Santa Teresa has a long rich history that someone knows better than me, but in its current form, Santa is a boho/ touristy neighborhood. Very beautiful, great place to stay, and definitely worth a visit if you stay somewhere else. Santa Teresa is very hilly, and it some ways feels like Portugal. Take a moto taxi up, or ride the Bonde up from Centro/ Lapa, or if you want to work that butt, there are a lot of great staircases. Brazilians are friendly, they will help you navigate. BONUS! Mariana and I painted a couple murals in Santa, so maybe you can find them... This neighborhood is very special to us <3

Vidigal is the most tourist accessible, and one of the most beautiful Favelas in Rio. (Instead of Favela, the word Communidade is a bit more respectful). Vidigal is admittedly not the most convenient place to stay (in regards to subway, centrality, etc.) but for anyone curious to see a hillside labyrinth with an ocean view, Vidigal. Bonus! Take a moto taxi to the top of the Communidade to the start of the Dois Irmãos trailhead. Dois Irmãos (2 brothers) is the striking double rock mountain visible from the Leblon/ Ipanema beach. From the top of the Hike, you will be rewarded with incredible views of Rocinha, another incredible Communidade, and all of the main beach neighborhoods as you stand on top of the city looking straight down. (Easyish, short hike)

We would not recommend staying in Centro, but it is worth a visit. Centro is like the old downtown of Rio. There are still a bunch of museums and old buildings. Carnival blocos often pass through and take over the streets, during Carnival.

You could stay in Lapa, but you may not want to. This neighborhood is included because it is a great nightlife spot. Start at the colorful staircase: Escaderia Selaron, grab a drink from Fatima, then wander over to the Academia da Cachaça and try some Gabriela!