Local knowledge. Clear decisions.

Rio guides built from actually living here.

Straight answers on where to stay, how to move, what to avoid, and how Rio really works—written by Skylar DeRouen from inside the city.

Start here

Practical, current, and built for first-time visitors.

Neighborhood Guide · Updated September 2026

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro for the First Time

Ipanema, Copacabana, Botafogo, Leblon, or somewhere else? Compare the neighborhoods, the real tradeoffs, and the exact choice I would make for different types of trips.

Read the guide →

Beach Guide · October 2026

Your First Beach Day in Rio

Ipanema, Leblon, or Leme? Choose your spot, avoid making the day complicated, and leave room for lunch.

Read the guide →

Written from RioAdvice shaped by daily life in the city, not a one-week press trip.

Decision-firstEvery guide helps you choose, with the tradeoffs stated clearly.

Kept currentVisible update dates make it clear when each guide was last reviewed.