Visit Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana

4.9 miles from downtown

Copacabana sizzles. This beach is a never-ending parade of urbanites playing soccer, volleyball, surfing, or just baking at 85 degrees. The crowds can get intense, so cool off with a Caipirinha (Brazil's national cocktail) in a welcoming oceanside cafe. Drift further south for Copacabana Fort, which has been converted into an army museum.

Places to stay from $6 a night

Ipanema

5.9 miles from downtown

The residents of Ipanema live in palatial elegance along one of Rio's most beautiful coastlines. Walk barefoot on the beach along Vieira Souto, or saunter inland to enjoy some of the local cafes and restaurants. At dusk, head to Arpoador: folks gather on the beach to clap their hands as the sun sets between two mountains. Stick around for the sultry nightlife.

Places to stay from $8 a night

Downtown Rio de Janeiro

In downtown

Visit Rio’s most impressive sights. Candelária Church calls Catholics to mass in a regal setting. Traverse Saara Market, a bazaar of epic proportions. History floats by as you walk along Rio Branco Avenue, with colonial-era buildings alternating with skyscrapers. At the end is the Art Deco CCBB and the opulent Theatro Municipal.

Places to stay from $6 a night

Barra da Tijuca

13.2 miles from downtown

Barra suffers from a few too many boring new builds, with high-rise apartments as far as the eye can see. Most of the action is centered on the serene coast along Lucio Costa Avenue, where you can surf, fly a kite or sip on a Caipirinha. Nearby, Shopping Downtown and Barra Shopping malls sell designer brands.

Places to stay from $13 a night

Flamengo

2.2 miles from downtown

Flamengo’s Carmen Miranda Museum is dedicated to the 1940's Brazilian screen siren. Find countryside bliss at Casa Rui Barbosa, a pink mansion once owned by statesman Rui Barbosa. Parque do Flamengo is a recreation zone, with sports, beach and fishing facilities. For an adventure, catch a cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain for views of Botafogo Bay.

Places to stay from $18 a night

Leblon

6.4 miles from downtown

Life should be cosmopolitan every day, according to Leblon's citizens. Work out at the beach with the muscle-bound descendants of gods, or laze with the locals. As one of Rio’s most affluent areas, designer-brand stores line the streets. Trendy clubs and restaurants come to life after dark – just be prepared to spend!

Places to stay from $13 a night

Santa Teresa

1.4 miles from downtown

Santa Teresa’s aging mansions appear frozen in time. Catch a streetcar on Carioca Aqueduct, by Largo dos Guimarães and all the way to the last stop, Parque das Ruínas (Ruins Park), which is used for exhibitions and watching Rio from above. When you've seen enough of the 360-degree views, take the 250 colorful steps of Escadaria Selarón down to check out Lapa.

Places to stay from $7 a night