Guidebook for Rio de Janeiro
Everything Else
Basically everything from here is delicious: great place for breakfast, wonderful to get all sorts of goodies to eat at home, delectable desserts, crunchy breads. YUM!
277 locals recommend
Talho Capixaba
1022 Av. Ataulfo de PaivaBasically everything from here is delicious: great place for breakfast, wonderful to get all sorts of goodies to eat at home, delectable desserts, crunchy breads. YUM!
Bakery where you can get mouth-watering roasted chicken for very cheap. Be ready for a line on the weekend, totally worth it!
55 locals recommend
Confeitaria Rio Lisboa
1030 Av. Ataulfo de PaivaBakery where you can get mouth-watering roasted chicken for very cheap. Be ready for a line on the weekend, totally worth it!
If you think you have to be in Italy to eat the creamiest and tastiest gelato of all times, think again. My favorite is the mix of avocado and neromomo (a very dark chocolate delight).
45 locals recommend
Momo Gelato
número 83 Rua Garcia D'AvilaIf you think you have to be in Italy to eat the creamiest and tastiest gelato of all times, think again. My favorite is the mix of avocado and neromomo (a very dark chocolate delight).
You have to stop here and try açaí (say "ah-sah-EE", though, so that you don't look like a tourist). Then stop again another day to have any other fresh juice. Tangerine, pineapple, boysenberry.......
153 locals recommend
BB Lanches
64 R. Aristides EspínolaYou have to stop here and try açaí (say "ah-sah-EE", though, so that you don't look like a tourist). Then stop again another day to have any other fresh juice. Tangerine, pineapple, boysenberry.......
If you want to go on a little shopping spree, the area around the mall also has good options.
23 locals recommend
Cia.Marítima
290 Av. Afrânio de Melo FrancoIf you want to go on a little shopping spree, the area around the mall also has good options.
On Mondays, you can go listen and dance to the samba, the typical Carioca music.
176 locals recommend
Pedra do Sal
Rua Tia CiataOn Mondays, you can go listen and dance to the samba, the typical Carioca music.
My favorite tourist spot in Rio. You will ride the tram up 2 mountain (Morro da Urca and Pão-de-Açúcar). There are little marmosets, a little trail you can hike and the most stunning views of the city
2563 locals recommend
Sugarloaf Mountain
My favorite tourist spot in Rio. You will ride the tram up 2 mountain (Morro da Urca and Pão-de-Açúcar). There are little marmosets, a little trail you can hike and the most stunning views of the city
One of the best beaches of Rio, great for surfing. Access is tough if you're not driving, and, if you are, you should get here before 9am, in order to park. Worth it!!
522 locals recommend
Prainha Beach
One of the best beaches of Rio, great for surfing. Access is tough if you're not driving, and, if you are, you should get here before 9am, in order to park. Worth it!!
Beautiful beach, no construction, just you, the ocean and the mountains. Oh, and some seafood restaurants! If you're up for it, there's also a nude beach (Abricó).
255 locals recommend
Grumari
Beautiful beach, no construction, just you, the ocean and the mountains. Oh, and some seafood restaurants! If you're up for it, there's also a nude beach (Abricó).
Don't forget your sunscreen! Everything else you can rent or buy at the beach: umbrellas, chairs, coconut water, caipirinhas, beer...
390 locals recommend
Praia do Leblon
Don't forget your sunscreen! Everything else you can rent or buy at the beach: umbrellas, chairs, coconut water, caipirinhas, beer...
If you walk to the rock in the end, you'll see the most beautiful sunset. Don't be shy, go ahead and applaud it. Everybody else will.
1009 locals recommend
Arpoador
If you walk to the rock in the end, you'll see the most beautiful sunset. Don't be shy, go ahead and applaud it. Everybody else will.
Every Sunday, very nice hippie fair. Good for cheap(ish) art, silver bling and leather goods.
517 locals recommend
Hippie Fair Crafts Market
Every Sunday, very nice hippie fair. Good for cheap(ish) art, silver bling and leather goods.
There's a bike lane all around it, and several quiosks where you can eat or just have a quick drink. It's 7km long.
