Its biggest rivals are the other most important Rio clubs: Fluminense, Flamengo, and Vasco da Gama. The derby with Fluminense is known as the "Clssico Vov" (Grandfather Derby) because it is the oldest derby in the whole country.

During the day, Praia de Botafogo (Botafogo beach) and Aterro do Flamengo (Flamengo Park) are wonderful and relatively safe places with picture-perfect views over the bay and of the Sugarloaf mountain.