Rio de Janeiro pocket guide.
🔼 Above: Praia de Copacabana (📷).
Few things can be said about the crown jewel of Brazil that have not been uttered before — or more to the point — cannot be summed up by one look at its astonishing landscape. A burgeoning metropolis has carved itself into lush, rugged rainforest terrain, which edges its way to the greet the golden sands of the South Atlantic coast.
Cariocas welcome tourists from across the globe with open arms. You will be hard pressed to find more lively, joyous and affable hosts than right here. From the rousing rhythms of samba, sun-kissed seaside afternoons and star-studded skies, you will gradually grasp the essence of what makes Rio one of the most spell-binding and enduring destinations in the world.
🏖 the Beaches.
Located in the heart of Rio, Praia de Copacabana (📷) is one of the most famous beaches in the world, thanks to its status as the play-ground of the rich and famous. Today, whilst things at Copacabana remain lively, and its beach is as glorious as ever, the neighbouring resort of Ipanema (📷) has taken some of its limelight.
Dense and rugged forest impedes on the coast of the city at Ipanema, with the dramatic Dois Irmãos peaks obstructing the coastline at the western end of the beach. The beautiful expansive beach of Ipanema has also become ingrained into everyday vocabulary thanks to a classic bossa-nova tune that it so definitive of the neighbourhood that it inspired a spike in tourism that has never decreased since.
A more secluded and relaxing beach lies at the foot of the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Praia Vermelha – or Red Beach – welcomes visitors to its stunning bay sandwiched between two imposing peaks and surrounded by lush jungle vegetation. These three beaches comprise the finest sandy shores in the tourist centre of Rio, but explore within the farther reaches of the city limits to uncover some wonderful beaches that are a little less crowded.
In the far south-western reaches of the city lies an incredible stretch of coastline which yields plenty of great beaches and resort towns. Golden Macumba Beach is not conveniently located, but it is well worth the journey out of town. Like much of the beaches in the city, Macumba is particularly noteworthy for surfers, as it is reputed to be one of the best spots to catch a wave in Rio.
Prainha Beach (📷) is another highlight of any trip to Rio, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the beaches in the centre of town. Yet another favourite with surfers, this fine white sand of the beach is contrasted by the wild and untamed jungle landscape behind it, elevating it as one of the most picturesque spots in the city. To reach this area, a bus can be taken from the center for around about £5.00 one way. Alternatively, taxis should be obtainable from £25.00 one way.
🏰 Sights, Culture + Experiences.
Perched atop the 700m peak of Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer (📷) keeps watch over the city of Rio with panoramic views for miles in every direction. Perhaps the most iconic sight in Rio, the statue can be reached via a train that ferries visitors up and down the mountainside hourly each day. Tickets for the train must be booked in advance, so don't show up here without a reservation or you will be unable to hop on-board. Aside from the 2-3 hour hiking trail, the alternative option is to take a licensed van.
Cristo Redentor is just one of the sights in Tijuca (📷), a dense urban rainforest that’s home to bio-diverse flora and fauna, and dozens of mystical waterfalls.
Located at the foot of Corcovado, make sure not to miss out on the often-photographed atrium of Park Lage (📷), with the mountain providing an formidable backdrop.
Built in preparation for Rio hosting the Olympic Games in 2016, the Boulevard Olimpico (📷) showcases some of the best contemporary Brazilian street art. The vibrant colours and eye-catching imagery on display here makes for a great place to go for a walk during the day-time.
Another great reason to come here is the Museum of Tomorrow, located at the tail-end of the Boulevard Olimpico. Even if you are not typically invested in visiting museums, the museum awards a welcoming twist. The stark futuristic design of the building is enough to turn heads, and its exhibitions are no exception. Exemplifying the movement to produce a world that is powered by sustainable energy, this museum sheds light on an important message.
Make sure you pack a pair of comfortable, sturdy shoes when you come to Rio in order to take full advantage of the numerous viewpoints across the city. Climb to the peak of the aforementioned Dois Irmãos which offers breath-taking views, including a perfect vantage of Ipanema Beach in all its glory. Looking at some tourist snaps from the summit of Pedra da Gávea (📷) may be enough to induce vertigo in those who are wary of heights, but don't let that put you off making the journey to the top. The all-encompassing view from the peak of the mountain is perhaps the best in the whole city, so allot a half day on your itinerary to do the hike.
💃🏾 Bars + Nightlife.
After admiring the incredible sunsets that descend upon the city each night, Rio becomes even more lively. Locals are famous for raucous parties and a fun-loving attitude, so prepare to make some life-long memories night after night. Whether on the look-out for bustling bars or to soak up some excellent samba music, Rio has all bases covered.
