Sao Francisco Travel Guide
Rio de Janeiro
Visit Sao Francisco
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.
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.
Ipanema Beach
See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.
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.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Scale this mountain on foot or by cable car to see impressive views of Rio’s beaches, rain forests and its most famous statue.
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.
Things to do
Day Trip to Buzios from Rio with Boat Ride & Lunch
Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket
Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Rio Samba Experience: Carnival Backstage
Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard
Rio: Maracanã Stadium Official Entrance Ticket
Top hotels in Sao Francisco
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
The staff was welcoming and accommodating. There are multiple different food options. The beach walkout was great. You can literally sit on the beach all day and staff will wait on you. Vendors are on the beach as well.
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Hotel Arpoador
The front desk staff was very helpful. It’s in the perfect location in Rio. It’s at the Apex of Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach. The rooms were a bit small, but had everything that I needed. I would also recommend a room with a view. The courtyard view is facing another apartment.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
The location is excellent, the staff was very nice, but this hotel does not yet resemble a Hilton.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Rio Othon Palace
Awesome Breakfast, The View was best.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro
Very good property, excellent location
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro OFICIAL
Loved this hotel. It was amazing. The staff were welcoming and the hotel itself was a gem. The view, the food, the pool, and there is a beach across from the hotel. Definitely will use it again when I come back to Rio.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Sao Francisco
Icarai
You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Icarai. You might want to make time for a stop at Icarai Beach or Guanabara Bay.
Glória
You might enjoy the museums while in Glória. Museum of Modern Art is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Gloria Station or Russel Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Flamengo
Well liked for its beaches and breweries, Flamengo is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Catete Palace and Flamengo Beach, and jump on the metro at Flamengo Station to get around the city.
Leme
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Leme. A stop by Copacabana Beach or Praia do Leme might round out your trip.
Lapa
You'll enjoy the churches and live music in Lapa. You might want to make time for a stop at Circo Voador or Arcos da Lapa.
Catete
You might enjoy the beaches while in Catete. Largo do Machado is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Largo do Machado Station or Catete Station to see more of the city.
