Things To Do
Sugarloaf Mountain
Always a top attraction in Rio
Rio Brasa
This and Mocellin if you want to try the classic Brazilian Steakhouse
Mocellin Steak
This and Rio Brasa are good options if you want to try the classic Brazilian Steakhouse
Churrasqueira
This is not the typical "stop and go" all-you-can-eat style Brazilian Steakhouse, but has very high quality dishes.
Clássico Beach Club Ipanema
Classico Beach Club in Ipanema. Our favorite spot to go to the beach. They play music, you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella, and the beachside food service is unreal.
Confeitaria Colombo
A famous and historical bakery in Rio.
Rua Dias Ferreira
Go to Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon at night. There you can stroll around and see one restaurant and bar next to the other.
CT Boucherie • French restaurant
A great steakhouse in a nice part of RIo
VillageMall
A great mall to shop for Brazilian clothing with great restaurants. Try "Gurume" sushi.
Mureta da Urca
Go to Mureta da Urca at sunset. - Go to the floating restaurant (Flutuante) or simply buy a beer at Bar Urca (a traditional Brazilian-Portuguese restaurant opposite Flutuante) and drink your beer on the famous Urca seawall overlooking Guanabara Bay.
Praia da Barra da Tijuca
Go to the beach clubs in Barra da Tijuca. - For K08 or Classic day, grab a deckchair and watch the surfers and kitesurfers.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Go for a run around the lagoon during the day. You'll see many runners, cyclists, and people having picnics in the parks around the lagoon. You can always rent a boat or even book a wakeboarding lesson. Ask us for more information if you're interested.
Praia do Arpoador
Book surf lessons at Arpoador or rent a stand-up paddleboard for a morning paddle in Copacabana.
Gurumê Ipanema: Restaurante Japonês Contemporâneo
The one in Ipanema is the original and most charming, as it's located on the street. The others are inside shopping malls, but they're also super nice and usually less crowded. Don't be surprised by the waiting list – order a local craft beer (Praia or Weiss) and enjoy people-watching – you'll soon have your table ready. A tip is to go outside of peak hours (especially in the afternoon/early dinner, as they usually have happy hour for food and drinks between 4 pm and 7 pm).
Pato com Laranja
It's a really cool option for sushi and drinks. It has a more subdued bar atmosphere, soft lighting, and usually live DJs.
rufi.bar
(A rooftop bar with pizzas and drinks in the hipster neighborhood of "Baixo da Gávea, also called BG." This is where you'll find locals after a day at the beach. People usually go there in beachwear and flip-flops. Rufi, however, might be a bit more stylish if you consider the dress code.)
Braseiro da Gávea
One of the most traditional restaurants in Rio, in the BG region. (see Italian – Rufi). Go there after a day at the beach in your swimsuit, put your name on the list (since you'll always have to wait a bit) and while you wait, enjoy a cold beer. Order "Fraldinha" or "Picanha" (sliced cuts of meat) with broccoli rice, "farofa" (baked cassava flour), Portuguese-style fries and vinaigrette - and people will think you're a local.
Brewteco Botafogo
Clan BBQ
Best burguer ever. on the famous "Dias Ferreira" street in Leblon where you'll find many restaurants and bars.
Canastra Rose
Our tip if you want to have some drinks and dance. They offer good food, cocktails and a good wine list and always have super fun live DJs. The one in Botafogo is the right place for those who want to dance (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). There's also one on Rua Dias Ferreira, in Leblon, but it's smaller and not as good for dancing.
Boteco Belmonte
(This is the classic spot where locals go – people hang out outside, sometimes even blocking the streets, with their beers and "Salgadinhos" (savory canapés). They serve super good caipirinhas with all kinds of fruit. That Ipanema on the beach is a bit more upscale than the original in Leblon and has a rooftop with a spectacular view of Ipanema Beach and the sunset.)
Trilha da Pedra Bonita
A very easy 30-minute walk with incredible views: Afterwards, you can stay on Barra da Tijuca beach and watch the surfers and kitesurfers and have breakfast at the beach clubs (Bondai Beach, K08 or Classico)
Trilha Pedra do Telégrafo
(Hanging on the Rock): This hike is for all the Instagrammers out there – it’s quite tiring and takes about 40 minutes, but the photos you can take there will make it look like you climbed for hours up the highest mountain and hung from a rock over the ocean. Don’t worry, in reality you’ll only have the ground a few inches below you. The starting point of the hike is in the western region of Rio (called “Recreio”), which takes about an hour to reach from the south zone. But for those who have the time, it’s worth it: before heading back home, Rio Hiking Tours will show you the wild and less crowded beaches there.
Jardim Botânico
Phone: +55 21 3874-1808 / 3874-1214 Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 8am-5pm. Wednesday: 11am-5pm. Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes; many shaded outdoor areas.
AquaRio
Phone: +55 21 3900-6670 Rio Marine Aquarium Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm (entry until ~4 pm). Saturday/Sunday/Holidays: 9 am to 6 pm (entry until ~5 pm). Tip: Great option for families or on cloudy days; more of an "indoor" outing.