanical Garden

  phone: +55 21 3874 1808
  address: Jardim Botânico
  Planted in the 1800s, it is both a park and a scientific laboratory. It contains a huge collection of plants from all over the world, not only tropical ones. If you take the bus note that Jardim Botanico is also the name of a neighborhood and the road on which it is found so make sure you go all the way to the entrance. The gardens are well kept and very lush. Not far from the cafe, you are likely to hear swooshing sounds. Look up and you can see small monkeys swinging from tree to tree.

• Parque Enrique Lage

  phone: +55 21 3257 1800
  address: Rua Jardim Botânico, 414
  Public park with walking trails through subtropical forest. A cafe offers drinks and meals. A trail goes up to Corcovado mountain from here. The land was formerly the residence of industrialist Enrique Lage and his wife, singer Gabriella Besanzoni. During the 1920s Lage had the mansion remodeled by Italian architect Mario Vodrel, with interior paintings by Salvador Payols Sabaté. The mansion was notably featured in the 2003 music video for Snoop Dogg's single "Beautiful."

• Flamengo Park

  address: along the bay between Flamengo and Glória
  1.2 million m² with broad walkways, Flamengo Beach, various monuments, and over 10,000 trees. To its north is the Museum of Modern Art (see Centro).

• Parque Guinle

• Hike/Climb Sugarloaf MountainIf you are keen on hiking and climbing up the full way, check out this trail. Equipment is needed as there is a vertical section with potentially serious consequences in case of a fall. If you do not have your own rock climbing equipment, go with a guide. On the way down you can use the gondola for free to get to Morro da Urca. From there, you can follow an easy trail to get back to the ground.

• Cláudio Coutinho Trail

  address: Urca
  This pleasant walk follows the southern coast of Urca Hill (Morro da Urca), and side trails lead to various points on the hill, offering lush vegetation, monkeys, and nice views of the bay.

• Planetarium Espaço Museu do Universo

  phone: +55 21 2529-2146
  address: Rua Vice-Governador Rubens Berardo, 100 – Gávea
  There are shows, mainly for kids, in the planetarium on weekends. These are targeted at different age groups so it is essential to check the age the show you plan to attend is for or you may get stuck with one that is totally unsuitable. From Weds to Fridays the space is also open without shows and there are around 60 hands-on scientific experiments to entertain kids.

• Rodrigo de Freitas LagoonA large lagoon in the middle of South Zone, with great views to Corcovado and Ipanema and Leblon beaches. You can run, walk, skate or cycle the 7.5 km around this freshwater lake and then retire to your luxurious Ipanema penthouse apartment, or just imagine it! Some have been known to swim in it although pollution levels are very high. Around Lagoa you can rent cycles, swan-shaped pedalos and, on the western side near where the helicopters take off, electric cars for younger kids.

• Pedalboats

  address: on Lake Rodrigo de Freitas - Ipanema
  Pedal the lake in these swan-shaped boats for 2-5 people.

• QuadracycleTake a ride around the lake on one of these unique contraptions, like a bicycle for two side-by-side riders under a little canopy.

Hanggliding and Paragliding

address: São Conrado

From the ramp atop Pedra Bonita, qualified instructors offer tandem flight courses in hang gliding, paragliding, and ultralight. Wind conditions are typically safe and offer splendid views of the surrounding beaches and mountains. Helicopter rides also available. Various clubs offer the experience: and .

Panoramic helicopter ridesThese are noisy and drive Rio's residents mad as the helicopters circle the statue of Christ, but if you can live with that and can afford it, a helicopter trip is likely to be the most memorable experience of your visit to Rio. There are 2 operators in the city:
Helisight: You can catch a copter at the first stage of the cable car ride up the Sugar Loaf or, alternatively, on the west edge of Lagoa. The basic trip takes in Sugar Loaf, Corcovado and Zona Sul (R$230 per person, minimum three people); longer, and more expensive, trips will take you to places such as the Maracana football stadium (R$350 per person). Prices quoted are web site prices. They may be negotiable on the day but no chance if a cruise ship is in town.
Panoramic Flight RJ in Barra da Tijuca

• Pedra da GáveaHike up this monolith of 844 m and enjoy one of the most spectacular city views in the world. It can be done either by booking a tour or on your own. The round trip takes roughly 4-5 hours and is strenuous and challenging with a stretch of light rock climbing ("Carrasqueira"). Bring enough water and food and wear proper shoes. Attention: There are stories online of people, who got robbed on the hike up.

