Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hotels:
4-star price with 5-star service. Prime location between Copacabana and Ipanema. Great pool deck with awesome views.
Sofitel hotel located in the hills of Santa Teresa. Great if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Incredible views from the pool.
Safety:
Locals do not recommend walking on or near the main beaches at night. Uber is the best option; it’s super cheap and convenient.
Petty crime is known to be an issue. We never had any problems, but we carried around fanny packs and didn’t wear any jewelry or Apple Watches.
Things to do:
Beaches:
Copacabana is the heart of Rio’s beach scene. Visit Ipanema beach in the evening for an incredible sunset.
Neighborhoods to explore:
Samba:
If you are fortunate enough to be in Rio on a Friday evening, you absolutely must check out the samba circles in Pedro do Sal. It picks up later in the evening so make sure you stick around.
Sightseeing:
Go to the botanical gardens for a peaceful walk, stunning views of Christ the Redeemer, and a great variety of gardens.
Check out tour groups that batch sugarloaf and christ the redeemer into one trip.
Food & Drink:
Restaurants:
1 Michelin star restaurant in Botafogo. Cool interior and good value relative to what you might pay in the states.
A beautiful mansion with a nice cafe under Christ the redeemer. If the line is too long, there is a nice little cart with empanadas and beer outside. Nice alternative to get food and walk in the park itself.
A mix between Moroccan and Asian, making for a unique combo of flavors. Great vibes and value.
One of our favorite meals in Rio if you like meat. Ordered a plate of sizzling steak, some chicken, rice, beans, and a scrambled egg dish. Very casual and stays open late.
Bars:
Great place to watch the sunset on Ipanema beach.
Good vibes whether you are inside or outside. Packed with young locals.
Nice staff (locals with good style) who served us shots of Jambu, a shot made of an Amazonian plant that makes your mouth tingle.
Watch the sun go down next to the poolside bar.
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