Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a city we love. We don’t visit as often as we’d like, but each trip leaves us with bright, happy memories. In this guide, we’ve gathered some of our favorite things to do there, along with a collection of tips from our carioca friends, who shared what they love most about the city!

The Hotel

Every time I visit Rio, I stay somewhere different—it all depends on the purpose of the trip and the group I’m with. Below are my favorite hotels in the city, plus one in Santa Teresa that I haven’t had the chance to visit yet but is definitely on my list!

Hotel Arpoador – Right by the sea, offering stunning views of Arpoador Beach and a laid-back atmosphere. With great value for money, it’s perfect for those looking to stay close to nature while embracing the effortless barefoot luxury of Rio.

Janeiro Hotel – A contemporary stay in the best part of Leblon, with excellent service.

Fasano – Impeccable service and a stunning pool.

Emiliano – Located in Copacabana, featuring a fantastic rooftop pool, outstanding service, and beautifully designed rooms.

Fairmont – Also in Copacabana, a larger hotel with great value, ideal for bigger groups.

Copacabana Palace – A true classic, offering flawless service, an incredible breakfast, and supremely comfortable rooms. When I stay here, I find myself enjoying the hotel just as much—if not more—than the city itself.

Santa Teresa MGallery – A hidden gem in the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood, set in a former coffee plantation. With its rustic-chic design and breathtaking city views, it’s the perfect spot for a more intimate and secluded stay.

To-Do List: Must-See Spots in Rio

Landmarks & Attractions

• Cristo Redentor – One of the world’s most iconic monuments, this 38-meter-tall statue offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.
• Pão de açúcar – A famous postcard-perfect landmark, this hilltop complex provides stunning views of the city and Guanabara Bay, accessible via cable cars connecting Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf.
• Parque Lage – A lush green oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful gardens and trails leading up to Corcovado. It also houses the School of Visual Arts and a charming café inside a historic mansion.
• Lapa Arches – This colonial aqueduct is a symbol of the bohemian Lapa neighborhood. Today, it serves as a viaduct for the Santa Teresa tram and is located in an area known for its vibrant nightlife and lively bars.
• Escadaria Selarón – Famous for their colorful mosaic tiles, these steps were created by artist Jorge Selarón and serve as a striking piece of urban art connecting Santa Teresa and Lapa.
• Jardim Botânico – One of the most beautiful and well-preserved gardens in Brazil, featuring an extensive collection of tropical plants, rare species, imperial palm trees, and serene ponds filled with giant water lilies.

Museums

• Museu do Amanhã – Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this science museum focuses on sustainability and the future, offering immersive exhibits on technology, ecology, and humanity’s impact on the planet.
• Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) – Located in Praça Mauá, MAR showcases Brazilian and international art, with exhibitions that explore Rio’s history, culture, and identity, blending art, education, and urban reflection.

Nature & Beaches

• Floresta da Tijuca – A national park known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and incredible viewpoints, offering a true nature and adventure experience within Rio.
• Prainha – A secluded paradise surrounded by mountains and native vegetation, this beach is a favorite among surfers due to its strong waves and pristine waters. Less crowded and well-preserved, it’s perfect for a peaceful escape.
• São Conrado (Right Side) – A quiet and relaxing beach spot. We love staying on the right side, but keep in mind that there aren’t as many vendors or rental stands for chairs and umbrellas compared to other beaches.
• Leblon (Posto 12) – Our favorite part of Leblon Beach, especially around Vanda’s beach stand.
• Joatinga – A hidden gem between São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, accessible via trails. This small, exclusive beach is surrounded by cliffs, making it ideal for those seeking a more secluded and scenic spot.
• Pedra da Gávea, Pedra do Telégrafo & Mirante – For these hikes, we recommend hiring a guide. A great contact is Thales Wil: +55 (21) 99933-9960.

To Eat: Where to Dine in Rio

Restaurants

• Absurda Confeitaria – A modern bakery known for its creative and colorful sweets.
• Academia da Cachaça – A bar specializing in cachaça and traditional Brazilian dishes, famous for its feijoada and caipirinhas.
• Aprazível – A charming restaurant in Santa Teresa serving contemporary Brazilian cuisine with stunning city views.
• Arp – The beachfront restaurant at Hotel Arpoador, offering a fresh and varied menu with a focus on healthy ingredients.
• BB Lanches – A classic carioca snack bar, well-known for its fresh juices and quick sandwiches.
• Braseiro da Gávea – A traditional churrascaria famous for its filé à Oswaldo Aranha and relaxed atmosphere.
• Celeiro – A healthy-eating spot in Leblon, offering a diverse buffet of fresh salads and light dishes.
• Clan BBQ – A modern steakhouse serving premium cuts, grilled specialties, and vegetarian options.
• Confeitaria Colombo – A cultural landmark in Rio, known for its historic ambiance and delicious pastries and snacks.
• Delamare – A contemporary restaurant focusing on seafood and signature dishes with a creative twist.
• Elena Horto – A cozy restaurant blending Brazilian flavors with contemporary influences.
• Gajos D’Ouro – A traditional Portuguese restaurant specializing in bacalhau and other classic dishes.
• Guimas – A charming bistro with a bohemian vibe, offering a mix of French and Brazilian cuisine.
• Haru – A Japanese restaurant serving fresh sushi and sashimi in a tranquil and traditional setting.
• Jojo – A trendy bistro with a diverse menu and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner.
• Ktaz Su – A sophisticated Asian cuisine spot with authentic and refined flavors.
• Lasai – A Michelin-starred restaurant serving high-end cuisine with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
• Malta – An elegant bistro with international fusion dishes and a laid-back ambiance, ideal for light meals.
• Maska – A stylish restaurant featuring innovative dishes that mix global culinary influences.
• Mocellin – A churrascaria offering premium cuts and an extensive buffet, delivering the full rodízio experience.
• Oteque – A high-end dining experience by chef Alberto Landgraf, known for refined contemporary cuisine.
• Padella – An inviting Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and comforting classics.
• San Izakaya – A Japanese-style bar offering small plates and traditional drinks in a relaxed setting.
• Satyricon – Renowned for its fresh seafood and elegant atmosphere, one of Rio’s most classic dining spots.
• So_lo café – A modern coffee shop with a menu featuring specialty coffee, brunch options, and light bites.
• Sud, o Pássaro Verde – A contemporary restaurant with a creative menu highlighting local and organic ingredients.
• Sult – A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant known for its fresh, light dishes, perfect for healthy dining.
• Talho Capixaba – A beloved bakery and delicatessen in Leblon, famous for its artisanal bread, sandwiches, and quality brunches.

Ice Cream Shops

• Mil Frutas – A classic Rio ice cream shop—we love the Garcia D’Ávila location!
• Momo – Delicious Italian-style gelato.

To Buy: Shopping in Rio

• Galeria Ipanema 2000 – Located on Visconde de Pirajá, this gallery features a mix of local carioca brands and emerging designers.
• Ka Store – A multi-brand boutique in Ipanema, offering a curated selection of cool labels from all over Brazil.
• Nk Store – Set in a beautiful house on Garcia D’Ávila, this boutique blends a selection of imported favorites with its own brand, all with a relaxed carioca touch.
• Pitanga – A stylish multi-brand store with a great curation, featuring its own charming label, Pitta.
• Shopping Leblon – A shopping mall in the heart of Leblon, known for its solid mix of national brands.
• Totta Acessórios – A go-to spot for colorful and charming accessories, with two locations in Rio.
• Village Mall – Located in Barra da Tijuca, this is the city’s luxury shopping destination, home to major international brands alongside a great selection of national labels.