Rio de Janeiro

Rio, where mountains meet the sea, is famed for its Copacabana beach and towering Christ the Redeemer. Hop on the tram to Santa Teresa, or catch the sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain. Move to the beat while the rhythms of samba fill the night.

Chapters

Rio de Janeiro Guide
Where to Stay
Best Season
Local Tips

Local Tips

Highlights:

• Christ the Redeemer
• Copacabana Beach
• Carnaval
• Sugarloaf Mountain
• Tijuca Forest

Lowlights:

• Security concerns
• Overcrowding in peak season
• Urban pollution


Currency: –
Festivities: –

Rio de Janeiro Guide

Guide for 1 Day

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Colombo, a historic coffeehouse that has been a local institution since 1894.
  • Take a stroll through the colorful streets of Santa Teresa, a bohemian neighborhood known for its vibrant street art and colonial architecture.
  • Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, a symbol of Rio de Janeiro that offers breathtaking views of the city from atop Corcovado Mountain.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Brazilian lunch at Churrascaria Palace, a top-rated steakhouse that serves up mouth-watering meats and sides.
  • Take a short walk to the Lapa Arches, a stunning aqueduct that dates back to the 18th century and is now a popular spot for photos.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Selaron Steps, a colorful set of stairs in Lapa that are covered in tiles from all over the world.
  • Discover the Jardim Botânico, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city that features over 8,000 species of plants.

Evening

  • Indulge in a seafood dinner at Garota de Ipanema, a restaurant that pays homage to the famous song of the same name.
  • Sip on caipirinhas and enjoy live music at Carioca da Gema, a lively samba bar in Lapa.
  • End your night with stunning views of the city from the Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by cable car.

Guide for 2 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café do Alto, known for its fresh pastries and rich coffee.
  • Spend the morning admiring the stunning views from the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Take a stroll through the colorful Santa Teresa neighborhood, a bohemian enclave filled with street art and charming cafes.

Midday

  • Stop for lunch at Bar do Mineiro, a cozy spot serving traditional Brazilian cuisine like feijoada and coxinha.
  • Head to the Lapa Arches, a series of impressive stone arches that once served as an aqueduct.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at Braseiro da Gávea, a popular restaurant known for its fresh catches and lively atmosphere.
  • Sip caipirinhas at Astor, a chic bar with a rooftop terrace and impressive cocktail list.
  • Dance the night away at Circo Voador, a legendary live music venue in Lapa.

Day 2

Morning

  • Indulge in a decadent breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo, a historic bakery and cafe serving traditional Portuguese pastries.
  • Take a scenic cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea.
  • Visit the Museum of Tomorrow, a cutting-edge science museum that explores the future of our planet.

Midday

  • Grab lunch at Casa da Feijoada, a cozy restaurant serving up the classic Brazilian dish of feijoada.
  • Take a stroll through the lush Botanical Garden, home to over 8,000 species of plants.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Enjoy a dinner of traditional Brazilian barbecue at Churrascaria Palace, a renowned steakhouse with a wide variety of meats.
  • Sip on caipirinhas at Bar Urca, a waterfront bar with stunning views of Guanabara Bay.
  • End the night with a live samba show at Trapiche Gamboa, a lively venue in the up-and-coming Gamboa district.

Guide for 3 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café do Alto, known for its traditional coffee and pastries.
  • Take a stroll through the serene Jardim Botânico and admire the exotic flora and fauna.
  • Visit the impressive Cristo Redentor statue, one of the most iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro.

Midday

  • Head to Aprazível for a tasty Brazilian lunch with stunning views of the city.
  • Explore the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, known for its charming streets and colorful houses.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Lapa Arches, an impressive aqueduct that has become a symbol of the city.
  • Take a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.

Evening

  • Have dinner at Bar Urca and enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over Guanabara Bay.
  • Sip on a caipirinha at Bar do Mineiro, a popular spot in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa.
  • End your night with live music at Carioca da Gema, one of the best samba clubs in the city.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a Brazilian breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo, a historic bakery and cafe.
  • Explore the colorful Escadaria Selarón, a staircase adorned with vibrant tiles from around the world.
  • Visit the Museu de Arte do Rio, which showcases the art and culture of Rio de Janeiro.

Midday

  • Head to Aconchego Carioca for a delicious lunch featuring traditional Brazilian cuisine.
  • Take a relaxing walk along the Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Dine at Churrascaria Palace, a famous steakhouse that has been serving customers for over 60 years.
  • Enjoy a drink at Astor, a stylish cocktail bar with a rooftop terrace.
  • Experience the nightlife of Ipanema, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Empório Jardim, a charming bakery and coffee shop.
  • Visit the Parque Lage, a beautiful park with an elegant mansion that now serves as an art school.
  • Take a scenic hike to the top of Morro da Urca, a hill that offers stunning views of the city.