• Hike up the Morro Dois IrmãosThere are two viewpoints in this hike before reaching the final destination of the peak. From the first, you will be able to see Rocinha, which is the largest favela in Latin America, and a clear view of Pedra da Gávea. From the second, you are able to see Serra da Carioca, Gávea, Corcovado (where Christ the Redeemer stands tall), and Pedra Bonita. Once reaching the highest peak of the Morro Dois Irmãos you are able to see all of South Zone (Zona Sul) ranging from Botafogo to Leblon, including a beautiful view of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas).

Beaches

Perhaps the best thing to do in Rio is nothing, while sitting on its glorious beaches. Of the two most famous, Copacabana and Ipanema, the former gets a bit more crowded (perhaps that will change now the Metro has been extended to Ipanema). Both have spectacular mountains to the side Sugar Loaf to the east of Copacabana, and Dois Irmãos ("The Two Brothers") to the west of Ipanema. Though famous, the water at South Zone beaches may not always be clean enough for swimming. Water quality goes down after heavy rain that washes pollution out to the sea-- it is advisable to ask your lifeguard.
Leblon and Ipanema are usually OK; Copacabana sometimes has problems, especially after very rainy days. The seas at Leblon and Ipanema are also somewhat rougher than at Copacabana. Even when they appear calm this can be deceptive. A common problem is when swimmers venture out beyond the breakers and then cannot get back. There are lifeguards at all of the ``postos´´ and surfers can be relied on to help out swimmers in trouble. There is also a rescue helicopter that pulls people out of the water in a net. But you don´t really want to suffer the embarrassment of this happening to you so even if you are a strong swimmer, take care!
Along Copacabana and Ipanema-Leblon there are postos (lifeguard watchtowers with toilets and changing facilities). Posto 6 is unaccountably missing, although it is generally considered to be opposite Rua Francisco Sá when Cariocas arrange to meet on the beach. Although beaches are often considered a plural, democratic space, there are still some informal (and not too strict) "social area" divisions.
Beginning at Glória and winding outward toward the south and southwest, the beaches are:

On Guanabara Bay

Beaches on the bay are generally less popular, as they are relatively narrow and with smaller waves. Sometimes inappropriate for bathing.

• Flamengo Beach

  address: Av. Infante Dom Henrique

• Botafogo Beach

• Urca BeachPopular with the residents of Urca.

• Vermelha BeachThe "red beach". Very safe due to military base, which is nearby.

Oceanic

• Leme BeachSomewhat less crowded than the Copacabana Beach

• Copacabana BeachAmong the most famous beaches in the world, Copacabana attracts many tourists, both foreign and national. In summer, there are occasional free evening concerts of big name acts which draw huge crowds.

• Arpoador Beach

• Ipanema BeachThe main beach for the middle-class, and specifically the Posto 9 section (watchtower #9) is preferred by left-wingers, intellectuals, artists, journalists and similar beach-goers. You can easily walk into a politician or someone famous here. The area close to the Farme de Amoedo street in Ipanema is known to attract the gay crowd of the city, who show off openly their sexuality.

• Leblon Beach

• São Conrado BeachOn the other side of the Dois Irmãos mountain west of Leblon, this beach is popular with middle class people and favela dwellers alike. Good surfing and hang-gliding opportunities. Sometimes inappropriate for bathing.

Samba schools

• Acadêmicos da Rocinha

  phone: +55 21 3205-3318
  address: Rua Bertha Lutz, 80 - São Conrado

• Cook in Rio

  phone: +55 21 98761-3653
  address: Rua Ronald Carvalho 154 - Copacabana
  Learn some of the most traditional and delicious Brazilian meals and drinks, like cassava sticks, shrimp moqueca, batida de coco, caipirinhas and pé de moleque peanut brittle. Ideal for cloudy or rainy weather.

• Hippie Fair

  address: Praça Osário - Ipanema
  Here you will find everything from soapstone Redentor statues to swizzle sticks carved with Amazonian birds. There are several vendors selling the same thing so you can have fun bargaining.

• Hype Babalonia

  address: Rua Jardim Botânico 971, Gávea
  This market has some more upscale merchandise and you will find fewer tourists. It is a place where middle class Cariocas do some bargain shopping.

