Where to Stay in Rio for Carnival 2027: Best Areas & Hotels

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest cultural events in the world. It’s got costumes, glitter, dancing, and street parties that start before breakfast. But Rio is huge, and the celebrations are spread across the city. So where’s the best place to stay?

After spending several months in Rio and returning for Carnival, my biggest advice is this: don’t choose your hotel just because it’s close to the Sambadrome or a specific street party. You don’t need to sleep beside the parties to enjoy them. In this guide, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, with neighborhood comparisons and hotel recommendations for different budgets.

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Best Areas to Stay in Rio for Carnival

Here’s a quick view into the neighborhoods I’d look at for your stay during Carnival:

Regardless of the neighborhood you choose, I’d prioritize a short walk to the metro (you can find the metro map here) and check whether a bloco route passes your hotel before booking.

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Flamengo: Best for Aterro Blocos and Access to Centro

Best for: Big Aterro blocos and easy access to Centro
Think twice if: Ocean swimming and beach days are a big part of your trip.

If you want easy access to the biggest Carnival blocos without sleeping in Centro’s chaos, I’d look at Flamengo. You’re just south of Centro and near Glória, where you can head uphill toward Santa Teresa’s celebrations.

There’s plenty happening nearby, too. Aterro do Flamengo, a huge green area along the water, hosts large blocos and outdoor Carnival concerts. There’s smaller neighborhood celebrations around Flamengo, too. You can join the parties and return to a more residential base between events.

I wouldn’t choose Flamengo for the beach — Copacabana and Ipanema are better for that. But for Carnival access, it’s one of the most convenient bases. Look for a hotel near the Flamengo or Largo do Machado metro.

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Botafogo: Best for a Well-Connected Carnival Base

Best for: Exploring Carnival across the city, with nightlife nearby
Think twice if: You want major blocos within walking distance of your hotel.

Botafogo is a good choice if you want to explore Carnival across different neighborhoods and have plenty of bars and restaurants to come back to. You’re between Flamengo and Copacabana, with easy metro connections toward Centro and the beach neighborhoods.

It has a slightly bohemian feel, with nightlife that spills onto the streets. When I’ve gone out here, you’d see people gathering outside the bars, drinking and socializing. I think that makes it a good base if you want dinner and drinks nearby after a day of blocos in Centro.

There are local celebrations here during Carnival, but you’ll have to travel to the bigger events. That’s honestly not a big deal if you’re near a metro though, since your trips will be ~15 minutes to Centro.

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Copacabana: Best for Beach Access and Hotel Choice

Best for: Beach time, local blocos and plenty of hotel choices
Think twice if: You’ll spend most of Carnival around Aterro and Centro.

I’d stay in Copacabana if you want beach time between parties and plenty of hotels to choose from. Local blocos bring Carnival into the neighborhood, while the three metro stations in the neighborhood connect you to bigger celebrations elsewhere.

The beachfront is busy and social, with a wide promenade, beach kiosks and umbrellas covering the sand. This was my base during Carnival, and having the beach nearby gave me something to do when I wanted a break from following blocos.

You don’t have to stay right on the beachfront, those hotels tend to be more expensive. My accommodation farther inland, near the Copacabana–Ipanema border, felt much quieter. I’d prioritize a comfortable room near the Siqueira Campos, Cardeal Arcoverde or Cantagalo metro for Carnival.

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Ipanema: Best for Beach Life and Traditional Blocos

Best for: Beach days and major blocos in your neighborhood
Think twice if: Keeping accommodation costs down is your priority.

Ipanema is a good choice if you want beach days and Carnival happening in your own neighborhood. You’re farther from Centro, but local blocos mean you don’t have to head downtown every time you want to celebrate.

I personally prefer the beach scene here. It feels less tourist-focused to me, with a mix of locals and visitors, cafés and restaurants nearby, and views toward Dois Irmãos. It’s somewhere I’d happily spend the time between parties, rather than just return to sleep.

The tradeoff is higher accommodation prices, and major blocos can pack the surrounding streets.

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Where I Would Not Stay for Carnival

I would not book a stay in Centro or Lapa for Carnival. The appeal is obvious: you’re near Sambadrome and some of the biggest blocos, but for me, the tradeoff isn’t worth it.

Major celebrations bring loud music and dense crowds, creating opportunities for pickpockets. Once a bloco clears out, nearby streets can empty quickly, making the walk back to your hotel feel very different, especially at night.

We experienced this after a bloco near the Carioca station in Centro. My boyfriend’s phone was stolen, and when he chased the thief, other men working with him appeared. We felt vulnerable very quickly.

I’d visit for Carnival, but stay elsewhere. With events across Rio and metro access from all four neighborhoods above, you don’t need to sleep beside the Sambadrome to join the celebrations.

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