Ultimate Guide to Rio

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My ultimate guide for the best views to see, the best events to

experience, & the best tips to know in Rio de Janeiro!

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Ultimate Guide to Rio: Party Edition 

MONDAY

Pedra do Sal, Centro, RJ 

What is it? Pedra do Sal is a big street party. It is actually only held on two small streets, but these small streets get really crowded really quickly. Caipirinhas* are super cheap here… and huge, but it can be uncomfortable if you aren’t in the mood for a heavy drinking scene – especially for women. Why? Because you’ll see that many men go there to “hunt” for drunk females.

Where is it? Lrg. João da Baiana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20081-120

How to get there? Uber is probably you’re safest bet.

When? Anytime after dark

Cost? FREE

*Typical caipirinhas are made up of only cachaça, sugar and lime juice, but if you have the opportunity, try with maracuja! Maracuja is a yellow fruit known as passionfruit in English. It’s super sour, but when mixed with the spoonful’s of sugar added to the caipirinhas, you’ve got yourself one tasty cocktail! (Be careful, you’ll only want one or two for the whole night – these drinks are strong!)*

TIP: Be careful with your belongings here. Pedra do Sal is located in the city center, which isn’t the best or safest area to be in – especially at night.

TUESDAY

Canastra, Ipanema, RJ 

What is it? Canastra is a nice wine bar that on Tuesdays and Saturdays also gathers a street crowd. The place itself is actually quite small, but has a really nice menu worth checking out. One of my favorite appetizers is the burrata.

Where is it? Rua Jangadeiros 42 (Ipanema – Rio de Janeiro – Rj), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22420-010

How to get there? Walk if you’re close enough.

When? Place really starts popping later at night, but it closes around 2am.

TIP: This place recently opened up another location, so if you’re not located near Ipanema you may be able to check out it’s sister bar.

Cost? FREE

Wednesday

Chorinho da Glória, Glória

What is it? Chorinho da Glória is… another street party! This one features live music.

On these nights a group of musicians get together to play and sing in the middle of the street somewhere in the neighborhood of Glória.

Where is it? You’re best bet would be to ask around to see where it will be that week or search through FB events. (Events in Rio are always posted on Facebook.) Or you can also check out their IG page @chorodagloria.

When? 7pm-10pm (This is a really great experience, but it’s best to arrive early because it’s over by 10pm sharp!)

Cost? FREE

TIP: May be best to uber there. Glória isn’t known for being the safest of neighborhoods at night.

Forró, Aquarela, Leme, RJ 

What is it? Forró is a typical Brazilian dance that originated in the northern part of the country. It’s not for everyone, but I absolutely love it! And if you go to Aquarela do Leme Hostel (which is the hostel I was working at a good portion of my time here), the owner hosts forró classes on her rooftop. When I was there, classes were every Wed at 8pm. Currently it appears classes are on Tuesdays same time, but double check prior to arrival. The instructor of the class is always amazing and this is also a great place to meet others – travelers and locals alike.

Where is it? Ld. Ari Barroso 21, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22010-060

How to get there? Uber, bike, walk

When? Double check days and times with the hostel

How long? As long as the music on and the people are dancing!

Cost? only 10 reais

Check out @aquareladoleme on Instagram for other upcoming events or to see their special menu of the day. ((The food is always delicious here!))

TIP: If arriving by Uber, your driver may refuse to drive up the hill. This is because the hostel is technically located in a favela. Some drivers don’t like to drive up favela’s they’re not familiar with, but I’ve found that most will still take you up if you confirm the safety and short distance. (This one is totally safe. In fact, this is the one place I felt comfortable enough to walk around with my cellphone.)

Forro, Funidação Progresso, Lapa, RJ

What is it? Fundação Progresso is one of the city’s biggest cultural centers. And they also host a forró class on Wednesday night. Starting at 9pm. So if you can’t make your way to the hostel, you should check out this place!

Where is it? Rua dos Arcos 24 (Lapa), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20230-060

How to get there? Uber

When? During non-Corona times it was always on Wednesday – double check.

How long? From the start of the 9pm class, people will be dancing forró until 5 in the morning, so bring your dancing shoes!

Cost? FREE – if you’re on the friends list and you arrive before 9pm. 15 reais if you’re on the list, but arrive after 9pm. 20 reais if you’re not on the list.

TIP: Make sure your name is on the Friend List on Facebook before 6pm that day to get in at a discounted price. Also, the place doesn’t get packed until about 1am. That’s when the more experienced dancers tend to join.

Leviano Bar, Lapa, RJ

What is it? Bar/dance club. This place has 2 separate ambiances. Certain nights you can find forró upstairs and salsa below.

Where is it? Av. Mem de Sa 47 (Lapa), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20230-150

Cost? A little pricey, but there’s always a crowd.

