Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's second most populous city (behind Sao Paulo) with approximately 6 million inhabitants. It is the 6th largest city in the Americas and number 30 in the world. Rio is considered a dream destination with iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer. More recently, it is home to the 2016 Olympic Games. More importantly, it is paradise for beach connoisseurs. Rio impresses as one of the most diverse and culturally rich cities, although Rio is also home to the largest Portuguese population outside of Lisbon. Prepare for amazing food, beautiful landscapes, captivating dancing, and all the cachaça you can handle!
Day 1 – Copacabana to Urca
You don’t ‘visit’ Rio. It pulls you in, shakes you awake, and hands you a cold beer by the sea.
Copacabana Beach- Is there a beach more famous in the world? Songs, legend, and lore describe this popular Brazilian destination. It is the site of several 2016 Summer Olympic games. On most regular days and nights, tourists and locals fill the beach daily. Relax on the sand, swim in the ocean, and enjoy a refreshing caipirinha. At night, the boardwalk along Copa offers great food, drinks, live music, dancing, and for our single crowd- long walks along the beach.
Sugarloaf - Sugarloaf or Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar o locals rises ~400 meters above the harbor in Rio. Its name refers to its shape, which resembles a mountain of refined sugar. It may be familiar from various movies and TV shows that commonly show its characters traveling high above Rio via cable car. Sugarloaf offers the best, iconic views of Rio.
Bar Urca - A short walk from Sugarloaf will place you at Bar Urca. This restaurant is literally a bar along the marina with absolutely no seating. Instead, you can join patrons sitting along a wall that borders the ocean. Obviously, we wouldn't tell you about a "hole in the wall" if it wasn't magical. At a reasonable price, you can treat yourself to a variety of seafood, pastries, and cerveja.
Alloro - Alloro can be found within the Windsor Atlantica Hotel, right on Copacabana Beach. Its location promises a picturesque view of the beach and ocean, but the allure is great food inside this Brazilian "Italian" restaurant. We were surprised to find one of the best steaks (ever) in Alloro! Yes, you've had Italian food before, but Alloro is worth a visit for inexpensive, yet high quality, fine dining.
Day 2 — Ipanema, Botafogo, and the Soul of Rio’s Food
Rio tastes like citrus, fire, and the ocean. If you’re not hungry here, you’re doing it wrong.
Ipanema Beach - It's more than a bossa nova about a girl on the beach. Ipanema is an affluent neighborhood on the southern edge of Rio. It's beach is world famous and would appear to be an extension of adjacent Copacabana. However, Ipanema is distinct with world-class restaurants, shops, art galleries, and theater.
Restaurant Cervantes - You may not be able to tell from the image, but chicken hearts are a delicacy. Restaurant Cervantes is a great spot frequented by locals in Copacabana. It's not fancy, and it's known for great sandwiches, but that's not really exciting. For a better story, order a plate full of hearts!
Devassa - Although you won't need to wait in line, Davassa's packed house should tell you that it's popular for good reason. Devassa is Rio's version of a brewhouse. It's known for great craft beer, which is brewed by Devassa and shipped throughout Brazil. In fact, you may find various Devassa locations throughout the country. However, we can also vouch for good food and great drinks such as the Strawberry Sake Caipirinha (pictured), otherwise known as a Sakerinha.
Roberta Sudbrack - Located in a renovated two-story house, Chef Roberta Sudbrack's flagship restaurant offers a truly impressive dining experience. Try one of their various tasting menus if you really want to spice-up your social media food porn timeline. Save room for desert, which revolves around a creative presentation inspired by fresh Brazilian fruits. Aside from a Michelin Star, this fine dining establishment has been named one of Latin America's top 50 restaurants- number 10 to be exact!
Day 3 — Santa Teresa: Art, Hills, and the Beauty of Old Rio
Santa Teresa is Rio’s artistic soul — bohemian, a little frayed, always romantic.
Escadaria Selarón - Climbing stairs has never been so colorful! Escadaria Selaron in Lapa is an iconic stop in Brazil. Take pictures and sample the authentic photos sold by locals during your walk. For the "lazy man special, take a cab to the top of the mountain and walk down the stairs. They're just as fabulous on the way down.
Bar do Mineiro - High atop Rio in the Santa Theresa neighborhood sits Bar do Mineiro. Although they have some of the best croquettes we have ever eaten (sorry Miami), this restaurant is known for Feijoada- considered the best in Rio! Bar do Mineiro is generally packed and you may be subject to short wait, but do it! You can't pass n sampling this national dish.
Parque Lage & Christ the Redeemer - Within the neighborhood of Jardim Botanico is Parque Lage. You may recall this image from your favorite rap video, but this beautiful park must be seen in person. You'll find a rustic art school, 2 small galleries, a café inside an old colonial building, a castle, cave, and a small aquarium. This is also the start of the Corcovado Trail which leads to Christ the Redeemer via a 2 hour breath-taking hike. Rio wear the largest Jesus Piece in the world. It can be seen from afar from most places in Rio. However, you can visit this monument, which is considered one of the "new 7 wonders of the world," for a closer view and a most holy selfie.
Tereze + Bar dos Descasados - Hotel Santa Theresa was our favorite honeymoon destination. Following a series of "oohs and ahhs" in our hotel room and the hotel pool, we stepped into the majestic descorated Bar Dos Descasados. We lounged on elegant bedding, sipped amazingly fresh (and fancy) drinks, sampled appetizers fit for a king, and gazed over the city while watching the sunset.It felt like we ventured into Khaleesi's kingdom. Minus the dragons, there wasn't much of a difference. You don't have to be a hotel guest to make this a part of your RIo experience. Make it happen! Also located in the Santa Theresa Hotel is Tereze. This upscale restaurant requires reservations- well in advance for popular weekend times. Chef Pablo Ferreyra impresses in this gorgeous Brazilian restaurant with a French flair and décor resembling a fine Lisbon chateau. A seductive wine selection offered by a house Sommelier adds to the scenic view overlooking downtown Rio.
Day 4 — Lagoa, Jardim Botânico, Lapa Nights, and Carnival Spirit
Rio never sleeps, not really. Music is built into its bones.
Jardim Botânico - Rio’s green cathedral. Royal palms stretching to the sky, orchids, bromeliads, toucans flitting between branches. A calm, fragrant refuge from the city’s heat and noise.
Olympe - Helena Rizzo’s culinary temple — modern Brazilian cuisine shaped by French technique. Dishes feel like edible art without losing flavor or soul. One of Rio’s most thoughtful kitchens.
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[]] + Drinks - Walk around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Mountains frame the scene. Rowers glide silently. Families bike. Stop at a kiosque for a caipirinha — passion fruit if you’re smart.
Lapa + Carnival Vibes - Even if it’s not Carnival, Rio rehearses all year. Check for samba school practices (Mangueira, Salgueiro). Usually open to the public, loud, sweaty, unforgettable. If not, enjoy Lapa’s nightlife — live samba, open-air bars, dancing that feels like flying. End with a final walk under the Lapa Arches, heartbeat synced to drums.
