Start your day off with a walk along the world-famous Copacabana Beach, enjoying the stunning ocean views and soaking in the sun. After working up an appetite, head to La Belle Carioca for traditional Brazilian breakfast pastries and coffee. For lunch, indulge in some Carioquinha style pizza at Pizzaria Guanabara, known for their quality pizzas using fresh ingredients. End the day with dinner at Aprazível, offering unbeatable views and a menu filled with Brazilian cuisine with a modern twist.
Today is dedicated to exploring the charming bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, which boasts beautiful architecture, local art galleries, and some of Rio's best restaurants. Start with a delicious brunch at Benedictine, a contemporary cafe known for their creative egg dishes. Take a stroll to Chácara do Céu Museum for a cultural experience and stunning views of the city. Grab lunch at Bar do Mineiro, where traditional Brazilian dishes like Feijoada and Moqueca will leave you wanting more. For dinner, head to Espirito Santa, combining Amazonian cuisine with contemporary cooking techniques and a cozy atmosphere.
On your last day, explore the historic neighborhood of Lapa, famous for its lively nightlife, outdoor graffiti and samba culture. Start the day with a hearty Brazilian breakfast at Café Lamas — a historic restaurant that has been serving breakfast since 1874. After breakfast, visit the Selarón Staircase, where artist Jorge Selarón covered the steps with tiles from over 60 countries. For lunch, head to Bar do Gomes, a vibrant botequim serving delicious feijoada and stewed meats. End the day with a dinner and drinks at one of the many bars and clubs in the Lapa nightlife scene.
While Rio de Janeiro has public transportation available, it may be more convenient to use ride-hailing services or taxis for getting around the city. As traffic can be heavy in some areas, it's best to leave early if you have scheduled visits, especially if you plan to visit the Sugarloaf Mountain or the Christ the Redeemer statue. The average cost of a ride-hailing service is around BRL 10-20 per trip. Public transportation fares vary based on transportation mode, ranging from BRL 4-8 per trip.
For those with more time, taking a day trip to the coastal town of Búzios is a popular option. Also, be sure to try some of the local street food such as Coxinha, Pão de Queijo, and Brigadeiros. For those with less time, consider skipping Lapa or Santa Teresa to focus on the beaches and sightseeing. For families, the Rio de Janeiro Zoo and the AquaRio Marine Aquarium are great attractions for kids. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat!
Rio de Janeiro has two airports: Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) and Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG). Santos Dumont is located just 2 km from the city center and serves primarily domestic flights. Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport is located around 20km from the city center and serves both domestic and international flights.