It's important to exercise caution when traveling to Rio by taking standard safety precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and not displaying valuable possessions in public. It's also advisable to research the neighborhoods you plan on visiting before arriving in Rio.
Certain areas like Copacabana and Ipanema are well-known tourist spots that boast a strong police presence. Other neighborhoods such as Santa Teresa are less traveled but still safe if explored during the day with proper attention given to your surroundings.