My first trip to Rio De Janeiro was in 2016, for 4 days during the Olympics. I fell in love immediately with the vibe, the way of life and how friendly the people wear.
But I always wondered if my experience of Rio De Janeiro was reality, or a front to put on file the city was on the world stage.
Returning to Rio De Janeiro in 2019, I was both excited to be back in a place I fell in love with, And nervous that it wouldn’t live up to the expectations in the way I remembered it.
I couldn’t be more pleasantly surprised. If anything I loved Rio De Janeiro this time even more so.
What ever pre-conceptions you have about in this Brazilian city, put them to one side and come see it for yourself. Because Rio is a vibe, a way of life, and experience. It’s the city that can do it all in, beaches, history, mountains.
In this blog I’ll let you know When to visit Rio, How to get about Rio and What to do in Rio when you’re there.
All prices are in Brazilian Real (approximately R$5 Real = £1 or $1.20)
When To Visit
Brazil is the perfect destination to visit all year round, due to its proximity to the equator.
According to a study done in 2006, Rio De Janeiro has the bluest skies in the world. (Although, I’m glad I learned this fact after I left or I would’ve been disappointed as we mostly saw clouds for the duration of our trip!)
I visited Rio De Janeiro in September, which is Brazilian springtime. Usually It’s hot enough to lie on the beach, but we were unfortunate with a cold front which meant that most days were overcast and around 20°C. Although this was disappointing for our plans to soak up the sun on the world famous beaches, It definitely meant that we got out and some more of the city beyond just the beaches.
While Rio De Janeiro lifestyle is definitely built around being outside, there is still plenty to do on the cold and rainy days too (Full blog on how to spend a rainy day in Rio coming soon).
We spent four days in Rio, which is a perfect amount of time to really get to know the city and all that it has to offer.
Getting Around
Metro / Public Transport
Rio De Janeiro is a massive city, and even sticking to the tourist parts, you will definitely need to use some public transport to get around. Whilst some areas are walkable, it’s not always safe to do so and you may spend more of your time getting between spots then really seeing it.
The Metro system is incredibly reliable, cheap and safe. Although it doesn’t cover every part of the city, where you can use it I would definitely recommend doing so.
Where the Metro doesn’t reach, there is an extensive bus system And overground trams to use.
Tip: Buy a Rio card, and to top it up with 20 to 30 Brazilian Riel. These can be used on all forms of transport (if you only plan to use the Metro, you can buy single use Metro cards for around R$4 real)
Uber’s
If you want to get somewhere faster than with public transport, or if it’s later at night and you want to be safe, Uber works better here than I’ve ever seen before.
In shopping malls, the airport or any major tourist attractions there are Uber lounges to wait in whilst you call your ride. It’s incredibly cheap (a 15 minute drive from the airport to our airbnb cost R$11).
Scooters (Lime / Yellow)
I have used Lime scooters in many European cities now, and whilst they’re not the cheapest (or most environmentally friendly) mode of transport they’re great fun.
Rio de Janeiro has two major electric scooter companies, lame and yellow. They are the perfect hop on, hop off option to get between spots, especially if you’re on the beach or in cycle lanes.
Even more fun, Lime is integrated into Google maps and will let you know how much faster than walking it is to rent one.
What To Do In Rio De Janeiro
Now you know the best time to visit Rio (any time, all the time!) and how to get around, I should let you know what to do in Rio.
Museum of Tomorrow
- Cost: R$20
- Time spend there: 2-3 hours
- Best for: Rainy days
The Museum of tomorrow was an unexpected gem of our trip. Truth be told, if it had been sunny we probably wouldn’t have gotten, but I’m really glad we did.
It’s an interactive, and visually pleasing representation of the world and how the humans in it have an impact. There is a big focus on environmental sustainability, and what we need to do now to protect the world of tomorrow. Whether you’re a passionate environmentalist or not this is an absolute must for anyone visiting Rio De Janeiro.
The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
- Cost: Free
- Time spent: 1-2 hours
- Best for: Rainy days and art lovers
The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is a bank, that hosts art exhibits, a theatre and cinema. During our visit we saw an exhibit by Wei Wei, a Chinese artist and activist. Whilst art is not my forte, I was blown away by the exhibit and the life of the artist. Whether art is your thing or not, this is a great hidden gem, even if just to see inside the gorgeous bank building itself. (While you’re there, be sure to check out the book shop & Colombo Coffee too)
Surfing
- Cost: R$50
- Time spent: 1 hour – All Day
- Best for: Adventure seekers
Rio De Janeiro is a world famous surf spot, and as soon as you arrive is easy to see why. There are many breaks along the coast, including at Arpoador rock on the far end of Ipanema. For beginners, you don’t have to look far for board rental and lessons from beach vendors and local surf shops along Ipanema and Copacabana.
