Botafogo is the neighbourhood that sits between the mountains and Guanabara Bay, south of Centro and north of the Zona Sul beaches. The bay-facing Praia de Botafogo offers the classic postcard view of Sugarloaf Mountain from ground level — a perfect cone reflected in the calm water of the bay. Botafogo is not a swimming beach (the water is too polluted) but the seafront walk is excellent in the late afternoon.
The neighbourhood has become one of Rio's most interesting food and bar scenes in recent years, particularly around Rua Nelson Mandela and the Botafogo Praia Shopping mall area. It also has the best concentration of cinemas in the city and is home to several cultural venues. More residential and local than the beach zones, Botafogo is where many young Cariocas actually eat and drink. The metro stops here (Botafogo station on Line 1).