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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.
Maurício AmaroMaurício Amaro has spent 15 years covering nightlife, electronic music, and urban culture across four continents. Equal ...
Maurício Amaro
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
About the Author
Maurício Amaro
Maurício Amaro has spent 15 years covering nightlife, electronic music, and urban culture across four continents. Equal parts music nerd, map obsessive, and night owl — with a soft spot for rooftop bars, obscure techno labels, and late-night tacos. Neurodivergent, proudly chaotic, and always at the back of the room near the speakers.
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