Rio is a huge city and has a number of main neighbourhoods to stay in. If you haven’t been there it can be tricky to decide which one is best for you. Whilst we were there we stayed in five different hostels to get a feel for the different areas. Here is a run down of each one:
Ipanema and Leblon
With slightly quieter beaches than the famous Copacabana, this area is home to the wealthiest in Rio. Nice cafes, bars and restaurants can be found and enjoyed if you have the cash to spend.
Copacabana
The main tourist hub in Rio that centres around the beautiful iconic Copacabana beach which stretches 4.5 km and filled with sun and surf loving locals, tourists and street vendors. Hundreds of kiosks sit directly on the beach while more cafes and bars are scattered on the surrounding streets.
Santa Teresa
On a hill overlooking the city, Santa Teresa is Rio’s artistic and bohemian neighbourhood. Cobbled streets, colourful restaurants, handicraft markets and artists selling their paintings is what characterises this area.
Lapa
The party district of Rio, where you can walk out of your hostel straight into a street party with vendors on the street. Nightclubs, bars and restaurants line the two main streets, which is a lot of fun if that’s what you are after and means you don’t have to go far from your hostel, however on the downside it can be quite loud if you are just looking for a quiet night in.
Centro
The main buiseness district of Rio is dirty and can be unsafe in both the day and night. Not a recommended area to stay, even though cheap places can be found there. Watch out for pick-pockets (especially children) in the day and avoid walking around here at night.
Botafogo
This is a safe, family orientated neighbourhood with two shopping malls. There are a few nice restaurants around, however there is nothing much that stands out in this supposedly up and coming area.
Every Country 