TIP: If you arrive with a group of people, you can usually barter the price.

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Ultimate Guide to Rio: Hiking and Viewpoints  

Forte do Leme, Leme, RJ 

What is it? By far the most underrated spot in Leme. Most tourists like to hike Dos Irmãos or Pedra da Gávea, which are both really excellent hikes, but nothing like Forte do Leme.

The path you follow up to the fort is a road that the army base uses from time to time. The hill is a direct incline, but if you go early, it’s shaded – protecting you from suffering under the Brazilian heat. Once you’ve reached the top, you will have two amazing panoramic views of Rio. One faces Leme/Copacabana beach and the other side faces the ocean.

Like I said, super underrated. Hardly any tourist I spoke to visited this spot because it wasn’t considered to be one of the “top” things to do, but I’ve experienced many views in Rio and this one was by far one of my faves. This is one of the few places in Rio that you don’t have to work too hard to get such a fantastic view.

Where is it? Pça. Alm. Júlio de Noronha S/N, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22010-020

How to get there? Uber or bus to Leme beach. Next to the big rock at the end of Leme beach (called Pedra do Leme), there’s an army base. Walk around there until you find the entrance. (There’s only one.) Stop at the small window of the gate to get your entry pass.

When? The best time to go is of a morning before the heat of the sun arrives and the shade is gone.

How long? Roughly 30 minutes at the start of the hill

Difficulty level? Relatively easy

Cost? FREE on Tuesday’s; 4 reais every other day 

TIP: Arrive early to see the monkeys! Best times are before 10 am before the sun starts to creep in through the trees.

Dos Irmãos, Vidgial, RJ 

What is it? This hike is called “Two Brothers.” The Two Brothers refer to the two similar rock formations you always see in the background of every famous photo of Ipanema beach. These boys are iconic – which is why they’re so frequently sought out to climb.

This hike is a fun one to do because you go through the favela to get there. And not just any favela. You’re passing through the pacified, artistic, winding hills of Vidigal.

Where is it? Parque do Penhasco, Dois Irmaos, 20020-030, Rio de Janeiro

How to get there? Uber is your best bet. However, your driver will only take you as far as the bottom of Vidigal due to agreements with the drivers on the hill. So from here you have 3 options: take a mototaxi up (4-5 reais), hop in a kombi (5 reais – this experience will be shared with locals from the favela), or walk! (I recommend only walking if you want the experience of the favela – otherwise you’re just adding an extra 45 minute climb to your hike). 

How long? The hike takes about 1h 40min (unless you decide to walk up Vidigal hill to reach the start of the trail, then add an extra 45 min.)

Difficulty level? Intermediate

Cost? FREE

TIP: On your way back down, you should check out the small tapicoa place next to Alto Vidigal (a hotel by day, funk club by night). This place has the cheapest and most delicious tapicoa in all of Rio. I promise you. So, so yummy. (Alto Vidigal is a nice place to check out as well. If they allow you inside, make sure to check out the view from the top! You’ll thank me later.) You can also hit up Bar do Lage for a beautiful view on your way down. *Food and drink here is expensive but the view is amazing.* 

Pedra da Gávea, Gávea, RJ 

What is it? Remember the two rock formations we just talked about? Well when you see those famous photos of Ipanema beach, you typically see three rock formations. The Two Brothers which are both tall and cone shaped and then you see a taller, more boxy looking rock behind these two. This is Pedra da Gávea.

This hike is by far the most strenuous and the most dangerous of all Rio hikes.

Where is it? Gávea, Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro

How to get there? Gávea is a neighborhood that is a little out of the way, so your best and most accurate option for arrival will be by Uber which will take you directly to the entrance.

How long? Roughly 4 hours up, so get there early!

Difficulty level? Intense

Cost? FREE

TIP: The most dangerous part are the rocks you have to climb at the end. If you feel unsure or it’s wet or super windy, do not climb this part. The last bit to climb is the exact reason why this hike is considered to be the most dangerous of Rio.

Pedra do Telégrafo 

What is it? An enjoyable hike about 2hrs from the main drag of Rio (think Copacabana, Ipanema, etc.) This hike is most known for the iconic “I’m hanging on the edge of a cliff” photo. The view from this iconic spot is fascinating (like so many of the views in Brazil).

After hiking, you should check out the town at the base of the trail. There’s a nice beach that you can enjoy afterwards with great places to dine.

Where is it? Rua Alm. Carlos Tinoco 432 (Barra de Guaratiba) 500, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 23020-260

How to get there? Uber is going to be you’re quickest, cheapest option. (At the time, we paid about 140R.)

