rio de janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, the "Cidade Maravilhosa" or "Marvelous City," where Valentina spent 18 years. We've created a guide to help you explore Rio like a local, with our top restaurant recommendations, must-see attractions, suggested hotels, and exciting activities. The guide is organised by our favourite neighbourhoods, each offering unique experiences to make planning your days easier.
Rio is renowned for its stunning landscapes, lively beach culture, and the world-famous carnival. From the iconic beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana to the historic charm of Santa Teresa, the Zona Sul (South Zone) of the city is full of beauty and excitement.
The people of Rio are known as Cariocas, and being a Carioca is more than just where you're from—it's a way of life. Cariocas are famous for their sunny outlook, love of the beach, and festive spirit. While you're here, immerse yourself in the Carioca lifestyle—clap for the sunset at Arpoador, play beach football, and enjoy a cold beer with friends.
We've also included a Google Maps link with all the places mentioned here to help you explore Rio's highlights easily. We hope you leave feeling a bit like a Carioca yourself.
P.S. This guide highlights our favourite things in Rio and doesn't cover everything the city has to offer.
Copacabana
Copacabana is famous for its stunning beach, lively nightlife, and vibrant atmosphere. This energetic neighbourhood offers beautiful seaside views, a bustling boardwalk, and diverse dining options.
Food & Drinks:
Café 18 do Forte: Located near the historic Fort of Copacabana, this café offers delicious pastries and coffee with a view.
Haru: A favourite for sushi lovers. This cosy, Japanese-style restaurant offers an Omakase menu with sushi, sashimi, and traditional dishes, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
Lasai: This intimate two-star restaurant with just 10 seats offers a modern surprise tasting menu, featuring seasonal vegetarian dishes and wine pairings.
Mee: A high-end Pan-Asian restaurant offering a sophisticated dining experience.
Activities:
Copacabana Beach: A world-famous beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying Rio's lively beach culture.
Hotels:
Copacabana Palace: A legendary luxury hotel offering timeless elegance, stunning beachfront views, amazing restaurants, and impeccable service.
Fairmont: A modern, upscale hotel offering stunning ocean views.
Hilton Copacabana: A beachfront hotel offering comfortable accommodations with magnificent views of the beach
Ipanema
Ipanema is known for its famous beach, vibrant nightlife, and cultural hotspots. This trendy neighbourhood is perfect for beachgoers, shoppers, and food enthusiasts. It offers a mix of sophisticated and casual dining options and a lively atmosphere day and night.
Food & Drinks:
Satyricon: An upscale Italian restaurant known for its seafood.
Gajos d'Ouro: A Portuguese restaurant offering tasty traditional dishes in a friendly setting.
Esplanada Grill: A renowned steakhouse that serves high-quality meats
Boteco Belmonte: A lively rooftop bar/restaurant known for its traditional Brazilian petiscos, perfect for a casual dinner with a great view.
Polis Sucos: A favourite spot for fresh juices and light snacks.
Activities:
Ipanema Beach (Posto 10): Enjoy the sun and fresh coconut water at Posto 10, a popular section of Ipanema Beach. It's a great spot to relax, swim, and experience Rio's lifestyle.
Sunset at Arpoador: Head to the Arpoador rock formation to witness one of Rio's stunning sunsets. Clap with the Cariocas as the sun sets over the horizon.
Hotels:
Fasano Hotel: A luxury hotel with a chic design, rooftop pool, and exceptional service.
Arpoador Hotel: Offers a prime location between Ipanema and Copacabana, with beautiful sea views.
Ipanema Inn: A boutique hotel offering comfort and style.
Sol Ipanema Hotel: A beachfront hotel known for its friendly service and great views.
Leblon
Leblon is one of Rio's most affluent neighbourhoods, known for its upscale shopping, gourmet restaurants, and beautiful beach. It's a lively area with a mix of luxury and local charm, offering something for everyone. The beach here is less crowded than neighbouring Ipanema, making it a favourite among locals and, of course, us too.
Food & Drinks:
Jobi: A classic bar known for its lively atmosphere. chopp (Brazilian draft beer, served very cold) and traditional Brazilian snacks (petiscos). It is perfect for a casual night out.
Must-try: Chopp and filé com queijo (a delicious sandwich made with tender beef and melted cheese.
Boteco Rainha: A casual restaurant/bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of traditional Portuguese & Brazilian dishes.
