Where to Go, Where to Stay?

Almost nine years ago, when we started renting apartments in Rio, about 80% of our requests were for Copacabana, and no one knew Botafogo. Nowadays, the majority of our requests are for Ipanema, and we get quite a few for Botafogo as well. Not to say that Copa is no longer a contender, but people have gotten more savvy as the internet has grown. For me, it is a question of preference, and budget. If you have the money to stay in Ipanema, I say, "Go for it!" But if you are planning to stay a month, then it is going to be expensive, so you may choose Copa or even Botafogo. I have people who are requesting an apartment for a year, and for them, it has to be somewhere that is affordable and convenient. Most of the time, they end up in Botafogo, since for the money, you can get a larger apartment in a safe area. Speaking of safety, used to be people chose Ipanema because it was safer than Copacabana, not any more! You have to be careful no matter where you are in Rio. The recession has caused people to resort to crazy stuff, so I recommend more than ever to only carry the money you need and never resist an assault. It is cheaper and safer just to give them the goods and walk away unharmed.

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!