• Shopping Cidade Copacabana

  address: R. Siqueira Campos, 138

• Pé de Bói

  phone: +55 21 2285-4395
  address: Rua Ipiranga 55 - Laranjeiras
  One of the best places to get authentic local handicrafts. A lovely store with many great gift ideas. There are two floors, the first full of items for sale, such as pieces made from wood, ceramic and fibre, fit to decorate any living room space. The second floor is where they sometimes have art exhibits, usually related to Brazilian history, culture or customs from various regions that are distinctly scattered throughout the country.

Books

• Livreria Argumento

  phone: +55 21 2239-5294
  address: Rua Dias Ferreira 417 - Leblon
  Good selection of English books. Popular with local intellectuals and artists.

• Livraria Letras & Expressões

  phone: +55 21 2511-5085
  address: Ataulfo de Paiva 1292 - Leblon
  Decent English section, and a good selection of international magazines. Café with internet access.

• Livraria Letras & Expressões

  phone: +55 21 2521-6110
  address: Rua Visconde de Pirajá 276
  Good bookshop with a popular Cafe Ubaldo on the first floor that serves coffee and pastries. Small internet cafe.

• Livraria da Travessa

  phone: +55 21 3205-9002
  address: Rua Visconde de Pirajá 572 - Ipanema
  Nice bookshop which allows you to choose a book to peruse while you sip coffee in the café. Small section of foreign-language books.

Shopping malls

• Botafogo Praia Shopping

  phone: +55 21 3171-9559
  address: Praia de Botafogo 400 - Botafogo
  Has a food court with a panoramic view.

• Casa & Gourmet Shopping

  phone: +55 21 2542 5693
  address: Rua General Severiano, 97 Botafogo
  This little mall has good restaurants and shops specialized in things for home from furniture to glasses.

• Shopping Cassino Atlântico

  phone: +55 21 2523-8709
  address: Av. Atlântica 4240 - Copacabana

• Shopping Leblon

  address: Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 290, Leblon
  A new and sophisticated mall with 200 stores, 4 cinema screens and a food court that looks out on the Lagoa.

• São Conrado Fashion Mall

  phone: +55 21 2111-4444
  address: Estrada da Gávea, 899 - São Conrado
  High-end mall with 140 stores including brand names like Diesel, Fendi, and Emporio Armani.

• Shopping Rio Sul

  phone: +55 21 3527-7257, +55 21 2122-8070
  address: Rua Lauro Sodré, 446 - Botafogo
  The largest mall in the Zona Sul, with 7 floors and 400 stores.

• Shopping da Gávea

  phone: +55 21 2294-1096
  address: Rua Marquês de São Vicente 52 - Gávea
  200 stores and a movie theater. Services: free Wi-Fi, Family bathrooms; 'Torres' loading ChargeBox, recharge your mobile for free within 30 minutes; carts available for children, motorized wheel chairs; available for withdrawals and payments: Banco do Brasil, Itaú, Caixa e Banco 24 hr; English Support Services for tourist information about the city of Rio de Janeiro; Valet parking.

Budget

• Cervantes

  address: Av Prado Junior 335B - Copacabana
  Famous for making their classic filet mignon and pineapple sandwich in the blink of an eye.

• Galeria Condor

  address: Largo do Machado, 29 - Catete
  This two-story shopping arcade has a number of inexpensive Middle Eastern restaurants on the ground floor.

Mid-range

• Benkei

  phone: +55 21 2540-4829
  address: Avenida Henrique Dumont 71 - Ipanema
  A popular all-you-can-eat sushi bar.

• Berbigão

  phone: +55 21 2205-7245
  address: Rua Catete, 150 - Catete
  Seafood restaurant with good selection.

• Cantina Donanna

  address: Rua Domingos Ferreira 63-B - Copacabana
  Italian cuisine.

• Casa da Feijoada

  phone: +55 21 2247-2776
  address: Rua Prudente Morais 10 - Ipanema
  Serves nothing but traditional, authentic Brazilian feijoada.

• Filé de Ouro

  phone: +55 21 2259-2396
  address: Rua Jardim Botânico 731 - Jardim Botânico
  A good alternative to churrascarias, this steakhouse is simple and cozy. During the weekends there are usually big lines, but the steak is delicious. Try Filé à Oswaldo Aranha, with toasted garlic.

