Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you haven't had the chance to visit Brazil, I wholeheartedly recommend adding this vibrant country to your bucket list. After experiencing the beauty of Rio de Janeiro in February 2024, I can genuinely say that Rio has my heart, and Brazil will see me again. This journey marked my first experience in South America, and Rio proved to be an excellent starting point, surpassing all my expectations. During my visit, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Rio Carnival 2024, dive into the Portuguese language, embrace the rhythms of Samba, go to street Blocos, and so much more. Below, you'll discover my comprehensive guide for first-time visitors to Rio, along with top recommendations to ensure your trip becomes an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit
There is always something fun to do in Rio regardless of which month you decide to go. For those seeking the lively summer atmosphere, December to March is your best bet based on my research. I have heard that spending the New Year in Rio is unmatched, it is definitely on my own bucket list to attend. Additionally, I highly recommend attending Rio Carnival, which occurs every February before Lent, and considered one of the largest carnivals in the world.
Rio Carnival 2024
To be honest, I was not well-versed on the history of Rio Carnival before attending, so I thought I'd share some insights. At the heart of Carnival is Samba, a cultural fusion of Afro-European influences that defines Brazilian culture. The top Samba schools, showcased at the iconic Sambodromo, create a dynamic celebration featuring parades, Samba dancing, music, costumes, and lively street Blocos. Read more on the Rio Carnaval website.
Getting To Rio de Janeiro
No matter where your journey begins, your destination will be Rio de Janeiro/ Galeão International Airport. It's crucial to note that Rio has two airports – the international airport (previously mentioned) and a local airport, Santos Dumont Airport. This distinction is significant when booking transportation. Another option is flying into Sao Paulo and catching a quick flight from there to Rio.
If, like me, you're eager to capture the moment with photos upon landing, be aware that I did see signs prohibiting camera use as you head to customs – just a small reminder for your time in the airport!
How Many Days Did I Stay?
I spent 5 days and 4 nights in Rio. While I'd typically say this is ample time to explore a city, I must admit that even with 5 days, I found Brazil incredibly captivating. Two weeks would have been more ideal! For first-time travelers, I recommend a minimum of 7 days to fully immerse yourself. If you plan to visit other locations outside of Rio, consider that in your duration planning.
Where I Stayed & Recommended Places to Stay
I stayed at Rio Othon Palace, which is located right on Copacabana Beach. My stay was fantastic and the hotel staff was incredibly kind. Upon reaching the room, they even called just to check-in and make sure that we were satisfied. The hotel also offers an amazing rooftop and is a suitable choice if you are working from home, with great wifi and dedicated workspace floors.
Other Hotels I Looked Into / Would Recommend:
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Emiliano Rio
Windsor California Copacabana Hotel
Royal Rio
With numerous Hotel and AirBnb options available, I would definitely recommend that you do your research and find accommodations that fit into your budget.
Explore Rio
Helicopter Ride - I booked this tour [Link]
Christ the Redeemer - You cannot come to Rio, and not see one of the World Wonders!
Parque Lage - Note: This is free and open to the public
Selarón Steps - Note: This is free and open to the public
Sugarloaf Mountain
Hiking Tour to Pedra do Telégrafo
Ipanema Beach
Copacabana Beach
Botanical Garden
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
Maracanã
Mirante Dona Marta
Of course there are tons of other attractions to see and explore, but for your first visit, these would be my top recommendations to kickstart your experience
Places to Eat
There are so many food options to indulge in, including several restaurants surrounding the beach areas - here are a few I would highly recommend:
Boteco Belmonte - They have several locations, I went to the one on Copacabana Beach and the one on Ipanema Beach. The Ipanema location is lovely, with amazing sunset views of the beach. They have a rooftop as well, which you have to pay slightly extra for to go on (although I did not go on the rooftop myself, I am sure it offers a fantastic view)
Carretão Ipanema Classic Grill
Taberna 564 Restaurante - Note: This is located walking distance from the street that takes you to Christ the Redeemer
Marinho
Street Party Experiences / Blocos
One of my favorite memories in Brazil was experiencing Street Parties, known as Blocos. The carnival season was filled with tons of vibrant Blocos, adding an extra layer of fun to the festivities. Don't miss Pedro do Sal, a fantastic Samba Street party that takes place every Monday in Rio!
Night Life
When it comes to nightlife, the Lapa district is a must-visit. Offering a plethora of bars, clubs, restaurants, and parties, Lapa guarantees a lively experience. Of course, always stay aware of your surroundings, a universal rule no matter where you are!
Learning Portuguese
I’d say brush up on your Portuguese prior to heading to Brazil. I mean, at least be familiar with the basics. Knowing how to say: “hello” “thank you” “can I order” “Where can I find…” You will find that knowing basic terms will be helpful during your trip.
Safety Tips
For solo travelers, especially if you are a beginner traveler, I can't definitively say if this is the ideal location to travel alone. Extensive research is crucial if you're embarking on a solo journey. In my case, I traveled to the country for my boyfriend's birthday, coinciding with Rio Carnival. Regarding safety, I'd suggest exercising good judgment:
Be aware of your surroundings
Avoid drawing attention to yourself & being flashy
Refrain from openly displaying your phone. I've heard stories of iPhones being stolen, although I was fortunate not to encounter such an experience
Dengue Fever
Note: I am not a doctor, but it would be remiss of me not to share that Brazil has declared a Dengue Emergency. Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. I recommend researching information available on the CDC website. Brazil is the first country to roll out a vaccine for the fever. While in Brazil, I did not receive the vaccine. Instead, I ensured to regularly apply bug repellent every few hours. Fortunately, to the best of my knowledge, neither my boyfriend nor I experienced any bug bites. Stay safe and use repellent!
Don't forget to order a Caipirinha, Brazil's national drink. Be sure you follow @experiencedbymy to see my experiences turned into reels!
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