Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Rio de Janeiro
Visit Santa Barbara
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.
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)
Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo Museum Ticket Entrance
Rio: Maracanã Stadium Official Entrance Ticket
From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour
Top hotels in Santa Barbara
Hotel Atlântico Prime
I was fortunate to get this booking at the last moment and I found the hotel to surpass my expectations with cleanliness friendliness three meal a day restaurant gymnasium
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Everything was great. The staff was very kind. They noticed the date of my birthday and sent me a piece of chocolate cake. It was a very fantastic detail. Thank you so much
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Clean room, super attentive staff. They need to have the buffet restaurant doors closed as there were flies all over the food
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026
Casa Nova Hotel
Pessoal da recepção são mal educados e parecem estar fazendo favores. Já o pessoal do café da manhã extremamente educados. Quartos limpos e ótimo custo benefício.
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Rooms are large and well appointed, Staff very welcoming, friendly and helpful and the food (Italian restaurant and breakfast buffet) was worth the money.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Hotel was great. Great location, good room and good amenities.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Santa Barbara
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.
Rio de Janeiro Centro
You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
