A Mini Guide to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

To kick off my travels this year, I spent five days visiting a friend in Rio de Janeiro. The city is huge and has scenes like no other. I made the most out of my short trip to Brazil and I hope this guides you when planning your next trip to Rio.

KNOW

-The main language in Brazil is Portuguese.

-The currency is the Brazilian Real.

-It is not as unsafe as everyone says but as always take precautions.

STAY

The absolute best areas to stay in are the beach towns of Copacabana or Ipanema. I stayed at Pura Vida Hostel, located between the two beaches. They offer a ton of tours and activities and are a very social hostel. The total for five nights was approximately $120.

EAT

-Açaí can be found all over Rio.

-Cantina da Praca Italian Restaurant.

-Seafood at the restaurants on the beach.

DO

Hike Morro da Urca

Take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain

Copacabana Beach

Helicopter ride over the city

Sunset at Arpoador

Hike Morro Dois Irmaos

Vidigal Favela Tour

Leblon Beach

Ipanema Beach

Escadaria Selaron

Explore Lapa

Flamengo Beach

Christ the Redeemer