Has anybody been to Rio De Janeiro Brazil? Planning a trip there for a week in July, but not sure what all there is to do. Do y'all have any tips on where to go/what to do?

I've been half a dozen times, 2 during Carnival.

Rio has a host of stuff to do. beaches, hiking, sites and food/drink.

Here is a good start.



If you have specific questions I can try to give some input.

Was in Rio in 2015.

What time of year do you intend to travel?

Some of these restaurants may not have survived the pandemic, but here goes.

1. Barra Grill
Brasilian steakhouse

2. Duro
Italian restaurant
Superb architecture

3. Giuseppe Grill
Located in Leblon
Amazing steaks

Some of these best steaks you'll ever have is in Brasil.

I stayed in the Barra Tijuca neighborhood. Right across from the beach. I suggest spending lots of times hanging out on the beach and soaking in the scene.

Went to Christ the Redeemer, which was pretty cool in terms of its location relative to its surroundings.

We are looking at going the first week of July. I know it winter there but the weather should be nice.

We are trying to find somewhere out of the country to go that is pretty far away and Rio has a direct flight. Went to Europe last year so trying to find somewhere new.

Rio is the kind of place where it would be good to either have fluent command of Portuguese or have a native speaker with you who knows the lay of the land.

Refrain from sticking out too much as a tourist.

Be mindful of your surroundings at night.

Do not venture into any favela. No matter how exciting it may seem.

I've been and enjoyed it enough. I do think it's a little overhyped though. I'm not sure I would ever go back, given the opportunity.

Windsor hotels are reasonably priced, close to the beach, and have great rooftop pools with views. The front desk people typically speak English as well. I love that hotel brand in Rio.

Avoid Copacabana beach its way overcrowded and lots of petty theft. Ipanema and Leblon are nicer beaches, quieter, and safer. Although, Ive had lots of fun on Copacabana but I was with a local lol.

Main touristy things: sugarloaf mountain, Christ the redeemer statue, soccer stadium.

Worth a day trip by boat to Arraial Do Cabo, amazing white sand beaches over there.

Lapa is the main party area with lots of bars and restaurants.

Uber is safe and cheap to get around.

Churrascaria Palace was the best churrascaria Ive ever been to. Amazing steaks there. Marius Degustare is a really good seafood restaurant, unlimited seafood.

Practice saying obrigado and raise your hand on the beach when vendors come up to you and try and sell you something. This literally happens like every 30 seconds and they wont go away unless you say obrigado.

Do not keep your iphone out in public places, put that thing in your pocket and zip it up.

Mudbugs in Copacana is a fun spot with lots of eye candy. Expect to be out until the sun comes up.

Petrino1 said:

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Practice saying obrigado and raise your hand on the beach when vendors come up to you and try and sell you something. This literally happens like every 30 seconds and they wont go away unless you say obrigado.

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When I was there, I was with my Brazilian girlfriend and she told me to say "ja compre, obrigada", which basically means "I already bought it, thanks." It seemed to be a little more effective that just saying "obrigada."

I love Brazil. Love it.

Lived there years ago for a short stint and think it's a wonderful place.

Having said that I've only been to Rio for any extended period of time once so my input is more generic.

Rio can be dangerous. I was nervous going with family and I'm comfortable in Brazil and speak Portuguese.

Having said that, I took my family, with kids (10 and 14) and had a wonderful time with no issues. We loved the beaches and as mentioned Go see Christ the redeemer.

In general, I'd stay close to the beach. Lots of safe and nice hotels. Don't venture too far inward by foot at night. Take an Uber. No favelas. You can go from perfectly safe areas to some sketchy areas in a matter of blocks.

Have fun! It's an amazing place.