We only got to spend a couple of days in Rio de Janeiro, but it has already become one of our favorite big cities of all time. Parts of Rio can feel like Los Angeles or Manhattan, but way more geographically beautiful. The city is clean and organized, surrounded by magnificent granite rock formations, green tropical mountains and epic beaches. Not only does Rio de Janeiro look beautiful, but it is also filled with some of the warmest people you will ever meet known around the world for their friendliness. Great food, beautiful beaches and mountains, and full of smiling, happy people. What more could you need?
WHERE TO STAY
Copacabana
Previously a playground for the rich and famous, Copacabana is probably the most widely known name is Rio. For luxe accommodations, the Copacabana Palace is beautiful hotel right on the beach. Plenty of more affordable options exist in this neighborhood as well, including hostels. The beach here sits in a bay, which means usually calmer waters for swimming, but also less clear/turquoise compared to the beautiful open ocean beaches of Leblon and Ipanema.
Ipanema
A bit more upscale and clean compared to it’s Copacabana neighbor, Ipanema boasts a world-class beach right in the heart of the city. Its streets are shaded by lots of trees, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. This neighborhood boasts the famous bar where the song “The Girl From Ipanema” was written. Stop by for a drink and sit where the writer sat as he watched the girl walk by each day. On the eastern end of Ipanema sits Pedra do Arpoador, where locals and tourists alike sit on the rocky peninsula to watch the beautiful sunsets over the iconic Dois Irmãos mountains to the west.
Leblon
Continuing west along the beach from Ipanema you’ll land in Leblon. Leblon boasts the same beautiful beach as Ipanema, closer to the iconic mountains. Leblon is a young, trendy part of town with great restaurants and bars. Take a stroll down the tree canopy covered Rua dias Ferreira and take your pick of wonderful shops, bars and restaurants.
WHAT TO DO
*Trem do Corcovado: Tram that will take you up to the Christ the Redeemer Monument. Passing through the world’s largest replanted forest, you will pass plenty of fruits and sometimes even monkeys on your way up. Give your feet a rest and take this convenient route up to the top (and back down again). Another option includes taking a van (also available for purchase at the base of Trem do Corcovado) which doesn’t go through the forest but makes several spots at viewpoints along the way up.
*Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) Monument: World famous statue of Jesus Christ looking over the city of Rio de Janeiro with open arms. Not only is the statue beautifully made, but the location itself is incredible with some of the most amazing views of this picturesque city. Considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, this is a must do. You can see Christ the Redeemer in the distance from much of Rio, but getting up close and personal will you give you unimaginable views. Up top you will find trails, a coffee shop and some gift shops. Be sure to go on a clear day, as on a gloomier day the mountain is covered in clouds, obstructing your views of the city and often the statue itself as well!
Parque Nacional da Tijuca: This urban National Park spans a large area in and around Rio and is cut through by the path of trem do Corcovado. Large parts of this urban forest have been reintroduced as part of the largest reforestation program in Brazil. There are multiple trails you can take, some starting at sea level and bringing you up and past Christ the Redeemer. Full of fruits, monkeys and birds, we unfortunately didn’t get to explore this park much, but how lucky that Cariocas (people local to Rio) get access to such lush greenery right in the heart of their urban area.
*Copacabana Beach: One of the most famous beaches in the world. Copacabana Beach has calm waters due to its waters being more sheltered by surrounding granite formations. Did you forget your sunglasses? Hats? Bikini? No worries, the Brazilian beach experiences means smiley vendors with anything you could possible need. Enjoy dips in the water in between açai, caipirinhas, grilled cheese sticks, shrimp, desserts and so much more brought straight to your umbrella. Copacabana is more narrow beach (sand-wise) with more crowds, but you will definitely get the full Brazilian beach experience here.
*Ipanema Beach: Our favorite beach in Rio de Janeiro. Water is more clear (although more rough) with larger wide open sand spaces and slightly less crowds. The water temperature could not be more perfect on a hot sunny day. Go for a swim and spend the day soaking up sun and snacks. Stay for sunset.
*Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar: Another must do activity in Rio de Janeiro. Take two cable cars up to the peak of Pão de Açúcar, AKA Sugarloaf Mountain. These two large granite peaks rising out from the water at Guanabara Bay are famous for the amazing viewpoints of Rio. Situated approximately 1300ft (400m) above the harbor, soak in the 360 degree panoramas while snacking and shopping with vendors at the top. The cable cars run every 30 minutes between 8AM and 10PM.
Watch Sunset at Arpoador Rock: This rock formation separates Copacabana from Ipanema Beach. Cool spot to hang out at any point during the day, but especially popular for sunset as you get awesome views of both beaches and the color show behind the rock formations by Ipanema. See if you can see the man’s face looking up in the rocks.
Snack on Biscoito Globo crackers on the beach: You will see these little red and green bags of crunchies everywhere and they are quintessential Rio de Janeiro. They are light, crunchy and disintegrate in your mouth in that Cheetos-puffs’ kind of way. Perfect for the beach, try both salty and sweet. Most Cariocas pair this with matte leão, a sweet iced tea sold by vendors.
*Walk around Leblon neighborhood: One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, here you will find cute shops and tons of hip restaurants and bars. Full of both locals and tourists, everyone is there to have a good time. Take a walk, eat a meal, grab a drink… Perfect for your evening after a day exploring the Marvelous City.
Lapa: Where to go for some serious nightlife. Packed with bars, restaurants, and night clubs.
WHERE TO EAT
*Sushi Leblon: Hip, trendy restaurant in the cool neighborhood of Leblon, this sushi place is superb. Full of locals and tourists from all over the world, there’s no wonder why this place can get long lines over the weekend. Try the black cod dish, white fish nigiri, salmon skin roll. Everything was fresh, juicy and picturesque. Make a reservation in advance if visiting during the weekend.
*Ráscal: An absolutely DELICIOUS restaurant with an all-you-can-eat buffet option (do the buffet). Food options change daily and we didn’t have one bad dish. From their spinach and cheese quiche, raviolis, herb crusted salmon, everything was fresh and tasty. Tons of healthy options and very vegetarian friendly. Only located in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, definitely stop by for a plate… Or 2… Or 3.
Taste of Amazonia; An ice cream shop located around the city as well as in Sugarloaf Mountain. Try a combination of limon + dark chocolate… You won’t regret it.
GoGordo Açai: One of the MANY açai shops in Rio, we came here because they offer açai without added sugar. Tasty and fresh with lots of topping options.
Território Aprazivel: A more unique dining experience, this restaurant is located in the Santa Theresa neighborhood which gives you views from above Rio. Wooden treehouse type structure house you as you eat delicious traditional Brazilian dishes with a twist. Unique food options that we didn’t see anywhere else such as açai guacamole and dishes/drinks made from jambú, a plant that will give you a slight tongue tingling sensation if you hold it in your mouth. A little bit outside of town, you will need to take a 30 minute cab/Uber here and back, but food and ambience are definitely worth it. Cute place to spend a special evening.
Polis Sucos: Rio de Janeiro is full of juice stands and juice shops on every corner. We came here for the açai + proteinato (a soy-based plant protein). Açai was great and they also have tons of juices, tapiocas, sandwhiches and more.
*Palaphita: Even the airport food in Brazil is amazing. If you’re looking for tasty meal before your flight at GIG, try the Amazonian salmon dish which comes with pureed bananas and a delicious sesame seed crust. Mmmm mmmmm.
MAP
Check out our free Rio de Janeiro Google Map with all of the recommendations from above.
