Hanging Out on the Beach

Since I grew up almost three hours from the beach and only visited once a year at most, it was incredible for me to live in an enviroment that allowed me to visit the beach on a regular basis. I mean, who doesn't like to go to the beach? But the beaches of Rio have something very special, whether it is the rock hills of Sugarloaf or Two Brothers that frame Copacabana and Ipanema, or the nice rock islands in the distance, there is a beauty there that excites the spirit. Sometimes we would just go for a coconut milk and sit on the sidewalk there and watch the activity. Any time of day, any day of the week, it was always there, waiting. To stay in Rio, for a week, or better yet, a month, is something everyone should consider.

Called Paradise

I have always said that if you live in Rio de Janeiro and have money, it is paradise. I guess we always skated on the fringes of that, never being rich but seeing glimpses of that oasis of perfection. What makes it so for me is the natural beauty of the landscape there and also the warmth of the Brazilian people. Where you live, or stay, has a lot to do with it as well. Rio was surely blessed with natural beauty, whether it be beaches, mountains, forest or parks, you find it all here. You could spend a month here and see something different everyday, and never get tired of it. I know I never did...

Urca

Talk about "best kept secret". Urca is the neighborhood I would most want to live in, if I had my choices. It is located underneath the shadow of the Sugarloaf, and home to quite a few classic Brazilian artists. One of the oldest neighborhoods in terms of architecture and existence. There is one of the most incredible views, and a peace, which only exists there. On the weekend, it is great to walk along the waters edge, or go to the beach there, and it is open to anyone to do. But the people who already live there have the privilege of just walking out their doors. People seem a little more laid back here, unlike the hustle bustle of Botafogo or the jet set of Ipanema. To go there for Sunday brunch, or just to hang out on a Saturday is definately a must.

Botafogo

Botafogo is one of the best kept secrets in Rio de Janeiro, but fast becoming one of the most sought after for long term stays and student apartments. Just 5 minutes from Copacabana by metro or 15 minutes from Ipanema by bus, this is a much cheaper alternative to the more popular tourist neighborhoods. With everything being considered, especially the price of rent, Botafogo offers a bargain in all areas, including more space for the money, great shopping, great restaurants and bars, and your grocery budget will be half if you shop at some of the farmers markets this neighborhood offers. I love organic vegetables and used to shop at a Saturday market on Rua Paulo Barreto that had a vegetable stand of only organic stuff from Teresopolis. Great value in this part of Rio, access to buses, metro, downtown and supposedly the up and coming place to be in Rio!

Leblon

Leblon is the more affluent section of Rio. If you are walking down Ipanema beach and continue past the canal, you are already in Leblon. Made up of mostly residential apartments and fine dining establishments, Leblon is very nice. Considering the location, it is great for anyone wanting a more quiet and safer stay in Rio. Close to Ipanema, but far from the craziness of Copacabana, it is great for families or someone who is staying for a month or more in Rio de Janeiro. Although it is more expensive than other areas of Rio, it is relative since it offers nicer streets and buildings, a more educated public and restaurants that are trendy and modern.

Ipanema

Ipanema is now the more popular place to stay in Rio de Janeiro. When I first started renting apartments, it was Copacabana. But this was seven years ago and things were differenct, both in Rio and in the world. Nowadays people are more safety concerned, more cultured, and are looking for what is more popular. The gay community embraced Ipanema and the beach at Posto 9 decades ago. Now, it has become known as where the beautiful people and more trendy folk flock. Being more residential, a bit safer, and having a better choice of clubs and restaurants, not to mention the buildings and neighborhood have more attractive architecture and more trees. This all taken into account, it is no wonder that Ipanema has taken Copa's place as the most sought after place to stay in Rio.

Copacabana - The Jewel of the Sea

Without a doubt, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Copacabana stretches four miles from tip to tip. It was really only settled around 1920 when the Copacabana Palace Hotel was built, but even then, they had to build roads of asphalt and a bus route in order to bring in the tourists. Now, with the wall to wall real estate and high rise apartments, it is hard to imagine it ever being any different. If you are going to Rio for the first time, it is a must-see. To really experience the core of Rio, there is nothing like it. It is much better in the fall or spring than in high summer, since there are not as many people. The influx of tourists and dollars always brings an influx of little thieves, pickpockets and beggars. Taking precaution will eliminate risks, but choosing the right time to come can prevent a lot of headache. Still, the beach is beautiful year round, and the excitement of arriving to a hot summer vacation with beaches full of beautiful people is something everyone loves. We may be contacted for apartments in Copacabana, or vacation condos in all areas of Rio

Choosing the right place in Rio

I always ask people what they are looking for in accommodations. If you are a single guy going to Rio for the first time, you may want to stay in Copacabana, since there are more single girls there. But if you like the alternative crowd, your place may be Ipanema. Wherever you stay, it is good to be near the place that best suits your lifestyle. That way you don't have to go far to find your fun! Knowing the best places for you in Rio, whether it be where to stay, where to eat, or where to take a weekend excursion is part of what we love about this. We have met people from all over the world and have made some nice friends throughout the years. Let us hear from you if you have any questions or are looking for a nice place to stay while in Rio!