• Gula Gula

  phone: +55 21 2259-3084
  address: Rua Anibal de Mendonça 132 - Ipanema
  A trendy restaurant with excellent salads, main dishes and deserts.

• Carretão

  address: Rua Siqueiro Campos 23 - Copacabana
  Good-value rodizio-- all-you-can-eat salad and barbecue.

• Nam Thai

  phone: +55 21 2259-2962
  address: Rua Rainha Guilhermina 95 B - Leblon
  Fairly authentic and very popular Thai restaurant. Reservations essential at weekends.

• New Natural

  address: Rua Barão do Torre 173 - Ipanema
  A good per-kilo restaurant. It is attached to a whole foods shop and has a good buffet selection, including sushi.

Splurge

• Manekineko Leblon

  phone: +55 21 2540-7641
  address: Rua Dias Ferreira, 410 - Leblon
  Sushi.

• Marius Carnes

  phone: +55 21 2104-9000
  address: Avenida Atlântica 290 - Leme
  One of the best churrascaria in town.

• Restaurante Monchique

  phone: +55 21 2548-5140
  address: Av. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, 796 - Copacabana
  Very good all-you-can-eat rodizio.

• Sushi Leblon

  phone: +55 21 2512-7830
  address: Rua Dias Ferreira, 256 - Leblon

• Zazá Bistrô Tropical

  phone: +55 21 2247-9101
  address: Rua Joana Angélica, 40 - Ipanema
  A trendy, sexy and exotic place with great South Asian dishes. Good to go as a couple.

• Zuka

  phone: +55 21 3205-7154
  address: Rua Dias Ferreira 233, - Leblon
  Hip and contemporary restaurant where chef Ludmila creates many original recipes.

Bars

• Academia da Cachaça

  address: Rua Conde de Bernadotte 26 - Leblon
  With over 500 varieties, this is the place to start your studies of Brazil's national drink.

• Bip Bip

  phone: +55 21 2267-9696
  address: Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50D - Copacabana
  This unpretentious and thoroughly un-touristy hole-in-the-wall botequim has been a favorite hang-out of top local musicians for decades and hosts regular live choro, samba, and bossanova performances.

• Empório

  address: Rua Maria Quitéria 37 - Ipanema
  Popular with the younger crowd, that hangs out there to listen to DJs playing rock. Most of the crowd hangs out there because they are underage and can't get in the underground nightclubs. Gets packed with foreigners during summer.

• Garota de Ipanema

  address: Rua Vinicius de Moraes and Rua Prudente de Morais - Ipanema
  There's no better place in Rio, Brazil, or even the world to watch bathing beauties stroll by than this cafe-bar, named after the song which according to legend was written here in 1962.

• Bar Getúlio

  phone: +55 21 2255-5272
  address: Avenida Atlântica, 2334 - Copacabana

• The Irish Pub

  phone: +55 21 2513-3044
  address: Rua Jangadeiros 14A, Praça General Osório
  Best on Monday nights.

• Saturnino Lounge & Bar

  phone: +55 21 3874-0064
  address: Rua Saturno de Brito, 50
  Saturnino bar is perfect to go with friends or on a date, it’s very romantic for a candlelight dinner, and since it´s in an open area, you can see the moon. The ambient is very pleasant. There's a wide variety of different drinks and several options of appetizers that go from seafood to Japanese to burgers. They are open until late hours.

• Shenanigans Irish Pub & Sports Bar

  address: Rua Visconde de Pirajá 112A - Ipanema
  Great any day but best on Wednesdays, this second-story Irish bar shows only a green awning at street level. Has imported beer(bottles and draught), American pool and a variety of sports on the big screen (NFL, NCAA, NHL, MLB, Football(soccer), Rugby and all local Brazilian sports.

Clubs

• Casa da Matriz

  phone: +55 21 99999-8633
  address: Rua Henrique Novaes 107 - Botafogo
  Nightclub.

• Dama de Ferro

  address: Rua Vinicius de Moraes 288 - Gávea
  Electronic-only club, with two floors. Mostly has electro, minimal and house parties, with well-known DJs from Rio, Brazil and foreigners. A "must" with the electronic-loving community.

