Where to Stay
Zona Sul- the South Zone, this term covers (amongst others) Copacabana, Ipanema, Flamengo & Botafogo. The first two are where most of the action is if you want women wine song and the beach!
There are lots of hotels, more expensive if they are on the beach front. Also many apartments of varying price and quality. Not all the hotels will let you bring girlfriends back, most will, although they may have to register at reception. Apartments do not usually have any such trouble . If you want a hotel right on the beach front (Avenida Atlantica) you will pay more, same goes for apartments. We recommend getting a place a few blocks back if you want to economise.
.
Ipanema which is right next door to Copacabana is more expensive. Not the favourite
area to stay for single guys who want to meet friendly outgoing Brazilian girls. But if you want an area that is more tranquil ( for a big city that is) then this is it and Copacabana can be reached on foot or by a short taxi ride.
There are some great areas to visit and stay, all within a few hours drive from Rio. If you are staying for more than 2 weeks then a 5 day or a weeks break in one of the following areas could be ideal once you have found a girlfriend ( or two!).
Buzios
About a 3 hour drive to the east of Rio, over the Niteroi bridge. This is a charming area, small quaint town with lots of coves and beaches. Popular at weekends and holidays with Brazilians, quieter during the week. Popular with the middle class and wealthier Brazilians.
Cabo Frio
Close to Buzios, bigger and busier. If you want more nightlife than Buzios come here.
Angras Dos Reis
This is to the south west along the coast road to Sao Paulo. About a 2 hour drive. Fantastic cliff side road through tropical rain forest and down below deep blue sea with many islands. Great place to rent a boat and take your girlfriend cruising around the islands which are close to shore. Best to do as a group as renting boats with a crew are not particularly cheap.
