The '''South Zone''' of Rio de Janeiro is usually where most of the tourists (and there are always lots of them) stay. Lots of hotels, from the fancy 5 stars like Copacabana Palace to hostels, line up in the neighborhoods of '''Copacabana''', '''Ipanema''' and '''Leblon''', also three famous beaches.
A little closer to downtown, the '''Gloria''', '''Catete''', '''Botafogo''', and '''Flamengo''' neighborhoods are pleasant and full of ''carioca'' character.
Get in
Most parts of the Zona Sul are easily accessible by bus or metro. The subway currently runs as far as Siqueira Campos, by Copacabana, but it will eventually be extended to Ipanema.
See
'''Sugar Loaf''' mountain (Pao de Acucar) is in '''Urca''', a very quiet neighborhood just a few minutes from Copacabana. It is a pretty secure place too, thanks to the various military institutions nearby. The cable car [http://www.bondinho.com.br/] takes you up to a breathtaking view of much of Zona Sul and the center, and also the neighboring city of Niteroi, just across Guanabara Bay.
'''Corcovado''' mountain, capped by the 38m statue of Jesus Christ (Cristo Redentor) 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. Corcovado can be reached by car or by train, on a ride through '''Floresta da Tijuca''' (Tijuca Forest), an island of original subtropical forest in the middle of one of the most populous cities of South America.
You can also visit the forest, and see its many waterfalls and hiking trails. Most of the paths are well-marked, but you can get maps and guides as well. There are many hiking trails in the city, leading to places like Corcovado, Sugar Loaf and others, all with different views of the city.
Museums
'''Museu Carmen Miranda''' in Flamengo Park has 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.
'''Museu da Republica (Palacio do Catete)''', Rua do Catete 153, 285-6350. The former presidential palace is now a historical museum, with an adjacent art gallery and small theater that occasionally shows free movies. Located right next to Metro Catete station.
'''Museu Villa-Lobos''', Rua Sorocaba, 200 - Botafogo, [http://www.museuvillalobos.org.br]. Heitor Villa-Lobos wrote about 1000 pieces and is considered one of the world's greatest composers. The museum collection includes a number of personal items, musical instruments, pictures and hand-written work by Villa-Lobos.
'''Casa das Canoas''', Estrada das Canoas, 2310 - Sao Conrado, 55 21 3322 3581, [http://www.niemeyer.org.br/canoas/canoas.htm]. The former residence of architect Oscar Niemeyer. Open Tuesday to Friday in the afternoon. Call in advance. Adults R$10.
Do
Beaches
Perhaps the best thing 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 when the Metro gets extended). 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. Leblon and Ipanema are usually OK; Copacabana sometimes has problems, especially after very rainy days. It is advised to ask your lifeguard.
Parks
The '''lagoon''' (''Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas'') in Ipanema is popular for jogging. After you've completed the 7.5-km circuit, you can retire to your luxurious Ipanema penthouse apartment-- or just imagine it.
Eat
Budget
Go to any ''lanchonete'' for a ''pastel'' or ''salgado'' (local pastry) for less than R$2. Typical pastries are ''coxinha'' (chicken nugget shaped like a chicken leg), ''fimose'' (sausage nugget), and unique Rio's ''joelho'' (rolled dough filled with ham and cheese). Also try ''pao de queijo'' (cheese baked dough), typical from Minas Gerais but very common in Rio as well.
For drinking, ask for ''guarana'' (soda made of an Amazon seed), ''mate'' (sweet ice tea; not like Rio Grande do Sul or Argentina's hot and sour ''mate''), ''agua de coco'' (natural coconut water) or ''caldo de cana'' (sugarcane juice). Warning: look for clean places, for hygiene can be poor in many street shops.
'''Cervantes''', Av Prado Junior 335B - Copacabana. Fastest food in Rio. Famous for making their classical Filet Mignon and Pineapple sandwhich in the blink of an eye.
Mid-range
If you're up for Italian food check out the '''Cantina Donanna''' in Rua Domingos Ferreira 63-B in Copacabana. Main dishes are $R10-20.
'''Gula Gula''' in Rua Anibal de Mendonca 132 in Ipanema, tel. +55-21-2259-3084, is a trendy restaurant with excellent salads, main dishes and deserts. Main dishes are $R20-35.
Good-value rodizio can be found at Carretao [http://www.carretaochurrascaria.com.br/] in Rua Siqueiro Campos 23 in Copacabana or Rua Visconde de Piraja 112. All you can eat salad and barbecue is R$24-31.
Splurge
Churrasco
'''Porcao''', Rua Barao da Torre 218, Ipanema, +55-21-3202?9150, [http://www.porcao.com.br/]. Attractive salad bar (with sushi and prepared seafood dishes as well) for R$54.
Sushi
Two modern sushi restaurants in Leblon are near each other:
'''Manekineko''', Rua Dias Ferreira 410, Leblon, tel. +55-21-2540-7641.