• Fosfobox

  phone: +55 21 2548-7498
  address: Rua Siqueira Campos 143 - Copacabana
  "Fosfo" as it's nicknamed by the goers has a strong Saturday rock-oriented party. Young, trendy crowd with djs playing mostly indie rock, discopunk and electro-rock. After 04:00 it has a more electronic after-party. Different parties happen on Fridays, but it's usually electronic, with favorite genres being electro, house and minimal. Other nights are usually more electronic also, but has had Rock parties also on Thursdays. On Tuesdays there's a dub/reggaeton party.

Samba clubs

• Cariocando

  phone: +55 21 2557-3646
  address: Rua Silveira Martins, 139 - Catete
  A fairly new establishment, offering a bit of Lapa in the Zona Sul. Live music (samba, choro, MPB) Tu-Su. They seem to have a knack for booking the lesser-known offspring and siblings of more famous musicians.

• Casa Rosa

  address: Rua Alice 550 - Laranjeiras
  This place is quite special: back in the 1960s, '70s and '80s it used to be a well known exclusive brothel, so that's why it is named Casa Rosa. The big pink eclectic style mansion was closed for several years and after a face-lift restoration now houses the officially known Centro Cultural Casa Rosa. Sundays are the best day to go there, especially because they do a great combination of serving the national dish of Brazil - Feijoada - with samba. There are always nice local musicians, and the atmosphere is laid back and friendly. Get there early since the music starts at 19:00 and they stop serving the feijoada at around 9. Dress down.

Concert venues

• Bar do Tom

  phone: +55 21 2274-4022
  address: Rua Adalberto Ferreira 32 - Leblon
  Hosts lesser names, mainly performing Brazilian music.

• Sala Cecilia Meireles

  phone: +55 21 2224-3913
  address: Largo da Lapa 47 - Lapa
  The city's main venue for classical performances.

Budget

• Ace Hostel

  phone: +55 21 2527-7452
  address: Rua São Clemente 23 - Botafogo
  Basic accommodations in large dormitories. Fabulous breakfast buffet. Excellent value. Right at the beach of Botafogo.

• Arpoador Inn

  phone: +55 21 2523-0060
  address: Rua Francisco Otaviano 177 - Ipanema
  Clean place, older interior, only a sidewalk apart from the beach.

• Art Hostel Rio

  phone: +55 21 2205-1983
  address: Rua Silveira Martins 135 - Catete
  Fairly new hostel in what used to be the Hotel Hispano Brasileiro.

• Beija Flor

  phone: +55 21 2285-2492
  address: Rua Ferreira Viana, 20 - Flamengo
  Typical budget hotel in Catete district. The rooms have no exterior windows and just open into the hallway, so take a look before deciding.

• CabanaCopa Hostel

  phone: +55 21 3988-9912
  address: Travessa Guimarães Natal 12 - Copacabana
  A, unique hostel in the safest part of Copacabana. A large colonial house, fully renovated with spacious ensuite dorms, excellent social areas, great breakfast and friendly, helpful staff.

• Casa Carioka Rio Hostel

  phone: +55 21 3734-2235
  address: Rua Emilio Berla, 180
  A hostel with breakfast, kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi, security lockers and hot showers. Tours can also be arranged to the main tourist attractions.

• Che Lagarto Hostel Copacabana

  phone: +55 21 3209-0348
  address: Rua Barata Ribeiro, 111
  One of the most popular backpackers spots in Copacabana. It is located two blocks away from the beach.

• Che Lagarto Hostel Ipanema

  phone: +55 21 2512-8076
  address: Paul Redfern, 48
  Has both private and shared rooms. It is located one block away from the beach. You have access to Wi-Fi, a public kitchen and the bar. The breakfast is included.

• El Misti Hostel Botafogo

  phone: +55 21 2226-0991
  address: Praia Botafogo 462, no. 9 - Botafogo

• El Misti Hostel Rio de Janeiro

  phone: +55 21 2547-0800
  address: Frederico Pamplona 20 - Copacabana
  Free pickup from the airport, breakfast.

• Contemporano Hostel

  phone: +55 21 3495-1027
  address: Rua Bambina, 158 - Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22251-050

• Ferreira Viana

  phone: +55 21 2205-7396
  address: Rua Ferreira Viana, 58 - Flamengo
  As long as you don't mind climbing three flights of stairs (no elevator), this is as good a value as any among the budget hotels in the area, with friendly service.