Midday

  • Head to Bar da Gema for a lunch featuring traditional Brazilian dishes with a modern twist.
  • Explore the Feira Hippie de Ipanema, a vibrant outdoor market that sells handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museum of Tomorrow, a modern museum that explores the future of science and technology.
  • Take a boat ride to Ilha Fiscal, a historic island that served as a customs office in the 19th century.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Zuka, a contemporary restaurant that offers creative dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Sip on a caipirinha at Bar do Mineiro, a popular spot in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa.
  • End your night with live music at Trapiche Gamboa, a lively venue that showcases Brazilian music and culture.

Guide for 5 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start the day at Café Colombo, a traditional bakery, and enjoy some fresh coffee and pastries.
  • Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and take in the stunning views of the city.
  • Explore the lush Tijuca National Park, home to tropical forests and waterfalls.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Visit Escadaria Selarón, a famous tiled staircase in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa.
  • Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden, home to over 6,000 species of plants.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Aprazível, a restaurant with breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Experience the lively nightlife of Ipanema at Garota de Ipanema Bar, where the famous song was written.
  • Sip on some refreshing caipirinhas at Astor, a trendy bar in the heart of Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Padaria Real, a bakery with traditional Brazilian treats.
  • Visit the Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with panoramic views of the city.
  • Take a scenic cable car ride to Morro da Urca, a smaller hill near Sugarloaf Mountain.

Midday

  • Head to Casa da Feijoada, a restaurant that specializes in Brazil’s national dish, feijoada.
  • Explore the Santa Marta Favela, a vibrant community with colorful street art and a unique atmosphere.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Churrascaria Palace, a Brazilian steakhouse that offers a variety of meats.
  • Sip on some refreshing cocktails at Bar do Mineiro, a cozy bar in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa.
  • Experience the samba culture at Carioca da Gema, a lively bar with live music and dancing.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo, a historic café with beautiful interiors.
  • Visit the Museum of Tomorrow, a modern science museum that explores the future of technology and sustainability.
  • Explore the Pedra do Sal, a historical site that played an important role in the development of samba music.

Midday

  • Head to Bar Urca, a traditional bar that serves some of the best seafood in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Take a scenic bike ride along the Flamengo Park, a beautiful green space with stunning views of the Guanabara Bay.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Zuka, a restaurant that offers a fusion of Brazilian and international cuisine.
  • Sip on some refreshing cocktails at Bar dos Descasados, a trendy rooftop bar with stunning views of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Experience the live music scene at Circo Voador, a famous music venue in the neighborhood of Lapa.

Day 4

Morning

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo, a historic café with beautiful interiors.
  • Visit the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, a modernist church that can hold up to 20,000 people.
  • Take a scenic tram ride to Santa Teresa, a bohemian neighborhood with charming streets and colonial houses.

Midday

  • Head to Bar do Arnaudo, a traditional bar that serves some of the best feijoada in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Explore the Museum of the Republic, a historical building that was once the presidential palace.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Copacabana Fort, a military base turned museum that showcases the history of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Take a stroll through Ipanema Hippie Fair, a market that sells handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Churrascaria Palace, a Brazilian steakhouse that offers a variety of meats.
  • Sip on some refreshing caipirinhas at Bar do Mineiro, a cozy bar in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa.
  • Experience the nightlife of Lapa at Carioca da Gema, a lively bar with live music and dancing.

Day 5

Morning

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Café do Alto, a café with stunning views of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Visit the Municipal Theatre, a beautiful theater that hosts operas, ballets, and concerts.
  • Explore the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, a charming area with beautiful architecture and trendy shops.

Midday

  • Head to Garota de Ipanema, a restaurant where the famous song was written, and enjoy some delicious Brazilian cuisine.
  • Take a relaxing walk through Parque Lage, a beautiful park with a mansion turned art school.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Maracanã Stadium, one of the most famous soccer stadiums in the world.
  • Explore the Tijuca Forest, a tropical forest with stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Aprazível, a restaurant with breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Sip on some refreshing cocktails at Astor, a trendy bar in the heart of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Experience the live music scene at Circo Voador, a famous music venue in the neighborhood of Lapa.

Guide for 1 Week

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a traditional breakfast of “Pão de queijo” at “Café do Alto”.
  • Take a cable car to the top of “Sugar Loaf Mountain” for incredible views of the city.
  • Visit the iconic “Christ the Redeemer” statue.

