The city's seductive samba beat and incredible panoramic views last year . Some questions and concerns are: - first they are charging me $160 for a visa. Have you created your list of bucket list items yet? If you like a party, want to see an elaborate Samba production, or just want to have the cultural experience of the biggest Carnival in the world, then Rio de Janeiro definitely is a destination for you. 15 Tips for Your First Trip to Rio de Janeiro I hope you enjoy this wonderful city as much as you can. . And while Rio de Janeiro certainly has its share of plain, non-descript buildings, I was also really surprised by how many beautiful buildings are in Rio. If you are looking for a place outside of Rio where you can have a relaxing, good time, Ilha Grande is the top place to go. Due to the incredible landscapes, Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places in South America to go hang gliding. There are so many amazing things to do in Rio de Janeiro, and you could spends weeks in this Brazilian paradise! 9 years ago Save I have been a solo traveler for a few years now and wanted to have a big trip for my upcoming 40th in Nov. JUST IGNORE THEM, and continue up the hill! The other airport in Rio de Janeiro is Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) which is the domestically focused airport of the city. And hey, even if you visit Rio de Janeiro at another time of the year, it is still possible to have a complete Carnaval experience. From either of these airports, I recommend taking an Uber to get to your accommodation. About the language: NOBODY SPEAKS ENGLISH HERE. But for all her globetrotting, Rio de Janeiro is the place she goes back to again and again. Like anywhere, it is important that you practice common sense and keep yourself out of compromising or threatening situations. When Is Rio Carnival? The Travel Pillow Case allows you to store your clothes inside of it, so your luggage is lighter, and your flight is more comfy! If youre looking for a nice breakfast and enjoy tea and carbs, you cant do much better than Confeitaria Colombo. From street parties to Carnival to the occasional samba parade, this style of dance works its way into musical performances all throughout the city. Everyone has different things on their bucket list, and there are so many amazing things to do around this beautiful world!We've been traveling around the world for years to find the most unique experiences to share with you. Firstly, look at the statue from your accommodation before going to visit it. However, cover fees exist basically everywhere and they vary a lot. If you have any questions be sure to drop us a comment! Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? This food is high quality, replenished regularly, and seriously delicious. The island is filled with hiking trails of all difficulty levels, some stunning beaches, and a couple of gorgeously colored lagoons. They also make the perfect souvenir. You'd only have to pay it again and go through the proceeding again in 2023. Filled with books that are hundreds of years old, walking into this room is a really unique experience, much like visiting the library at JP Morgans house in New York City. You can also take a Brazilian cooking class to learn how to make your favorite dishes at home. One of our favorite in Brazil is this delicious fried, teardrop- shaped croquette. I asked locals and expats that I knew in the city before I visited, and they offered up a wide array of answers. No wonder why Rio may be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. At the top of the favela of Vidigal is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city. Green hills, beaches, sparkling sea, and Christ the Redeemer overlooking it all are exactly the reasons why people are driven to visit Rio de Janeiro. You can find bars throughout all parts of town with different kinds of music. 9 Niteri When drafting the ultimate 7-day itinerary to visit Rio de Janeiro, be sure to add a day trip to the suburb of Niteri. Getting around Rio de Janeiro is very easy. When you hear Brazil and food many people jump to Brazilian barbeque and rightly so; it is delicious. Not only are there amazing views, but there is a prime photo opp of a cliff that seems much higher than it is. The Royal Portuguese Reading Room is an old library located in the heart of the city. We have anon-spammyweekly newsletter, where we give travel tips, and exclusive content and discounts. Domestic cities that fly to Rio de Janeiro-Galeo International Airport (GIG) include Aracaju, Belem, Brasilia, Campinas, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Iguassu, Joao Pessoa, Maceio, Manaus, Natal, Recife, and Sao Paulo. 95% of the population can't sustain a basic conversation in english. What are the "must see" attractions in Rio? I would not recommend flashing any valuables, especially at night, and I would only carry the cash and credit cards that I need each time I step out into the streets. Here Are 15 Reasons Why Colombias | Culture Trip This is Brazil's most beloved liquor, and for a lot of good reasons. While we usually don't recommend going anywhere near a favela, this one is definitely an exception. Give yourself a few hours, and we don't advise having a crazy night of drinking after this. The island is a largely undeveloped protected area and noted for its beautiful . Tourism In Rio De Janeiro - Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins Brazilian tapioca is folded with various types of ingredients. Summer Summer runs from December through the first half of March. This is a great activity to see Rio from above and soar above its mountains. We do not recommend traveling to favelas alone. Why It's Worth It. Your average carioca girl is not going out of her way to hook up with a foreigner who is in town on vaca for a week. From violence to kidnapping and drug-related crimes, I had heard that Brazil has some real safety concerns and that it really is a place you want to avoid. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-52965323', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Ipanema or Leblon my base of operations and go from there. We decided to rent a car, as it makes it easier to reach many areas in a shorter time. While it is still one of the most popular beaches in all of Rio, the vibe is a bit more relaxed the Copacabana. Unless you happen to be staying right next to a metro or bus station, Uber is absolutely the best way to get around Rio. It is the only Brazilian city to ever host the summer Olympics, and there are countless places within the city that are worth seeing. Don't forget . Made of condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles covering the outside layer, these are like little balls of heaven. As for taxis, I don't think it's true that they'll overcharge you. The meats were equally great, but the table of sides and complimentary dishes was very subpar. This World Cup was played in stadiums all over the country, including the now-iconic Maracan Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The cool designs continue to the streets, as well, where there are frequent cobblestoned streets and special tiled sidewalks to enjoy. You'll also find them staying at your hotel and at some of the bars and nightclubs. