January 2023 – Our first time in Brasil and the kick-off of an 8-month trip around the world. Rio de Janeiro really overwhelmed us. We were expecting to like it, after all, it’s called “Cidade Maravilhosa”, but it was more than we could hope for.
When listing all the sights and things to, do one can expect it will be good, however, it’s the energy, the people, the music, and the landscape that will feel you with joy.
Safety was a big concern. Coming from a “brother” country, we hear too many unfortunate experiences that even made us consider if we should make Rio de Janeiro one of our stops. We decided to come, followed all the tips that were passed on to us, and were lucky enough to have an uneventful experience.
Below are all our recommendations of what to eat and do in Rio de Janeiro, and also some practicalities that may come in handy.
What to do in Rio de Janeiro
Experiences
- Rent a bike and cycle from Leblon to Copacabana, by the sea – Download the app Bike Itau
- Also bike around Lagoa Rodrigo Freitas.
- Spend a day on Ipanema beach trying all the vendors’ delicatessens and bargaining for bikinis – we recommend around Posto 9
- Watch the sunset at Pedra do Arpoador
- Trilha Morro Dois Irmãos – uber to the entry of the favela. Ride to the entry by moto taxi (5 R$) or combi (10 R$). On the entrance of the trail, after a football field, you will need to pay 10 R$. During the trek, when in doubt, go left. These were the best views of Rio! Don’t hike in peak heat, the trail is quite sweaty.
- Cristo Redentor – buy the ticket online (75 R$) and choose the date and time of your visit. The time is not super strict. You can change the day within the next 30 days if needed, directly on the website.
- Bondinho Pão de Açucar – 150 R$/person – skip this and just trail up to morro da urca, for free where the views are also great. The trekking is easy, takes about 30 minutes, mostly shadows, and you can spot cute monkeys.
Music
Music is always around in Rio de Janeiro, there is always Samba playing somewhere. These were our top experiences:
- Samba do Trabalhador – Every Monday @ Clube Renascenca, Tijuca – 30 R$ – this is a must!
- Pick a show @ Circo voador. We were lucky enough to watch Mart’nalia for only 80 R$. Tickets are sold online and you can choose the “Charity Ticket”, you just need to bring to the show 1kg of food (such as rice or beans).
There are always several musical events during the week – search online for the cultural agenda at the time of your trip. Check out the Instagram page @ahseeuvou.
Culture
Most museums are free on Tuesday, so if you have the opportunity, leave this day for the cultural sights.
- Real Gabinete Português de Leitura – Free
- Centro Cultural Banco Brasil – Free
- Teatro Municipal – $
- Biblioteca Nacioal – Free
- Museu do Amanhã – Free on Tuesdays
- Parque Laje – Free
Top foods you should try in Rio de Janeiro
We (really) love to eat. The budget was a concern, but apart from that restriction, we really enjoy going to the local eateries, different from what you could find in your country. In Rio de Janeiro, these places are the Botequins or Botecos (funny enough, most of them were owned by Portuguese people). Here are some of our highlights:
You can get all of these locations pinned on your google maps with this link
Zona Sul
- Feijoada @ Boteco Belmonte
- Pastel “O Gostosão Carioca” @ Feira Nª Senhora da Paz Ipanema on Fridays. These markets are held in every neighbourhood on a specific day, Search for the market day on your location
- Bolinho de Feijoada & Coxinha @ Bracarense, Leblon
- Pão de queijo @ everywhere
- “Chope aguado do Rio” – Cold, smooth and light beer @ everywhere
- Açaí @ Juice Bars. We recommend Big Polis in Leblon and Polis Sucos in Ipanema
- Mate geladão, Biscoito Globo, Corn and Grilled white Cheese @ Beach vendors
- Choripan @ Barraca do Uruguayo Posto 9 Ipanema Beach
- Picanha @ Braseiro da Gávea – 1 serving eats 3/4 people
- Galeto with “crazy rice” @ Galeto Rainha, Leblon
- Bolinho de abóbora com camarão – awarded best boteco food of 2023 @ Bar do David, Copacabana
Zona Centro & Tijuca
- Feijoada @ Bar do Mineiro
- Bolinho de Arroz and Bolovo de Massa de Balhão @ Bar do Momo – We only tried these two snacks but everything looked amazing
- Sandes de Pernil @ Opus
- Sandes de linguiça @ Café Gaucho
Also on our wishlist were the following restaurants, which we were not able to visit (this time!):
To eat:
- Bar da Gema @ Tijuca
- Bode Cheiroso @ Tijuca
- Aconchego Carioca @ Tijuca
- Boteko do Peixe @ Tijuca
- Academia da Cachaça @ Leblon
To drink:
- Bar da Laje @ Vidigal
- Aprazível @ Santa Teresa
Practical Information when travelling to Rio de Janeiro
Moving around
Metro is safe and very useful for visiting other parts of the city – you escape the traffic. You can pay directly with your debit/credit card: no need to buy a Metro card. The bus is less advised.
Uber is widely available and cheap. Choose the comfort/black options when later at night or in less touristy areas. The last option would be taxis, always opt for the registered yellow cabs.
Itau bikes are perfect for moving around in Zona Sul, 6,99$ per unlocking and just a few cents extra for the duration of the trip. Do bear in mind that the app has a temperament: it may fail you when you need it.
Where to stay
After researching quite a lot and enquiring with some former Rio residents, Ipanema and Leblon seem like the best areas to stay. Prices are a bit higher than in other parts of the city, but the ambience will feel safer and more foreign-friendly here. The closer to the beachfront, the better.
Safety tips
Leave your expensive clothes and accessories at home. Dress as casual as possible and carry only what you could go without. To use your phone, take a look at your surroundings to check if it is safe. If you feel uncomfortable, just walk into a cafe or store. At night, avoid walking around, and prefer ubering in and out. Carry some cash just in case.
Accessibility
For data plans, go to Shopping Leblon and buy a pre-paid card from the stand across the Claro stores (40 R$). Head to the store where they will activate your card (no Brazilian ID number required) and you will get 12G for 30 days.
ATMs work for foreign cards such as Revolut, you pay a 20R$ commission to withdraw. You can pay with credit card almost anywhere, even with the beach vendors. However, carrying some cash is advised.
English is not widely spoken, and Spanish the best alternative to Portuguese. If none of these work for you, try and learn a few essentials or carry a translator app on your phone.
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