From the imposing granite peaks of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain, down to the white sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro will ignite all your senses. The city truly feels alive with the beat of samba drums, the sip of a perfect caipirinha, the aroma of bolinhos de bacalhau, a glimpse of monkeys dancing in the tropical trees, and the sensation of that salty, sticky beach air.
1. Book your accommodation near Copacabana Beach or Ipanema Beach
These are some of the most famous beaches not only in Brazil but in the entire world. By booking a hotel in these areas, you will be much closer to meetup spots for popular tours and restaurants. For me, proximity is everything and it cuts unnecessary transportation costs by staying close. There is plenty to do in these areas, and are great for walking. Lights are all along Copacabana Beach that stay on at night, so you will find plenty of sports and activities in the evenings.
2. Keep your smartphone and expensive belongings out of the public eye
Police and security are everywhere along the beaches above. However, these areas are still very crowded and see a lot of activity throughout the day. People are jogging, riding bikes, performing in the streets, selling goods, etc. You will stumble upon some really amazing things to take pictures of and unfortunately, this is where robberies happen. It’s a general rule of thumb to make sure nobody is within close proximity before pulling out your cellphone.
3. Use Uber for transportation and avoid people offering you a ride
Uber is available in Rio and would definitely recommend using it over a taxi since you can see the price. HOWEVER, sometimes people will approach you on the street or at the airport claiming they work for Uber but don’t. Only use the app for finding a driver.
4. Book Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain on a weekday
Arguably two of the most popular attractions in the entire city. You can also reach the base of the statue via Uber as well. The base is located at the top of the Corcovado mountain near one of Rio’s largest favelas, Santa Teresa.
5. Carry water wherever you go and don’t drink the tap water
The city is VERY humid throughout the day and if you are visiting during the summertime, expect temperatures to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I always kept 2 water bottles in my backpack before leaving the hotel and needed every bit of them. If you are going on a jeep tour into the jungle or on any of the hikes, fresh bottled water will not be available for purchase.
6. Book a jeep tour through Tijuca National Park
Truly a one of a kind experience and your best chance at seeing some of Rio’s wildlife. On this tour, you’ll escape city life on a Brazil military jeep through Rio’s largest rainforest. Waterfalls are running, monkeys are climbing and birds are singing all over the place. Not to mention the amount of hikes you will encounter along the way. They say that this forest is the city’s “natural air conditioner” and when you enter, you’ll experience a 10 degree drop in temperature instantly.
7. Pay a visit to the famous Santa Teresa Neighborhood
If you are visiting Rio during their famous Carnaval party, this area gets packed with people. There are cool shops and murals to take pictures of while walking around. Most of the art was done by Chilean artist named Jorge Selarón (below).
This would be a good opportunity to try some traditional Brazilian food as there are plenty of restaurants in this area. Tiles are all over the walls and each represent a city where tourists came from. If you check the wall and don’t see yours, you can actually request one at the shop and they will add it to the wall!
8. Try Brazil’s famous Pão de queijo and Cajuina juice
Cajuina juice is a very refreshing Brazilian drink, but isn’t for everyone. Cajuina is made up of blended cashew apples and has a very sweet aftertaste. It is non carbonated, non alcoholic and can be found in convenience stores all over the city. Tourists gave this drink mixed reviews, but I personally loved it.
9. Try Brazilian BBQ at Churrascaria Palace
Near Copacabana Beach there is a 4 star “all you can eat” Brazilian BBQ Restaurant that serves dozens of different meats. Locals have told me that this is their favorite restaurant in the city and I can honestly agree.
Brazilian BBQ is a unique dining experience where you are sat at a private table and servers will come around with skewers full of meat to serve you as they walk around. There is also an open buffet and salad bar next to the dining room in case you want to balance out your diet. Typically in other parts of the world, a Brazilian BBQ restaurant would have little pegs on each table. One side of the peg would be green which signals the servers to bring you more food, while red tells them to ignore your table.
10. Visit the Rio De Janeiro Cathedral downtown
One of the most uniquely designed cathedrals in South America and definitely one of the city’s biggest attractions. From the inside, you will see a window at the top forming the shape of a cross and long mosaic designs that stretch down to the doorways. When the sun is directly overhead, the cathedral is fascinating to see with its colors. It is free to the public to walk in. If you decide to do the Christ The Redeemer tour that I mentioned earlier, this is also included.
