Hotels near Santos Dumont Airport - SDU, Rio de Janeiro

Rio is one of those fabulous iconic world cities that must be visited at least once in a person's lifetime. One downside in Brazil for visitors from certain countries is that a real Italian Cappuccino is almost impossible to find!

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.

I love Rio. Especially Copacabana. It is a great place to arrive in Brazil and to spend a few days before leaving the country. Uber and taxi work great. Be aware of rush hours thought. Don’t hesitate to ask the drivers for recommendations. Carioca, natives from Rio, are very friendly and proud of their city. And if you like soccer, it is a great way to start good chats along the way.

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

We stayed in Recreio and Copacabana in Rio.Both are nice but different beach places.Copacabana is more crowded,Recreio is more silent and peaceful.Both were our favourites.Recreio is a little far from Rio center and other places,Copacabana is in the middle of action.We recommend to take accomodation near Copacabana for easy moving everywhere.We used Uber what is very cheap in Rio and easy to get.Both places we had flats which we prefer for hotels.More privacy and you can cook if you like. In Rio is also easy to get around with subway.Eating places are everywhere for every taste and price.We liked music clubs in Copacabana.

Rio de Janeiro is a great city to visit! You have to be cautious about wearing wedding rings and other valuable things. Take Uber to go around, and you will be just fine. Have fun in Rio! In the pictures, you will see the clean laundry in the two plastic bags that we had to pay to have washed because the sheets and towels were very dirty, smelled very bad, and the picture of the water heater, which is a huge hazard in that apartment.