Flamengo Tours

Far less crowded than Rio hot spots such as Copacabana or Ipanema, the art deco Flamengo neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Sul offers a comfortable downtown alternative to the more trendy beaches and resorts. While there, visit Flamengo Park, a grassy section of reclaimed shoreline that faces Guanabara Bay.

The Basics
This largely residential district has plenty to offer. It’s home to one of the city’s most popular shopping centers, Rio Sul, as well as museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) and Oi Futuro Museum of telecommunications. Once the sun goes down, Praça São Salvador comes to life as a nightlife hot spot, complete with live music, street dancing, and al fresco drinking. View the neighborhood from the waters of Guanabara Bay on a sightseeing cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Flamengo is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, and those looking for a relaxed escape from Rio’s busier beaches.
• The waters of Flamengo Beach are typically too polluted for swimming, so stick to the shore.
• Flamengo offers a range of accommodations perfect for budget travelers.

How to Get There
When to Get There
The best time to visit Flamengo is on Sunday, when the main avenues are closed to traffic to allow residents to walk, bike, or play sports. While the neighborhood is largely safe by day, it still requires caution at night.

Botafogo
Flamengo is connected by a busy boulevard to the equally appealing neighborhood of Botafogo, once home to the city’s embassy row and currently home to the yacht club. Visit to sample its quirky bars and creative restaurants and to experience its decidedly hipster vibe.