How long? 1h 45min for the hike to the iconic rock

Difficulty level? Intermediate

Cost? FREE – the only price you pay is transportation

TIP: If limited on time, you’re better off skipping this one. There are plenty of other fascinating hikes within the main neighborhoods of Rio that deserve your attention. And while I enjoyed this hike, it definitely wasn’t my favorite. Mostly due to the number of people waiting to take a photo. I was lucky and arrived on an off day, but during busy season I’ve heard of wait times up to 1 hour for a photo.

Floresta de Tijuca, Tijuca, RJ 

What is it? Tijuca Forest is a beautiful national park located in the mountains. There are plenty of trails to explore and a variety of lookouts to admire. Definitely a place worth exploring!

Where is it? Estrada da Cascatinha · 20531 Rio de Janeiro

How to get there? I went with a friend that had 4WD, but because it is semi-far to get to if you’re situated closer to Ipanema, Uber is definitely you’re best option. However, they may leave you at the entrance because some of the roads inside the forest require a little extra power.

How long? All hikes are around 2-3km per. 

Difficulty? Intermediate-Advanced

Cost? FREE

TIP: After your hike, cool off in one of the forest’s energizing waterfalls!

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Ultimate Guide to Rio: Must Dos

Aproador Rock, Ipanema, RJ 

What is it? THE ultimate place to watch the sunset after chillin’ on Ipanema beach. Locals and tourists alike like to gather here.

Where is it? Praia do Arpoador, Ipanema, RJ, Brasil

How to get there? If you’re in the neighborhood or nearby, walk! If you’re a little further out, like in Leme or Vidigal, Uber or take a bus. (Renting a bicycle is an option as well, but it takes about 40-45mins from Posto 1 in Leme.) 

Cost? FREE

TIP: Arrive early! This rock fills with people for sunset, so you want to make sure to arrive early to secure a nice spot. And don’t forget to thank the sun for providing another beautiful day once it sets!

Parque das Ruinas, Lapa, Centro, RJ 

What is it? Ruins that are entirely free to enter and offer such a beautiful view of the city. It’s used as a cultural center, so you will also find a small museum and programs for upcoming events.

Where? Rua Murtinho Nobre 169 · 20241-050 Rio de Janeiro

When? 8:00-18:00 Tuesday-Sunday

Cost? FREE

TIP: These ruins are just a small climb (uphill) from Escadaria Selarón. If you’re in the area already, you might as well continuing climbing! Once you reach the top of the stairs, take a left, and continue up. You’ll see signs guiding you to the ruins. If you start and the ruins, work your way down following the signs to Lapa. These will bring you exactly to the top of the stairs. 

Walk the streets of Lapa, Centro, Rio 

What is it? The party hub of Rio. Best experienced on the weekend or at nighttime. 

How to get there? Bus, uber

TIP: There are many places to check out here and it’s a great place for people watching! Just make sure to keep one eye on your belongings. Also, you may want to stay on the two main streets at night as it can get a little dangerous the further you go out. If you are feeling adventurous, keep your cellphone at home.

Admire the Arches

What is it? The aqueduct of Rio. Something to be admired here as these arches date all the way back to 1726 and once supplied all of Rio’s water.

Where is it? Go to Lapa, you can’t miss them!

How to get there? Uber, bus

TIP: There is a small trolley you can ride that goes along the top of the arches. Cost is around 30-35 reais, but I found it to be a super cute way to spend the afternoon with someone. (Preferably someone you like.)

Shop at Uruguaiana

What is it? Uruguaiana is Rio’s largest and most well-know commercial areas. If you need anything, you’ll probably find it here. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s still fun to go and roam the streets during the day.

Where is it? Rua Uruguaiana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20050-095

How to get there? Uber, bus

Time? Things here close fairly early. 6ish. So arrive early if you want to make the most of your time here.

TIP: Next to Rua Uruguaiana there is a park. It’s a small park, but it’s full of cats and little agoutis.

Take a Picture at One of the World’s Biggest Murals

Murals das Etnias (Mural of Ethnicities)

What is it? A very special mural by Eduardo Kobra that was painted and finished just before the 2016 Rio Olympics. This spectacular mural is measured to be 15 meters high and 170 meters long. And according to freewalkertours.com, in order to make it, “1,800 liters of white paint were used at the bottom of the wall, 700 liters of colored paint and 3,000 spray cans.” Whoa.

This is definitely another one of the most photographed spots in the city. You don’t want to miss it!

Where is it? Found in the Center of Rio at Orla Conde, Gamboa, Rio

How to get there? Uber

Cost? FREE

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Ultimate Guide to Rio: Conclusion

This is more of a mini Ultimate Guide to Rio. So many gems weren’t included, but here I’ve shared my top favorite locations with you, so you can be sure to have the best experience while your there.

Have you already visited some of the places mentioned on my Ultimate Guide to Rio? Tell me about your experiences! Have anything to add to this Ultimate Guide to Rio? Tell me about it!