Kid-friendly Rio

Our Local Expert Says:

This is one of the best options in Ipanema for the price - ask for a room with sea view.

Description:

Located on Ipanema beachfront close to Leblon, Praia Ipanema is well-located for the area's upscale restaurants and bars as well as for the beach. All rooms have balconies and all enjoy great views - those at the front look out over the ocean, while those at the back take in a view of the legendary Christ statue. All rooms are well-appointed for the price, and the hotel is well-equipped, with a pool, gym and very good breakfasts.

Description:

One of the best surfing beaches in the area, even at night, with clean, almost transparent water. Locals come from all over to sunbathe on this small stretch of sand between Copacabana and Ipanema. It is also popular with elderly people who gather to play checkers every morning and families who are content to simply watch the surfers have a go at the waves. This beach gets crowded on weekends. The Arpoador rock offers a great view of both Copacabana and Ipanema and the sunset is absolutely astonishing.

Description:

The first thing you will notice about this park will be all the cats lying around. Located in between Copacabana and Ipanema beach, close to the Arpoador rock, it features a skating rink, a fitness area and a playground. Weekend concerts sometimes take place here so check local listings. There is also a good view of the beach and the girls from Ipanema if you do not want to get all sandy and wet.

Description:

It may be more than a little touristy, but there´s many a good reason why visitors flock to take the cable car ride up to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain. Rising sheer out of the ocean and towering almost 400 meters above Guanabara Bay, the mountain offers spectacular views from its peak. A dizzying two-stage cable car ride takes in sweeping vistas of the city, and once you reach the top you´ll be in no doubt as to why Rio de Janeiro is known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (marvelous city). As condors soar overhead, can look out over the mountains, dense jungle and those world famous city beaches. Take time to wander around and catch your breath; at the top of Sugar Loaf you will find snack bars, toilets and plenty of prime photo opportunities. At the bottom you will find the small but perfectly formed Praia Vermelha beach, a military barracks (making this perhaps the safest neighborhood in Rio) and a delightful short trail that will take you along a path overhung by trees that are home to plentiful marmosets and exotic birds. Dawn is the perfect time to visit Pão de Açucar to catch the best of the wildlife, before the crowds arrive and drive some of the shyer creatures... read more

Description:

Housed in an elegant 19th-century mansion in a quiet part of Botafogo, the Indian Museum's collection is one of the most important in Latin America, with over 14,000 artifacts, 16,000 papers and books on indigenous topics, and over half a million historical documents on Brazilian Indian tribes. All that sounds a little dry, but the museum is anything but. Instead, its exhibits are some of the most innovative and artistic I have come across in a Brazilian museum, including striking wall-size black-and-white photos adorned with colored feathers and a display on kids' toys where the objects dangle from the ceiling at various heights. The symbolism of the hunt is portrayed in a dark room with just a ray of light illuminating the floor, casting an eerie glow on spears and animal skulls. There are no signs in English, but the exhibits are so vivid they speak for themselves. For kids there is a gallery with (washable) body paint and a large selection of stamps so they can practice adorning themselves as warriors, hunters, chiefs, or shamans. It's a great spot for children and an easy place to spend 2 hours. As a good portion of the displays are outside, avoid going on a rainy day.

Description:

The beaches of Rio's Zona Sul (south zone) stretch for miles, and walking the length of these famous stretches of sand is a great way to catch some sun while taking some exercise and enjoying fantastic views. Walking and cycling tracks make seaside strolls a safe activity any day of the week, but the best time for a walk by the beach is Sunday, when the roads are closed to traffic from Leblon right down to the far end of Copacabana. Joggers, cyclers, roller-bladers and power walkers all head here on Sundays to take in some hard core exercise, but a less strenuous option is just to walk along at your own pace, stopping now and then for a cooling agua de coco (chilled coconut water) at one of the many beachside kiosks.

Our Local Expert Says:

Families with kids should be sure to take the short stroll (around 20 minutes each way) around the base of the mountain, and keep a particular eye out for the tiny monkeys in the trees overhead. Pieces of fruit will tempt them from the trees!

