Special Edition Newsletter: Rio de Janeiro Guide

September 26, 2025

We heard many of you were interested in exploring Rio de Janeiro before or after our wedding, so we decided to make a special edition to the newsletter! If this is your first time in Rio, get ready to see why it’s called cidade maravilhosa (the “marvelous city”). The beaches are stunning, the food is unforgettable, and the people — Cariocas — are famously warm and full of life. We are lucky to have some carioca friends who offered to help us create a personalized guide, with tips to make the most of your stay, from safety to sightseeing, plus a sample itinerary if you only have a few days to explore.

🛡️ Safety Tips (Keeping the Good Times Good)

Rio is vibrant and welcoming, but like any big city, it pays to keep your wits about you. With a few simple precautions, you’ll feel comfortable and free to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Think of this as “street smarts with a tropical twist.”

  • Keep it simple: Leave flashy watches, jewelry, sunglasses or AirPods at home.

  • Blend in: Flip-flops are practically the city uniform.

  • Bags: Use a crossbody, wear it in front, and never keep your phone in a back pocket.

  • Neighborhoods to stick with: Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, Botafogo.

  • Don’t go solo: Especially at night — better to move in groups.

  • Skip the favelas: Even if tours advertise them, it’s best not to risk it.

  • Emergencies: Police 📞 190 | Medical 📞 192

  • Beach rule #1: Never leave your belongings unattended.

  • Trust your gut: If something feels off, step away.

In our experience, visitors leave saying they felt safe and welcomed. If you’re new to international travel, especially in South America, follow these basics and you’ll have a safe and enjoyable trip.

🚗 Getting Around (Stress-Free)

Transportation in Rio doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re catching an Uber, renting a bike, or hopping on a cable car, moving through the city can be both safe and enjoyable with a few insider tricks.

  • Uber = your best friend: Safe, reliable, and inexpensive. Opt for Uber Black or Comfort due to the big quality upgrade compared to the small price difference. Uber’s are very inexpensive with hour long rides being less than $25.

  • Airport tip: Skip the “friendly” taxi offers on arrival — they’ll overcharge. Call an Uber instead.

  • Bikes: Rent an orange Bike Itaú using their app. This is a perfect activity for beachside rides.

  • Skip street taxis: Noticing a theme? Unless on a guided tour bus, stick to Uber for its convenience, affordability, and safety.

  • Local connection: Manuella’s bridesmaid Marcella’s uncle, Waldyr, is an Uber driver and private tour guide (+55 21 97002-2424 on WhatsApp). He doesn’t speak English, but he’s reliable and knows every corner of Rio.

    Fun Fact: Waldyr was our family’s personal driver during our trip to Rio in April.

🏨 Where to Stay

Rio is a sprawling city with neighborhoods that each have their own personality. Choosing the right base can make a huge difference in how you experience the city. Here’s a breakdown to help you land somewhere that matches your vibe.

The best balance of safety, nightlife, and attractions is in Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, and Botafogo.

Hotels

Airbnb

  • Great for groups — especially in Ipanema or Copacabana. Below are some examples from a quick search

  • Ipanema 

  • Copacabana

Hostels

  • Che Lagarto Hostel in Ipanema (only if you’re into the backpacker vibe).

🌟 Must-See Spots

From Christ the Redeemer to Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio is packed with world-class attractions. These iconic sights are must-dos, but we’ll also sprinkle in some local favorites that round out the “marvelous city” experience

  • Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado): Go early for fewer crowds. Options:

  • Sugarloaf Mountain (Bondinho): R$195. Take the cable car — sunset is magical. Buy online, but expect a short line to board.

    • Mon–Thu: 8:30 AM–8 PM (last boarding 6:30).

    • Fri–Sun: 8:30 AM–9 PM (last boarding 7:30).

    • Don’t miss Praia Vermelha nearby for a beach + lunch at Brasilis.

    • Official info

  • Mureta da Urca: Sunset drinks by the water, beloved by locals.

  • Forte de Copacabana: Breakfast with ocean views, then stroll the beach.

  • Botafogo Praia Shopping: Food court + iconic Sugarloaf photo backdrop.

  • Museu do Amanhã: Futuristic science museum on the waterfront. ~$8 entry.

🌙 Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Rio comes alive in a whole new way. Whether you’re into cocktails under the stars, live music, or full-throttle dancing, there’s a corner of the city with your name on it. Rio doesn’t just sleep late — sometimes it doesn’t sleep at all. A few picks:

🍤 Food & Drink Tips

One of the best ways to connect with Rio is through its food culture. From beach snacks to Michelin-starred dining, you’ll find flavors that mix tradition with creativity and plenty worth writing home about

  • Beach culture: Vendors sell everything from swimsuits to shrimp skewers. A polite “não, obrigado” works if you’re not interested.

  • But definitely try:

    • Mate Leão (iced tea in a big metal canister).

    • Biscoito Globo (classic beach snack).

  • Cash: Vendors prefer it, so carry ~R$250–500 (about $50–100 USD). Elsewhere, cards and Apple Pay work fine.

  • Bargaining: Common and expected — just smile, Cariocas value friendliness more than the deal itself.

🍽️ Restaurants

Brazilian Classics

  • Aprazível (Santa Teresa) – Hilltop views + reinvented Brazilian dishes.

  • Bar do Mineiro (Santa Teresa) – Famous for feijoada (Brazil’s national dish).