Ocyá: This restaurant features a glass-fronted fish maturing cabinet and offers a menu of seafood charcuterie alongside grilled, fried, and raw fish dishes with unique flavours and presentation.
Giuseppe Grill: A rustic-elegant steakhouse known for its high-quality cuts prepared on a charcoal grill and an extensive wine list.
Clan BBQ: A modern restaurant focusing on fire-cooked dishes, offering barbecued meats, fish, and vegetables.
Talho Capixaba: A gourmet deli and bakery popular for breakfast. Great for fresh juices, tapioca and empadinhas (preferably Palmito).
Colher de Pau: This bakery has been a local favourite since 1974, known for its cakes and brigadeiros (chocolaty treats).
Must-try: Valentina can never decide.
BB Lanches: A local favourite, this well-regarded spot is known for its delicious juices, sandwiches, and classic Brazilian snacks.
Must-try: Açai and Pastel de carne, a typical Brazilian salty pastry with minced meat and a boiled egg inside.
Sushi Leblon: A trendy, long-standing restaurant known for high-quality Japanese cuisine, with a bar counter by the kitchen and a recommendation to book ahead for dinner.
Bel Trufas: A small boutique specializing in artisanal chocolates.
Henriqueta: A cosy Portuguese offering quality shareable dishes like pork sandwiches and roasted octopus, with a focus on traditional flavours.
Academia da Cachaça: A must-visit for cachaça enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of this traditional Brazilian spirit.
Oro: An elegant, two-Michelin-star restaurant offering a creative fusion of Brazilian and modern cuisine
Activities:
Leblon Beach (Posto 12): A perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching.
Discovering Brazilian Fashion at Shopping Leblon: A luxury mall featuring high-end brands and boutiques.
Hotels:
Janeiro Hotel: A luxurious beachfront hotel known for its minimalist design, exceptional service, and stunning ocean views.
Gávea
Gávea is a leafy, upscale neighbourhood nestled at the base of the Tijuca Forest. It's known for its laid-back vibe, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent dining options.
Food & Drinks:
Braseiro: Yves' must-visit in Rio, renowned for its delicious steaks and traditional Brazilian fare, making it a local favourite for a hearty meal.
Must-try: Picanha with arroz com brócolis (broccoli rice), batata frita (chips), and farofa de ovos com banana (a Brazilian speciality with eggs and banana). Don't forget a chopp (draft beer) to complete your meal.
Casa da Tata: A charming café famous for its delightful breakfasts and homemade cakes.
Guimas: A beloved bistro offering a variety of international and Brazilian dishes in a cosy setting.
Bosque: A lively bar and outdoor club, ideal for an evening out, with a great selection of drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.
Jardim Botânico
Jardim Botânico is a tranquil neighbourhood named after the famous botanical garden it houses.
The neighbourhood is also known for its fine dining and charming cafes, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed day out.
Food & Drinks:
Escama: A seafood lovers paradise, this restaurant offers the best local fish and seafood in a relaxed setting close to the botanical garden.
Mr Lam: A sophisticated, long-standing restaurant offering classic Chinese cuisine with a touch of innovation and featuring stunning views from its top-floor dining room & bar.
Must-try: Chicken Satay & Sqwab & Gambie
Elena: A sophisticated two-storey venue in Horto, blending a restaurant, bar, and curated entertainment, offering Asian-inspired cuisine alongside creative cocktails.
Rubaiyat: This sophisticated Jockey Club restaurant, known for its premium meats and Saturday feijoada, offers stunning views of the racecourse and Christ the Redeemer.
Casa Camolese: A unique venue featuring a brewery, restaurant, and bar, perfect for an all-around good time.
Activities:
Jardim Botânico: Explore the extensive botanical garden, home to thousands of plant species.
Parque Lage: A beautiful park with a historic mansion, trails, and an art school, often hosting exhibitions and events.
Urca
Urca is a charming, historic neighbourhood known for its peaceful streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful views of Guanabara Bay.
It is also home to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, a major tourist attraction.
Food & Drinks:
Bar Urca: A popular spot for enjoying seafood and a cold beer, with the added bonus of a beautiful view of the bay.
Our recommendation: Order your food and drinks (to-go) at the counter, then find a seat by the "mureta," which is the wall by the water.
Activities:
Sugarloaf Mountain: Take the cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.
Lagoa
Lagoa is a picturesque and upscale neighbourhood surrounding the beautiful Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities such as jogging, cycling, and rowing, with pathways lined with cafes and kiosks offering panoramic views of the mountains and cityscape.
