Arpoador is a small district right between Ipanema and Copacabana. The Arpoador area is rather safe, especially at day time. There is always plenty of people going to or coming from the beach. Besides, there is a rather busy cycling path that connects Copacabana and Ipanema — the two most popular beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
Safety in Arpoador
Arpoador is definitely a safe area at day time, especially along the Francisco Otaviano Street, which is the busiest street that separates Ipanema from Copacabana. However, at night time this street is rather dark at some sections, and should be avoided after 9 or 10 p.m., especially on Monday-Wednesday in the cooler months (April to October), when locals tend to stay indoor instead of outdoors.
Bear in mind that Franscisco Otaviano Street is not particularly unsafe. Please understand that the safest areas in Rio de Janeiro are those rather busy with pedestrians, and well-lit. That’s a rule of thumb you should use when walking around.
Probably the best hotel in Arpoador (weighting quality, price, and location) is Atlantis Copacabana Hotel. At day time you can try either beaches — Copacacabana, Arpoador, or Ipanema. At night time you can have dinner in one of the cafes just outside Galeria River, less than two minutes walking from this hotel.
Another well-located hotel is Arpoador Inn, right on Arpoador Beach. The main highlight of this hotel is its location — it is one of the few hotels in Rio that has no double- or triple-lane avenues at its entrance. Besides, there is an excellent restaurant (Azul Marinho) overlooking Arpoador sidewalk and beach.
Arpoador Beach became very popular in the last years for evening swims as well as stand-up paddling, and surfing. The sand is well-lit, safe, and has lots of people on the hotter months (November through February, especially December and January). A must-go on a humid and hot day.
Planning to stay in a hotel in Arpoador? Not a bad idea. But before booking one in the area, check out other options in the hotel chapter of My Rio Travel Guide. In this e-book you also find maps of the area as well as further information on safety in Rio de Janeiro.
Click below to get your copy of My Rio Travel Guide
