Rio De Janeiro Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Rio De Janeiro
Rio De Janeiro is the best known tourist destination in Brazil, and maybe even all of South America, and it’s not hard to see why. Located near multiple scenic beaches, Rio Dejinero boasts a booming city life, world class hotels, and multiple cultural and historical sites!
Rio De Janeiro has so much to do and so many things to see that planning a trip can be overwhelming. That’s why we put all the best hotspots and local tips in one place, so you can see what Rio has to offer you and your family!
The first thing you need to decide on is what exactly you want to see, so we’ll start with a list of the most important attractions in Rio De Janeiro. After you’ve figured that out, we can move on figuring out how you want to fly and where you want to stay. Read on, and you’ll have a good idea of what your vacation in Rio is going to look like!
Top Attractions in Rio De Janeiro
Rio is one of the liveliest cities to experience. Here are a few of our favorite attractions to help you get your must-see and must-do list started.
Christ the Redeemer
You’re probably seen pictures of this enormous statue of Jesus of Nazareth, his arms outstretched and gazing over the city. Finished in 1931, Christ the Redeemer has stood as an inspiration to Christians around the world ever since.
Even if you don’t share the statue’s religious aspirations, it’s hard to deny The Redeemer’s artistic and historical value. Though the statue is located at the highest point of Corcovado Mountain, accessing the statue is done easily by train.
If you’re going to Rio, Christ the Redeemer is a must-see. The statue is truly massive in scale, and though there are many pictures of it available, you just don’t get the same sense of awe as when you’re standing at its base looking up.
Leblon Beach
One of the best things about Rio is that it has several different beaches to choose from, and each one has its own strengths. For the typical tourist, Leblon offers the best package.
First, it’s located near an excellent area of the city, offering upscale restaurants and shopping. Not only is this convenient if you want to go on a city excursion before or after your trip to the beach, it also means the beach is considered by many to be among the safest.
Second, Leblon Beach boasts extra facilities for children. Called “Baixo Bay,” the whole area is fenced off to make sure your kids don’t go wandering off! Baixo Bay makes a trip to Leblon Beach fun for children and less stressful for you.
Overall, Leblon Beach is considered the most family friendly beach in Rio De Janeiro, and if you’re arriving at the city with young children, it’s an absolute must.
Maracanã Stadium
Maracanã Stadium is the second largest stadium in South America. Not only is it enormous, it also houses games between Rio De Janeiro’s four competing soccer clubs. Considering the rivalry between them, these games are often quite intense!
Maracanã Stadium is also sometimes used to hold concerts. In the past, it has housed greats like Frank Sinatra, The Foo Fighters, and the Rolling Stones. Owing to its massive capacity, these concerts usually draw an enormous crowd, and are responsible for breaking turnout records for several bands. If you’re a music lover, make sure to check if anybody is playing!
The Experience Flying into Rio De Janeiro Airports
As a tourist, chances are you’ll be flying into Galeao International Airport. Rio De Janeiro does have a second airport, known as Santo Dumont Domestic Airport, but as the name implies it does not handle international flights. In other words, unless you’re visiting Rio De Janeiro from another part of Brazil, you’ll be flying into Galeao.
Galeao International Airport comes well equipped for the international traveler. When you arrive, you’ll find a food court, a currency exchange, car rentals and bankings. There’s even some decent shopping to be done, including multiple souvenir shops and even a toy store!
Galeao is also located conveniently near several hotels. If you decided to stay somewhere else in the city, the airport offers easy access to bus and subway lines. Overall, you’ll find all the amenities you would expect from a world class international airport at Galeao International Airport!
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Rio De Janeiro
International travel can get pricey, and Rio is no exception. Don’t worry, we have a few tricks up our sleeve. Here are three things to keep in mind when booking your flight, to keep things under budget.
1. Book Really Early or Really Late
You should try to book very early or very late. Early booking is obvious, as it’s before the flight fills up and seats become scarce. However, if you’re feeling daring, you can try to book a flight very late.
If the airline hasn’t been able to fill enough seats, they might lower the price of tickets at the last minute in order to salvage some money. If you want to do this, make sure you’re trying to fly at a low traffic time, like weekdays or redeyes.
Also read up on local holidays, like Brazilian Independence Day (September 7th) and Carnival (the week before lent) as these days will usually be busier.
2. Make an Extra Stop or Two Along the Way
You should consider stopping at another destination along the way. Airlines often charge a premium for connecting flights, so if you stay overnight in a destination on your way to Rio De Janeiro you’ll not only add an extra destination to your trip, you may also save some money!
It’s worth noting that if you want to try to schedule your own connecting flights, it is a really bad idea to schedule them on the same day. Unfortunately, delays are common in most airlines, and this may cause you to miss your second flight.
3. Don’t Forget Your Rewards
Always make sure you’re keeping track of your rewards. Otherwise known as ‘frequent flyer’ miles, if you fly a lot these can save you a ton of money. Get up to date on the policies major airlines have for frequent flyers, then pick one and stick with it.
If you only fly occasionally, it can be useful to shop around with different airlines to shave thirty or forty dollars from your ticket, but if you’re on an airplane often this may be wasted effort. If you stick to one airliner, you’ll generate rewards that translate to considerable savings. So find out which airline is your favorite, and stick with it!
