A Brazil Guide: Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro & Surrounding Areas 🌴
Rio de Janeiro, a 45-minute flight or 444 km (275 miles) drive from Belo Horizonte, is Brazil’s iconic city of samba, beaches, and stunning landscapes. Known as the "Cidade Maravilhosa" (Marvelous City), Rio offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. Rio is split out into 5 main sections (that I frequent):
Copacabana: The Classic Beachfront Experience
One of Rio’s most famous neighborhoods, known for its lively beach scene, beachfront bars (quiosques), and iconic sidewalk mosaic. Perfect for strolling along the Avenida Atlântica, trying a caipirinha by the ocean, or relaxing under an umbrella.
Ipanema: Trendy & Upscale Beach Vibes
Ipanema is known for its beautiful people, stylish boutiques, and vibrant beach culture. It’s a great place to soak up the sun at Posto 9, shop in luxury stores, or watch the sunset from Arpoador Rock—one of the best views in Rio. My favorite shops and upscale restaurants reside in Ipanema. Check out Restaurante Garota de Ipanema, the restaurant that made the song ‘Girl from Ipanema’ famous worldwide; pro and unpopular tip: go to Restaurante Vinícius e Bossa Nova Bar across the street, the menu is practically the same but they have a nice balcony area to sit on and usually has live acoustic music at night (neither of these things exist at Restaurant Garota de Ipanema). If you don’t want to leave Copacabana, you can also go to Garota de Copacabana which is owned by the same person as the location in Ipanema.
Centro: Historic & Cultural Hub
Rio’s downtown area is full of colonial-era architecture, museums, and lively markets. A great place to explore:
The famous Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)
The impressive Metropolitan Cathedral
The nightlife in Lapa, where you can dance samba at Pedra do Sal (this place is always a party, watch your pockets).
Barra da Tijuca: Modern & Spacious
A more laid-back, less touristy beach area with miles of coastline, luxury condos, and great surf spots. If you want to escape the crowds of Copacabana/Ipanema, Barra is a great alternative.
Jardim Botanico: Nature & Relaxation
A lush, tranquil escape from the city, featuring exotic plants, walking trails, and scenic views. This area is also home to some amazing restaurants and a relaxed vibe, perfect for a more peaceful day in Rio. Some of Rio’s best restaurants (my opinion) reside in this neighborhood.
Accommodation
In the quieter months (April - October) you’ll find it relatively easy to find accommodation in general, which means more availability at lower prices. But in the peak months leading up to & including summer: October - February, you’ll struggle to find options at the price you want.
Remember… Rio is a big city with nearly 14 million local residents & this nearly doubles in peak season. So be smart & plan ahead so you can anticipate the huge influx of tourists to make sure you find the accommodation you want.
The areas closest to the main beaches (Cococabana, Ipanema, Leblon) will fill up first & will be the most expensive. If you arrive later in the peak season expect to find very expensive options & in areas further from the main beaches (like Botofogo, Flamengo, etc.).
In general, of the 3 most popular beach areas in Rio, this is the order of price / cost of renting:
Leblon: (most expensive)
Ipanema: (mid range)
Copacabana: (cheapest)
Don’t forget about other areas like Botafogo or Flamengo, for cheaper / more available places, that are also on the beach.
When I stay in Rio de Janeiro, I usually do a hotel if I am staying for a few days and it’s just Lili and I. Otherwise, if I am traveling with a larger group, I split an Airbnb. The hotels in Copacabana are on the beach and the Airbnb’s typically sit a block or two away from the beach. My favorite hotels to stay at in Rio de Janeiro are Copacabana Palace ($$$$$), JW Marriott ($$$), Emiliano ($$$$$), Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana ($$), Pestana Rio Atlântica ($$-$$$). Some booking options below for you:
| Name | Link | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| AirBnb | airbnb.com | Has the most availability; the most expensive option |
| RoomGo | roomgo.com.br | Rooms only |
| Aluguel Zona Sul do RJ | Facebook group | Facebook group; It’s in Portuguese; Has rooms + full apartments |
| Rio Short Term Rentals | WhatsApp group | WhatsApp group |
| Web Quarto ("Web Room") | webquarto.com.br | Rooms only |
| Booking.com | booking.com | Has a lot of options; Create an account to get a 10% discount |
Relax on World-Famous Beaches:
Copacabana Beach: This 4km (2.5-mile) stretch is perfect for sunbathing, people-watching, and beach volleyball. Grab a coconut from a vendor and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Ipanema Beach: Known for its Saturday sun sessions, Ipanema is a chic spot for swimming and socializing. It’s also a great place to catch an impromptu roda de samba (samba circle) on the sidewalk.
