Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro: A Local’s Honest Guide
Hey, Murillo here!
First off, Rio de Janeiro is a big city—home to 6.5 million people, known as Cariocas. Geographically, it’s a challenging place to build on. The city is squeezed between two bays, the Atlantic Ocean, and two large, hilly forests. In the image below, you can clearly see this unique layout.
Satellite view of Rio de Janeiro, showing its forests, urban zones, and tourist-friendly areas. A must-see for anyone planning where to stay in Rio.
This image helps explain the different areas of Rio. Here’s a quick breakdown:
GREY areas: This is the real Rio—mostly the North and West Zones—where most locals live. These zones are not touristy (with a few exceptions) and face ongoing social and infrastructure challenges.
GREEN areas: These are forest regions, right in the heart of the city. Yes, Rio is literally a city inside a forest!
YELLOW, adjacent GREEN, and BLUE areas: This is what I call the Tourist Bubble. It’s where you should stay—close to the main attractions, with better infrastructure, safer neighborhoods, and easier access to transportation. You’ll also spend less time stuck in traffic if you stay here.
Now, being upfront:
If you have just a few days in Rio (less than five), want to check off the main sights, use public transportation, walk more, and hate traffic—stay in the YELLOW area.
More specifically, choose Leblon, Ipanema, or Copacabana.
Personally, I recommend Copacabana (full disclosure: I live here). It’s vibrant, diverse, and a true melting pot. You’ll see the essence of Brazil here—the good, the bad, and most importantly, the real Brasil (yes, with an “S”).
Planning Your Stay in Rio?
Explore our Rio Bar Food Tour to discover local flavors in Copacabana and beyond.
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Let me know if you have any questions—happy to help you make the most of your time in Rio!
