With 6 million people occupying an area of 485 square miles, Rio is the second largest city in Brazil. The many districts of the city lie in three major areas: Centre, South, and North (which includes the suburbs). The more affluent South comprises the area between the hills and the sea from the Centre to the western limits of the city, while the North and the suburbs spread from the Centre to the northern and eastern limits. The great majority of tourist attractions and trendy shopping districts are concentrated in the Centre and the South. People from Rio de Janeiro are commonly called cariocas.

Centro

The city center is the financial and business district of Rio, where most historic buildings are located. Crowded and packed with skyscrapers, the Centre is the home of the Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da II Guerra Mundial, the Teatro Municipal, the National Arts Museum, the Museu de Arte Moderna and the Sambódromo, where the Carnaval parades take place every year.

Santa Teresa and Glória

A quiet district set on a hillside, Santa Teresa is chosen by many artists as a location for their studios, and was also the hideaway of the (in)famous train robber Ronnie Biggs. It can be reached by car or tram, through the Lapa tramway, and has a few inexpensive restaurants and attractions like the Ruins Park, with one of the best views of the Bay, and the Chácara do Céu Museum. The adjoining district of Glória has one of the most charming churches in Rio, the 18th-century baroque Glória do Outeiro Church.

Flamengo and Catete

Highly populated areas, and not too expensive to live in. The Republic Museum is in Catete, the Santos Dumont Airport is at the end of the Aterro do Flamengo, closer to the centre.

Laranjeiras and Cosme Velho

Mostly residential, with lots of trees and green areas. These two districts are located between Flamengo, the Corcovado and the Rebouças Tunnel. The Guanabara Palace, seat of the state government, is in Laranjeiras, while closer to the entrance of the tunnel, in Cosme Velho, are the colonial-style houses of the Largo do Boticário and the railway station for the train that goes up Corcovado Mountain.

Botafogo

Both a residential and business district, Botafogo is the passage between the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and the Guanabara Bay. The main attractions are the Home of Rui Barbosa, a neo-classical museum, the Indian Museum and the Museu Villa-Lobos.

Urca

Strictly residential, quiet and secluded, Urca is one of the most pleasant districts in Rio, set between Sugar Loaf and the 17th century Fortaleza de São João. Fishermen are part of the scenery here, and the district is also home to the Yacht Club.

Copacabana and Leme

With a large population, high-rises and a world-famous beach, Copacabana, is where the New Year's fireworks display is held. It has the most eclectic nightlife in Rio, with strip clubs, bars, and elegant restaurants and hotels, such as the Copacabana Palace Hotel. At the end of Copacabana sits the Copacabana Fort, with a beautiful view and a nice museum.

Ipanema

The definitive trend-setter in Rio, with elegant shops, restaurants and bars; home of the famous Girl from Ipanema. Devil Beach and Arpoador Beach are two of the few areas where surfing is allowed outside of Barra da Tijuca.

Lagoa

One of the most beautiful views in Rio, with good restaurants and bars, and a few food stalls. The lake shore is also a large public sports complex with a bicycle and jogging track, tennis courts and football fields and a skateboard and roller-skate bowl. There are also some private clubs and public parks where free open-air shows and concerts are frequently staged.

Leblon

The most sophisticated and expensive district in Rio, with large mansions, elegant flats, and a few late-night restaurants, bookshops and supermarkets.

Gávea and Jardim Botânico

Very sought-after residential districts, with quiet streets and lots of greenery. Gávea is the home of the Planetarium and the Parque da Cidade (City Park) with its Museu Histórico da Cidade. The Botanical Garden is in the Jardim Botânico.

São Conrado

Ensconced between the mountain and a beautiful beach, São Conrado is filled with very expensive flats, yet is a next-door neighbor of Rocinha, the largest slum in Rio. Hang-gliders taking off from Pedra da Gávea to land on the beach, are a common sight in the skies of São Conrado.

Barra da Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes

The Brazilian California, with wide avenues and large condos. Barra is the home of the Chico Mendes Park, a protected area for wild animals such as birds and alligators. The largest shopping center in Rio, Barrashopping, is in Barra, as well as the Riocentro Convention Center and the motor racing track, the Autódromo Nelson Piquet, located in the outskirts of Barra, close to Jacarepaguá. The beaches in Barra are the cleanest in Rio, and have areas for surfing and scuba diving.

Floresta da Tijuca

A tropical forest in the middle of Rio. With winding roads that go through the trees and overhang more than a thousand feet, this is where the most spectacular views of the city and the sea can be seen. Besides the awesome landscape, there are some places worth visiting, like the Emperor Table, the Chinese View and the Açude Museum.

North and the Suburbs

A series of industrial and residential districts, much less expensive than the South, where the Maracanã Stadium, the Zoo, the Museu Nacional, the International Airport and the Penha Church are located.

Top 11 Rio de Janeiro Hotels