This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless Rio de Janeiro restaurants, dined in the best local eateries and visited the latest hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning Rio de Janeiro locals we know to share their favourite hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in Rio de Janeiro.

Whether you're looking for the ultimate design hotel, a cosy boutique hotel, or an ultra-cool apartment, here is our pick of the best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro.

This jet-set beachfront haven is one of our favourite hotels in the world ...

This is one of Brazil’s most jet-set luxury boutique hotels with a prime location on Ipanema Beach. It draws the fashion-conscious crowd with its Philippe Starck-designed interiors and personalised service. Dine in style at the award-winning Fasano al Mare restaurant, or head to the rooftop pool to sip cocktails while watching the sun set over Rio. $$$ 

Avenida Vieira Souto, 80, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
fasano.com.br  |  +55 21 3202 4000

A peaceful, designer sanctuary in the picturesque hills of Santa Teresa ...

A former colonial mansion in Santa Teresa has been transformed into one of Rio’s most stylish luxury boutique hotels. Surrounded by verdant vegetation, the 44-room Santa Teresa hotel features elegant interiors of rich Brazilian woods, locally quarried stones and burnt cement, and striking artworks by local artists. $$$

Rua Almirante Alexandrino 660, Rio de Janeiro
santateresahotelrio.com  |  +55 21 3380 0200

A luxurious local institution situated on the iconic Copacabana Beach ...

Brazil’s most famous 5-star luxury hotel on the Copacabana beachfront has played host to the world’s international stars for almost 100 years. You’ll be spoiled for choice with luxe amenities, such as a semi-olympic size swimming pool, a tennis court, a spa and fitness centre, and several dining and lounge bar venues.  $$$

Avenida Atlântica, 1702, Rio de Janeiro
belmond.com  |  +55 21 2548 7070

A charming boutique hideaway in the hills of Santa Teresa ...

One of the most charming additions to Rio de Janeiro’s boutique hotel scene, Villa N°174 will delight lovers of design with its conversation-piece interiors and captivating sense of style. Housed within an elegant villa on the bohemian slopes of Santa Teresa, spend an afternoon lounging in your own private terrace hammock. $$

Villa 174, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
villa174.com  |  +35 2 6 6118 1548

One of the world’s funkiest budget-chic hotel group's has landed in Rio de Janeiro ...

Famous for combining funky interiors by master French designer Philippe Starck with affordable room rates, Mama Shelter first opened its doors in Paris in 2008, then went on to launch several other fun-filled outposts in Europe and Los Angeles. The latest addition to the group is the hip Mama Shelter Rio de Janeiro, which nestles in the city's bohemian Santa Teresa district. The hotel boasts 55 rooms with eye-popping wall art, splashes of bold colour and playful touches such as straw hats and cartoon-character masks. Join Mama Shelter’s social scene in the restaurant and lounge bar, where lofty glass walls lead out onto a decked terrace and shared tables will have you making new friends in no time. $$

Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 5 - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
+55 21 3980-0300  |  mamashelter.com

An intimate hideaway in the heart of Rio de Janeiro's city centre.

Perched on a hillside only ten minute’s walk from Ipanema and Copacabana Beach, Casa Mosquito enjoys stunning panoramic ocean views. Four deluxe suites are nestled within the hotel’s restored colonial mansion, and six other suites are located in a modern annexe. Casa Mosquito offers a tranquil home away from home in the heart of Rio. $$

Rua Saint Roman 222, Rio de Janeiro
casamosquito.com  |  +55 21 3586 5042

Whether you're looking for a fabulous foodie dining spot, the city's best beachfront cafe, or a see-and-be-seen restaurant, here is our pick of the best places to eat in Rio de Janeiro right now.

Whether you're looking for a stylish rooftop bar, a cosy cocktail bar, or the city's coolest late-night club, here is our pick of the best places to party in Rio de Janeiro right now.

Iconic Landmarks ...

One of the most dramatic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro, the breathtaking Christ the Redeemer statue soars high above the city, creating a dramatic backdrop against Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular mountainous landscape. As one of the seven wonders of the world, the statue is located in the Tijuca Forest and stands over 130 feet tall. Named in the 1600s after the block of sugar it resembles, Rio de Janeiro's iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain is another must-see landmark. An imposing cone of granite rock, the mountain towers 1,300 feet above the ocean. From the summit, you can see Guanabara Bay, Copacabana, the city of Niteroi. The best way to discover Sugar Loaf is by taking a scenic cable car ride; the two-stage journey begins in Praia Vermelha, with cable cars departing every 15 minutes. As one of the world’s most famous beaches, Copacabana Beach is located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana district. Its iconic curved beach and seaside promenade showcases turquoise-colored water and white sand, making it one of Brazil's most famous attractions. 

Best District

Nestled on the top of Santa Teresa Hill, the winding streets and picturesque views of the Santa Teresa district is a must-see area to visit in Rio de Janeiro. Take the historic tram - the only remaining line in the city - to the top of the hill and discover its cobbled streets, art galleries and colonial houses. A bohemian quarter, this charming district is a magnet for artists, with sweeping views of the bay and the city below.

Museums & Galleries ...

The Museum of Modern Art (MAM) in Rio de Janeiro was created as a cultural hub with modern art at its roots. The MAM (as it is known locally) also houses lecture spaces, classrooms and a large theatre for concerts and film exhibitions, alongside its extensive Modern Art collection of over 11,000 pieces. This landmark example of 1950’s modern architecture was designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy using concrete, where its towering geometric ‘ribs’ create breathtaking open walkways. 

Best Beaches ...

Ipanema Beach offers clear waters, fine white sands and a vibrant beach scene. Discover locals playing action-packed games of beach volleyball and football or lazing on deck chairs soaking up the sun. The neighbouring Leblon Beach is equally picturesque and attracts a more tranquil crowd. Leblon's rolling waves are perfect for surfing, attracting Rio’s avid surfer community.

Best Local Parks ...

The Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is one of Rio de Janeiro's most popular attractions for visitors and locals alike. The area surrounding the lagoon is ideal for walking, jogging and cycling. The Parque do Flamengo (Flamengo Park) was constructed in 1965 by renowned architect Lota de Macedo Soares and its gardens were designed by Roberto Burle Marx, a famous Brazilian landscaper. This spectacular park is home to over 170,000 trees and is situated on 1.2 million square meters of verdant land. 

Rio de Janeiro Carnival ...

Rio's annual Samba Parade is one of the most important annual events in Brazil. Attracting millions of locals and visitors to Rio de Janeiro every February, the Sambodromo is the main event of the celebrated Rio de Janeiro Carnival, a tradition dating back to the 17th century. Samba fans can watch the highly skilled dancers give the performance of a lifetime, making the festival a magnet for samba enthusiast from all over the world. 

Football Mania ...

Football is the national sport of Brazil, where the Brazilian people maintain a fiery, passionate love affair with the game and its players. The Estádio do Maracanã football stadium in Rio de Janeiro opened in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup, and has since been used to host games between the major football clubs in Rio de Janeiro. There are four major teams based in the city, including Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama. 

Weekend Escape ...

Situated in the heart of the idyllic Costa Verde, Paraty is a colonial gem. For two centuries, the port was used to transport gold from the mountains of Minas Gerais to Portugal. Discover typical colonial architecture in the whitewashed churches and cobbled streets of its pedestrianised old town, where buildings have remained unchanged for over 250 years. Paraty is also the starting point for the National Park Serra da Bocaina, and its bay is dotted with beautiful tropical islands.