Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema vs Lapa — PartiesNearMe guide
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Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema vs Lapa

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema vs Lapa — PartiesNearMe guide

Ipanema is the best choice for a safe, upscale experience with world-class beach access and sophisticated nightlife.

Jordan Mills
Jordan MillsJordan Mills grew up between Miami and Medellín, chasing raves from New York warehouses to Buenos Aires rooftops. Obsess...

Jordan Mills

March 15, 2026

7 min readRio De Janeiro

Key Takeaways

  • 1Ipanema is the best choice for a safe, upscale experience with world-class beach access and sophisticated nightlife.
  • 2Lapa is the place for authentic, high-energy samba and the city's most famous street parties, ideal for serious music lovers.
  • 3Botafogo offers a trendy, local vibe with a focus on craft beer, alternative bars, and a younger, creative crowd.
  • 4Always use Uber or 99 for transportation at night to ensure safety and convenience when moving between neighborhoods.

Introduction

Best Neighborhoods to Stay In

Best Hotels by Budget

Getting Around at Night

Booking Tips

Jordan Mills — nightlife writer

About the Author

Jordan Mills

Jordan Mills grew up between Miami and Medellín, chasing raves from New York warehouses to Buenos Aires rooftops. Obsessive about sound systems, street food, and finding the one bar in any city where the locals actually go. Covers the Americas beat for PartiesNearMe.

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