Paddleboarding
- Cost: R$50
- Time spent: 1 hour
- Best For: Being active at the beach.
Paddle boarding is an excellent way to get out on the sea regardless of your experience or skill. How choppy tide is will determine the challenge, and expect to feel the workout in your legs the next day for sure! Grab a paddle and a board and head out to sea to enjoy the Rio coast line from a different perspective.
Sunset At Arpoador Rock
- Cost: Free
- Time spent: 1-2 hours
- Best for: Romantic Evenings
Speaking of Arpoador rock. Whether surfing is your thing or not, it’s always a fun spectator sport. Check out what time sunset is happening while you are visiting Rio, and head to the rock about 45 minutes before. Have an obligatory Caipirinha from a local vendor, watch the surfers in the water and the sunset over the gorgeous bay of Rio De Janeiro.
Christ The Redeemer
- Cost: Varies based on transport
- Time spent: 1 hour max at top, hike required 2+ hours each way.
- Best for: First time visitors to Rio
No list of what to do in Rio De Janeiro would be complete without mentioning the iconic Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). This towering statue of Christ sits on top of Corcovado Mountain protecting the entire city.
There are a number of ways to visit Christ the Redeemer:
- Hike to the top via one of the trails beginning in Tijuca National Park.
- Ride the Cog Train departing from Cosme Velho.
- Catch a mini van shuttle to the top from Largo Do Machado or Copacabana.
On my last trip to Rio, I opted to hike up, and catch the train back down to experience both and make the most of my time in Rio. (This trip we didn’t climb up, because we saw perfect views from the helicopter already).
This iconic site of the city is an absolute must, and offers panoramic views of the entire Rio de Janeiro coast line.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
- Cost:
- Time spent: 2-3 hours round trip
- Best for: Clear days & first time visitors
Another iconic site of Rio de Janeiro and an absolute must to do for any visit to Rio. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favour and so we opted not to go up the Sugar Loaf Mountain cable car this time. However, we saw the views from our helicopter ride and so we weren’t too bothered.
If you haven’t seen Rio De Janeiro’s skyline, then a trip up Sugar loaf Mountain on the cable car should be top of your list of what to do in Rio.
Due to its popularity, queues can get incredibly long (especially in high season), so it’s worth the early alarm to enjoy quieter views and less waiting time.
Check weather forecasts and online cameras for visibility ahead of time.
Jardim Botanico
- Cost: R$20
- Time spent: 2-3 Hours
- Best for: Seeking peace and quiet
Right in the centre of Rio lies a gigantic botanical gardens. We had hours of fun strolling along the paths among palm trees, exploring the Japanese gardens and the various greenhouses dotted around the park. Not to mention observing the local residents (monkeys) playing over our heads.
The Botanical Gardens in Rio are a magical escape from the noise of the city and beaches. Although there were a lot of other people there, it’s big enough that you still have plenty of space.
Hiking
- Cost: Free
- Time spent: 20 minutes or a full day!
- Best for: Fitness Fiends
Aside from Corcovado Mountain to see Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro offers countless other hikes to explore. See the city from a different perspective by trying out a few during your stay in Rio. A full list of hikes in Rio can be found here.
Helicopter Ride
- Cost: R$700
- Time spent: 30 minute flight
- Best for: Special Occasions or treating yourself.
I usually travel on a tight budget and would not have considered a helicopter as part of a “what to do in Rio” list under normal circumstances. But after taking a helicopter ride with Vertical Rio, I cannot recommend it strongly enough.
We originally booked the helicopter ride because Vertical Rio offer doors-off flights (as it sounds on the tin, it’s a helicopter without the doors). However only a few days before our trip, we learned that new regulations meant that we needed to ride with the doors on.
I am so glad we didn’t cancel and take the refund. Doors or not, it was the most spectacular thing I’ve ever seen.
We flew over Barra De Tijuca, Copacabana, and Ipanema, before getting the most stunning perspective of Christ the Redeemer and sugar loaf Mountain that I could’ve hoped for.
Vertical Rio were incredible from start to finish, and one of the most affordable helicopter rides in Rio we found. If there is anywhere in the world that you plan to take a helicopter ride, make it Rio, where you get beaches, mountains and city skylines all within 30 minutes.
