Areas and suburbs in Rio de Janeiro

The best places to live in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro can broadly be divided into four districts: Centro (the city centre or downtown), Zona Sul (South Zone), Zona Oeste (West Zone) and Zona Norte (North Zone). Each district comprises different barrios, or neighbourhoods.

Expats have a wide variety of options when it comes to areas and suburbs in Rio de Janeiro. Where an expat chooses to settle will depend on their particular lifestyle, budget and preferences. Factors expats need to consider when deciding on a neighbourhood in Rio include proximity to work and school, safety, and access to public transport and other amenities.

The city is built around spectacular mountains and beaches, with pockets of protected forest areas in between. Most expats in Rio live in apartments or condominiums in the more affluent Zona Sul area, which sits along the beachfront and is home to the world-famous neighbourhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana. Barra de Tijuca in the Zona Oeste is also a popular choice for expats in Rio.

Lifestyle in Rio de Janeiro

Zona Sul

Zona Sul is made up of Rio’s most affluent beachfront barrios. This is the most popular area for expats to call home. In particular, Leblon, Ipanema and Lagoa are the most sought-after areas. Botafogo has emerged as another popular choice, offering good value with lively nightlife. Flamengo provides a more budget-conscious option for those wanting to live in Zona Sul.

Accommodation in the Zona Sul is generally in the form of apartments in high-rise buildings. The area has tons of amenities, including shops, restaurants and, of course, Rio’s most famous beaches. The area also offers fantastic nightlife, with many bars, clubs, restaurants and cafés dotted around the neighbourhood. These are all generally within walking distance of each other.

Zona Sul is home to some of Rio’s most popular tourist attractions. The areas can become quite congested and noisy during peak times, but they offer an excellent environment for those wanting to experience the beauty and beach lifestyle that Rio is famous for. Tourist areas do attract pickpockets and street vendors, so expats should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly during busy periods and at night in areas like Flamengo Park.

Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

Zona Oeste

Located northwest along the coast from the Zona Sul, the Zona Oeste is a popular district with expats, particularly Barra de Tijuca (often just referred to as Barra). Home to pristine beaches and beachfront properties, Barra has been nicknamed the ‘Miami of Rio’. Most housing is in the form of spacious apartments in high-rise buildings, but expats will also find larger houses, some even with gardens and swimming pools. Barra also offers plenty of entertainment options for expats, with restaurants, shops and bars lining the streets.

Although the district is considered safe during the day, several favelas have developed in and around the Zona Oeste, so caution is advised at night. The area is further out from central Rio but is now better connected through the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system and metro links to Jardim Oceânico. While public transport options exist, expats living in the Zona Oeste often find a car more convenient for daily life. Many expats are fortunate enough to have their place of work within a short distance from home in Barra, as the area hosts several corporate office complexes and business centres.

Public Transport in Rio de Janeiro

Centro

Centro is Rio’s city centre and commercial heart. The area is old, paired with new, where colonial architecture sits alongside modern skyscrapers. Major corporate and financial headquarters are housed in Centro. This area is likely to be where most expats work.

Although not traditionally the area of choice to live in, some parts of Centro have experienced significant revival, with lively nightlife options well-established throughout the district. In areas such as Lapa, numerous clubs, bars and restaurants create a thriving bohemian atmosphere. The area is also home to many of Rio’s historical buildings and museums, including those in the Olympic Boulevard Cultural Area, which is popular with tourists.

It’s relatively easy to get around Centro as it’s well connected by public transport, with the metro system and VLT (light rail) travelling around the area. Buses also provide a convenient means of transport.

Working in Rio de Janeiro
Schools in Rio de Janeiro