Food & Drinks:
Bar Lagoa: Opened in 1934 and renowned for its art déco charm, this classic bar offers traditional German dishes, a perfect draft beer and a scenic view of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.
Activities:
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or rent a paddle boat to explore the lagoon.
Safety Tips:
Lagoa is generally safe during the day. At night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid isolated parts of the lagoon.
São Conrado
São Conrado is a luxurious beachfront neighbourhood known for its striking landscapes, including the impressive Pedra da Gávea. It's a quieter area, offering beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. The area attracts adventure seekers and those looking to relax by the sea.
Food & Drinks:
Bartho: A stylish beachside kiosk offering delicious seafood, light starters, exclusive drinks, and tempting desserts, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Quiqui: Casual beachside kiosk in São Conrado offering a gastrobar menu, stunning views of Pedra da Gávea, and creative drinks, ideal for a sunset happy hour.
Soga: A relaxed, eco-friendly beachside kiosk offering fresh, simple food, natural drinks, and a peaceful vibe with stunning views of the sea and Pedra da Gávea.
Activities:
Hike Pedra Bonita or Pedra da Gávea: For adventure enthusiasts, these hikes offer breathtaking views of Rio and the Atlantic Ocean.
Paraglide from Pedra da Gávea: Enjoy the thrill of paragliding and take in stunning aerial views of the city.
São Conrado Beach: Spend the day at the beach in São Conrado and enjoy a meal in one of the delicious kiosks,
Praia da Joatinga: A hidden gem between São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, known for its stunning beauty and clear waters. This small, secluded beach, surrounded by cliffs, offers a more private beach experience. It's popular among surfers and those looking to escape the crowds. Access can be tricky, especially at high tide, so check the tide schedule before visiting. As it's a more isolated spot, it's best to go with a group and avoid staying late.
Santa Teresa & Cosme velho
Santa Teresa and Cosme Velho are two charming hillside neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro, offering a mix of historic charm, vibrant culture, and stunning views. Santa Teresa is known for its bohemian vibe, narrow, winding streets, colonial architecture, and lively arts scene. Cosme Velho is the starting point for visiting some of Rio's most iconic landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Food & Drinks:
Aprazível: A family-run restaurant set in a lush tropical garden, serving delicious Brazilian dishes made with organic ingredients and offering stunning city views.
Must-try: Heart of Palm
Bar do Mineiro: A favourite spot for both locals and tourists, famous for its hearty feijoada and relaxed atmosphere.
Térèze: An elegant restaurant, ideal for a romantic dinner with a sophisticated atmosphere and a contemporary menu featuring seasonal ingredients and great views.
Activities:
Escadaria Selarón (Selarón Steps): A vibrant mosaic stairway by artist Jorge Selarón, decorated with tiles from around the world.
Santa Teresa Tram: Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the historic tram through Santa Teresa, offering a unique way to explore the area and take in stunning city views.
Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor): Start your visit to this world-famous statue from Cosme Velho, where the historic Corcovado Train will take you to the top.
Largo do Boticário: A picturesque square in Cosme Velho, known for its charming colonial buildings and lush greenery, ideal for a quiet stroll and beautiful photos.
Safety Tips:
These neighbourhoods are generally safe during the day, but it's best to avoid them at night. Use registered taxis or Uber for transportation.
Botafogo
Botafogo is a lively neighbourhood that combines old and new, known for its diverse food scene, stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain, and cultural attractions. Popular with young professionals and artists, it features a mix of trendy bars and traditional eateries.
Food & Drinks:
Sult: A relaxed spot with modern decor, offering great value with a menu that blends Northern Brazilian and Italian dishes, along with a selection of natural wines.
Useful Portuguese Phrases
To help you navigate Rio and interact with locals, here are some essential Portuguese phrases:
Hello: Olá
Good morning: Bom dia
Good afternoon: Boa tarde
Good evening/night: Boa noite
Please: Por favor
Thank you: Obrigado/a (male/female)
Yes: Sim
No: Não
Excuse me: Com licença
I'm sorry: Desculpe
How much does it cost?: Quanto custa?
Where is the bathroom?: Onde fica o banheiro?
I would like...: Eu gostaria de...
Do you speak English?: Você fala inglês?
A Chopp (Draft beer), please!: Um Chopp, por favor!
Cheers!: Saúde!