Description:

At just over 210 meters, Morro da Urca is the first stop for sightseers making the dramatic ascent to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain. While most people arrive here by the cable car that soars high above Praia Vermelha beach, taking in staggering views of the city, others choose the DIY approach. Seasoned climbers can frequently be seen scaling the sheer granite front of the mini-mountain, while others take the gentler option by taking the marked paths that lead from the ground up. If you choose to take this route, wear good walking shoes or sandals (flip flops are not recommended), and be prepared to sweat somewhat if you're making the ascent during the heat of the early afternoon.

Description:

Don't be put off by the name, which means "big pig" in Portuguese, this legendary churrascaria caters to a well-heeled crowd. The decor is sophisticated, the ambience is relaxed, and the food is of the very highest quality. Waiters brandishing spits bring cuts of meat to your table until you can eat no more, while a buffet invites you to try excellent salads, sushi, pasta dishes, cheeses, breads, olives and countless other treats.

Description:

Possibly the most famous stretch of sand in the world, Copacabana beach is synonymous with the hedonistic side of Rio - with sun, sea, beautiful bodies and New Year celebrations on the beach. Stretching for around five kilometers (the beach is called Leme at its northern end), Copacabana boasts soft white sand that is crammed with locals in tiny bikinis and shorts. Stalls selling ice-cold beers and caipirinhas line the beachfront, and joggers run along the pavements - famous for their distinctive wave-patterned black and white tiling. Copacabana beach is overlooked by the attractive, jungle covered hill of Morro do Leme, and Sugar Loaf mountain is resplendent in the background. Avenida Atlantica is the busy road running along the beachfront, and across from the sands the road is lined with towering high rise hotels and apartment blocks, as well as any number of places to eat and drink. Be warned, however, that while a visit here is a must, Copacabana is not the best place to sunbathe. The water is too dirty for swimming, the beach is rife with pickpockets, and vendors selling tourist tat are annoyingly relentless in their drive to relieve you of your tourist dollar.

Description:

Opened in 1970, this is an excellent place to get familiar with the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere, or simply to gaze at enchanting, twinkling stars. Take advantage of one of the guided tours that are available. Led in Portuguese, they are geared to children, teenagers or adults. On Wednesday nights, one of the astronomers will allow peeks into his telescope. The complex offers courses, workshops and expositions, as well as a theater. Call for admission prices.

Description:

The relentless energy, heat noise and bustle of life in Rio is exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. Sometimes you need a break from the heat and the crowds and Jardim Botanico - the stunning botanical gardens located in the leafy, middle class suburb of the same name - provides the perfect shady getaway from the big city environment. Considered one of the 10 most important gardens of its kind in the world, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden was founded in 1808 by John, prince regent of the United Kingdom of Brazil and Portugal (later King John VI), for introducing and acclimatizing economically beneficial plants brought from other tropical regions of the world.The 137 hectares of cool, shady gardens house around 70,000 rare plants, along with 140 species of birds, and countless butterflies. The gardens are easily reached by bus from Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana and Centro - just take any bus saying 'Jardim Botanico'. Alternatively, a taxi ride will be quick, easy and relatively inexpensive. The area around the gardens is one of Rio's safest.

Our Local Expert Says:

Monkey lovers will be particularly happy here, as visitors can see many types of monkey indigenous to South America. The spider monkeys are particularly entertaining.

Description:

Rio's city zoo has seen some serious improvements in recent years, and is now an excellent destination for families, with plenty to keep kids occupied for a full day. The emphasis is on animals native to South America, and spider monkeys and toucans are among the most eye-catching monuments. There's a baby mammals enclosure (often closed at weekends) where visitors can take a peek at baby monkeys and plenty of cafes and vendors on hand to keep the family fed and watered. Admittedly, some of the animals could use a little more space, but conditions have generally improved enormously and continue to do so. With entrance costing just R$5 for adults, it's a good value day trip.

Description:

For fans of 'futebol' (football/soccer), a trip to the legendary Maracanã stadium is every bit as vital as visiting the Christ statue or taking the cable car up the Sugar Loaf. Football is often described as 'the beautiful game', and nowhere is this description more apt than in Brazil. The national side has won the football world cup five times, and is pretty much every non-Brazilian's favorite foreign team. While the big names may have left for high profile, high wages teams in Europe, locally played Brazilian football is still a joy to behold, largely due to the fantastic festival atmosphere. Samba drumming, singing, dancing, firecrackers and enormous flags liven up even the most humdrum of games, and if you are lucky enough to catch a local derby or important cup match then the atmosphere will be even more electric.

