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.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard
Full-Day Rio de Janeiro Tour with Lunch, Christ & Sugarloaf
Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Tour in an Adventure Day
Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow and Historical Rio
Top hotels in Sao Francisco
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
10/10 would do it again
Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Excellent!
Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025
Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro OFICIAL
Everything from cleanliness to pool access and beach was great. The staff is always kind and considerate. We loved our stay here.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Windsor California Copacabana
Nice luxury hotel across from Copacabana beach. Splurge on a rooms with a balcony, the views are amazing and you can catch the sunrise. The breakfast buffet was amazing too. Good selection of items and you can also order omelettes or eggs.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Radisson Barra Rio De Janeiro
Breakfast buffet.
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025
Regency Barra Hotel
Just the convenience to all places in Barra Tijuca
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
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.