Midday

  • Sample some delicious seafood at “Garota de Ipanema”.
  • Relax on the beautiful “Ipanema Beach”.

Afternoon

  • Explore the vibrant and colorful “Lapa Neighborhood”.
  • Visit the stunning “Selarón Staircase” covered in over 2,000 tiles.

Evening

  • Experience the nightlife of “Lapa Neighborhood” with live samba music at “Rio Scenarium”.
  • Try the national cocktail “Caipirinha” at “Bar da Cachaça”.
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at “Aprazível” with panoramic views of the city.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a healthy breakfast at “Café Cultura Orgânico”.
  • Take a walk through the beautiful “Tijuca Forest”.
  • Visit the “Museum of the Republic” to learn about Brazilian history.

Midday

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at “Bar do Mineiro”.
  • Visit the colorful and bohemian “Santa Teresa Neighborhood”.

Afternoon

  • Explore the “Rio Museum of Art”.
  • Stroll through the “Botanical Garden” and admire the exotic plants.

Evening

  • Dine on Brazilian cuisine at “Zuka”.
  • Sip on a refreshing “Chopp” at “Bar do Gomez”.
  • Watch a movie under the stars at “CineCarioca” outdoor cinema.

Day 3

Morning

  • Indulge in a sweet and savory breakfast at “Confeitaria Colombo”.
  • Visit the famous “Maracanã Stadium”.
  • Explore the trendy “Vila Isabel” neighborhood.

Midday

  • Try the famous “Bife à Milanesa” at “Casa da Feijoada”.
  • Take a stroll through the charming “Jardim Botânico Neighborhood”.

Afternoon

  • Visit the “National Museum of Brazil”.
  • Explore the “Rio de Janeiro Cathedral”.

Evening

  • Enjoy a sunset dinner at “Azur”.
  • Sip on a cocktail at “Santo Scenarium”.
  • Take a stroll through the “Flamengo Park”.

Day 4

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at “L’Atelier du Cuisinier”.
  • Take a scenic hike up “Pedra Bonita”.
  • Visit the “Museum of Modern Art”.

Midday

  • Try the famous “Feijoada” at “Bar do Mineiro”.
  • Relax on the stunning “Leblon Beach”.

Afternoon

  • Visit the “National Historical Museum”.
  • Explore the charming “Urca Neighborhood”.

Evening

  • Dine on seafood at “Satyricon”.
  • Sip on a refreshing “Caipivodka” at “Bar Astor”.
  • Take a stroll through the “Leme Neighborhood”.

Day 5

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at “Café Secreto”.
  • Visit the historic “Paço Imperial”.
  • Explore the trendy “Botafogo Neighborhood”.

Midday

  • Try the famous “Coxinha” at “Catete Grill”.
  • Visit the “Museum of Art Rio”.

Afternoon

  • Take a boat ride to “Ilha Fiscal” and learn about Brazilian history.
  • Visit the “Museum of Tomorrow” for a unique experience.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at “Oro”.
  • Sip on a cocktail at “Bar da Praia”.
  • Experience the nightlife of “Leblon Neighborhood”.

Day 6

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at “Café 18 do Forte”.
  • Take a scenic hike up “Dois Irmãos Hill”.
  • Visit the “Rio de Janeiro Museum of Astronomy”.

Midday

  • Try the famous “Picanha” at “Braseiro da Gávea”.
  • Relax on the stunning “Barra da Tijuca Beach”.

Afternoon

  • Explore the “Modern Art Museum of Rio”.
  • Visit the “Planetário da Gávea”.

Evening

  • Dine on Brazilian cuisine at “Gero”.
  • Sip on a “Cerveja” at “Bar Urca”.
  • Take a stroll through the “Jardim de Alah Neighborhood”.

Day 7

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at “Café do Alto”.
  • Visit the “Rio de Janeiro Museum of Art”.
  • Explore the “Copacabana Neighborhood”.

Midday

  • Try the famous “Bolinho de Bacalhau” at “Botequim Informal”.
  • Relax on the beautiful “Copacabana Beach”.

Afternoon

  • Visit the “Museum of the Portuguese Language”.
  • Explore the charming “Cinelândia Neighborhood”.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at “Restaurante Aprazível”.
  • Sip on a “Caipirinha” at “Bar do Mineiro”.
  • Watch a live show at “Circo Voador”.

Where to Stay

Coming soon for Rio de Janeiro!
Luxury: –
Good: –
Budget: –
Hostel: –

Best Season

Coming soon for Rio de Janeiro!