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!