'''Sushi Leblon''', Rua Dias Ferreira 256, Leblon, tel. +55-21-2512-7830.
Drink
'''Academia da Cachaca''' [http://www.academiadacachaca.com.br/english/menu/index.htm], 26 Rua Conde de Bernadotte, Leblon. With over 500 varieties, this is the place to start your studies of Brazil's national drink.
'''Emporio''' at Rua Maria Quiteria 37 in Ipanema is 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.
The Irish Pub. ua Jangadeiros 14A, Praca General Osorio. panema. 21) 2513-3044. Best on Monday nights.
'''Garota de Ipanema''', 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.
Saturnino Lounge & Bar. ua Saturno de Brito, 50. ardim Botanico. 5 21 3874 0064. ww.saturnino.com.br. pm-2am. Saturnino bar is perfect to go with friends or on a date, it_fs very romantic for a candlelight dinner, and since it_Ls 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. ua Visconde de Piraja 112A. n the Praca General Osorio, 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.
Buy
There's a '''hippie fair''' every Sunday at Praça General Osório, at the east end of Ipanema. You will find everything from soapstone ''Redentor'' statues to swizzle sticks carved with Amazonian birds in one place here, and there are several vendors selling the same thing so you can have fun bargaining.
The '''Hype Babalonia''' at the Ipanema race track on Saturdays has some more upscale merchandise and you will find fewer tourists here, and is a place where middle class cariocas do some bargain shopping.
'''Modern Sound''', Rua Barata Ribeiro 502, [http://www.modernsound.com.br/]. Located in Copacabana, it is one of Brazil's biggest music shops. Sometimes there's also live music in the cafe.
If you'd rather avoid the menacing guards at shopping malls in Barra da Tijuca, the upscale galleries in Ipanema are loaded with boutiques of every kind. The atmosphere here is much more pleasant, and you won't think you've been teleported to the Mall of America. Grittier galleries can be found in Copacabana, thronging with Bermuda-short and t-shirt clad American and European tourists. The denizens on the street outside the galleries can easily trip-up the unwary tourist, and although the police patrols this area heavily, and crimes tend to be petty, it's a hassle best to be avoided, when there are better alternatives.
Sleep
Budget
'''Ace Hostel''', Rua Sao Clemente 23, 1st Floor, Botafogo, (21) 2527-7452, [http://www.acehostels.com.br/]. Basic accommodations in large dormitories. Fabulous breakfast buffet. Excellent value. Right at the beach of Botafogo. Dorms from R$ 25.00.
'''Adventure Hostel''', Rua Vinicius de Moraes 174 (''in Ipanema''), [http://www.adventurehostel.com.br/]. Dormitory beds start at R$40 for HI-members.
'''Albergue Chave do Rio de Janeiro''', Rua General Dionisio 63, is in Botafogo [http://www.riohostel.com.br/].
'''Arpoador Inn''', Rua Francisco Otaviano 177, Arpoador. Clean place, older interior, only a sidewalk apart from the beach.
'''CabanaCopa Hostel''' [http://www.cabanacopa.com.br www.cabanacopa.com.br] +55 21 39889912 - Travessa Guimaraes Natal 12, Copacabana. Located 3 blocks from the beach, near the subway and next to a beautiful natural park, CabanaCopa is a brand new, 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 6''' [http://www.casa6ipanema.com/]. Located in Ipanema, it has a double room and some dormitories.
'''Che Legarto''', Rua Anita Garibaldi 87, +55-21-2556-2776, [http://www.chelagarto.com/]. One of the most popular backpackers spots in Copacabana. Double/Dormbed cost R$90/R$32 per night for HI-members and R$100/R$38 for non-members. Discounts for longterm stays or large groups.
'''El Misti''' [http://www.elmistihostels.com Hostel Rio de Janeiro] - In Copacabana, Safe area, Cool & Fun, Free pickup Airport, Dorms from $13, Great Breakfast. Te.+55 21 2226 0991 [mailto:elmistihostel@hotmail.com copacabana@elmistihostels.com]
'''Jucati''', Rua Tenente Marones de Gusmao 85, +55-21-2547-5422, [http://www.edificiojucati.com.br/]. A nicely located five minutes walking from Copacabana beach. Rent well equipped appartments at fair prices (R$120 for 2 pax in March 08). Free internet Wifi available.
'''Pousada Favelinha''' [http://www.favelinha.com/]. Located in Laranjeiras/Santa Teresa, might be your choice if staying in a favela is your cup of tea.
'''Copinha Hostel''', Rua Felipe de Oliveira, 11 - Lido, Copacabana, [http://www.copinhahostel.com.br/en/index.asp]. 4- and 2- bed rooms, clean place. Friendly staff.
'''Rio Backpackers''', Travessa Santa Leocadia 38, Copacabana, [http://www.riobackpackers.com.br/].