Explore Tijuca National Park:
The largest urban forest in the world, this man-made rainforest offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and views of Rio. Hike to the Two Brothers Peak (Morro Dois Irmãos) for stunning vistas of Copacabana—it’s a 3km (1.8-mile) out-and-back trail with 327m (1,073ft) elevation gain. The trail starts in Vidigal Favela, which is safe but can be done with a guide for extra comfort.
Experience Rio’s Nightlife and Culture:
Lapa Neighborhood: Known for its festas (parties), Lapa is the place to dance to samba at bars and clubs. Catch live music or join a street party.
Maracanã Stadium: Football fans can catch a match at this legendary 65,000-seat stadium, home to iconic teams like Flamengo. Honestly, this was one of the best experiences I had in Brazil and you do not need to be a fan of the sport to love the experience of being at a sporting event with such passionate fans. I would place this at the top of my list of things to do in Rio de Janeiro if the schedule permits it.
Armazém Do Campo: For a low-key evening, visit this organic café run by the Landless Workers Movement (MST), where you can enjoy music nights with a local crowd.
Visit Iconic Landmarks:
Christ the Redeemer: Perched atop Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park, this 38m (125ft) statue offers panoramic views of Rio. Visit at night to see the brightly lit statue from almost anywhere in the city—a magical sight to share with your loved ones. You can get to the top by Uber (least fun) or you can take an Uber to the train station that will take you up to the top by cable car where you’ll get sweeping views of the city. You can also arrive at the top by tour company which might be recommended if you’re squeezing in a lot of activities at the same time.
Sugarloaf Mountain: Take the cable car to the top for breathtaking views of Copacabana Beach and Guanabara Bay. Sunset is the best time to go, followed by a drink at the nearby Mureta in Urca, where locals gather to watch the sunset. You can buy tickets at sugarloaf mountain or you can skip the line and purchase ahead here: https://bondinho.com.br/
Escadaria Selarón (Selarón Steps): In downtown Rio, these 250 steps, decorated with over 2,000 colorful tiles by artist Jorge Selarón, are a must-see. It’s a great spot for photos, though it can get crowded. Keep belongings close to avoid pickpocketing in the area.
Jardim Botanico: Escape the city’s hustle at this 200-year-old botanical garden, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Spanning 54 hectares (133 acres), it’s home to over 8,000 plant species, including rare orchids and giant water lilies. You can reserve tickets here: https://jbrj.eleventickets.com/#!/home
Parque Lage: Nestled at the base of Corcovado Mountain, this enchanting park offers lush gardens, a historic mansion, and views of Christ the Redeemer in the distance. The mansion houses a café where you can enjoy breakfast or a coffee amidst Roman-style columns and a central courtyard with a pool. It’s a favorite spot for locals to picnic or take photos—perfect for a romantic morning or an artistic afternoon soaking in the serene vibes of Rio. (Entry: Free; open daily 8 AM to 5 PM, café hours may vary.) You need to reserve online beforehand and can do so here: https://eavparquelage.rj.gov.br/
Day Trips from Rio:
Ilha Grande: A popular getaway with white-sand beaches and no cars, perfect for a relaxing day or overnight trip. It’s accessible by ferry from Angra dos Reis, a port town 150 km (93 miles) from Rio.
Paraty: A charming colonial fishing town with cobblestone streets and boat trips to nearby islands like Ilha da Gipóia. It’s a 4-hour drive from Rio but worth it for history and nature lovers. This is the sister city to Ouro Preto if you visit that in Minas Gerais. The portuguese would bring the gold from Ouro Preto to Paraty before shipping it back to Portugal.
Búzios: A 2.5-hour drive from Rio, Búzios is a glamorous seaside escape known as Brazil’s St. Tropez. With over 20 beaches, including Praia da Ferradura (a calm bay perfect for swimming) and Praia de Geribá (great for surfing), it’s ideal for relaxation or water sports. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Orla Bardot for boutique shopping, or enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like Restaurante da Praia. You can also pay for a van or bus transfer to Búzios.
