Do what we do. Rio is at its best when mountains, beach, and food all blur together. Book ahead for restaurants and outdoor experiences, and check the forecast before you go.
Apple Pay works almost everywhere cards are accepted. Always choose Brazilian reais (BRL), the local currency, on the card machine, not US dollars. Businesses do not take dollars, so carry reais if you want cash. US$1 is about R$5. A 10% service charge is usually included; no extra tip is expected.
Wait inside until your Uber arrives and check the plate. The Metrô is useful during the day. Skip buses and rental cars.
Set up roaming or an Airalo eSIM before you land. Install WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Google Translate. Keep your phone out of sight on the street.
Leave necklaces, other jewelry, and luxury watches at home. Keep your passport at the hotel. Never walk on the beach after dark. During the day, keep someone with your bags. Avoid map shortcuts through hillside communities (favelas).
Save Christ and Sugarloaf for a clear day. Bring sunscreen, repellent, and a light rain layer. Swim between the lifeguard flags.
Brazilian outlets fit a slim two-prong European plug, not the larger round European plug. Rio has both 127V and 220V outlets, so check before using anything that is not dual-voltage.
Niterói
Contemporary art, Oscar Niemeyer's architecture, and an incredible view of Rio.
Flamengo Park
Modern and contemporary art in a beautiful setting by Flamengo Park.
Cosme Velho
Brazilian art displayed in an elegant house surrounded by tropical gardens.
Ipanema
A Rio classic for excellent seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
Leblon
Great steaks and premium cuts of meat.
Barra da Tijuca
A traditional Brazilian steakhouse experience.
Botafogo
A sophisticated tasting-menu experience. Book well in advance.
Ipanema
Traditional Portuguese cuisine in Ipanema.
Gávea
No reservations. Go before noon or mid-afternoon; expect a line at peak hours. Order the picanha to share.
Leblon
A classic Brazilian boteco for caipirinhas, cold beer, and bar snacks.
Ipanema
Modern cuisine in a stylish but relaxed atmosphere in Ipanema.
Google Maps
More places to eat, drink, and explore across Rio, all saved in one Google Maps list.
Ipanema / Leblon
Ipanema and Leblon are the classic Rio beaches. Bike Itaú or Whoosh works well for the orla and Lagoa.
São Conrado
Beautiful scenery and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Day trip
Brazil's surf capital, where the WSL Championship Tour comes to Praia de Itaúna. A beautiful day trip from Rio.
Team Bispo
A fun way to experience Rio's beach culture in one of the city's most iconic surf spots.
São Conrado
See Rio from above with Mahmoud Azim. Message him directly on WhatsApp to book; he speaks English.
Nobre
Message Nobre directly on WhatsApp to book spectacular aerial views of Rio.
Velas do Rio
A relaxing trip around Guanabara Bay with Velas do Rio.
Lagoa
Waterski on the Lagoa below Christ with Marquinhos.
São Conrado
A relatively easy hike with one of the best views in Rio.
Tijuca Forest
A longer and more challenging trail through the Tijuca Forest, ending near Christ the Redeemer.
Urca
Hike the light-to-moderate trail from Pista Cláudio Coutinho to Morro da Urca, then continue by cable car to Sugarloaf. You can also take the cable car the whole way.
September 4-7 and 11-13
In Barra. Buy through the official site and allow extra time for traffic.