El Misti Hostel Rio de Janeiro. ostel Rio de Janeiro. rederico Pamplona, 20 - Copacabana. ext to Hospital Sao Lucas. 55 21 2547 0800. opacabana@elmistihostels.com. ttp://www.elmistihostels.com. $12. '''El Misti''' [http://www.elmistihostels.com Hostel Rio de Janeiro] - In Copacabana, Safe area, Cool & Fun, Free pickup Airport, Dorms from $13, Great Breakfast. Te.+55 21 2226 0991 [mailto:elmistihostel@hotmail.com copacabana@elmistihostels.com].
El Misti Hostel Botafogo. ostel Rio de Janeiro. raia Botafogo 462. ront of Botafogo Beach. 55 21 2226 0991. nfo@elmistihostel.com. ttp://www.elmistihostel.com. $12. '''El Misti''' [http://www.elmistihostel.com Hostel Botafogo], Praia de Botafogo, 462, casa 9 - Botafogo, [mailto:info@elmistihostel.com info@elmistihostel.com], [http://www.elmistihostel.com].
Posada Copacabana. ousada Copacabana. ravessa Frederico Pamplona, 20. 55 (21) 2547 0800. ostel@elmisticopacabana.com. ttp://www.elmisticopacabana.com. $13. '''[http://www.elmisticopacabana.com Pousada Copacabana]
Mid-range
Copacabana Praia Hotel. ua Francisco Otaviano no 30 - Copacabana - RJ. 55 (21)2172-1001. 55 (21) 2287-3344. 5:00. 2:00. $150. ttp://www.copacabanapraiahotel.com.br/.
[http://ez-riorentals.com/ EZ-Rio Rentals] also has furnished apartments in a range of prices, in both Copacabana and Ipanema. Also offers cell phone rentals and airport transportation.
'''Hotel Vermont''', Rua Visconde de Piraja 254, 522-0057.[http://www.hotelvermont.com.br/en/] Given its superb location in the heart of Ipanema, it is a real bargain with room rates as low as $R100. Affiliated with the nearby '''San Marco Hotel''' and '''Hotel Carlton''' in Leblon. Very friendly and helpful service.
'''Hotel Hispano Brasileiro''', Rua Silveira Martins 135, 265-5990. On a tree-lined side street off Rua do Catete, inexpensive and pleasant.
'''Hotel Monte Blanco''', Rua do Catete 160, 225-0121. Excellent location, just steps away from the Metro station and across from the Museu da Republica, but the rooms could be nicer.
Rio Guesthouse. arta.rioguesthouse@gmail.com. ttp://www.rioguesthouse.com. A boutique guest house located on the beachfront of Copacabana, in a 1200 sq meter Penthouse. Beautifully decorated, very comfortable.
Splurge
'''Copacabana Palace Hotel''' [http://www.copacabanapalace.com.br] in Copacabana beach is arguably the best hotel in town, dating back to 1923. It's had its share of famous guests over the years.
'''Fasano''', Avenida Vieira Souto, 80, Ipanema. [http://www.fasano.com.br/]
'''Ipanema Plaza''' [http://www.ipanemaplazahotel.com] - Rua Farme de Amoedo, 34 - Ipanema. Tel: 3687-2000 (''fax: 3687-2001, reservas@ipanemaplaza.com.br''). 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.
The French chain '''Le Meridien''' [http://www.rio.lemeridien.com] has a hotel in Copacabana. It has 37 floors and boasts a nice view of the city from the restaurant/bar on the top floor.
'''Sheraton''' [http://www.sheraton-rio.com] is the only hotel in Copacabana with direct beach access.
'''Hotéis Othon''' [http://www.othon.com.br] has eight locations in Rio.
Rentals
'''EZ-RioRentals''' [http://www.ez-riorentals.com] also has furnished apartments in a range of prices, in both Copacabana and Ipanema. Also offers cell phone rentals and airport transportation. 954-681-4316 or in Rio 21-9270-0633
'''Rent a Flat''' [http://www.rentaflat.com.br], Copacabana, 55-21-2257-0559.
'''Apartur Imoveis''', Rua Visconde de Piraja, 371 - S/L 204, Ipanema. Tel. 55-21-2267-1191, 2287-5797, [mailto:apartur@globo.com apartur@globo.com]
'''Rental apartment''', Ipanema, tel. +55-21-2239-3089, ([mailto:bromirsk@matrix.com.br bromirsk@matrix.com.br]). Two bedrooms, living room, American kitchen w/dish washer , laundry facility, bathroom w/bathtub. All rooms with air-conditioning. 24 hour doorman and near by stores. Quiet, comfortable and two blocks from Ipanema Beach.
'''Rio Flat Rental''' [http://www.rioflatrental.com], Rua Praia de Botafogo 462 casa 9 Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - 22020-040. [mailto:contato@rioflatrental.com contato@rioflatrental.com]