io is one of my favorite cities in the world. The amazing bar and club scene, breathtaking monuments (fun fact, Christ the Redeemer is one of the 7 wonders of the world) and the unique way city and nature come together are all great reasons to go visit. If you want to extend your visit and see Rio on your trip, here are some useful things to know.

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Places to Stay

Hotel Praia Ipanema

A good amount of time for a first visit to Rio is around 3–4 days.

In terms of places to stay, there are two neighborhoods I recommend: Leblon, and Ipanema. You might have heard a lot about Copacabana, but don't stay there – it's way less interesting than foreign media would have you believe. Here are a couple of recommendations: 

  1. Hotel Praia Ipanema.
  2. Hotel Sol Ipanema.
  3. Arena Ipanema Hotel.
  4. Hotel Fasano.
  5. Hotel Arp

Touristy Activities worth doing

Rio has some scenic attractions that are super touristy, but so worth doing. I've recently gotten to do them again with Tom after many years, and even I was amazed.

  1. Christ the Redeemer. This is unmissable. One of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city that you'll get. Take an uber to Trem do Corcovado, a tram that will take you to the top. As you walk towards the entrance, you will be swarmed by people offering you shuttles and restaurant discounts – ignore them. The tram is the way to go. Once you're up there, there are small gift shops and one restaurant but nothing super appetizing, so don't go hungry.
  2. Sugarloaf mountain. Another gorgeous panoramic view of the city. Once you're up there, there are actually a lot of cool spots to eat, grab a beer, and just sit around and enjoy the view.
  3. Parque Lage. A historic colonial style building surrounded by tropical rain forest. You need to book a reservation ahead of time to go in, or try your luck at the line for the caffe. The month of May tends to be pretty empty, so you'll probably do ok.
  4. Jardim Botânico. Epic botanical gardens with tropical plants and colonial building structures.
  5. Sunset at Pedra do Arpoador. Tourists and locals alike walk to the end of Leblon beach to Pedra do Arpoador, climb the rock and watch the sunset.

Shopping

Tom and I love shopping in Rio. One, because the currency is very favorable for dollars. Two, because fashion in Rio is quite unique, colorful and interesting. Here a few of our favorite places to shop.

  1. Shopping Leblon. This is a super bougie mall in Leblon, the richest neighborhood in the city. While you're there, look for Cantão, Schutz, Maria Oiticica, Sacada, Havaianas, Ellus and Foxton. It probably won't be that cheap, but you can get high quality items for a reasonable price.
  2. Babilônia Feira Hype. This is a fair that happens once or twice a month, so check out the dates and see if you got lucky. This is our favorite spot – it's a huge fair with indie shop owners with very cool outfits, beauty products and more.
  3. Feira Hippie de Ipanema. This is a fair that happens every Sunday. It's great if you're looking for touristy trinkets to bring home. It's a totally different vibe than Feira Hype, a lot simpler and more touristy.

Parties

Brazilians are professionals at partying. Here are a few spots to check out. Most of these places are not in Zona Sul and you should not wander around outside these venues.

Fundição Progresso, in Centro da Cidade
  1. Mondays at Pedra do Sal. It's said that this was the birthplace of samba. People get together every week on this open space, get live Samba music, dance and drink beer.
  2. Rio Scenarium. This is a proper club with massive parties.
  3. Thursdays at Fundição Progresso. Another awesome samba place to check out.

Food & Bars

I'm super biased but I think we have the best food in the world.

Tom's favorite: capirinha de limão at Academia da Cachaça

The bar culture in Brazil is also very unique. Locals like to sit or stand outside in the sidewalk, and stay there for hours talking and drinking beer. Look for "botecos", usually very simple establishments where everyone is sitting outside. A major difference in culture from the US is that you usually need to call waiters to your table, otherwise they'll assume you're doing fine and not come over. It's also generally good to befriend your waiters to get better service.

Here are some cool restaurants and authentic bars to check out while you're there.

  1. Academia da cachaça. This is super close to my house and I go all the time. I recommend you try the feijoada, dadinhos de tapioca, and escondidinho de carne seca. In terms of drinks, try the world famous caipirinha, made with Brazilian cachaça liquor.
  2. Aprazível. A restaurant in the Santa Teresa neighborhood with gorgeous views of the city.
  3. La Carioca Cevicheria. A kiosk on Leblon beach that specializes in seafood.
  4. Rio Brasa. If you're looking for the "all you can eat meat on the stick" experience, this is for you. Set aside 2 hours after to take a nap. Trust me... you'll need it.
  5. Macaco Caolho. Hip bar in the Botafogo neighborhood that often has live rock music.
  6. Liga dos Botecos. A low key bar that locals go to.
  7. 1408. A truly authentic boteco. Super down to earth, it's where my friends always go. Order a "chopp", what we call draft beer.
  8. Arp. Delicious food with beautiful views of Leblon beach and close to Pedra do Arpoador, one of the best sunset spots in town.
  9. Boteco Belmonte Ipanema. Go to the rooftop for more beautiful views of the beach.
  10. Confeitaria Colombo do Forte. Beautiful breakfast spread with a view to Copacabana beach.
  11. Oro Restaurante. If you're looking for a fancy fine dining experience, this two Michelin star restaurant is a good option.
  12. Malta Beef Club. For fine cuts of meat and a gourmet dining experience, this is the place for you. They're in the Leblon and Jardim Botânico neighborhoods.

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Safety

New Year's Eve Party in Copacabana with over 2 million people

Rio welcomes 5 million tourists a year, 2 million being international travelers. Like in any big city, it's important to use your good judgement and do your research. If you choose to travel to Rio without a local, we recommend you hire a travel guide that can teach you how to get around in the city and about the local customs.

Our 4 main pieces of advice are:

  1. Use Ubers or the subway to get around.
  2. Dress casually and avoid expensive jewelry.
  3. Don't use your phone when you're out in the street.
  4. Don't walk alone when it's dark outside.

Last thoughts

Rio will forever be my home. Tom and I spend two months out of the year there, and I hope someday we can bring our kids there too. I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the unique carioca way of life!

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