Rio de Janeiro is the capital of Brazil and, unsurprisingly, the second most populous city after Sao Paolo. It's a culmination of many things; this tropical destination hosts some of the best beaches in the world, and is well known as the home to the scintillating sounds of Samba and Brazilian Funk. Much of Brazil's culture is influenced by their Afro-Brazilian community, which makes sense considering Brazil has the largest population of people from African descent outside of Africa. Let's not even get into the food! I swear I didn't have one bad meal while there. In this city guide I'll discuss all the things I experienced over the course of my 7 day trip, which if you've been a reader of mine for a while you'll know includes my favorite spots for food and drinks (in this case, caipirinhas). Finally, I'll address safety for tourists in Rio de Janeiro and any updates on the visa process for American citizens.
*Several links below are of affiliate nature, meaning that a small commission may be received by myself when you purchase through them. This is in support of Black Girl Wanderer, to create more travel blogs for you to enjoy!
Visa Requirements: As of April 10, 2024, the required visa for US, Canadian and Australian residents to gain entry into Brazil has been postponed for one year, until April 10, 2025. For US nationals, please visit travel.state.gov for more information. To apply and address any questions regarding the Brazil e-visa application, you can visit the Brazilian government-authorized website here.
Table of Contents
1. What to Pack
2. Flight
5. Safety
6. Things to Do
7. Food & Drink
How Long Should I Stay?
The is all dependent on you/your travel group. 7 days in the city felt like just enough time for me, but I could've easily stayed for another 3 days. I know for us Americans, we tend to lack in vacation time so I think 5-7 days will serve you well to do and see all the things while also making time for R&R.
What to Pack (Besides the Basics)
Passport
Fanny pack/purse/bag that is easy to keep on your person
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Compression socks (these are great to put on to keep good circulation in your legs during long flights)
Sunglasses
Portable charger
Adaptor (for your electrical devices if you are not someone who lives in the UK/EU)
Cash/Credit/Debit (be mindful that there are some establishments that only accept cash)
Portable fan (a life saver when waiting in long lines for things like Christ the Redeemer)
Bug spray
Waterproof phone case
Sunscreen
Bathing suits & coverups
Flight
Galeao- Antonio Carlos Jobim International airport (GIG) is the largest and main airport in Rio, and is likely where you'll arrive to and depart from. There is also the smaller Santos Dumont (SDU) airport, which mostly serves the city's domestic and budget airlines. A typical direct flight from North America to Rio is considered a long haul flight, ranging from 8-12 hours.
Accommodation + Best Areas to Stay
In terms of the best areas to stay in Rio, it is best to stay in the more touristy areas like Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Barra da Tijuca. There is plenty of action and things to do in these towns, plus with the 3 formerly mentioned you'll be super close to the beaches.
This hotel is a perfect option if you're looking for a more luxe stay that's right next to São Conrado beach and very close to the famed Jardim Botanico and Copacabana beach. Hotel Nacional is beautifully designed and the rooms and bedding were comfy with a breath-taking view (pic 2 is a picture I captured during one of Rio's sunrises). I also felt very safe having security located at the entrance and inside the lobby. My stay did come with breakfast, and I was very impressed with the options available and even enjoyed their dinner for the first night.
I only stayed in this 4-star hotel for a few hours to shower and rest before check-in was available at Hotel Nacional. Though my experience was short, I feel like this is another great option for a place to stay. As with most Marriott properties, the hotel was clean and well-designed, the staff was very inviting and helpful with any of our requests. The breakfast was also delicious! Though the location is a bit further from beaches (about 5.6 miles away from Recreio and Barra da Tijuca), it's very close to Olympic Park and the Metropolitano Mall.
More Budget Friendly Options:
Language & Currency
Brazil's official language is Portuguese, and is actually quite different to the Portuguese that you'd hear spoken in the country of Portugal. To my embarrassment, I was also shocked by how much I struggled with the language barrier. I know quite a bit of Spanish, but it isn't something to rely on because the language barrier is still pretty deep between the two. I suggest learning some basic Portuguese phrases before your trip and downloading the Google translate app for a smoother communication with the locals. Overall, don't worry! Brazilians are warm and friendly, so even with the barrier they were always willing to help out.
The currency is the Brazilian Real (Reais), which is currently 1 BRL= 0.18 USD.
Safety
While researching Rio prior to my trip, I often came across information that spoke of how unsafe Brazil can be and the increased risk of petty crimes like theft. Understandably, I was a bit worried before getting to the city. After experiencing Rio on my own I can honestly say that I did not once feel unsafe, but I cannot fail to mention that I was with a group of women and we did have tour guides with us for most of our stay. I did venture off on my own one night for some quick grocery shopping and had no issues; my Uber drivers were friendly and got me to my destination safely. I also didn't feel uncomfortable while completing my shopping. All this to stay; you should remain vigilant wherever you travel- be aware of your surroundings and always keep an eye on your belongings. Utilize the safety features on rideshare apps and make sure loved ones know where you are at all times. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it!
Things to Do
There is so much to do and experience in Rio, and I made sure to take advantage of all 7 days that I was there. Below I'll share some blurbs on what I recommend you do during your stay in the city that I experienced myself or that came highly recommended from other travelers I was with.
Visit the Famous Selarón Steps
Created as a tribute to the Chilean artist's love for Rio, over the course of 23 years Jorge Selarón had tiles donated from all over the world to decorate the steps that are now considered one of Rio's biggest tourist attractions. You'll definitely come across long lines to take pictures on the steps, but don't be afraid to make your way further to the top to enjoy less crowds and indulge in refreshing drinks.
