WELCOME TO RIO DE JANEIRO!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythm of samba, the embrace of golden beaches, and the allure of sweeping mountain views. Whether you're a beach bum, a foodie or a culture enthusiast, Rio has something for everyone, and then some.
This 7-day itinerary is more of a friendly guide than a rigid schedule, offering a taste of the endless wonders this city has to offer. Feel free to mix, match, and add your own flair (or drop me a line if you’ve got a great suggestion!). From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, let this be your roadmap to an unforgettable week in the Cidade Maravilhosa!
Day 1: Arrival and Ipanema Exploration
• Morning: Arrive, settle in, and take a stroll along Ipanema Beach. Stop by Nossa Senhora da Paz Square to explore the farmers' market (if it’s Friday).or the Hippy Fair at Praça General Osório on Sundays. Try fresh pastels and tapiocas from the kiosks also amazing regional food from Northern Brazil.
• Afternoon: Relax on the beach with Globos (snack) and mate (iced tea). Cool off with coconut water from a vendor. Watch some of the best surfers in Brazil at Arpoador Rock.
• Evening: Dinner at Garota de Ipanema, where the famous song the “Girl from Ipanema” was inspired. Walk to Arpoador Rocks to watch a stunning sunset. Pay your respects to the statue of Don Jobin, writer of the second most famous song in the world (can you guess the first?
Day 2: Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa
• Morning: Start with breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo (Copacabana branch), then head to Christ the Redeemer. Take the train or van to enjoy breathtaking views early.
• Afternoon: Visit Santa Teresa, walk its cobblestone streets, and explore local galleries. Stop by the Selarón Steps before heading to Lapa.
• Evening: Academia da Cachaça and explore Leblon
Day 3: Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca
• Morning: Take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). The views of the city, beaches, and bay are stunning.
• Afternoon: Explore the quaint Urca neighborhood. Walk along the Pista Cláudio Coutinho, a scenic path by the water.
• Evening: Try a casual dinner at Bar Urca, enjoying traditional Brazilian dishes while sitting by the bay.
Day 4: Relaxation, Paddleboarding, and Soccer
• Morning: Rent a bike and ride along the beachfront bike path to Leme, soaking in Rio’s coastal beauty. Pay 10 reals at the Forte de Duque de Caxias, a military base open to the public. Visitors can walk to the top of Morro do Leme (Leme Mountain) along a steep 800m trail that passes through Atlantic rainforest. Along the way, you’re bound to run into wild marmosets which number in the hundreds. At the top stands an 18th-century fort affording magnificent views of Pão de Açúcar
• Afternoon: Try paddleboarding at Ipanema Beach, then relax with a refreshing coconut water or snack.
• Watch (or participate) in Hang gliding, a popular activity at Pedra Bonita in Rio de Janeiro. The take-off ramp, situated approximately 507 meters above sea level in the Tijuca National Park, is specifically designed for hang gliding and paragliding.
• Evening: Catch a soccer match at the iconic Maracanã Stadium if there’s a game.
Day 5: Botanical Garden, Lagoa, and Capybaras
• Morning: Start with a visit to the Botanical Garden to admire exotic plants and massive palm trees.
• Afternoon: Walk or bike around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, keeping an eye out for capybaras. Stop at a lakeside cafe for a drink or snack.
• Evening: Have dinner at Haru Sushi in Ipanema or the Esch Cafe-Leblon and Cigar Bar inLeblon.
Day 6: Museum of Tomorrow and Downtown Rio
• Morning: Visit the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow in Praça Mauá and explore the surrounding area, including Boulevard Olímpico.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at the iconic Confeitaria Colombo in the historic downtown area.
• Evening: Return to Ipanema and unwind with chops (beer) and light snacks at a local bar.
Day 7: Free Day and Farewell Sunset
• Morning: Revisit your favorite spots or explore more of Ipanema. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and shop for souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon at the beach, play a soccer game of Altinha or Futvolei
• Evening: Watch the sunset one last time at Arpoador Rocks, ending your trip with a toast to a memorable vacation.
Fun things you’ll be eating and drinking
While you’re in Copacabana, you can’t miss the coffee at Café e Tabacaria Lolló! Names like Tom Jobim and Dercy Gonçalves as part of the clientele, they’ve been in business since the mid 1940s, Café e Tabacaria Lolló and has seen many changes. From the 60s to the 80s, the main business was after the movies where up to 4,000 coffees were sold a day. Today many things are the same like needing to purchase tokens in the front to trade in for coffee in the back. Along with (IMHO) the best coffee in Copacabana, you can buy a Cohiba, sandwiches, cakes and even batteries or hunting knives. One of the most unique businesses in Cidade Maravilhosa
Chopes: in Brazil refers to draft beer, rather than a specific brand or style. It is the local term for beer served on tap, typically in a bar, pub, or restaurant. One of the key qualities of chope is its freshness. It is usually served very cold, often between 2-6°C (36-43°F), and is typically poured into a chilled glass to maintain its refreshing taste.
Feijoada: A hearty black bean stew with pork, traditionally served with rice, orange slices, and collard greens. It’s Brazil’s national dish!
Coxinhas: Golden, teardrop-shaped chicken croquettes, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. A beloved snack.
Biscoito Globo: Light and crunchy tapioca-based snacks, a beachside staple in Rio. Perfect with Mate. **In 2016, during the Rio Olympics, The New York Times published a critique of Biscoito Globo, describing it as "biting into a biscuit 'as if your teeth are at a party to which your tongue was not invited.'" This comment sparked significant backlash among Brazilians, who view the snack as a cherished part of their culinary heritage.
Mate: A chilled, lightly sweetened iced tea, often sold from barrels on Rio’s beaches. Refreshingly addictive.
Milho Verde: Steamed or grilled corn on the cob, served with butter and salt, and a street food favorite.
Geneal Hotdogs: Topped with a myriad of extras like corn, peas, shoestring potatoes, and sauces. A feast in a bun.
Rabanada: Brazilian-style French toast, soaked in condensed milk and fried, usually enjoyed at Christmas.
Caipirinha: Brazil’s iconic cocktail, made with cachaça, lime, sugar, and ice. Simple yet potent.
Tapiocas: Crepes made from cassava flour, filled with sweet or savory ingredients, from cheese to chocolate.
Pastels: Deep-fried pastry pockets, filled with meats, cheeses, or sweet treats, sold at markets and fairs.
Brigadeiros: Soft chocolate fudge balls rolled in sprinkles, a staple at birthday parties.
Sonhos: Fluffy, cream-filled donuts dusted with sugar, translating to “dreams” for good reason.
Kilo Restaurants: Buffet-style eateries where you pay by the weight of your plate, offering a variety of Brazilian dishes.
Picanha: A prized cut of beef, grilled to perfection, and the centerpiece of Brazilian churrasco.
Açaí: A frozen, purple superfruit blend, served with granola and fruits, perfect for cooling off.
Pão de Queijo: Chewy cheese bread bites made with tapioca flour, a comforting breakfast or snack.
