Rio de Janeiro Things to Do Tips by besbel

To me Ipanema is one of the most attractive points of Rio for its liveliness. It's one of the favorite spots for both locals and tourists, which gives the place a sparkle of movement and joy during the day, without being crowded. Even if you go at midnight, you will find groups of people gathering there!
Everything here is a delight: from swimming in the wonderfully blue waters of the beach to do sports, or shopping (in rua Vizconde da Piraja) or enjoy the night at the several pubs and restaurants here (Shenanigans or Garota de Ipanema, respectively). It is also an easy place to reach, either by bus, taxi and soon by metro (not sure if the station in Ipanema is already inaugurated)
However, I would not recommend Ipanema for lodging, it's too expensive. You can get cheaper places in Copacabana or Arpoador, just a few blocks away (see my Accommodation tips).

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This is by far one of my favorite places in Rio. It is true that its fame has declined. Some points (like Help disco) is the point of prostitutes, even the taxi drivers warn you about it. You cannot swim in Copacabana beach without getting hit, if lucky, to a plastic bottle, clothes or paper stuff. In addition, you cannot also expect to walk around past midnight, especially in the area of Barata Ribeiro street, without running into beggers sleeping or drunk people singing trying to get home.
But it still have its appeal and attraction in several points. It still hold a very variety of restaurantes a quilo (where you can get delicious food and meat by paying its weight) of good quality and cheap prices.
Besides, the area of Avenida Atlantica is not only beautiful, but also very safe, especially from Posto 4 to Posto 6 (don't know about Posto 1-3). Actually, I found it more stimulating to do jogging and walking in Avenida Atlantica than in rua Vieira Soto (next to Ipanema beach). You'll also find lots of people doing any types of activities in here.
The accomodation in this area is also reasonably priced, because they cannot longer compete with Ipanema or Leblon. Plus it is also safe, because most of the biggest hotels are located here and police circulate more frequently now to guarantee safety to tourists. I strongly recommed lodging here just if the place is in the beach or maximum two blocks away from the beach (till rua Nossa Senhora da Copacabana).

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Arpoador is one of two small beaches between Copacabana and Ipanema. It basically consists on a little beautiful beach, some hotels in front of it, a few houses in the back and a big park. It was a very quiet area, I would say even private area because the access from Ipanema beach (which is essentially its continuation) is troublesome. Cars cannot get in, just walkers. Even so, it was easier to me to get in through the park, from the entrance in rua Franciso Otaviano.
What it impressed me is how different this beach was from Ipanema, which is just a few steps away. While Ipanema receives lots of visitors, few people prefer to bath in Arpoador beach. No fancy restaurants or bars around, no attraction that could interrupt the aura of calm in this location. Their lodging is very reasonably priced, considering that accomodation of the same type in Ipanema, just a few blocks away, is by far more expensive. I miss my daily walks here!

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Leblon is the continuation of Ipanema neighborhood and beach. Their separation border is the place known as Jardim de Alah, a nice place with a lovely channel in it. Leblon is even more classy than Ipanema, and its discos and restaurants are also the preferred by tourists and locals. Lodging in here is also expensive, more than in Ipanema.
Although I liked the place, I think it lacked the life that you can find in any other places in Rio. There are some discos and pubs that might be attractive for tourists (like Cozumel or Melk discos, I went twice and they were cool). But as for the rest, like restaurants or attractions, it seemed to me a neighborhood as quiet and normal as any other. It didn't had the lively sparkle that I found in Ipanema or Copacabana. Indeed, its beach didn't look as swimming-tempting to me as that of Ipanema. Leblon would be the ideal place to spend one afternoon doing shopping (if I can afford their high prices, hehe :-) or one night dancing. No more than that.

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Diavo is the other little beach, together with Arpoador, located between Copacabana and Ipanema. It is just separated from Arpoador for a rocky formation next to the sea. Closer to Copacabana than Ipanema, this beach is used mostly for sport purposes, not for bathing (don't know the reason). But, if you go early in the morning, you may find, among others, walkers with their pets, or just people sat on the bench (like me, several times), staring the scenary.

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Botafogo is one the places where I spent most of my time. The course I was attending took place in Centro Empresarial Botafogo. And I can tell you, by experience, that this area has good stuff to offer.
To start with, its coastline to Guanabara bay is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Exercising or just walking along the Praia de Botafogo avenue is one of the most delightful pleasures you cannot miss during the day
Secondly, it is well connected by bus and by metro, being easy to reach either from the north or from the south. It has also plenty of options for nice and cheap lodging, compared to those of Copacabana or Flamengo, which are nearby.
It also has good shopping options, like Botafogo Praia Shopping, with stores, cinemas and restaurants from which you get a stunning view of the bay.
Just a con of this place: as tempting as it may be, don't get into the shiny-blue waters of Botafogo beach to swim. Unfortunately the waters of Guanabara Bay are one of the most contaminated, and are not suitable for swimming. However, you can rent boats to get a ride to the bay.

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In the times Rio was the capital of Brazil, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had its place in Itamaraty Palace. Then the name of this palace became a synonym of the prestiged Brazilian diplomacy, in such a way that even when the capital moved to Brasilia in 1970, the place where the Ministry moved was also called Itamaraty. Right now it lodges the OAS' Inter American Juridical Committee, and it is conserved as a museum.
It is worthwhile to pay a visit to this place. It is not only magnificent and beautiful, but also shows you the splendor of Rio history until the 60's. Besides the museum, it has a very valuable library, with documents from S. XIX. However, what really impressed me was the map collection. It is one of the largest and most important in the world, with items not only from Brazil, but also from around the globe.

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Phone: 2253-7691
Address: Marechal Floriano 196, Centro

This is probably the top must-do activity in Rio de Janeiro. It was mine, too, so when I finally stood in front of this 30-meter tall Christ the Redeemer, I really felt I was in heaven :)
Corcovado is located in the Tijuca National Park. You can reach the Christ either by trekking Floresta da Tijuca or by taking the Tren do Corcovado after paying the entrance fee. The first option is convenient if going during the day, with plenty of time and being careful of not getting lost. Personally I opted for the train, because it was faster and I was somehow late. That is why all my pics show the sunset.
Although Corcovado is not very high (710 m) from here you can get stunning views of Rio. The view is so wide that, at least to me, seems as if the Christ is really embracing it all!

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Address: Tijuca National Park

Another representative spot of Rio, and another point from which you can get an amazing, outstanding view of Rio in general. Located next to Guanabara Bay, for 35 reais (around US$12) you take the cable car to Urca hill first, and from there there is still another ride to Sugar Loaf top. The ride in itself is quite an adventure, considering that the car is all made of glass, so you can have the sensation of being lifted in the air, watching the whole scenary!! Needless to say, the views are amazing. There are also some eating and shopping places up there, but they are way too expensive!

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Phone: 2546-8400
Address: Cable car station: Av. Pasteur 520, Praia Vermelha
Website: http://www.bondinho.com.br
Other Contact: Open from 8 am to 10 pm

When I arrived in Rio, very late at night, a taxi took me from the airport to the San Marco Hotel in Ipanema. Shortly before reaching the hotel, we went near this lagoon. It was a full-moon night and that, together with the lightening of the lagoon, made the view simply magical. I was so impressed I even found it more charming than Geneva's Lake Léman at night.
But the magical view is not the only thing you could find in this place. The Lagoa area is full of restaurants, discos, sport areas (especially for cycling) and other for leisure activities. It is also very close to the Ipanema beach, just eight blocks away. Besides the beach, this is another great spot to hang out, either alone or with friends.

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