The second-most-populous city in Brazil—with the second-largest economy—Rio de Janeiro is a hotbed of development and innovation. Growing your business in the city means contributing to a highly diversified economy; commerce, trade, manufacturing, finance, and other service sectors are thriving here. It’s not all business, however, and the city is also known for its breathtaking scenery, samba rhythms, and annual Carnival festivities.
No matter the industry you’re in, opening your office headquarters to Rio can lead to a wealth of fresh opportunity. Tourism is a major area of growth, a trend fueled by global events like the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. And this, alongside massive infrastructural and industrial projects, makes Rio a strategic landing spot for teams of all sizes.
If you’re coming from overseas, the main sectors attracting foreign investment include chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and metallurgical, according to the International Trade Administration in the U.S. Plus, there’s promise in aerospace engineering, aviation, and safety and security devices.
All this business is set to a backdrop that’s brimming with culture, beach vibes, and that iconic Brazilian spirit. Some neighborhoods put you close to the beach and surf, while others offer proximity to landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Mount Corcovado. Rest assured—between the action at Copacabana, the creativity of Theatro Municipal, the wonder of Carnival, and a fanatic football following—your team will never grow bored in this sprawling beachside metropolis.
With a variety of workspaces available across the city, WeWork can help establish your headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Flexible, monthly agreements allow you to scale at your own pace, while all-inclusive amenities take the hassle out of moving in. Here are five neighborhoods to kick off your search.
Ipanema
Home to casual dining, retail shopping, and other attractions, Ipanema gives you the best of Brazil’s beach scene with a hint of business acumen thrown in. Plus, Ipanema Beach is considered one of the top spots in the South Zone to surf.
Located just blocks from the beach and drenched in sea breeze, WeWork Visconde de Pirajá 495 offers a range of private offices for teams of all sizes. The beautifully designed glass building also boasts incredible views that provide the wow-factor that’s needed to impress investors or partners from out of town.
Entertaining after work is simple, too, with several trendy bars and restaurants nearby, including Canastra and Bar 48. Hotel Fasano, which was built by French designer Philippe Starck, is also in the area, adding to the convenience.
Botafogo
Botafogo is located in the hills of Morro de São João, Mundo Novo, and Santa Marta. It’s renowned for attractions like the Villa-Lobos and Casa de Rui Barbosa Museums, while locals enjoy Gale Rio, a neighborhood street where artists showcase their work.
If you’re a creative, you’ll find inspiration comes easy in Botafogo—and WeWork Pasteur 154 completes the experience. Offering 11 floors of coworking space and impressive views of Sugarloaf Mountain, this workspace is a beautiful backdrop for your business. Home to creative studios, design firms, and artistic freelancers, you’ll find yourself in good company at this home base.
Copacabana
Copacabana is one of the most urban areas in Rio, boasting a population of 160,000 and a reputation for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Home to some of the city’s most well-acclaimed entertainment spots, this neighborhood is ideal if you need to wine and dine clients.
On either side of the Copacabana strip, you’ll find a WeWork location suited to your business. WeWork Pasteur 154 and WeWork Visconde de Pirajá 495 both put you close to the action of Copacabana while also providing peaceful, productivity-inspired workspace.
If you’re looking to open your headquarters within the neighborhood, consider one of WeWork’s enterprise offerings that allow you to choose a location and customize your office, just the way you want it.
Carioca
The downtown area of Rio is the city’s commercial center; if you’re launching a financial firm, you’ll feel right at home in Carioca. You can dine your clients at restaurants nearby and, if you feel like sightseeing, visit the Monastery of St. Benedict or The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Sebastian.
WeWork Almirante Barroso 81 offers six floors of vibrant office space in this buzzing city center, and caters to businesses in tech, finance, design, and law. Close proximity to public transportation makes commuting a breeze, and WeWork’s flexible rental agreements allow you to base your headquarters at the center of Rio without breaking the bank.
Barra da Tijuca
Barra da Tijuca offers a city escape with nearby beaches. Many retailers and public-service entities are drawn to the neighborhood’s restaurants, shops, bars, and vibrant nightlife scene—making this an ideal location to make local connections.
If you need a break from work, stop by the beach or walk through Orchard Square for a breath of fresh air. For lunch, don’t miss Tabacaria Elisée Cafeteria.
WeWork Helios Seelinger 155, located at the neighborhood’s eastern border, offers four floors of highly functional workspace with rooftop access (perfect for happy hour). All-inclusive amenities are designed to help every business thrive, and a range of office suites and private offices cater to established teams and startups alike.
If you’re looking for space elsewhere in Barra da Tijuca, opt for an enterprise solution from WeWork, in which you can choose the size and location of your new office.