Description:

Fast food with good service and an American flavor, both in the menu and the décor. The meals are served in a room decorated like a modern western saloon, which can be a bit noisy when packed with teenagers. The hits are American classics like quarter-pound hamburgers with salad and melted cheese and the famous huge Chicago Burger. There is also a variety of pizzas (including a special vegetarian pizza), sundaes, and a special menu for children.

Description:

Barril 1800 sits directly opposite Ipanema beach, serves some of the best draught beer in Rio, and its Saturday feijoada (bean and meat feast) is the stuff of legend. The barbequed meats are also excellent, as is the seafood. The service here is formal but the atmosphere very relaxed - you won't look or feel out of place here in your shorts and flip flops. And don't feel you have to eat - this is also a lovely spot to just kick back and relax with a cold beer or caipirinha cocktail.

Our Local Expert Says:

Set off in the early morning for the best views from the Christ statue, as clouds (and crowds) tend to gather in the afternoon. Alternatively, make the trip at sunset for spectacular views as the city below lights up.

Description:

The sweeping vista takes in white sand beaches, urban mountain and jungle, bays dotted with boats, towering skyscrapers and, of course, the magnificent Sugar Loaf mountain. As you stand at the feet of the Christ, you will be able to pick out other city landmarks such as Copacabana beach and the world-famous Maracana football stadium. Standing with outstretched arms, embracing the stunning cityscape below, the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Christo Redentor) is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The statue stands atop the 700-metre Corcovado (meaning hunchback) mountain, and to come to Rio without visiting 'the big guy' would be simply unthinkable. Indeed, in 2007 the Christo Redentor was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by the New Open World Corporation. At 39.6 metres tall and weighing 700 tons, the Christ statue is an impressive sight in itself, but it is the views from his mountain-top home, high amid the trees of the Tjuca Forest, that really make the trip a must do.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is one of the best options in Ipanema for the price - ask for a room with sea view.

Description:

Located on Ipanema beachfront close to Leblon, Praia Ipanema is well-located for the area's upscale restaurants and bars as well as for the beach. All rooms have balconies and all enjoy great views - those at the front look out over the ocean, while those at the back take in a view of the legendary Christ statue. All rooms are well-appointed for the price, and the hotel is well-equipped, with a pool, gym and very good breakfasts.

Description:

Folk art is one of Brazil's strongest traditions, and there is no better place in the city to appreciate it than this unique museum located in the Catete area. Here you will find art from all over the country: ceramics, musical instruments, toys, religious tools, and photographs among others. It has an artesanato gift shop which sells crafts, music and books. This museum is right beside the Museu da República.

Description:

On a leafy side street in bohemian Santa Teresa, Museu Chácara do Céu is a former mansion house that is now home to an impressive collection of art works - including pieces by Picasso, Monet and Degas. There are also plenty of pieces from Brazilian artists, and the museum itself is located in beautiful shady gardens that provide a welcome retreat from the beating sun. Entrance to the park is R$5.

Description:

Up in the hills of leafy, bohemian Santa Teresa, Aprazivel sits in beautiful tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, trees and wildlife. Tables, chairs and straw-roofed gazebos are set out beneath the trees, and at night the scene is lit with hanging lanterns and fairy lights. The Brazilian owner and chef, Ana Castilha, trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York, and applies a French twist to some Brazilian favorites. The salads at Aprazivel are anything but bland, often making good use of spicy peppers, and the chicken and seafood dishes are very good. But it's the setting that's the real draw, and diners can enjoy spectacular views across the city and Guanabara Bay. Aprazivel may be high on a hillside, but it's within a few minutes' walk from the lively bars and shops of this arty neighborhood.

