Santa Cruz Travel Guide
Rio de Janeiro
Popular places to visit
Copacabana Beach
More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.
Ipanema Beach
See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.
Christ the Redeemer
This mountain rising out of the city center is most well known as the home of Rio’s iconic skyscraper-sized Jesus statue.
Maracanã Stadium
To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Flamengo Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Flamengo Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Take in the art scene and sunsets in the area.
Things to do
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari
Grumari, Prainha & Pontal Beach Day Tour with Transfer
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer
Personalized Tour in Rio. Main Attractions and Cultural Walk.
Top hotels in Santa Cruz
Regency Barra Hotel
This is a 3 star hotel, not the 4. Hallway cleanliness was below 4 star expectations. Our shower had black mold in the grout. Mold was also where we had to hang the towels on the hooks on the wall. Breakfast was ok, too many breads that taste the same, eggs were below average. Only fruit and yogurt ...
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Lagune Barra Hotel
Their breakfast is amazing. Though, location is far from everything but safety is top tier. Very clean and rooftop pool is gorgeous. It gets very loud so I hope the facility will implement curfew for it’s guests so other people don’t get bothered.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Windsor Marapendi
Great place. Very attentive and friendly staff.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro
Property was well maintained. Pool is nice
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Américas Barra Hotel
Una noche habia basura en el pasillo y por la mañana seguia ahí. El piso de la habitacion se sentia sucio al pisar descalza. Staff muy amables, sobre todo la chica de recepción que me ayudo a conseguir pizzeria. Desayuno muy rico y completo.
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Hilton Barra Rio De Janeiro
Great
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Santa Cruz
Barra de Guaratiba
You'll enjoy the beaches and monuments in Barra de Guaratiba. You might want to make time for a stop at Barra de Guaratiba Beach or Sitio Roberto Burle Marx.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes
You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Recreio dos Bandeirantes. You might want to make time for a stop at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach or Posto 12.
Jacarepagua
You'll enjoy the live music and parks in Jacarepagua. You might want to make time for a stop at Shopping Metropolitano Barra or Tijuca Lake.
Barra da Tijuca
If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.
São Conrado
Discover São Conrado, memorable for its beaches. Popular attractions in São Conrado include Sao Conrado Beach and Pedra da Gavea, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at São Conrado Station.
Tijuca
Tijuca is well liked for its mountain views and churches. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Shopping Tijuca and Tijuca National Park are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Uruguai / Tijuca Station or Saens Pena Station to get around.