125 locals recommend
Lagoa
There's a bike lane all around it, and several quiosks where you can eat or just have a quick drink. It's 7km long.
Do NOT miss it! One of the most exquisite botanical gardens in the world. Good café just outside the main entrance (La Bicyclette). If you like croque monsieur, theirs is very tasty.
1717 locals recommend
Jardim Botânico
Do NOT miss it! One of the most exquisite botanical gardens in the world. Good café just outside the main entrance (La Bicyclette). If you like croque monsieur, theirs is very tasty.
Catch it to go up to the Cristo (the big Christ statue, the main symbol of Rio).
489 locals recommend
Trem do Corcovado
513 Rua Cosme VelhoCatch it to go up to the Cristo (the big Christ statue, the main symbol of Rio).
Bohemian neighborhood with lots of typical northeastern restaurants and little craft shops.
593 locals recommend
Santa Teresa
Bohemian neighborhood with lots of typical northeastern restaurants and little craft shops.
Old house that was restored with modern touches mixed in with the original look, with 360o views of the city and art exhibits.
512 locals recommend
Park of the Ruins
169 R. Murtinho NobreOld house that was restored with modern touches mixed in with the original look, with 360o views of the city and art exhibits.
Mansion that now houses an art school and a café, with lots of hiking trails around it. You can hike up to the Cristo from here (go very early, it's HOT). Check out the aquarium, it's quite unique.
1473 locals recommend
Parque Lage
414 R. Jardim BotânicoMansion that now houses an art school and a café, with lots of hiking trails around it. You can hike up to the Cristo from here (go very early, it's HOT). Check out the aquarium, it's quite unique.
Burle Marx was the most important Brazilian landscape artist. Here you can revel in his dream. It's by appt only, guides will take you around. It's far from city center, so you should rent a car.
89 locals recommend
Roberto Burle Marx Site - IPHAN
2019 Estr. Roberto Burle MarxBurle Marx was the most important Brazilian landscape artist. Here you can revel in his dream. It's by appt only, guides will take you around. It's far from city center, so you should rent a car.
If you have the chance to go see a concert of ballet here during your stay, don't miss it. It's a gorgeous example of art déco.
738 locals recommend
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
S/N Praça FlorianoIf you have the chance to go see a concert of ballet here during your stay, don't miss it. It's a gorgeous example of art déco.
Another good choice for a rainy day, with good art exhibits and restaurants nearby.
719 locals recommend
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB Rio de Janeiro
66 R. Primeiro de MarçoAnother good choice for a rainy day, with good art exhibits and restaurants nearby.
If you are interested in architecture, this is a gorgeous church, incredibly serene. On Sundays, the monks perform Gregorian chants. Peace!
82 locals recommend
Our Lady of Monserrate of Rio de Janeiro
68 R. Dom GerardoIf you are interested in architecture, this is a gorgeous church, incredibly serene. On Sundays, the monks perform Gregorian chants. Peace!
Great hike, moderate intensity, with magnificent views. Walk to Vidigal, grab a van, or, if you are feeling adventurous, a moto taxi, they'll take you to the head of the trail.
72 locals recommend
Guia Thiago Monte
Great hike, moderate intensity, with magnificent views. Walk to Vidigal, grab a van, or, if you are feeling adventurous, a moto taxi, they'll take you to the head of the trail.
Sit at Confeitaria Colombo enjoying an afternoon tea and enjoy the view of Copacabana.
1284 locals recommend
Copacabana Fort
1, Posto 6 Praça Cel. Eugênio FrancoSit at Confeitaria Colombo enjoying an afternoon tea and enjoy the view of Copacabana.
Beautiful architecture, landscape by Burle Marx, amazing art and the Tijuca forest all around.
216 locals recommend
Instituto Moreira Salles - IMS Rio
476 R. Marquês de São VicenteBeautiful architecture, landscape by Burle Marx, amazing art and the Tijuca forest all around.
AMAZING work of art and passion; 250 steps covered in more than 2000 tiles from over 60 countries. Check out the Wikipedia entry, very interesting story too (spoiler alert: sad ending).
