Rio de Janeiro Travel Forum

I'll be in rio in feb 2010 I need to know the safer areas for accommodation. I have been looking at copacabana Is that safe

Stay in pricier Ipanema or Arpoador then, if you're concerned. Where in Copacabana were you considering? Because there, the address might make a difference. Those are the popular tourist beach neighborhoods, though. By Feb, do you mean Carnaval? If so, you should book soon.

Agree...I think Ipanema is a better place to stay at (although safety in Rio is really a matter of common sense - avoiding dark places, lonely streets, getting lost in favelas, hookers...). Although I did stay at the pricey but luxurious Copacapabana Palace for over $600 a night before, I think Ipanema is a better deal with a better beach and less touristy. Are you visiting during Carnival time --- might be very difficult to get acocmodations then,...good luck, Norman :)

The safer area in Rio for tourist accommodation is Ipanema, but Copacabana is not wholly bad.
Cassiovieggore

Safety in Rio does not depend solely in the neighbourhood you are staying. It may depend also on the place where you book a room, on the places you want to visit, the day and time you will pay those visits, the kind of activities you will be envolved. Copacabana and Ipanema does not differ too much in this aspect: both have shantytowns in the hills. Leblon can be safer. Remember that february is high season, and Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are the most expensive neighbourhoods in Rio.

So, what? Are you recommending these first time tourists stay in the Zona Norte? Because "it all depends"? What about the favela near the canal in Leblon? Does that make it a favela-less neighborhood, so much safer than Ipanema? Of the popular tourist beach neighborhoods, Copacabana can be less safe IMHO because, for example, of the number of "men's clubs", the clientele they attract and those that come to prey on them, not because of favelas. The favelas there are more likely to be where the honest, hardworking folks who rent you your chair and umbrella on the beach, and bring you your drinks and food, live as peacefully as possible.

safe its up to you ,common sense,I have visit all of Brazil extensively sometimes staying for up to 3 months, nver a problem. Copacabana stay at the Othon Palace, great area good fun, if not familiar then avoid night outs. Ipanema is a bit subdue but great area too.

yeah, its safe..

but its opt to you darlyn :)