Introduction
Known for spectacular beaches, carnival, samba and crime, Rio is definitely not dull. The year-round beach weather and friendly, gorgeous locals, the Cariocas, seduce foreigners (literally and figuratively) with all of Rio's magic. Even though the creation of pacifying police units (UPP) in the favelas and the imminent Olympic Games and World Cup has alleviated the feeling of insecurity and social inequality, wealth and poverty still exist side-by-side in this city of contrasts.
More from Rio de Janeiro PDF VersionEssentials
- Leave your flowered shirts and jewels at home. Avoid looking like a tourist and you will be fine here.
- In summer, watch the sunset at the Arpoador rocks.
- Ipanema beach is a great meeting place but still not as safe as it looks.
- Consider a day trip to the hidden and untouched beaches of Joatinga and Prainha.
- Don't miss the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa, packed with pubs dedicated to samba, and Santa Teresa, with a spectacular view of the city.
Two-hour tour
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Museu da Chácara do Céu — With one of the largest private art collections in town, with works by Miró, Modigliani and big names in Brazilian art. It’s also worth a visit for the incredible view of Rio.
93 rua Murtinho Nobre, Santa Teresa
+ 55 21 3970 1126
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Jardim Botânico — Created 200 years ago, this garden was declared a biosphere reserve by Unesco and shelters about 9,000 species of plants.
1008 Rua Jardim Botânico, Jardim Botânico
+ 55 21 3874 1808
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Hotels
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Hotel Santa Teresa
660 rua Almirante Alexandrino, Santa Teresa
+ 55 21 2222 2755
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Windsor Atlantica
1020 avenida Atlântica, Copacabana
+ 55 21 2195 7800
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Fasano
80 avenida Vieira Souto, Ipanema
+55 21 3202 4000
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Dining
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Bistrô Cafeína
43 rua Farme de Amoedo, Ipanema
+ 55 21 4103 2805
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Brasserie Rosário
34 rua do Rosário, Centro
+ 55 21 2518 3033
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Parque Lage
414 rua Jardim Botânico, Jardim Botânico
+ 55 21 3257 1800
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Roberta Sudbrack
916 rua Lineu de Paula Machado, Jardim Botânico
+ 55 21 3874 0139
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Aprazível
64 rua Aprazível, Santa Teresa
+ 55 21 2508 9174
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Bar do Copa
Copacabana Palace, 1702 avenida Atlântica
+ 55 21 2548 7070
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La Bicyclette
320 rua Pacheco Leão, Jardim Botânico
+ 55 21 3256 9052
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Pacheco Bar
724-D/ rua Pacheco Leão, Jardim Botânico
+ 55 21 3114-8710
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Antiquarius
19 rua Aristides Espínola, Leblon
+ 55 21 2294 1049
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CT Boucherie
636 rua Dias Ferreira, Leblon
+ 55 21 2529 2329
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Bazzar
538 rua Barão da Torre, Ipanema
+ 55 21 3202 2884
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Vezpa
1063 Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, Leblon
+55 21 2540 0800
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Reading
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Livraria da Travessa
572 Rua Visconde Pirajá, Ipanema
+ 55 21 3205 9002
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Shopping
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Bags from Gilson Martins
462 rua Visconde de Piraja, Ipanema
+ 55 21 2227 6178
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Reserva
77 Rua Maria Quitéria, Ipanema
+ 55 21 2247 5980
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Toys from Enfim Enfant
Shopping da Gávea, 52 rua Marquês de São Vicente, 52, Loja 353, Gávea
+ 55 21 2239 9298
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Traditional food treats from Casa Carandaí
165 rua Lopes Quintas, Jardim Botânico
+ 55 21 3114 0179
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Arts and crafts from Brasil & Cia
27 rua Maria Quitéria, Ipanema
+ 55 21 2267 4603
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Limousine/car
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Rio Limo
+ 55 21 3150 4766
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Fitness
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A! Body Tech
Ataulfo de Paiva, 1100, Leblon
+ 55 21 2512 5332
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