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
Issues we had with this "5-star" hotel: 1. The check-in process is laboriously slow; 4 people ahead of me and it took more than an hour to get through with 2 people handling checkin. Had to fill out the same personal information that was provided when I booked. Total waste of time. 2. The water in ...
Reviewed on Mar 26, 2026
Hotel Arpoador
Everything and everyone fantastic! Only thing you guys need more attention to cleanliness of pool area including pool, you need someone to act as pool boy and clean and take care of water inside pool every day , specially a pool this small. It’s wonderful but its dirty.
Reviewed on Mar 26, 2026
Rio Othon Palace
For the price I was expecting to find the property in better conditions. It was still pretty good, but a few items could have been better, like the air conditioning wasn’t turning down or up, it was always the same intensity. We also had a couple of issues with the safe, bit these were taken care ...
Reviewed on Mar 27, 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.
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.
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.