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most iconic cities in all of Latin America, and many people argue that it is the best place to visit in all of Brazil. 10 Exciting Things to Do in Cabo Frio, Brazil, 15 Tips for Your First Trip to Rio de Janeiro, Bike along the beachfront in Ipanema or Copacabana. A. If you arent comfortable or familiar with Uber, you can also opt for taxis. They are long lasting, stylish, and much cheaper in Brazil than anywhere else! The party is truly spectacular, with many different types of parades and Samba schools. These white arches and this plaza look are a beautiful piece of architecture in Rio de Janeiro. There is also a lady who offers to take your picture and make it into a magnet, which was only $5 USD, and our favorite souvenir to take home. About two hours from Rio is Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio, two cities with beaches that have been described as the Caribbean of Brazil for their turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches. Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel If you're thinking about spending a day or two away from Rio de Janeiro, you might want to consider nearby Ilha Grande, Bzios, or Paraty. In the heart of Ipanema, you will find Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro. Go and have a blastone of the greatest cities in the worldif nothing else, find some Brazilians and learn how to pronounce the alphabet and letter combinations--some are completley different than English or Spanish pronunciation..good luck. Here are a couple or things you should bring back home to your friends and family. When traveling, you always hope that the locals will be nice and friendly, and in Rio de Janeiro, that wish is a reality. Futbol (or football, or for the Americans: soccer), is a HUGE deal in Brazil, and some of the biggest matchups in the biggest futbol stadium in the country happen in Rio de Janeiro. We suggest going for sunrise for the most stunning lighting. We used the metro system, though, and it was clean, air-conditioned, and efficient. Just flying in you can truly appreciate how beautiful this city is. Places near Rio worth visiting - Rio de Janeiro Forum If you have a higher budget, Copacabana is a great place to stay, with fancy hotels located along the beach, and easy access to many different popular places. While it is a major tourist attraction, you will likely find both tourists and Rio residents here at any given time. Thats literally what you can expect at a churrascaria, plus so much more! Rio is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide on Tripadvisor Rio de Janeiro is one of biggest cities in Brazil, and is pretty well connected within the Americas. In addition to Uber and public transportation, a few neighborhoods are stocked with shareable electronic scooters operated by Lime. The Carioca Aqueduct is right around the corner from Escadaria Selaron. Still, considering that most visas are issued with a 10-year validity, it's still worth travelling, in my opinion. This hotel is famous for its luxurious rooftop, spa, and the distinguished Gero Rio Restaurant, renowned for its contemporary Italian cuisine. Illha Grande accommodation. Since that is all I speak. If you wonder if Rio de Janeiro is really worth visiting, the answer is: Absolutely yes! Pick a spot on the beach where the palest pastiest people are hanging out, and you'll invariably find Americans, and European tourists who speak English. Shredded chicken, covered in dough, and fried- sounds amazing right? Well, welcome to one of our favorite places in the world. I seriously couldnt believe the party that was going on in my mouth. The food also looked great but we had already eaten on the first level of the journey. But still, exploring the different neighborhoods of Santa Teresa, Centro, Lapa, Copacabana, Ipanema, Le Blon, and Botafogo will keep you busy for a long time and give you a lot of diversity in scenery, attractions, buildings, and vibe. It is a 9-hour drive from Sao Paolo and a 14 hour drive from Rio De Janeiro. Is Buzios worth visiting? - Rio de Janeiro Forum Is Buzios worth visiting since Rio too is covered with beaches! When I go on vacation normally I don't think/worry too much about anything other than having a good time and meeting some good people and not only single women. Arriving in Rio 3 days to the final is it worth it? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-52922073', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rio de Janeiro?". Forest trails deliver enchanting tropical scenery with broad palms and towering trees, with the occasional marmoset jumping through the canopies overhead. Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting? 17 Most Instagrammable Places in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil These places make for fantastic day trips if you have one or two free days on your trip. However, the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana are generally considered very safe, so if you want to enjoy these beaches, you have little to worry about. These dates change each year as they are dependent on the Catholic Liturgical calendar, but they are normally in either February or March. Is Rio really worth it? - Rio de Janeiro Forum Rio Travel Guide: 17 Best Things to Do [2023] It's sweet, cheap, and has a strong alcohol content. Last week, the Brazilian government restricted flights at Rio de Janeiro 's Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), limiting them to distances of up to 400 kilometers . Staying at at a hostel is also a great way to meet up with other tourists and single girls. Before beginning your experience, you will have the opportunity to go to the buffet for your appetizers, soups, sushi, and salad options, The first course in itself is enough to fill someone up! Florianopolis is a coastal city located in the South Region of Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is both a state, and a city which is the capital of the whole state of Rio de Janeiro. Caipirinhas are the famous touristic cocktail originating in Brazil. You can take a taxi up to a certain point (we wouldn't suggest walking it if you don't have a guide), and then you can hike to the top in 40 minutes for some of the most breathtaking views. If you want to avoid the crowds and find better deals on hotels, then I would recommend visiting in May or September instead. I hope this article will help convince you to take a chance on Rio! Mexico, like Brazil, is a place that has a nasty reputation for crime and violence. A caipirinha at a club shouldn't cost you more than US$ 5, with the more expensive drinks costing you US$ 8. Personally, I would recommend always staying in the tourist area, keeping your phone out of sight, and always keeping an eye on whats happening around you. I was much younger than you, however-- just my mid-30s :-). Now, after visiting Rio de Janeiro, we can say it aloud. Thanks for being here! Im Greg, a Pittsburgh-based dad who juggles a 9-5 with a passion for traveling the world.