My husband and I are planning to spend 3-4 weeks in Rio in Airbnbs this coming January 2025. We are an older, retired couple and have travelled extensively throughout europe (actually lived 15 years there) and in South America but never to Brazil.
Has anyone experienced an extended stay in Rio? We would like to know the best and safest neighborhoods..where we can walk for shopping, go to restaurants etc and be not too far from public transformation..We have a couple of. guide books but there doesn’t seem to be any printed recently. We are deliberately avoiding Mardi Gras. We are aware that Ubers exist and have used them a lot in our travels.
Appreciate any advise and suggestions!
Melanie
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
5 posts
I've spent 6 weeks in Brazil and stayed for 2 weeks in Rio (about 8 years ago). We stayed in an airbnb between Ipanema and Copacabana beach - at General Osorio Square to be specific. I found that location (8 years ago) to be perfection! Walk to beaches, restaurants, art galleries, shopping, the grocery store (Zona Sul), pharmacies, etc. There was a weekly market in the square, both food and arts. There's a subway stop which made getting around so easy and the Square had a bus hub. It was fabulous to be at the beach with all the sidewalk restaurants. Since you'll be there in heat of the summer, you may really enjoy access to the beach and boardwalk. So, to answer your question I'd look at apartments near the subway station in the South Zone. I'm sure there are many other options out there - just giving you my experience.
If you're looking at airbnb's and notice that they mention a number or Posto - this indicates the lifeguard station which allows you to figure out exactly where you are. When I was there, Ipanema and Leblon where considered the safest and easiest for foreigners, but of course this could have changed.