Santa Cruz
Rio de Janeiro
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.
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.
Ipanema Beach
See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.
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.
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.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Things to do
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari
Grumari, Prainha & Pontal Beach Day Tour with Transfer
Pedra do Telegrafo - Trail with Tour Guide and Transportation at the Hotel
Pedra do Telegrafo Hiking Tour with the Best Tour Operator in Rio
Santa Cruz Hotel Deals
Lagune Barra Hotel
Perfecto
Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026
Regency Barra Hotel
Great Breakfast. Clean and comfortable room. Awesome beach location!
Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026
Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro
Property was well maintained. Pool is nice
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2026
Windsor Marapendi
Excellent, the area is very nice and safe
Reviewed on Apr 6, 2026
Américas Barra Hotel
Hilton Barra Rio De Janeiro
The best of the 4 hotels we stayed in during our visit to Rio. The only one that wasn’t full of mosquitoes ☺️ lovely rooftop pool made it feel like a holiday vs hostel.. good air conditioning too.
Reviewed on Apr 9, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Santa Cruz
Barra de Guaratiba
You'll enjoy the beaches and monuments in Barra de Guaratiba. You might want to make time for a stop at Barra de Guaratiba Beach or Sitio Roberto Burle Marx.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes
You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Recreio dos Bandeirantes. You might want to make time for a stop at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach or Posto 12.
Jacarepagua
You'll enjoy the live music and parks in Jacarepagua. You might want to make time for a stop at Shopping Metropolitano Barra or Tijuca Lake.
Barra da Tijuca
Boasting stunning beaches, lakes, and rivers, this upper-class neighborhood offers surf competitions, parachuting experiences, and tennis courts. Explore large modern malls, bars, and restaurants, while enjoying easy access to public transportation.
São Conrado
Discover São Conrado, memorable for its beaches. Popular attractions in São Conrado include Sao Conrado Beach and Pedra da Gavea, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at São Conrado Station.
Tijuca
The mountain views and churches are just a few things visitors like about Tijuca. Shopping Tijuca and Tijuca National Park are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Uruguai / Tijuca Station or Saens Pena Station to get around the larger area.
