Romantic Weekend in RIo

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Description:

A veritable Rio landmark, Copacabana Palace continues to enjoy a reputation as one of the most glamorous hotels in Brazil. The immaculate white façade, beachfront location, immaculately-attired staff and fabulous pool combine to make this an enduring favourite with celebrities visiting the city. The hotel's two restaurants, Cipriani and the less-formal Pergula, offer some of the best food in the city, and non-guests are welcome (provided the budget will stretch!). Try to book a room with sea views, as the magic is somewhat shattered in the rooms at the rear, which look out onto the crowded Copacabana backstreets. Advance booking is essential, and be warned that prices sky rocket over Carnival and New Year.

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:

See some of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world as you sail the Niteroi beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Get a sea-view perspective of such sites as Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and Corcovado Mountain. You will also have time to relax in the sun and enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant.

Appreciate Rio from the sea, and get a different perspective of the famous sites such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and the statue of Christ Redeemer. Sail along the beaches at Niteroi. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and towel as there will be a stop for swimming and relaxing in the sun. Lunch will be served at a seafood restaurant in Rio.

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.

Description:

Housed in huge, gorgeous old building filled with antiques, Rio Scenarium has been named as one of the best bars in the world by the UK's Guardian newspaper. Live samba bands play onstage while locals strut their impressive stuff on the dancefloor. Good food is also served.

Our Local Expert Says:

Opt for French-inspired dishes here, this place is widely considered to offer the best French bistro food in Rio.

Description:

Flavia Queresma, the exuberant head chef at Careme Bistro, is something of a television celebrity in Brazil. But while her on-screen persona has won her legions of fans, it's the quality of food that makes her restaurant such a hit. Housed in a small colonial building on a quiet Botafogo street, Careme enjoys a relaxed, dimly-lit bistro ambience and the mood is refreshingly unpretentious. The restaurant is located in a small, old house on one of the quietest streets in Botafogo. For a real gourmet experience, opt for the taster menu - starters, mains and desserts served in miniature portions.

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:

Relax with a frothy coffee or tangy fruit cocktail and soak up the opulence at this antique coffee house and restaurant.


The sprawling building is full of historic charm, and was the favored meeting point of carioca high society during Brazil's Belle Epoque.


There's formal dining in the upstairs restaurant, light meals and snacks below and, front of house, a stand-up snack bar selling tasty sweet and savory pastries and expressos to office workers on the go.

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:

By day, Santa Teresa is a great place to pick up some arty knick-knacks and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many traditional restaurants. By night, the neighborhood becomes a hip hangout for bohemian types of all ages, as the bars, cafes and restaurants become packed with students, musicians and artists.

Description:

Once home to Rio's wealthiest inhabitants, the charming hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa began to fall into disrepair during the 1960s and 70s, when the emergence of favelas nearby drove the rich towards the city's beaches. Artists and musicians moved into the abandoned mansions, and today Santa Teresa is known as Rio's most bohemian neighborhood. Vintage clothes stores, artists workshops and wonderfully laid-back bars and restaurants make the neighborhood well worth a visit, and the iconic yellow tram that clatters its way along the twisting streets is a joy to ride. Despite its close proximity to the city centre, Santa Teresa has preserved a charming small-town atmosphere, and there is a real community atmosphere to the place. Santa Teresa is well-policed and its reputation as a dangerous area to visit is largely undeserved , however, do take the usual precautions, and take taxis between here and Santa Teresa at night.

Our Local Expert Says:

Arrive early or book in advance to grab a table on the outside terrace and enjoy terrific views over Santa Teresa

Description:

The antique street car that rattles through Rio's Santa Teresa district passes right in front of this bar/restaurant serving terrific pan-Brazilian dishes. Much use is made of ingredients native to the country - most notably Amazonia. If piranha soup sounds a little too adventurous, try the mixed entree which combines tasty nibbles such as fresh palm heart and acai (Amazonian berry) chutney. Alongside excellent fish, seafood and meat dishes are some good vegetarian options - try the mixed root vegetables topped with abobora (similar to pumpkin) and melted cheese. Chef Natacha Fink has picked up a string of awards for her work here, and it's not hard to see why. The wine list is also decent, and the caipirinhas made with passionfruit are delicious.