  • Confeitaria Colombo (Centro & Copacabana) – Historic café with Belle Époque vibes.

  • Garota de Ipanema (Ipanema) – Where the famous song was written.

Steakhouses (Churrascarias)

  • Fogo de Chão (Botafogo) – Upscale, endless cuts of meat.

  • Carretão Ipanema – Classic, more local favorite.

  • Braseiro da Gávea (Gávea) – Traditional BBQ.

  • Malta Beef Club (Leblon) – Marcella’s cousin-approved.

  • Clan BBQ (Leblon) – Trendy, Brazilian fusion.

Seafood

  • Marius Degustare (Leme/Copacabana) – Over-the-top, all-you-can-eat experience.

  • Satyricon (Ipanema) – High-end, Mediterranean-inspired.

Trendy & Modern

  • Oro (Leblon) – Two Michelin stars, creative tasting menu.

  • Zazá Bistrô (Ipanema) – Quirky and cozy with inventive plates.

  • Babbo Osteria (Ipanema) – Italian–Carioca fusion.

Casual & Fun

  • Galeto Sat’s (Copacabana) – Famous late-night chicken + icy beer.

  • Bar Urca (Urca) – Seafood right by the water wall.

Bars + Petiscos (Tapas-style)

  • Jobi (Leblon) – Iconic neighborhood bar.

  • Boteco Belmonte (various) – Lively chain with huge empadas.

🏐 Sports & Outdoors

Cariocas love the outdoors, and Rio’s natural setting is basically one big playground. Beaches, mountains, lagoons, and trails all blend seamlessly with city life, making it easy to stay active while taking in jaw-dropping scenery

  • Beach Volleyball: Courts line Ipanema (Posto 9–10), Copacabana (Posto 2–6), and Leblon (Posto 11–12). Free to join games — just ask. Late afternoon (4–6 pm) is prime time.

  • Biking Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas: 7.5 km path with stunning views. Or try a guided bike tour around the city (~R$150–180).

  • Hiking Dois Irmãos: Steep but short, incredible views at the top.

  • Hang Gliding from Pedra Bonita: Tandem flights over São Conrado Beach - a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of Rio. (Or you can just go to the top for the views like Marcella and Manuella did in 2015).

  • Surfing: Lessons in Barra da Tijuca; pros love Prainha.

📱 Extra Tips

Little details make a big difference when you’re in Rio. These are the things Cariocas know that can help you blend in and get the most out of your trip.

  • Download WhatsApp - everyone in Brazil uses it. This will be the main form of communication and the app uses wifi/internet to send encrypted calls and text.

  • Sundays: Avenida Atlântica (Copacabana) & Lagoa are main streets next to Rio beaches that are closed to cars, which allows for stress-free biking, running ,and walking. Take advance of bike rentals to experience the full length of these famous beaches.

  • Don’t judge a book (Rio) by its cover (road from the airport): your hour long drive into the city from the airport will be sprawling with favelas on either side of the highway, but as you near the beach, look for breathtaking views of Christ the Redeemer and the Lagoa. The closer you get to downtown Rio, the better the views and experience will be.

🗓️ Sample 3-Day Rio Itinerary

Not sure how to pack the highlights into just a couple of days? We’ve put together a flexible 3-day itinerary that mixes iconic landmarks, local favorites, and downtime on the beach.

Day 1 – Beaches & Sunset

  • Morning: Relax at Ipanema Beach.

  • Lunch: Boteco Belmonte Ipanema. Go to the second floor for some music, good views and the famous shrimp empada!

  • Afternoon: Stroll Copacabana, visit Forte de Copacabana for coffee with a view.

  • Evening: Sunset at Mureta da Urca + dinner at Bar Urca.

Day 2 – Icons of Rio

  • Morning: Visit Christ the Redeemer (take the van or train).

  • Lunch: Feijoada at Bar do Mineiro in Santa Teresa.

  • Optional: Explore Santa Teresa’s winding streets + Selarón Steps.

  • Evening: Sugarloaf cable car at sunset. Dinner nearby at Praia Vermelha.

Day 3 – Adventure & Nightlife

  • Morning: Tour bike ride around the city center, beaches and museums.

  • Optional: Hike Dois Irmãos or hang glide from Pedra Bonita.

  • Afternoon: Chill at Leblon Beach with Mate Leão & Biscoito Globo.

  • Evening: Dinner at Aprazível or Oro, then nightlife at Bosque Bar or Jobi.

Um agradecimento especial para minha amiga e madrinha Marcella (e sua familia) pela ajuda de sempre, por todas as recomendações e por organizar esse guia, e para a Leticia Mendes pelas baladinhas gringo-friendly. Sabemos que o Rio é ainda mais lindo pelos olhos dos cariocas, e somos muito gratos pela ajuda para compartilhar a cultura do nosso país lindo com nossos convidados!

A Few Quick Details:

  • Wedding Date: November 20, 2025 – Mark your calendars!

  • Location: Castelo do Batel, Curitiba PR - We can’t wait to share the beauty of Brazil with you.

  • Wedding Website: Visit our website for general wedding day information and RSVP

As always, let us know if you have any questions. We’re happy to help with travel recommendations, clarifying wedding day details, and pointing you in the right direction (especially food options) as we get closer to the big day.

Até logo,
M&K