There are several areas in Rio where tourists will be comfortable. It is best to stay in the areas of Ipanema or Leblon (Ipanema, Leblon). There are few hotels here, but there are quite a lot of apartments for rent. There are many very good restaurants, cafes and bars on Ipanema and Leblon. These beaches are also considered one of the best in the city. At the very beginning of Ipanema, at Cape Arpuador, and at the very end of Leblon, at the mountain of Two Brothers, surfers usually ride.
The most tourist area is Copacabana (Copacabana), there are most hotels of completely different levels, and it is conveniently located. But the area is much more chaotic, noisy and crowded than Ipanema and Leblon. This is an area with a large number of cafes, restaurants, bars of completely different levels from simple ones with plastic chairs to the Michelin level. Copacabana Beach is considered one of the most popular among tourists. It's always crowded here. I recommend choosing Leme Beach, which is located a little to the side: Copacabana begins with Leme. It's quieter here, since this is not a thorough part of Copacabana. At the very beginning of the Leme, you can often see surfers.
The Barra da Tijuca district is one of the newest in Rio. But it is located far from the main attractions. Therefore, when choosing this area, keep in mind that on the road you will have to go on average in one direction for 45 minutes more than going to the sights from Ipanema. In addition, the area is quite long and elongated, you will have to take a taxi to the main locations. But in Barra da Tijuca there is a very good beach, shopping centers and restaurants.
The districts of Jardim Botanico, Lagoa and Gavea are good in themselves, very wealthy locals live here and there are many good restaurants. But the big problem is the lack of tourist infrastructure and frequent traffic jams. Since these are travel areas, it is most often in them that traffic is most difficult on Fridays, at the end of the working day and on days of rain and football.
The districts of Botafogo, Flamengo, and Catete are extremely conveniently located, from here it is convenient to get to all the sights of Rio, beaches, and the city center, there are many shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The beaches located along the districts are dirty, and swimming in them is not recommended.
The district Center (Centro) is better not to consider for tourists to stop at all. Since this area is, in fact, downtown, where work is in full swing from 9:00 to 17:00, after the office clerks leave their jobs, the area is empty. Shops, cafes, restaurants are closed, there are no people on the street, there is nothing to do there, and it is not safe.
The Santa Teresa area will appeal to creative natures, lovers of boutique hotels and views. The area is beautiful and has many good restaurants, bars and interesting shops. But do not forget that it takes about 40 minutes to get to any beach from Santa Teresa. In addition, the area is not the safest in Rio because of the narrow streets and the proximity of favelas.