Description:

Carioca Da Gema's inauguration in 2000 marked an important transition for the Lapa district from down-at-heel and dangerous to the place to be on a Friday night. As a template for other bars to follow, the menu was varied, the prices reasonable, but the main draw was always the music. Today the city's hottest new samba bands still rub shoulders with old favorites, and by booking a table you guarantee yourself ringside seats at some of the best live music and samba dancing that Rio has to offer.

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:

Most tourists only stop in Urca long enough to take the cable car up Sugar Loaf mountain, but this quiet, gentile neighborhood is well worth a few hours of your time. Bar e Restaurante Urca is the perfect spot to stop and soak up charm of the neighborhood, with outdoor tables and chairs allowing relaxed drinking and dining right next to the bay. Bobbing boats and soaring gulls compete for attention with delicious fish and seafood dishes. Bar snacks, such as the cod and potato balls, are very good here too.

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Description:

A veritable Rio landmark, Copacabana Palace continues to enjoy a reputation as one of the most glamorous hotels in Brazil. The immaculate white façade, beachfront location, immaculately-attired staff and fabulous pool combine to make this an enduring favourite with celebrities visiting the city. The hotel's two restaurants, Cipriani and the less-formal Pergula, offer some of the best food in the city, and non-guests are welcome (provided the budget will stretch!). Try to book a room with sea views, as the magic is somewhat shattered in the rooms at the rear, which look out onto the crowded Copacabana backstreets. Advance booking is essential, and be warned that prices sky rocket over Carnival and New Year.

Our Local Expert Says:

Pergula is a more relaxed alternative to La Cipriani, Copacabana Palace's formal restaurant. There's no need to dress up, and non-guests are welcome to stop by for a drink and a bite to eat.

Description:

Copacabana Palace remains a byword for glamor and indulgence in Rio, and you'll really feel like you're living the high life as you sip a cocktail and nibble on bar snacks at Pergula, the hotel's relaxed poolside bar and restaurant. The restaurant is open to non-guests and there is no dress code, but do be aware that the clientele here is very well-heeled. If you really feel like splashing out, treat yourself to the set 'brunch', served between 12.30pm and 4.30pm, which includes treats such as salmon, caviar, shrimp and a glass of champagne. This is not a spot for holidaymakers on a budget, but the luxurious surrounds, impeccable service and delicious food and drink more than justify the high price tag.

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.

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:

Be sure to visit the Lagoa if you are in Rio over the Christmas season. An enormous Christmas tree is placed in the centre of the lake, and the lights sparkling on the water make this an ideal place to come for a romantic Christmas meal or drink.

Description:

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (or Lagoa, as it is popularly known) is the perfect place to come to unwind. A vast lagoon surrounded by dramatic mountains, Lagoa attracts fitness fanatics making use of the running track and exercise stations; families taking to the water on peddle boats; couples and groups of friends wining and dining at the many waterside bars and restaurants; and pensive types mulling things over as they stroll around the lake and take in the stunning views. The 7.5 kilometre running/cycling/walking track is a great way to exercise in beautiful surrounds, and the nearby Parque Catacumba, entrance to which is free, boasts walking trails that will lead you through bamboo groves to a lofty viewpoint with stunning vistas across the lake and over to Ipanema beach.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bring a date here in the early evening to enjoy a drink watching the sunset over the lake.

Description:

The lagoa is a lovely place to enjoy an evening meal, a few drinks and a spot of live music - there are a number of spots to choose from, this is one of the busiest but also one of the best.

Description:

Head chef of New York's acclaimed Mr. Chow restaurant, the eponymous Mr. Lam still finds the time to head up the kitchen at this super-chic 2006 addition to Rio's dining scene. Rio's rich and well-dressed flock here to sample typical Peking cuisine of the highest quality. A-la-carte options are available, but most diners opt for one of the taster menus.

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Description:

A veritable Rio landmark, Copacabana Palace continues to enjoy a reputation as one of the most glamorous hotels in Brazil. The immaculate white façade, beachfront location, immaculately-attired staff and fabulous pool combine to make this an enduring favourite with celebrities visiting the city. The hotel's two restaurants, Cipriani and the less-formal Pergula, offer some of the best food in the city, and non-guests are welcome (provided the budget will stretch!). Try to book a room with sea views, as the magic is somewhat shattered in the rooms at the rear, which look out onto the crowded Copacabana backstreets. Advance booking is essential, and be warned that prices sky rocket over Carnival and New Year.