Getaway Guide To Rio De Janeiro
Rio De Janeiro offers a myriad of activities to choose from during your visit. From miles of gorgeous beaches to nightclubs, delicious food, and historic venues, this is your official getaway guide to Rio De Janeiro.
Things To Do
Immediately upon your arrival, you are sure to want to unpack that swimsuit and head on down to the beach. You will find miles of gorgeous beaches just outside your hotel's doors. While exploring the city you are also sure to come across toucans, parrots and brightly colored flowers. Don't be surprised if you come face-to-face with a small monkey hanging down from a tree. These are just a few of the amazing things you will encounter while in Rio — keep exploring and you are sure to discover so much more.
You do not want to miss the city's iconic Christ the Redeemer — one of the new seven wonders of the world — which is set with arms outstretched atop of Corcovado. Feel like you are escaping by heading out to Sugar Loaf Mountain for a photograph from the top or to Tijuca National Park, where you will see the Cascatinha Waterfall. Other must-see sites in Rio include Santa Teresa, Teatro Municipal, Copacabana and the Ipanema Beaches.
Where To Stay
While driving through Rio, you will see everything from the luxurious homes of the wealthy to the slums where some of the city's poor live. As long as you stay in the tourist areas along the beach you are sure to find high-quality accommodations for your stay. Popular places to stay while in Rio include:
How To Get Around
Many of the local attractions, including Lapa and Santa Teresa, can be reached by foot. Depending upon where you are staying, it may be necessary to take a taxi, bus or a subway train to get to the central areas of the city. However, once you are there, you should be able to reach everything including the beaches, restaurants, tourist attractions and shopping venues all by foot.
The subway system in Rio is a clean and efficient way to navigate your way from one area of the city to another. It is also very affordable, and subway passes can easily be recharged at stations throughout your stay. If traveling around the city at night, taxis are the most efficient and safest way to navigate through the city. Just keep an eye on the costs. Taxi fares can vary depending upon time of day, location and time of year. Other means of transportation throughout Rio can include taking the public bus system, renting a car or hiring a driver to take you to where you want to go.
Where To Eat
Rio is home to many world-famous chefs who have put together menus that will have you feeling like you have been missing out on something. Plus, with the large immigrant population, you are sure to find all kinds of cuisine options, including French, Italian, Lebanese, Spanish, German and much more. Rio de Janeiro is home to a variety of restaurants all offering diverse menus with something for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Popular restaurants to enjoy while you are in Rio include:
These are just some of the top picks you will want to experience while in Rio. There are so many more restaurants that you will find yourself wondering how you are going to fit them all in during your visit. When dining at any of the restaurants in Rio, make sure to enjoy the caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail. This concoction is made up from a mix of cachaça, sugar and lime.
Related: Top Brazilian Restaurants in Denver
Carnival
Though Rio is a vacation destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year, the best time to visit is in February. This is when you will be able to experience Carnival and be a part of the city's party vibe. Carnival is Rio's biggest celebration and everyone comes out to party for four days. This year, Carnival will take place from Feb. 5 to 10.