Copacabana & Ipanema Beach
- Cost: Free
- Time spent: As long as you want.
- Best for: Sunny days
No list on what to do in Rio De Janeiro would be complete without mentioning it’s iconic beaches. The beach isn’t just a tourist hub in Rio, it the way of life.
Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are different in location, but similar in many ways. All the beaches along the Rio city are marked by “Posto” numbers. This is the life guard huts and a useful point for orientating yourself in the city.
Notably for LGBT Travellers, Posto 13 on Ipanema beach is the gay beach. However, we felt safe being publicly out in Rio anywhere in the city.
Overall, Copacabana had a more relaxed and family vibe, while Ipanema was definitely where the party is at!
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
- Cost: Free
- Time spent: 1 hour
- Best for: Escaping the beach crowds and living like a local.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas sits between the beach and the mountains within Rio. And it’s the hub of the city for runners, cyclers, walkers and everyone else too.
In 2016 it’s where I watched the Olympic rowing events from, but regardless of whether there is an event on the water or not it’s well worth a walk around. In the summertime there are various tricycles and pedalos to rent to see the city from many perspectives.
Escadaria Selarón
- Cost: Free
- Time spent: 30 minutes
- Best for: Getting the ‘gram
Escadaria Selarón were an iconic photospot in Rio before Instagram was a thing. And now even more so. If you’ve seen photos of Rio, you’ve seen photos of the Escadaria Selarón steps.
An absolute must do in Rio, but get there early to avoid the tour buses and crowds of other people getting their pictures too. We travelled in low season and got to the stairs for around 9 AM. From then we had half an hour or so before the large tour groups arrived.
Santa Maria Tram
- Cost: 35 real
- Time spent: 1 hour round trip
- Best for: Seeing Rio like a local
A hidden gem in the Santa Maria district, this old school replica of a tram is used by tourists and locals alike. Board at the bottom station, and ride up through the hills of Santa Maria, taking in the local neighbourhood, street art and catching some great views across the city.
The original tram has run through Santa Maria for decades, but was recently replaced with a safer, newer replica after an unfortunate accident a few years ago.
Retail Therapy
- Cost: Depends what you buy!
- Time spent: 2-3 hours
- Best for: Rainy days or longer visits
Normally, I wouldn’t include shopping on my list of what to do in Rio (or any city guide for that matter). However Rio is an incredibly affordable place to update your wardrobe. I highly recommend checking out the gigantic mall at Rio Sul, for clothing, make up and anything you might have forgotten to pack.
Not to mention, you can’t leave Brazil without picking up a pair of Haviannas (or two!).
Olimpic Boulevard
- Cost: Free
- Time spent: 1 hour
- Best for: An afternoon stroll (avoid at night).
I was nervous to return here in 2019 after visiting during the Rio Olympics in 2016. The Boulevard is right by the harbour and was designed as a hub during the Olympics. (It homed the torch for the duration of the games)
Wind forward to 2019 and I was pleasantly surprised. The giant wall art created in honour of the games may have faded a tad, but the impact isn’t lost.
Take some time to stroll up the Olimpic Boulevard, with and without your camera. And bask in the talent of the art and the memory of the Games.
What To Eat In Rio
• Brunch at Gringos
We had a couple of amazing breakfasts in Rio de Janeiro. But Gringos was definitely the winner. Start your day with some warm pancakes or waffles. The Gringos Cafe is quite small, but they have plenty of indoor and under-canopy seating for rainy days or on street tables for summertime.
• Caipirinhas
How much alcohol is in a cup. I’ll never know. But its a lot. It’s a bit of a gamble to drink a plastic cup of unlabelled-something that you bought on the beach. But boy do they taste good! Caipirinha’s are enjoyed by locals and tourists and contain Brazil’s equivalent to rum.
• Empanadas
Empanadas are usually filled with a ground beef mixture and are baked or fried. However we also discovered various vegan and vegetarian options during our time in Rio.
• Coffee at Colombo
This is a well renowned cafe in Rio that we had set our sights on visiting. So naturally, we were gutted to learn that it closes on certain days. However, if you find that the main café Colombo is closed on your day in Rio, don’t fear! The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil has a second cafe Colombo inside.
• Açai on the beach
Did you even go to Brazil if you didn’t eat Acai for breakfast, lunch or dinner? (Or all three?) This delightful frozen berry mix is often served alone, or topped with granola, syrup, fruit or chocolate. Try them all – you wont regret it!