505 locals recommend
Selaron Steps
Rua Manuel CarneiroAMAZING work of art and passion; 250 steps covered in more than 2000 tiles from over 60 countries. Check out the Wikipedia entry, very interesting story too (spoiler alert: sad ending).
Either stop at the ramp where the hang- and paraglider jump, or take the trail up to the top, where you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views from both sides of the mountain.
296 locals recommend
Pedra Bonita
Either stop at the ramp where the hang- and paraglider jump, or take the trail up to the top, where you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views from both sides of the mountain.
You have to experience the craziness of Lapa! Put on your dancing shoes, get there early to get a good table, order some food and drinks, and get ready to SAMBA!
694 locals recommend
Rio Scenarium
20 R. do LavradioYou have to experience the craziness of Lapa! Put on your dancing shoes, get there early to get a good table, order some food and drinks, and get ready to SAMBA!
Church of the Order Terceira do Carmo
S/N R. Primeiro de MarçoAbsolutely jaw-dropping rococo-style church.
Food Scene
Great spot for picanha (the delicious steak we Cariocas love so much). Order with farofa (flour with eggs--sounds weird, but it's so good!) and a chopp (draft beer, very refreshing).
22 locals recommend
Galeto do Leblon
121 A R. Aristides EspínolaGreat spot for picanha (the delicious steak we Cariocas love so much). Order with farofa (flour with eggs--sounds weird, but it's so good!) and a chopp (draft beer, very refreshing).
The most overpriced salad that I have eaten in my life, but very sporadically, we don't resist. It's incredibly good.
83 locals recommend
Celeiro
199 Rua Dias FerreiraThe most overpriced salad that I have eaten in my life, but very sporadically, we don't resist. It's incredibly good.
Also one of our frequent stops. I try to order something different, but always end up with the couscous and salmon salad.
37 locals recommend
Gula Gula Restaurante
1196 Av. Gen. San MartinAlso one of our frequent stops. I try to order something different, but always end up with the couscous and salmon salad.
Bibi
81 A R. Cupertino DurãoBuild-your-own salad bar. Also good crepes.
If you are a meat lover, you can't miss this place: all-you-can-eat steak (churrascaria). My tip: avoid the salad bar! It's delicious, but you can eat salad some other time! It's A LOT of meat!!
109 locals recommend
Porcão Rio's
If you are a meat lover, you can't miss this place: all-you-can-eat steak (churrascaria). My tip: avoid the salad bar! It's delicious, but you can eat salad some other time! It's A LOT of meat!!
Go on Saturday to have a muqueca (typical dish made with fish and coconut milk). Or anything else, really, everything is delicious!
39 locals recommend
Jojo Café Bistrô
812 Rua Pacheco LeãoGo on Saturday to have a muqueca (typical dish made with fish and coconut milk). Or anything else, really, everything is delicious!
Essentials
A place to get fruits and vegetables, if you want to cook at the house, or some freshly squeezed juice and coconut water.
454 locals recommend
Hortifruti
281 Av. Prado JúniorA place to get fruits and vegetables, if you want to cook at the house, or some freshly squeezed juice and coconut water.
Grocery store, also sells wine, beer and hard liquor. The pizza is good too, very thin and crunchy.
182 locals recommend
Supermarket South Zone
290 Rua Dias FerreiraGrocery store, also sells wine, beer and hard liquor. The pizza is good too, very thin and crunchy.
Supermarket that has more choice than Zona Sul, albeit a little farther from the apartment.
157 locals recommend
Pão de Açúcar
15 Rua Pompeu LoureiroSupermarket that has more choice than Zona Sul, albeit a little farther from the apartment.
Shopping
Cool bookstore with a café inside. Good option for a rainy day, or for when you need a break from the heat.
89 locals recommend
Livraria Argumento
417 Rua Dias FerreiraCool bookstore with a café inside. Good option for a rainy day, or for when you need a break from the heat.
Drinks & Nightlife
The place to be if you want to experience the REAL carioca samba, live! Get ready to shake it!!
261 locals recommend
Bar Carioca da Gema
79 Av. Mem de SáThe place to be if you want to experience the REAL carioca samba, live! Get ready to shake it!!