City Guide
Parque Lage
Located at the bottom of the Corcovado mountain, Parque Lage is one of Rio’s most charming parks. With lush tropical gardens, walking paths, and a beautiful historic mansion in the center, it’s a perfect place for a relaxed morning or afternoon stroll. The courtyard café is especially popular for coffee or brunch, and the view of Christ the Redeemer peeking through the mountains makes it a magical Rio experience.
Corcovado / Christ the Redeemer
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer is Rio’s most iconic landmark. The statue sits atop Corcovado Mountain and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, and Guanabara Bay. Tickets are required and should ideally be purchased in advance, especially during high season.
Escadaria Selarón
The Selarón Steps are one of Rio’s most colorful landmarks. This vibrant staircase connects the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa and is covered with thousands of tiles from more than 60 countries. Created by artist Jorge Selarón, it’s a great place for photos and a quick cultural stop while exploring downtown Rio.
Sunset at Arpoador
Watching the sunset at Arpoador is a true Rio tradition. Located between Ipanema and Copacabana, this rocky point offers one of the most beautiful sunset views in the city. As the sun dips into the ocean, locals and visitors often applaud the moment, turning a "simple" momet in to an unforgettable Rio experience.
Aprazível Restaurant
Located in the charming hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa, Aprazível is one of Rio’s most beautiful restaurants. Surrounded by tropical greenery and stunning views of the city, it offers a refined and delicious take on Brazilian cuisine in a relaxed, open-air setting. Reservations are highly recommended.
Braseiro da Gávea
a true local favorite and a classic spot to experience Rio’s casual dining scene. Known for its simple, delicious Brazilian comfort food — especially grilled meats and traditional sides — it’s always lively and full of cariocas. It’s a great place for a relaxed lunch or dinner if you want an authentic, no-frills taste of Rio.
Elena Horto
One of Rio’s most talked-about spots right now, located in a beautiful two-story house in the Jardim Botânico area. It’s not just a restaurant, but a full experience — combining great food, creative cocktails, music, and art in a stylish, immersive setting. The menu has strong Asian influences, and the atmosphere evolves throughout the night, making it perfect for a lively dinner that can turn into a fun evening out. Reservations are highly recommended, as it’s one of the most popular places in the city.
Boteco Belmonte
Belmonte is a classic Rio boteco (bar) loved by locals. It’s famous for its crispy pastéis (savory pastries) and cold draft beer, making it the perfect place for a casual afternoon or late-night snack. With several locations around the city (Leblon being Clara's personal favorite), it’s a great way to experience Rio’s laid-back bar culture.
Academia da Cachaça
Clara's favorite spot for the best feijoada in town, Academia da Cachaça is a beloved Brazilian restaurant known for its traditional dishes and excellent cachaça selection. If you want to try a classic Brazilian meal in a lively atmosphere, this is the place to go.
Pato com Laranja Praia
Pato com Laranja is a stylish beachfront restaurant located on Leblon beach. It’s a great spot for lunch or sunset drinks with ocean views. The menu focuses on seafood and modern Brazilian dishes, making it a lovely place to enjoy Rio’s beach lifestyle in a relaxed but elegant atmosphere.