Hotels near Santos Dumont Airport - SDU, Rio de Janeiro

Rio is one of the most beautiful and charming city in the world!The food is amazing good. You can eat so many variety of different dishes, super yummy, and food from many countries like Lebanese, Greek, American, etc.

Very beautiful city, if you have time and knowledge you can find nice beaches. Avoid the beaches near the bay, like Icarai, Inga and others, they are nice for you to take a walk, but very dirty to swim

Its a city with great contrasts - beach areas are super fun, safe, lots to see and do. Unfortunately 3 blocks behind the beach it is a very different atmosphere: graffitti, doesnt feel safe, electrical wires by the hundreds almost at eye level, smells like garbage, urine, homeless wondering around, beggers, and so on.... just stay in the tourist area. Brazilian people are very friendly and kind to the tourist, warm hearted, and always helpful. I always felt safe with the cab drivers, they have the meters, and always tried to get me to my destiny taking the fastest route.

Niteroi is about the same distance from the International Airport as the more famous South Zone (Copacabana. Ipanema). The Niteroi Palace Hotel is in town, walking distance from Shopping Centre and the 30 min relaxing ferry boats to Rio City Centre. Very Good nearby "home cooking by weight" lunch only restaurant - ask Desk for simple direction. Few central night-time restaurants, but there are some within (secure) taxi distance. Avoid sitting street side for snacks/coffee and not to attract attention to multiple hand/carry bags.

Rio de Janeiro is a city with huge social differences. So much beauty and so much poverty. We were lucky to have a local guide through the city which helped a lot with getting around. I can recommend the Botanical Garden (entry fee needs to be paid in cash!) and having a coffee at the Forte (military police museum, a small entry fee applies, only cash accepted for the admission fee!) ) but within the grounds are 2 Cafe-restaurants (booking a table can take a while, 3 hours in our case, credit cards accepted here) which offer stunning views to Copacabana and the city in a safe place. If you can, avoid driving a car in rush hour through Rio.

Niteroi is different from Rio. Is not as touristy or big as Rio de Janeiro, but it preserves much of the good things Rio has. For instance, food can be very cheap or expensive and still you can be surprised with great flavours. The park of the city is a must to visit and see the landscape from the hill, the fortaleza is also worth visiting. From Niteroi you can go to Rio by boat in a one day or two-day trip. But also you can visit other beaches towards the ocean not as populated or touristy as copacabana or Ipanema. If you are looking for a place more quiet and less touristy than Rio de Janeiro, then Niteroi and San Francisco are going to be good choices. No metro or stadiums in Niteroi