Perhaps a little biased but ideally I suggest you kip in either Ipanema or Leblon. That way you are in one of Rio’s nice neighbourhoods and away from the packed tourist spots. From what I gather 2 suggestions of budget places are the "Ipanema Beach House" - www.ipanemahouse.com hostel and Lemon spirit hotel www.lemonspirit.com
If you have the cash to spend on accomodation a top choice is the Fasano Hotel - www.fasano.com.br
With the enormous variety of places to eat out, I suggest you start by ordering a
"Picanha a Brasileira" at the famous "Garota de Ipanema" restaurant- (crossroads Vinicius de Moraes and Prudente de Moraes) Although this has increasingly become popular amongst tourists it is one of my absolute faves. Id suggest a stop over at lunch time, order for a caipirinha and get a "brasileira" between you and friends. A little background on it- This is the spot where Vinicius de Moraes used to sit and watch as the girl from Ipanema used to walk by on her way to the beach. The song "girl from Ipanema" later to follow…
Another similar spot is the "Garota da Urca"- Urca Neighbourhood.
On a sat/sun afternoon the Bar Urca - www.barurca.com.br is spot on perfect too. Grab some finger foods and drink overlooking the Marina. Traditional amongst Brazilians.
Work up your appetite before you head to Rodizio Porcao. www.porcao.com.br There is one in Flamengo beach and another at Ipanema. While Flamengo is a better option for its beautiful view, both will equally satisfy your desire for good quality Brazilian meat. Vegetarians should stay away!
Obvious visits include:
- The lagoa (lagoon) stop in one of the kiosques and get a caipirinha. A nice way to do this is to hire a bike and cycle around it.
- The Corcovado (Christ), a suggestion being taking the tram to the top just before dusk – this way you see the city both by day and by night. If you prefer to take a taxi, make sure he waits for you while you are up there!
- If you are in luck, and happen to be in Rio on a Sunday (when the road is closed) I recommend hiring a bike and cycling along the calcadao beach from ipanema all the way along to Copacabana and back. You will fit right in with all the other cariocas.
- Visit of course, the Pao de Acucar (Sugar loaf) but as many would say it offers a similar experience as that to the Corcovado.
- LAPA (historical centre) - visit the Arcos / Selaron staircase / http://selaron.net/Matos/english/selaron.htm - Pop to Bar da Boa for a cold Antartica (beer) - See http://www.lanalapa.com.br/default.asp for excellent options at Lapa.
Copacabana at night can be packed with Prostitutes. Stay clear.
Activities suggested include
- Spending a saturday at Praia da Barra (Barra beach) along where the kite surfers all hang out. - Barraca do Pepe spot- www.pepe.com.br
- Take up hang glinding for an afternoon launching off the Pedra da Gavea in Sao Conrado. www.riohanggliding.com
- If you want a taste of Brazilian Carnival, there is a place at the Lagoa where you can go and see the samba schools practicing
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| Santa Tereza |
Find a place to have a feijoada (brasilian typical dish) on a saturday, pop to Santa Tereza (the historical part of Rio) - stopping at the Aprazivel www.aprazivel.com.br , an excellent restaurant for lunch.
(I hear from friends there are excellent guided tours round Santa Tereza and Lapa- will try to include one here). Have a wonder up and down Ipanema, Leblon, popping in and out of shops, stopping at one of the many juice bars to quench your thirst. BB LANCHES (leblon)a personal fave - Put on your havaianas and shades and get into the general Carioca way of life...
