What is Santa Cruz like?

You'll be sure to have fun exploring Rio de Janeiro's Santa Cruz neighbourhood. Are you looking for Santa Cruz travel tips? Make sure that you visit Cidade das Criancas and Serra de Sao Tome while you're in the neighbourhood.

How many hotels will I be able to find in the Santa Cruz area?

If you're searching for places to stay in Rio de Janeiro, choose from one of Expedia's 11 hotels and other accommodation options in Santa Cruz.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Santa Cruz, will I receive a refund?

Yes, most hotel bookings are fully refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, you might be able to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Plug in your dates, click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view the best options available in Santa Cruz.

What can I see and do in this Rio de Janeiro neighbourhood?

A few attractions you might want to check out while you're in Santa Cruz are Cidade das Criancas and Serra de Sao Tome. You might also plan a visit to Pedra do Sino when you're sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro.

How can I get around Santa Cruz and the greater Rio de Janeiro area?

To venture out of town, take a train from Santa Cruz Station.

Top 10 Santa Cruz Hotels of 2025

Top 10 Hotels in Santa Cruz

"Excellent service, kind and professional the food in the buffet good and affordable."

includes taxes & fees

20 Jul - 21 Jul

Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

"Very clean hotel. The breakfast is amazing. The staff are friendly and helpful. "

Hypo-allergenic bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

"It was good for the price "

includes taxes & fees

7 Jul - 8 Jul

On the beach, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels

"This place is so magical. Quiet, clean, so beautiful, the staff is exceptional. Played tennis which was so fun, used the bikes, the beach is awesome We loved our stay here! "

includes taxes & fees

29 Jun - 30 Jun

"Great location with many options for shopping and eating."

Outdoor pool, open 8:00 AM to 8 PM, pool loungers

"Great hotel! "

includes taxes & fees

23 Jun - 24 Jun

"This is a great hotel. Everything is great including the room, the staff and the amenity. The only downside is that Uber drivers can not find this hotel easily as the Google map would direct them to a side door that is always closed, they have to take a big detour to find the way come into the hotel. It happens to all six of my Uber drivers."

"Love every aspect of my stay!"

includes taxes & fees

5 Jul - 6 Jul

"The check in and subsequent support from the reception was really excellent. All of them spoke good English too. Only thing was that our room cards stopped working every day. Great room and view and balcony. Very nice breakfast as well. All there also very nice and friendly. "

includes taxes & fees

27 Jun - 28 Jun

includes taxes & fees

24 Jun - 25 Jun

"Very good stay and friendly staff. Well located for riocentro"

"Great property. Love this hotel "

includes taxes & fees

27 Jun - 28 Jun

Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

"Good"

includes taxes & fees

29 Jun - 30 Jun

"The staff and buffet meals were great And of course to location to the beach!!"

includes taxes & fees

21 Jun - 22 Jun

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

"Excelente hotel. "

includes taxes & fees

24 Jun - 25 Jun

1 bedroom, minibar, desk, iron/ironing board

"Shopping on walking distance"

"Amei"

"The restaurant is an excellent option! "

includes taxes & fees

22 Jun - 23 Jun

"The host were very kind and nice. Definitely will stay again! "

includes taxes & fees

8 Jul - 9 Jul

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Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Copacabana

Copacabana Beach and Rua Barata Ribeiro are top sights in Copacabana, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station to see more sights in the area.

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Barra da Tijuca

3 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.

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Ipanema

Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.

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Rio de Janeiro Centro

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

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Leblon

Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.

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