All generations gather at Bukowski (📷) for an evening of drinking and socialising. Offering rustic interiors and outdoor drinking space, Bukowski is brimming with character and a positive atmosphere, making this a great place to mingle.
Set inside a 100-year old mansion, local favourite Trapiche Gamboa is a must-visit for those who love samba, with frequent live shows that see its small dance-floor packed full of people letting loose.
Set inside a 100-year old mansion, local favourite Trapiche Gamboa is a must-visit for those who love samba, with frequent live shows that see its small dance-floor packed full of people letting loose.
On the main tourist drag of Ipanema, the tiny hole-in-the wall bar of Canastra has proven popular with crowds. Boasting a cosy interior, copious seating space outside and varied selection of wine, this low-key bar is an essential visit for anyone.
Weekly samba shows are performed by award-winning group Samba do Trabalhador at the Renascença Clube, There is a jovial atmosphere in this diverse crowd, with each generation of locals accounted for in equal parts. The club has been unifying Cariocas to be amongst friends and family whilst embracing the timeless music of their country. On the opposite side of the spectrum, neon lights guide the way to the thumping dance-floor of Fosfobox, catering to the younger generation who have adopted the modern sounds of hip-hop and electronic music.
🍖 Food + Drink.
Budget conscious travellers should have no qualms finding good food at a wallet-friendly cost. By no means cheap compared to elsewhere South America, but typical Brazilian cuisine relies heavily on substantial cuts of prime meats, meaning one meal should set you up with enough fuel for a day of exploring and taking part in beach-side activities.
Quirky Brazilian joint Restaurante Rayz entices clientele to sample from a tantalising menu featuring locally sourced steaks and savoury snacks. Back in Copacabana, take advantage of the reasonable prices and tasteful Italian-Brazilian fusion at Bistro Santa Satisfação, which serves up a combination of pasta dishes alongside more traditional meals. If you are looking to avoid the tourist traps of Copacabana, keep an eye out for this tiny bistro which strikes a great balance between cost and quality.
On the fringes of the well-worn tourist circuit of Rio's centre, the area of Praça da Bandeira was known as one of the poorer areas of the city until fairly recently, having undergone somewhat of a rejuvenation. Trendy bar-come-restaurant Aconchego Carioca is a shining example. Curating a menu of dishes commonly associated with north-eastern Brazil, the restaurant puts a unique spin on traditional cuisine and pairs it with an amazing selection of beers.
If you're feeling adventurous, head up to Babilonia for Estrelas da Babilonia (📷), for delicious food from its kitchen and grill to serve the guests of the on-site hostel. Don't be off-put by the notion of navigating in favelas, as Babilonia has a reputation for being relatively safe. Besides, opening yourself up to transiting through favelas will present opportunities that would otherwise not be possible. Once you arrive, you will be seated at the jaw-dropping balcony overlooking Rio, definitely the best value for money in terms of scenic dining in the city.
💤 Accommodation.
When it comes to finding ideal accommodation, there is generally a wide array of options available to just about every type of traveller. Budget travellers can snag private rooms in snazzy hotels for under £50.00 without much hassle, although this may fluctuate during the peak season – especially Carnival.
On the other hand, there’s also fancy exclusive hotels that provide your own personal space in the lap of luxury, which will set you back a fair amount. Alternatively, there are many great hostels in Rio for backpackers, get your dates right and you might be able to find bed prices from as little as £6.00 per night. Fill out a search on either Skyscanner, Hostelworld or Airbnb depending upon your travel style.
💰 Dorms from £13.00 per night.
💰 Dorms from £15.00 per night.
💰 Dorms from £11.00 per night.
💰 Rooms from £50.00 per night.
💰 Rooms from £25.00 per night.
💰 Rooms from £45.00 per night.
Rounding off.
Perhaps the most dramatic backdrop to any city on Earth, Rio’s natural wonder is enough to startle you every time you lay eyes upon the glistening golden coast and dense jungle vegetation creeping up the side of the rugged mountains that wrap themselves around the urbanised centre.
Not only will the lush environment take you by surprise, but the warmth and energy of the local Cariocas will make you feel as though you have found a home away from your own.
Enjoy the world-class beaches in the day-time, diverse nightlife in the evening, and lovingly-prepared hearty meals to prop you up through your travels – Rio has everything you could ever wish for.
Whether you are here in Rio for the madcap escapades that ensue during the midst of Carnival, or you are here in the dead of winter, the weather here is always pleasant, so do not hesitate to put Rio at the top of your wishlist.