Do a City Tour
City tours are always a great way to get the vibe of where you're visiting, and this is no different for Rio de Janeiro. Walking and bike tours are my favorite, but on this trip we toured around in a private shuttle. Still a great choice and I learned so much about both the good and bad of Rio. If you're looking for a great guide to show you around, you can send a DM to my tour guide for price quotes!
Get a Bird's Eye View While Hang Gliding
Looking for the ultimate thrill? Try hang gliding! This was such a rush with an amazing view, and though my knees were shaking up until my run off of the platform, I had an AMAZING time. 10/10 would recommend! (Just make sure not to tell your mother what you've done until AFTER you land safely). My instructor was great and did well with making me feel secure and safe throughout the flight, so if you're interested in this once in a lifetime activity, click here for more information or to book a reservation.
Shake Your Bum in a Samba Class
There are so many ways to learn the culture of a country, and a lot of the excitement for it is through music, dance and food. What better way to get into the essence of Carioca culture than to try your hand at the scintillating moves of Samba and get a taste of Carnival with a Samba class?
Chill at the Beach
This country is literally FAMOUS for their beaches, so of course you've got to spend some time soaking in the sun and enjoying the water. I loved seeing so many people out running, riding their bikes and paying volleyball on or near the sand too. You'll also have no shortage of offers for caipirinhas, coconuts and açai to indulge in. Copacabana is most famous, but Ipanema is a great choice for more chill, local vibes.
Food Tour
A food tour is the perfect way to get an idea of what a city is best known for, and often can provide authentic experiences if you choose the right one. The one I participated in let us try one of the best caipirinhas in town, a classic Brazilian meal, authentic açai and the literal lip-tingling cachaça com jambu.
Christ the Redeemer
What more needs to be said on this one? This world wonder is a MUST SEE, so be sure to add it to your itinerary. A pro tip: I suggest having either a driver or tour booked to get you to the mountain if you're unable to get a ticket for the cable car.
Sugarloaf Mountain
This place is views on views on views! A beautiful spot to enjoy any time of day, but especially during sunset while also getting to enjoy the experience of Brazil's iconic cable car transport to and from the mountain. You will need to get to Parque Bondinho to then take a cable car to the mountain. A cable car ticket for an adult will typically run for R185, but be sure to check on their website for children's and other discounted tickets.
Botanical Garden/Park Lage
Nature lovers unite! I love a good botanical garden, and I always tend to seek one out during my travels. There is just something about being surrounded by lush greenery that does the soul good, and Rio has plenty of options! The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (or Jardim Botânico) is home to around 6,500 Brazilian and foreign flora across 54 hectares of land that includes several greenhouses. All I can say is the gardens are some of the most beautiful I've experienced, and one that I definitely would like to return to. Be aware that payment at the box office is cash only.
Park Lage is a public park that is only minutes aware from Rio's botanical gardens, which is why I suggest visiting the two back to back. Admission to the park is free, but if you'd like to enjoy the food and drinks at the on site cafe you'll need to pay. Park Lage is also a well known spot for photo ops because of the beautiful backdrop of Corcovado mountain, which Christ the Redeemer sits atop.
Hike Tijuca Forest
If you love beautiful nature and want to get some exercise with your views, then I highly suggest a hike through Tijuca Forest. There are trails for all levels of comfort and you can even access the Taunay waterfall without having to do any actual hiking.
Experience Nightlife in Pedra do Sal
Whenever someone asks me what my favorite moment was while visiting Rio, I always mention our night out in Pedra do Sal. This community is actually the birth home of Samba music, and it was apparent to me the minute I hopped out of my Uber. We were there for a large street party and seeing the throngs of people moving to music blasted from speaker on one side of the street and the sounds of live instruments on the other was so much fun to witness and be a part of.
Take a Favela Tour
Now I know the topic of Favela tours can be quite controversial, and understandably so, but I personally think they're special for highlighting how others live and enjoy their lives because it teaches us so much about how we live and enjoy our own. I think it's also a great way to support local communities in Rio, and as long as you're with a trusted guide (click here for a link to our guide's instagram-- he comes highly recommended) you should have a great, safe experience.
Food & Drink
The food and drinks alone will have you returning back to Brazil. I can honestly say that I didn't have a bad meal while in the city. But honestly, I'm not surprised.
Yaya - When you learn about the importance of the Afro-Brazilian community in Brazil, and particularly in Rio, this restaurant is sure to be brought up. This spot serves up delicious Afro-Brazilian cuisine, and the Peixe à Inajá (in the simplest terms: fish in a savory sauce, rice and bean cakes) hit the spot. Their Pè de Moça for dessert was also rich and not too sweet.
Massa + ella - An italian trattoria that we stopped by looking for a late dinner. The shrimp salad that I had was so flavorful and unexpectedly filling.
Boca Bellamonte (in Leblon) - Perfect spot to vibe, get cheap (and delicious) drinks, and get some light bites!
Fornalha - Fornalha is a bakery chain that has been serving some of Rio's residents with their favorite baked goods since 1976. be sure to try a traditional Brazilian coxinha or empanada while you're there!
Gurume - From prior research I found out that Rio has a lot of great sushi spots, and I can confirm that Gurume is top of the line while still being affordable. Try out the offerings from their 3 course menu and thank me later.
Churrascaria Palace - When most people think of Brazilian food, they think of the endless meat supply served at churrascarias. Churrascaria Palace is one of the most famous in the city-- between the extensive meat options and huge buffet of side dishes, you're sure to leave well satisfied. Also, try a caipirinha or two! (if you have room).
Tacaca do Norte - If want to try AUTHENTIC Açai, then look no further! I am an açai lover and this place definitely hit the spot. Try out there different ice cream flavors as well.
Nova Capela - This place evokes old time Portugal and served as a staple hang-out spot for young patrons in the 60s and 70s. Go for the fried lamb, stay for the honey-infused beer. 10/10.
Happy Wandering!
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