Gay Rio Rio de Janeiro City Guide

Not letting its flawless golden beaches, verdant toucan-filled rainforest, or cosmopolitan city vibes go to its head, Rio de Janeiro boasts a playful charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether it’s dancing the night away to sultry samba rhythms, snacking on smoky, street-side churrascaria, or hiking past monkeys in the lush mountains, there’s something for everyone in Rio de Janeiro. Elected as the world’s sexiest and best gay destination two years running and Carnival world capital since, like, forever, it’s little wonder why they call Rio the Wonderful City. As well as the gay-loving carnival street parties that take over the city at Easter and the Copacabana beach Pride Parade in November, Rio’s Farme de Anaedo Street in Ipanema flies the flag for the rest of the year. Wondering what to do in Rio de Janeiro for the vacation of a lifetime? Here’s your definitive Rio de Janeiro gay travel guide.

The best hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Let’s start our Rio de Janeiro gay city guide with a roundup of the best places to stay in Rio. If you want to base yourself in Ipanema, then Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is the obvious choice. In addition to impeccable service, this trendy 5-star hotel boasts a swoon-inducing infinity pool with luxurious day beds that look out over Rio’s magical natural landscape – where the Two Brothers mountain peaks meet the sea. More awesome views are to be had at La Suite by Dussol, a cliff-side retreat nestled within the exclusive hilltop neighbourhood of Joatinga. Here you’ll be greeted with intimate surroundings, light and spacious rooms and a world-class ocean view. Complete with its own palm-shaded infinity pool and a range of spa services, La Suite also has another secret advantage; its own private beach.

Not one to be outdone, Emiliano Rio is another of Rio’s best accommodation offerings fitted with a much-coveted outdoor infinity pool. Enviably located on the front of Copacabana Beach, this hotel features architecture to compliment the natural light and sea views surrounding, as well as all the necessary modern amenities. Additional services include an on-site spa, fitness centre and organic restaurant that cooks up contemporary Brazilian cuisine. Encircled by acres of lush greenery, Vila Santa Teresa combines the luxuries of a historic, private villa with a boutique hotel in the heart of the city’s bohemian Santa Teresa district. The estate boasts soaring views of Rio de Janeiro’s infamous Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay, a surreal backdrop that creates a sense of privacy and adventure.

Last but not least is the unique Hotelinho Urca Guest House, a gay-owned and operated B&B at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. Backgrounded by Morro da Urca Rock and foregrounded by a small secluded beach, this stylish guesthouse is also just minutes away from the sandy shores of Praia Vermelha and Praia da Urca. A perfect base for lovers of sunsets, scenery and nature, this modern hotel with antique features comes with its own sun terrace, pool and unbeatable sea views.