Top Eats in Rio de Janeiro
Here is my Rio restaurant list on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9KiAKLVt5LKo6yM36
Rio de Janeiro’s dining scene is as vibrant as its beaches and samba beats. While you’re here for our wedding in Belo Horizonte on November 15, 2025, take time to savor some of Rio’s best (non-Michelin) restaurants. Rio has a lot to offer for great food and experiences, the ones I’ve posted here are to give an idea.
Boteco Belmonte (Ipanema):
Try the pastel de carne seca (dried beef pastry) or caldo de feijão (bean broth), paired with a refreshing caipirinha. Great location and every seat in the house has an ocean view. Food is served family style, I love the Picanha (Brazilian sirloin steak) with cheese.Joaquina:
The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching along the beachfront. It’s a great spot for a taste of Rio’s culinary heritage without the tourist traps. (Moderate pricing, reservations suggested for larger groups.)Mocellin Steakhouse:
Mocellin Steakhouse is a standout churrascaria offering high-quality Swift Black cuts like Denver steak and assado de tira (short ribs), prepared on a parrilla for maximum flavor. The menu also features Japanese-inspired sides and a curated wine list, blending Brazilian tradition with global flair. This is only worth it if you’re arriving or leaving later and want a convenient dinner by the airport. This is a Brazilian style rodizio (all-you-can-eat meat) but the qualities of meat are premium.Boteco Boa Praça Ipanema:
This lively boteco has locations in Ipanema and Leblon, known for its festive ambiance and delicious carioca snacks.Rio Brasa (Lagoa):
Situated in the scenic Lagoa neighborhood near Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Rio Brasa is a celebrated churrascaria known for its all-you-can-eat rodízio of premium meats. They do have a staffed play area / daycare to park your kids while you’re eating. There are TV monitors below so that you can keep an eye on your kids while you’re eating.Aprazível:
Perched on a hillside in the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood, Aprazível offers a magical alfresco dining experience with panoramic views of downtown Rio. The restaurant is set in tropical gardens with small gazebos lit by fairy lights, where you might even spot a monkey in the trees.Another Anthony Bourdain spot! Tucked away in Santa Teresa, Café do Alto specializes in northeastern Brazilian cuisine, offering a cozy, unpretentious vibe. The menu features spicy, flavorful dishes like carne de sol com macaxeira (sun-dried beef with cassava) and baião de dois (rice and beans with cheese). The colorful decor and warm service make it a delightful spot for a relaxed meal, away from the tourist crowds. (Affordable, no reservations needed.)
Won an award for being amongst the top 100 pizzas in the world. The owner and head chef is a Japanese man from New York who has spent the last 14 years living in Rio de Janeiro. I thought it was good but Ella Pizzeria in Jardim Botanico is so much better.
A military fort first, but also a great place to have brunch. Here, they have a military museum and epic viewpoint for sweeping views of Copacabana beach, you can actually have a breakfast/brunch at the fort. A place that many people often recommend for breakfast is Confeitaria Colombo, their main location is in Centro but they also have a secondary location at the fort. Regardless of the location, they’re always super packed and I think they’re overrated. Right next door to Confeitaria Colombo sits Café 18 do Forte and I think the prices are better and deliver the same quality of service. Either way, TAKE WHATEVER YOU CAN GET because the waitlist is usually an hour plus. If you get there early you probably won’t have to wait. Entry does cost R$10 (typically) and they accept only cash to get in.
Nestled within the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Jardim Botânico alongside a horse racetrack, Rubaiyat offers a stunning dining experience with views of the horse-racing track and Christ the Redeemer in the distance. The spacious terrace is perfect for watching races while dining. The scene here is postcard worthy. Check out the Instagram link above to see what I’m talking about.
Safety Tips:
Rio can be safe with precautions. Stick to busy areas like Copacabana and Ipanema, avoid displaying valuables, and use Uber or official taxis. Be cautious in favelas unless with a guide, and keep belongings secure at crowded spots like the Selarón Steps. Be mindful when you’re on the sidewalks with your phones. If you’re concerned about safety, you can talk to me directly and I’ll give you more specific trips based on the itinerary that you choose.