• IBIS Botafogo

  address: Rua Prof. Álvaro Rodrigues, 313 - Botafogo

• Jucati

  phone: +55 21 2547-5422
  address: Rua Tenente Marones de Gusmão 85
  Well equipped apartments with free internet Wi-Fi available.

• One Love Hostel

  phone: +55 21 98809-3456
  address: Rua Barao da Torre 125 - Ipanema
  4-8 bed dormitories. Breakfast buffet.

• Riazor

  phone: +55 21 2225-0121
  address: Rua do Catete 160 - Catete
  Excellent location and cheap, but the rooms could be nicer.

• Rio Backpackers

  phone: +55 21 2236-3803
  address: Travessa Santa Leocádia 38 - Copacabana

• Stone of a Beach

  phone: +55 21 3209-0348
  address: Rua Barata Ribeiro 111 - Copacabana
  Big, airy rooms and great common areas, is staffed with very cool young people who know everything that is going on. They have amazing New Year's and Carnaval events, as well as their own cool bar next door where they have live music.

• Terasse Hostel

  phone: +55 21 2247-6130
  address: Rua Farme de Amoedo 35 - Ipanema

• Walk On The Beach Hostel

  phone: +55 21 2545-7500
  address: Rua Dias da Rocha 85 - Copacabana

Mid-range

• Astoria Copacabana Hotel

  phone: +55 21 2545-9090
  address: Rua Republica do Peru, 345 - Copacabana
  Good mid-range hotel. Not to be confused with the more upscale Astoria Palace (below), operated by the same owners.

• Hotel Portinari

  phone: +55 21 3222-8800
  address: Rua Francisco Sá 17 - Copacabana
  This calls itself a Design Hotel. Each floor has a different style but that is really all the difference to a normal hotel. Top floor restaurant for breakfast and a good view of local favelas.

• Rio Guesthouse

  phone: +55 21 2521-8568
  address: Rua Francisco Sá 5 - Copacabana
  A boutique guest house on the beachfront, in a 1200-m² penthouse. Beautifully decorated, very comfortable.

• Hotel Vermont

  phone: +55 21 3202-5500
  address: Rua Visconde de Piraja 254 - Ipanema
  Affiliated with the nearby San Marco Hotel and Hotel Carlton in Leblon. Very friendly and helpful service.

• Che Lagarto Suites Copacabana Anita

  phone: +55 21 2256-2776
  address: Rua Anita Garibaldi, 87
  The Suites has two types of rooms: Private and Private Low Cost. It is 4 blocks away from the beach.

• Che Lagarto Suites Copacabana Santa Clara

  phone: +55 21 3495-3133
  address: Rua Santa Clara, 304
  The Suites has two types of rooms: Private and Private Low Cost. Breakfast, public kitchen and Wi-Fi included.

Splurge

• Astoria Palace Hotel

  phone: +55 21 2545-9550
  address: Atlantica Avenue, 1866 - Copacabana
  Fantastic rooftop pool with a great view of the beach.

• Belmond Copacabana Palace

  phone: +55 21 2548-7070
  address: Avenida Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana
  An iconic hotel dating to 1923, with a history of hosting the famous and wealthy. Arguably the best hotel in Rio.

• Copacabana Praia Hotel

  phone: +55 21 2172-1001
  address: Rua Francisco Otaviano nº 30 - Copacabana
  Four-star hotel. Services: pool, restaurant, sauna, Wi-Fi, IDD telephone, safety deposit box, air conditioning, room service, outdoor pool, minibar, laundry, LCD TV, bar.

• Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

  phone: +55 21 3202-4000
  address: Avenida Vieira Souto, 80 - Ipanema

• Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza

  phone: +55 21 3687-2000
  address: Rua Farme de Amoedo, 34 - Ipanema
  Neither super-luxurious or ultra-modern, the Plaza's rooms are quite clean and comfortable. The swimming pool on the terrace is nice and the hotel's location is convenient for both shoppers and beach goers.

• JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro

  phone: +55 21 2545-6500
  address: Avenida Atlântica 2600, Copacabana

• Othon Palace Rio

  phone: +55 21 2106-1500
  address: Avenida Atlântica, 3264 - Copacabana

• Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort

  phone: +55 21 2274-1122
  address: Avenida Niemeyer, 121 - Leblon
  The only hotel in the Zona Sul with direct beach access.

• Hotel Sofitel

  phone: +55 21 2525-1232
  address: Avenida Atlântica, 4240 - Copacabana