Both Botafogo beach and the whole neighborhood got its name after its famous resident João de Souza Pereira Botafogo.

Botafogo beach is a popular place for practicing volleyball, beach football and other sports. Some open-air concerts and shows are held on the beach from time to time.

Botafogo Praia Shopping http://www.botafogopraiashopping.com.br/ features numerous shops, restaurants (mostly fats-food), a cinema and a roof terrace with great views.