Good to Know!
- Brazil in general has low rates of English speakers, prepare to get creative with charades and use a translator app! - Everything in Brazil happens via Whatsapp, consider downloading the messaging app before you go. It uses wifi or roaming data to connect and send messages or make calls - Brazil is a fun, friendly, welcoming, extroverted country, expect to make friends and have people chat with you! - The fruits and juices will blow you away - Drink bottled water - do not drink tap water anywhere! Restaurants will not offer water, you will have to purchase it. - Tipping culture is more european, even 10% would be customary - You will always dispose of toilet paper in a bin, do not flush - Brazil has higher rates for opportunistic petty crime and theft than other big cities, the key word being opportunistic. Avoid creating opportunities, do not leave your possessions unattended, do not have your smartphone out constantly, do not flash your jewelry and watches, and stay alert
SP
São Paulo is the city where Samar grew up and lived for over 15 years. It is the largest city in the Americas and full of life, culture, and—most importantly—delicious food! From Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling padarias (Brazilian bakeries), there is something for everyone. We encourage you to explore! This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some favorite suggestions. Activities & Sights: - Ibirapuera Park – São Paulo’s version of Central Park - Avenida Paulista – A major street with great shopping, dining, and culture - Mirante do Sesc – Great city views and a café (book in advance) - Dengo Chocolate Factory – A charming spot for coffee and chocolate Museums: - MASP – Iconic art museum on Avenida Paulista - Museu do Ipiranga – History museum in a beautiful park - Museu da Língua Portuguesa – Fantastic museum for Portuguese speakers - MIS (Image & Sound Museum) – Audiovisual and pop culture Restaurants: Mocotó – Traditional Brazilian food Barbacoa – Classic churrasco Veloso Bar – Famous for coxinha and caipirinhas Canto Madalena – Regional cuisine from Minas Gerais Taraz - Mix of Brazilian + South American flavors More tips here: https://visitbrasil.com/en/location/sao-paulo/ And finally, don't leave without trying coxinha, pastel, caldo de cana, brigadeiro, and absolutely visit a padaria (bakeries)!
RJ
- Many people have expressed interest in visiting Rio before or after the wedding, the “Marvelous City” - Louie and Samar both lived here at different points of their lives and both love the city, however there are some important things to keep in mind for tourists new to the city: - Rio has higher rates of crime than other Brazilian cities but remains a major global tourist destination for good reason, it can’t be beat! Please stay alert at all times in Rio and plan your visit well - We recommend you stay in the neighborhoods of Leblon or Ipanema - Copacabana is a familiar name to Americans, but unfortunately it is not as safe of a neighborhood as in years past. It is not advisable to stay there - Take ubers and enjoy the sights like the Sugar Loaf, and Christ the Redeemer, but avoid going hiking alone on these tourist sites’ jungle paths - If you don’t enjoy the crowded Rio beach scene like Ipanema, explore smaller ones like Joatinga and Prainha - Be on high alert if you decide you visit Lapa or Centro
Beach Bum Winter Escape
Angra dos Reis (Rio de Janeiro State) Buzios (Rio de Janeiro State) Fernando de Noronha (Pernambuco State) Florianopolis (Santa Catarina State) Ilha Grande (Rio de Janeiro State) Ilhabela (Sao Paulo State) Itamambuca (Sao Paulo State) Juquehy (Sao Paulo State) Maresias (Sao Paulo State) Porto de Galinhas (Pernambuco State) Praia da Pipa (Rio Grande do Norte State) Trancoso (Bahia State) Ubatuba (Sao Paulo State)
Get Wild!
Amazon (Amazonas State) Bonito (Mato Grosso do Sul) Chapada Diamantina (Bahia State) Foz do Iguacu/Iguazu Falls (Parana State) Jalapão (Tocantins State) Lencois Maranhenses (Maranhao State) Pantanal (Mato Grosso do Sul State)
Colonial Era Beauty
Olinda (Pernambuco State) Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais State) Parati (Rio de Janeiro State) Salvador (Bahia State) Tiradentes (Minas Gerais State)