Flamengo is a traditional middle-to-upper class neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. The area is rather safe during the day, and partially safe at night. It depends a lot on the street. In fact, that happens a lot in various districts in Rio — totally safe at day time, but with some reasonably safe streets at night.
Generally speaking the safer streets are the noisiest and busiest, with lots of traffic and people. In Flamengo area the busiest streets are the two inland — Marques de Abrantes and Catete Streets — both cross the neighborhood.
The other perpendicular streets are expected to be safe at day time, but at night some of them are a bit dark and deserted, especially after the shops closing time (7 p.m.), or after locals dining time (8-9 p.m.). After that time arriving by taxi is the safest choice.
There are some reasonably good and inexpensive mid-range hotels in Flamengo such as Windsor Florida and Scorial Rio Hotel (the latter actually in Catete area). Planning to stay in Flamengo? Not a bad area at all. In fact, a very lively non-touristy area for those who can not afford a hotel along the coast such as in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Leme.
From the Largo do Machado Subway Station, you can head to the beaches, or to Downtown and Lapa. Plenty of taxis, buses, restaurants, and cafes in the area.
One more point about Flamengo safety: avoid Praia do Flamengo Avenue, its reclaimed area called “Aterro do Flamengo”, and its beaches, except on Sundays and holidays where there is plenty of locals out having a good time.
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