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
There is a lot to do in Rio, but the first thing a prospective tourist should consider is safety. Unfortunately, several areas in the city are a bad idea to visit as a foreigner, especially if you don’t know the language. In general, the north of the city is considered dangerous for anyone who isn’t a local, so steer clear.
In terms of neighborhoods you want to visit, Copacabana and Ipanema are excellent for tourism. They boast all of the city pleasures you would expect, including upscale shopping, great restaurants, and great hotels. Also, as long as you stay to the South, you’ll never be far from a scenic beach.
Overall, Rio De Janeiro is the kind of city that you want to plan your visit heavily. There is as much to see as there is to avoid, so make sure you stick to the south, and thoroughly vet any neighborhood that catches your eye.
Popular Hotels in Those Areas
Whether you’re looking for luxurious five star accommodations or a budget hotel, Rio De Janeiro has options. Besides the hotel itself, you also want to take its location into consideration. Are you here to see the city, or would you prefer something closer to the beach? Or are you just passing through, in which case you would want something closer to the airport?
Hilton Rio De Janeiro Copacabana
The Hilton Rio De Janeiro Copacabana, for example, is a five star hotel located directly on the Copacabana beach. It’s the perfect getaway for somebody looking for fun in the sun, but keep in mind that it does command five star prices. However, the extra money does get you access to a rooftop bar and a private beach, so it sounds pretty worth it.
Villa 25 Hostel and Suites
On the other end of the spectrum, Villa 25 Hostel and Suites offers a bed for less than thirty dollars at time of writing, which includes a free breakfast. Obviously this is a great option for solo travelers and students, or just people on a tight budget.
However, seeing as this is a hostel, you won’t get your own room since you’re paying so little. This makes Villa 25 unsuitable for most business travelers and families. But hey, you’re in Rio De Janeiro! How much time should you be spending inside anyway?
Hotel Atlântico Business
Hotel Atlântico Business strikes an even balance between comfort and luxury. For a smaller price tag, you get the privacy and amenities you would expect from a world class hotel. This includes a spa, a pool, and a rooftop restaurant.
However, since the hotel is less expensive, the rooms are somewhat smaller than the Hilton Rio De Janeiro Copacabana. Make no mistake, that doesn’t mean they are less nice. If you want to save some money without going to a hostel, Hotel Atlântico Business is a great option.
The Belmond Copacabana Palace
Finally, if you really want to go all out, the Belmond Copacabana Palace is an absolutely spectacular option. Just looking at the exterior you’ll already be able to tell that calling the Belmond a palace is an apt description.
You’ll be treated to gorgeous decor, a spa and gym, tennis courts, and if you rent a suite you’ll even be assigned your own butler! Really, I can’t do it justice. If there is something you want, just assume they have it at the Belmond Palace.
Obviously, this amount of luxury comes at quite a price. Expect to pay several times what you would at anything else on this list. However, if you have the funds, they will purchase an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Popular AirBnB Places in Those Areas
Since many areas of the city are considered dangerous for tourists, AirBnBs should be carefully vetted on an individual basis before you commit. As a general rule of thumb, the areas described above as better for tourists should be stuck to exclusively when reserving an AirBnb. This includes Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
Overall, AirBnBs are a great way to save money on travel, but they are often subject to much less regulation than hotels. They will vary quite a bit on an individual level, so it’s important to do your own research. If you can find suitable accommodations, you may experience Rio De Janeiro in a way only a local could, just be careful out there.
Top Things to do in Rio De Janeiro
In a city as vibrant and lively as Rio De Janeiro, it’s hard to believe you’d have trouble finding something to do. However, it’s always nice to start somewhere, so here’s a list of the most popular activities.
Visit Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is considered the art district of Rio De Janeiro. Not only are there numerous art galleries, there are gorgeous murals decorating the streets themselves! It’s also considered one of the safest areas of the city, so if you want to go on a directionless stroll, this is the place to do it.
Tour Ilha Fiscal
For a small entrance fee, you can tour Ilha Fiscal, an incredibly unique castle. Located on an island, this castle’s breathtaking architecture and island grounds will absolutely stun you! Learn about Ilha Fiscal’s history as an Imperial Stronghold at a museum run by the Brazilian Navy.
Go to a Samba Bar
The music scene in Brazil is incredibly active, especially in bars and nightclubs. Rio De Janeiro offers many different establishments to drink, dance, and enjoy live music! The Lapa neighborhood is most known for this type of entertainment, but live music culture is very popular in Brazil, so anywhere there is a nightlife you’re likely to find dancing.
Coolest AirBnB Experiences in Rio De Janeiro
Considering its proximity to the beach, it’s possible to get an AirBnB directly on the beach! Keep in mind, these beach houses are in incredibly high demand, so you may have to pay a premium and schedule far in advance to snag one.
However, an AirBnB on the beach can give a relaxing, personal feel that even a beachfront hotel can’t compete with. Enjoy the sea air with breakfast, and spend the day playing in the waves with your family!
Final Thoughts
Overall, Rio De Janeiro is a great vacation destination because it has a little of everything. Watersports, beaches, hiking, art, nightlife, Rio De Janeiro can be the backdrop of any type of vacation you want.
It can be hard to choose as a result, even between a casual, come-as-you are experience where you take what the city gives you, or a tightly planned attempt at seeing everything. At the end of the day, if you go to Rio De Janeiro, you’ll have fun. It’s as simple as that.
