- Be mindful of your phone and watch, especially in crowded areas and when taking photos.
- Use plenty of sunscreen — the sun is strong all year round.
- Wear flip-flops; avoid tennis shoes, as sand and heat make them uncomfortable.
- Use Uber whenever possible. If you can’t find one, taxis (yellow cars) work very well.
- Carry some cash, or ask “Aceita cartão de crédito?” — most taxis have card machines.
- The metro is usable, but it’s not always very intuitive or well organized for tourists.
- Beach bars rent umbrellas and chairs directly on the sand.
- Chairs usually cost R$15–20
- Umbrellas around R$20–30
- If they charge significantly more, they are likely overcharging — just move to another bar.
- Similar setup to Ipanema.
- Since it’s the week before Carnival, expect crowded beaches.
- For lunch, check out Bar do Bacana
https://www.instagram.com/bar.do.bacana- Excellent caipirinhas — the cachaça, lime, and passion fruit one is a favorite.
- Highly recommended dish: Filé Oswaldo Aranha
- Their pastéis are also excellent.
- Best reached by Uber or taxi. Try to arrange pickup and drop-off with the same driver.
- Arrive early — it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio.
- Located in Barra da Tijuca, about 30–40 minutes from Copacabana.
- Another good option in Barra: Praia do Pepê.
https://www.bondinho.com.br/en
- Tour option:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g303506-d11465614-The_Best_Half_Day_in_Rio_with_Christ_Redeemer_and_Sugar_Loaf_Hill-Rio_de_Janeiro_S.html - Tickets:
https://www.christ-the-redeemer-tickets.com/
You can also book these through your hotel, but be careful with inflated prices.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vidigalrj/
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidigal,_Rio_de_Janeiro
- A trusted Uber driver who knows the area well:
Victor – +55 21 99482-7798
(Specialized in taking people to the top of the hill.) - Great feijoada on Saturdays.
- A very nice local bar with a great atmosphere.
- https://www.instagram.com/botecoboapraca/?hl=en
- One of the best seafood restaurants in Rio.
- Outstanding fish and traditional Brazilian dishes.
- https://www.instagram.com/mariusdegustare/
- I was born in North of Brazil, where the Amazon region is located.
- A simple space for tacacá soup, crab, açaí & Amazônia's fruit-flavored ice cream cones. Address: Rua Barão do Flamengo 35 R - Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22220-080
- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tacaca-Do-Norte-Flamengo/201853483240486?_rdr
- You can Try:
- Capirinha com Cachaça de Jambu
- Tacacá (Like a Soup) - https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gps-cs-s/AHVAwerg0z3gxHwfcDp_qY85TLxcv57n4Bdx7dxbkTttehrbnzoNj9E4E8kii_1WLwjog0UkK15iAnYaFesvaDWlWvdlU3-l6YzJObfigNQjIG0SI_LY9hnRXDDIwy9Ap30OEhA6Ty2H=w2958-h1540-rw
- Unha de Carangueijo - https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gps-cs-s/AHVAwepW-PsubPsXm5omL7dfsYZiixAewv9BMUNglLLnNv7YRcxkco60G0r444qKI-WdUBsILtvojukZo5Swd7EnJ1EA3TjDBiDmCWuS5-JrMBOnhMgdXRNyPzdw_yUlNrqoHy-qxoIj=w2958-h1540-rw
- The Real Açaí - https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gps-cs-s/AHVAweo36t-BmBBIizOAdNeHdGzICFC7IOPejkkrJ51L3pB89tP3EhPnjysu2ggPTYZvR0uUOi3eOIm1TS5gxtb45yIn-OZJ36ROofudYgXMij_xwHsY8XcWDvULwXneVlfVWqAxPKiVZg=s1360-w1360-h1020-rw
As small portions to try, if you like or not ok?
It’s pre-Carnival week, so the city will be very busy.
Stay alert, enjoy the energy, and relax — almost everywhere accepts credit cards.