A beloved destination for many, with a strategic location and various transportation options, the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro is perfect for those who want to enjoy stunning natural landscapes without giving up comfort and entertainment.
This is the kind of place where the more you explore, the more you want to return—and it’s hard not to fall in love with the energy!
If you’re planning a trip to the Marvelous City (for a weekend or a lifetime, lol), don’t miss our tips below to plan your next adventure in Rio.
Where to stay in Rio’s South Zone
Knowing where to stay is key to getting the best experience possible, and without a doubt, the South Zone is the best place to stay in Rio.
Combining safety, infrastructure, and easy access to Rio’s main attractions, the South Zone is ideal for both seasoned travelers and first-timers.
We recommend staying in Leblon (the safest neighborhood—Posto 12 is our favorite and safest beach spot), Ipanema (a chill, lively neighborhood full of great bars and shops—popular with young travelers), and Copacabana (a classic, of course).
If you're traveling solo and want to meet people, check out Ipanema Beach Hostel (Paul Redfern, 37, Ipanema) and El Misti Hostel (Joana Angélica, 47, Ipanema)—both have great facilities and a fun crowd year-round.
Where to eat
There’s no shortage of places to eat in the South Zone, and even a quick snack can turn into an amazing culinary experience.
Breakfast
Talho Capixaba Located in the heart of Leblon, it’s one of the locals’ favorite spots for a full breakfast or just a coffee and a chat.
Pain Perdu A French-style bakery with a Brazilian twist. Everything is homemade—don’t miss the house croissant.
Brunch
Plage Café Inside Parque Lage (a popular Rio attraction), this café offers a varied menu perfect for a casual brunch after a cultural stroll. We recommend the “Plage completo” which generously serves two people.
Confeitaria Colombo Whether at the iconic downtown location or the Fort of Copacabana, this legendary café is well worth the wait. For a brunch with a view, go to the Fort.
For architecture and history lovers, the downtown branch is a cultural heritage site with stunning décor.
Restaurants in Rio’s South Zone
Cantina Boa Praça Traditional Italian cuisine with generous portions. Rua Jangadeiros, 28 – Ipanema.
CT Boucherie A restaurant by renowned chef Claude Troisgros, known for its “reverse rodízio” concept. After choosing your main cut of meat, you’re served rotating side dishes like gratin chayote and arugula polenta.
Pato com Laranja A stylish and lively spot in the heart of Ipanema. Ideal for anything from a relaxed lunch to a night of sushi, cocktails, and music.
Nola Located on the trendiest street in Leblon, Nola offers a cozy ambiance and a varied menu for a candlelit dinner.
Gurumê A local favorite for Japanese cuisine.
Temakeria e cia A successful São Paulo-based sushi chain, their Ipanema branch is loved for its quality and affordable prices.
Bars
Boa Praça – One of the liveliest bars in the South Zone. Don’t miss the traditional Saturday feijoada with live samba!
Jobi – A charming and iconic bar. It’s often hard to find a seat, but that’s part of the fun—people love standing around, chatting, and sipping cold draft beer.
Boteco Belmonte do Leblon – A Dias Ferreira Street favorite, known for great service, cold drinks, and a cheerful vibe.
Boteco Rainha – Also on Dias Ferreira Street (Jobi–Belmonte–Boa Praça triangle), this casual and popular spot is perfect for both snacks with friends and full meals.
Bar da Lage – Offers a stunning panoramic view of the South Zone. You can get there by kombi (book in advance) or moto-taxi for a small fee.
Mirante Arvrão – Right across from Bar da Lage, it shares the same breathtaking view and hosts shows and events in its bar-hotel combo in Vidigal.
Bosque Bar – Opened in late 2020 at the Jockey Club, this bar is already a hit. Open Thursday to Sunday, with live music, a diverse menu, and views of Christ the Redeemer.
Beaches
Leblon
Postos 11 and 12 are considered the safest beach spots in the South Zone. Well-equipped with beach huts and drink service, it’s our favorite—great atmosphere and beautiful people.
Copacabana
If you're into sports, head to Posto 6 for stand-up paddleboarding with epic views. If you plan to sunbathe, stick near the hotel beach services and be cautious with your belongings—this area is very touristy and often targeted by petty thieves.
Joá
Looking for something more off-the-beaten-path? Joatinga Beach is a hidden gem loved by locals. It's inside a gated community but open to all. Check the tide schedule—during high tide, the sand disappears!
Recreio dos Bandeirantes
A younger, growing neighborhood in the West Zone. The beach is perfect for families with kids, and the area is full of kiosks, beach sports, and chill vibes.
A real tropical paradise with a Caribbean feel.
Praia do secreto
Not exactly a beach—it’s a stunning natural pool. You can only get there via trail, but it’s worth the effort. If you have time and energy, also visit Grumari, Macumba, and Prainha beaches nearby.
Se estiver com tempo e disposição também vale muito a visita a Praia de Grumari, Macumba e Prainha.
What to see in Rio’s South Zone
Sunset at Arpoador Rock
Every day, locals and tourists gather to watch the sun dip below the horizon—people even applaud the show.
Arrive 30 minutes early to get a good spot and avoid weekends if you can. Watch your belongings, as it can get crowded.
Mureta da Urca
Cold beer, stunning sunset, and Sugarloaf Mountain views?
Mureta da Urca has it all. A perfect Sunday sunset spot or happy hour hangout.
Order a pastel and a cold chopp from the traditional:
O bar mais tradicional e clássico da região é o Bar e Restaurante da Urca.
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Ideal for morning runs or romantic picnics with a view of Christ the Redeemer. The lagoon features a kids’ park, a cycling path, skate and roller tracks, plus bars and restaurants. Visit Luciano’s stand to try the famous coconut sashimi and grab a fresh coconut water.
On weekends, check out the Babilônia Feira Hype at Parque das Figueiras—a cool fair with fashion, art, design, and food.
Não deixe de visitar a barraca do Luciano, famoso pelo “sashimi de coco” e tomar uma agua de coco geladinha servida pelo próprio Luciano com muita simpatia e alegria.
No Parque das Figueiras, acontece a Babilônia Feira Hype, uma feira cultural descolada que reune moda, design, artesanato e gastronomia. É uma ótima opção de passeio para o final de semana, consulte a agenda para informação das datas em que a feira irá acontecer.
Free viewpoints
Good news—there are plenty of places to admire Rio’s beauty for free, no need to climb Sugarloaf or pay for Christ the Redeemer.
Mirante Dona Marta is our favorite! At 360m high, it offers sweeping views of Sugarloaf, Christ, Guanabara Bay, and the Lagoon.
Accessible by car, taxi, Uber, or guided hike via Cosme Velho.
Mirante do Leblon is another must-see
Located at the end of Leblon Beach, it features a wooden deck over the rocks with beautiful views of Leblon, Ipanema, and Arpoador. Easy to reach on foot (5 minutes from Posto 12), by car, or by bus.
There are kiosks nearby for drinks and snacks while you enjoy the sunset.
From the beach to the Serra Gaúcha—check this out too:
Gramado and Canela: Must-See Attractions in the Serra Gaúcha
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Procuro por restaurantes que servem doces de sobremesa tais como goiabada cascão, cremosa e banadada de pote.