Zona Sul
Travel Guide
Visit Zona Sul
Where to stay in Zona Sul
Copacabana
Famed for its 4 km balneario beach, this lively Rio de Janeiro neighborhood offers surfing at Arpoador Beach, historic Fort Copacabana, and the iconic promenade designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Enjoy numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, with easy access via three subway Metro stations.
Ipanema
Surrounded by elegant development, Ipanema's beach boasts vibrant beach culture, with daily gatherings of surfers, sunbathers, and sports enthusiasts. Stroll along the grid-like streets to explore world-class restaurants, shops, and the bustling Ipanema Hippie Market.
Leblon
Wealthy and cosmopolitan, this South Zone gem boasts sights like Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Jardim de Alah channel. Enjoy lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Botafogo
Botafogo is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.
Flamengo
Well-liked for its beaches and breweries, Flamengo is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Catete Palace and Flamengo Beach, and jump on the metro at Flamengo Station to get around the city.
Lagoa
Travelers like the art galleries in Lagoa, and CASV Visa Applicant Service Center is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
The staff was welcoming and accommodating. There are multiple different food options. The beach walkout was great. You can literally sit on the beach all day and staff will wait on you. Vendors are on the beach as well.
Reviewed on Apr 9, 2026
Hotel Arpoador
The front desk staff was very helpful. It’s in the perfect location in Rio. It’s at the Apex of Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach. The rooms were a bit small, but had everything that I needed. I would also recommend a room with a view. The courtyard view is facing another apartment.
Reviewed on Apr 7, 2026
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Great service
Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026
Copacabana Best Spot
Staff was great and very helpful,, we were on floor 12 and elevator was off for 2 day prior our check out, we needed to used another elevator on the 10th floor when we left with the luggage. Kitchen is toooo small. Great location
Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026
Rio Habitat Almirante
The host is weird- as soon as I arrived she starts asking me to be at the apartment because there will be people who will take the mattress? Why during my arrival when I’m outside e joying the beach and I have many people up meet.After two days she starts again calling me saying they need to do repairs ...
Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026
360 Copa Beach Posto 2 By SUHCasa
There was no functioning air conditioning Barely any hot water And I ask for a toaster/grill on the first day and never got any! Main bed mattress is worn out complete The couch was also totally run down Location was great! Thank god it was a cheap deal!! I really don’t recommend unless you’re on ...
Reviewed on Nov 4, 2025
Popular places to visit
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Scale this mountain on foot or by cable car to see impressive views of Rio’s beaches, rain forests and its most famous statue.
Avenida Atlantica
Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue.
Copacabana Fort
Visit this historic fort at the south end of Copacabana Beach to learn about Brazil’s military history through many fascinating displays and artifacts.
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon during your travels in Rio de Janeiro. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's sunsets.
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Spend time exploring this historic botanical garden to see water features and sculptures, exotic plant species and endangered animals, including the black capuchin.
Rua Barata Ribeiro
After visiting Rua Barata Ribeiro, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Rio de Janeiro. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Things to do
Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket
Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard
Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro: Shared Transfer to Vila Abrão (Ilha Grande)
Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail
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