We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Rio de Janeiro as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places with at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Rio: B&B Hotels Rio Copacabana Posto 5
Best boutique hotel in Rio: Mama Ruisa Boutique Hotel
Best luxury hotel in Rio: Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel
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This flamboyant capital of Brazil is famous for its beaches and the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer looking over its inhabitants.
Ipanema
A very colourful neighbourhood, Ipanema is an extremely inclusive place- a favourite among hippies, and tourists alike. Some of the best shopping opportunities are available here, with exclusive restaurants providing scrumptious meals. You can shake a leg to the tunes of bossa nova. Boutique hotels are located along the beach.
Copacabana
This crescent-shaped beach is famous among locals and tourists alike. It is alive throughout the day and night and is popular for surfing. Casual cafes and bars are found here. Prominent hotels and the Art Deco Copacabana Palace are located here.
Flamengo
This place has a relaxed feel with the largest park in Brazil and art deco architecture. Casual nightclubs are a popular haunt of a more sophisticated crowd. Several old hotels serving cold brews and traditional Brazilian fare are found here.
Botafogo
The beach provides a breathtaking view of the Sugarloaf Mountain. Movie theatres, exciting bistros, as well as happening enclave-featuring bars with fresh new concepts, and alternative nightclubs, call Botafogo their home. Such diverse hangout options make it a popular destination. Premier hotels, as well as budget inns, offer variety in accommodation.
Leblon
This upscale neighbourhood has an amazing beach famed among surfers, there are several posh boutiques, cafes and breweries along the beach to sit and relax. Some of the best restaurants are located here.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Rio de Janeiro.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Rio de Janeiro, then book B&B Hotels Rio Copacabana Posto 5. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Rio de Janeiro.
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Rio de Janeiro, then you should book Mama Ruisa Boutique Hotel. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Rio de Janeiro, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro, then go for Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Rio de Janeiro, then you should check out Hostel Selina Lapa. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location.Also check out our list of the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro.
Looking for a cozy place to stay in Rio de Janeiro that serves you handmade and fresh breakfast in the morning? Go and check out Casa Cool Beans B&B Santa Teresa. The B&B has been recommended by well-known travel experts and recent guests have given it top ratings.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $60 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $80 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Rio de Janeiro hotel then you can expect to pay around $220 per night.
Try the Casa Cool Beans B&B Santa Teresa or Mar Ipanema Hotel if you're looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Both hotels have excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
If you're looking to stay in Rio de Janeiro with your family, then try Miramar Hotel by Windsor. The hotel has excellent review ratings by families.
Try Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel if you're looking for a romantic getaway in Rio de Janeiro, it has some excellent recent customer reviews by couples.
Full Day in Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Maracana and Selaron with Lunch. Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this comprehensive 8-hour tour. With a local guide, travel through the Tijuca Forest, stopping at Paineiras to board transportation to the top of Corcovado, home of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Price: $73.
Rio de Janeiro: Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with Local Guide. Discover a more authentic side to Rio de Janeiro on a non-intrusive and respectful walking tour of a favela. Learn about the lives of the people and how you can help break the cycle of drugs and guns through the power of education. Price: $28.
Open Sunset Sailing Tour. Sail along Guanabara Bay just as the sun is setting below the horizon and experience Rio when it starts to come to life. This small-group sailing adventure is a perfect way to relax and see the sites. Price: $42.
More things to do in Rio de Janeiro
So you’ve decided to visit Rio de Janeiro, the second-largest city in Brazil and home of the annual New Year’s celebration that has become a worldwide phenomenon. But there’s so much more to this amazing city than just its party reputation. It is also a vibrant mix of old and new, rich and poor, with residents who are proud of their traditions while at the same time open to change. With so many things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro, it can be hard to know where to begin when planning your trip.
Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop the Corcovado Mountain overlooks the city. The statue itself is impressive, but the views from here are absolutely stunning. The base of the statue is also home to a gift shop and restaurant, so you can enjoy a snack while taking in the views.
The beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Posto 9. All three are great for sunbathing and strolling, but each one has its own character. Posto 9, for example, is a favorite of surfers and is great for those who want to try the sport. Ipanema is the more upscale of the two, attracting more tourists. Both are also the location of the annual Carnival celebrations.
The Sugarloaf Mountain and the views from Sugarloaf Mountain. The mountain is a great place to visit at sunset, as the city lights up while the sun sets behind the mountains. The views are stunning, and it’s also a good place to go hiking.
The Sambadrome, where the famous Samba Parade is held. It’s not just a good place to visit to watch the parade – it’s a great place to go to see how this huge event is organized. You can also see what goes into putting the parade together during practice sessions.
The giant Sao Christovao Cathedral, which is worth visiting even if you’re not religious. Built in a mix of traditional and modern architecture, it is a stunning building that every visitor should see.
Hidden Gems of Rio de Janeiro
The Brazilian Museum of Sculpture is unique and rarely visited. If you’re interested in art and culture, this museum has sculptures from great Brazilian artists, many of whom are little-known outside of the country.
The Lapa arthouse neighborhood, with lots of great cafes, bars and live music. This was once a poor neighborhood, but a revitalization project has turned it into a lively area with lots of culture, cafes, bars and music. It’s a great place to visit for both tourists and locals.
The Santa Teresa neighborhood, with lots of art and culture. This neighborhood is most popular among rock climbers and artists, and it’s worth a visit to see the art and see how the buildings are painted bright colors.
The Botanical Gardens and the nearby Sao Bento monastery. This is one of Rio’s lesser-known attractions, but it’s a great place to visit. The gardens are beautiful, and the monastery is worth a visit even if you’re not religious.
Food in Rio de Janeiro
You can’t go to Rio and not try churrasco, which is a traditional Brazilian barbecue meal that usually includes meat, salad and sausages. It’s great for sharing with friends and is usually pretty affordable. For dessert, you can’t miss out on Brigadeiro, a chocolate fudge candy that is very popular in Brazil. If you’re in Rio during Carnival, you can also try a traditional Brazilian sweet called the bolo de rolo. For coffee, you can’t miss a traditional cafezinho, or “little coffee.” You can drink it black or with a little sugar. If you’re interested in trying some Brazilian cuisine, you can’t go wrong with a feijoada, which is a hearty black bean stew. You can also try feijoa, which is a Brazilian fruit that tastes like a cross between pineapple and strawberry.
The Bottom Line
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most amazing cities in the world, and it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re after an adventure. There is so much to see and do, from visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue to climbing the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain, so it’s easy to see why this city is a must-visit destination. If you’re traveling to Rio for Carnival, it’s best to avoid visiting in the weeks leading up to the event, when things can get a little chaotic.
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Rio de Janeiro. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our list of hostels, B&Bs and hotels in Rio de Janeiro, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Santiago de Chile or the best hotels in Buenos Aires.