Description:

The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum presents a frequently changing selection of the best of Brazilian contemporary art, focusing on sculpture, textiles and painting. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer with the assistance of structural engineer Bruno Contarini, who had worked with Niemeyer on earlier projects, the MAC-Niterói is 16 meters high; its cupola has a diameter of 50 meters with three floors. The museum projects itself over Boa Viagem ("Bon Voyage," "Good Journey"), the 817-square meter reflecting pool that surrounds the cylindrical base "like a flower," in the words of Niemeyer. A wide access slope leads to a Hall of Expositions, which has a capacity for sixty people. Two doors lead to the viewing gallery, through which can be seen the Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, and Sugarloaf Mountain. The saucer-shaped modernist structure, which has been likened to a UFO, is set on a cliffside, at the bottom of which is a beach. Given the alien quality of Rio's landscape, it seems appropriate that the form of the museum should most obviously suggest a flying saucer, seemingly poised for take-off on the edge of the water. Cantilevered out from a stout central stalk, the saucer-like volume of the... read more

Description:

It's a short ferry ride across Guanabara bay to this little island, but it feels like a world away from the big city. There are no cars here, so it's a great place to hire bikes, or you can take to the waters in a peddle boat. Less glamorous than coastal destinations such as Buzios, the island still has a slightly shabby charm, and is a favourite destination among day-tripping Rio locals. Try to catch a ferry (or slightly more expensive catamaran) at the end of the afternoon for dramatic sunset views of Rio.

Description:

Looking rather incongruous on a concrete island in Rio's slightly shabby docklands, Ilha Fiscal is a bright green palace that looks like it has been lifted straight out of a fairy tale. The elaborate neo-gothic construction was built for the less than glamorous purposes of customs verification, but secured its place in history when, in 1889, it was the venue for the Portuguese empire's last ever ball - Brazil was declared a republic just three days later. Beautiful stained glass windows depict Dom Pedro and Princess Isabel, and there are fantastic views over Guanabara Bay from here.

Description:

You can find out about Brazil's cultural inheritance and have a lot of fun at the same time! This Brazilian version of American theme parks offers the best in thrilling and fun rides for grown-ups and kids in a setting that celebrates Brazil's ethnic and cultural aspects in its architecture and landscaping. Enjoy the action-packed roller-coasters and water rides, scream from the top of your lungs as you drop from the 200ft high Cabhum or have a go at the 180 degrees IMAX simulator. The park also offers a restaurant, ice-cream parlor, snack bars and a few shops.

Our Local Expert Says:

Don't be startled by locals jumping on and off the tram as it clatters along - an unwritten rule holds that the ride is free for anyone who travels standing on the platforms on the side of the tram.

Description:

The Santa Teresa bonde (streetcar) is the last reminder of what was once Rio's principle form of public transport. But far from being just a historical artifact, the rattling yellow tram is great fun to ride, as it clatters over the iconic Arcos da Lapa and up the winding cobbled streets of Santa Teresa. Locals jump on and off the bonde as it rattles by - there is no charge for those who choose to stand on the running board instead of taking a seat. There are two lines - one to Paulo Mattos, and one to Dois Irmaoes. Both pass tram stops at Largo do Curvelo, where there is regular live samba on Sundays, and Largo do Guimaraes, which is the central point for the neighborhood's many excellent bars, restaurants and shops. Jump off at either point and you will be well-placed for exploring this bucolic neighborhood.

Our Local Expert Says:

You have a choice of eating in or take away ('para viagem'), and there's a great health food store tagged onto the side of this restaurant.

Description:

New Natural is a fantastic health food buffet. It's largely veggie-friendly, with a lot of soy dishes, although chicken and fish do make an appearance. The nourishing and delicious soups, pastries and hot dishes are popular with Ipanema's health-conscious beachgoers, as well as with travelers staying at 'Hostel Alley', the strip of backpacker accommodation next door to the restaurant.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is one of the best options in Ipanema for the price - ask for a room with sea view.

Description:

Located on Ipanema beachfront close to Leblon, Praia Ipanema is well-located for the area's upscale restaurants and bars as well as for the beach. All rooms have balconies and all enjoy great views - those at the front look out over the ocean, while those at the back take in a view of the legendary Christ statue. All rooms are well-appointed for the price, and the hotel is well-equipped, with a pool, gym and very good breakfasts.