Rio de Janeiro Guidebook

Angela
Rio de Janeiro Guidebook

Food Scene

There's no shortage of incredible food in Rio. Here are some must-visit spots for all types of travelers.
One of Copacabana's most celebrated eateries. Opt for the polvo à vinagrete — some of the freshest and most flavorful octopus we've had to date. The chopp (draft beer) are equally beloved. It gets packed, so go early or prepare to spill over into the street!
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Adega Pérola
138 Rua Siqueira Campos
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of Copacabana's most celebrated eateries. Opt for the polvo à vinagrete — some of the freshest and most flavorful octopus we've had to date. The chopp (draft beer) are equally beloved. It gets packed, so go early or prepare to spill over into the street!
An order of pataniscas de bacalhau is a necessity. Pavão Azul’s pataniscas are made without potatoes, which is a recipe not as readily found around Rio. Other must-eats include the escondidinho—a sort-of deep dish shepherd's pie, stocked with either shrimp or carne seca, a dried beef—and a selection of pasteis, the fried, filled half-moon pockets of cheese, meat, or shrimp. At night, Pavão Azul is bursting with crowds in between its two outposts, which are located directly across the street from each other.
367 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pavão Azul Bar
71 Rua Hilário de Gouvêia
367 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
An order of pataniscas de bacalhau is a necessity. Pavão Azul’s pataniscas are made without potatoes, which is a recipe not as readily found around Rio. Other must-eats include the escondidinho—a sort-of deep dish shepherd's pie, stocked with either shrimp or carne seca, a dried beef—and a selection of pasteis, the fried, filled half-moon pockets of cheese, meat, or shrimp. At night, Pavão Azul is bursting with crowds in between its two outposts, which are located directly across the street from each other.
This Copacabana classic is a must! The esfihas and kibbe are perfect for a mid-day snack.
Restaurante Baalbek
473 R. Barata Ribeiro
This Copacabana classic is a must! The esfihas and kibbe are perfect for a mid-day snack.
Go for the cod. Stay for dessert.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alfaia Restaurante
30 Rua Inhangá
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Go for the cod. Stay for dessert.
Charmingly decorated restaurant celebrating Brazil's Nordeste (Northeast) region. It is around the block from our apartment.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barraca da Chiquita
33 R. Santa Clara
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Charmingly decorated restaurant celebrating Brazil's Nordeste (Northeast) region. It is around the block from our apartment.
Wonderful vegetarian buffet made up of wooden décor and Buddhist art. A-la-carte options also available.
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Refeitório Orgânico
120 R. Dezenove de Fevereiro
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wonderful vegetarian buffet made up of wooden décor and Buddhist art. A-la-carte options also available.
Pizza and more pizza. You will not leave hungry! The correct address is R. Maria Angélica, 37 - Jardim Botânico.
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Capricciosa
187 R. Domingos Ferreira
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pizza and more pizza. You will not leave hungry! The correct address is R. Maria Angélica, 37 - Jardim Botânico.
A lovely new addition to Galeria Menescal. Don't leave without trying the chocolate pastel de nata!
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa das Natas
995 Av. Nossa Sra. de Copacabana
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A lovely new addition to Galeria Menescal. Don't leave without trying the chocolate pastel de nata!
Aprazível is one of the nicest restaurants in Rio. Situated on a hilltop in Santa Teresa, you'll be in awe of its decor. Best to go at sunset if you can snag a reservation!
R. Aprazível, 62
62 Rua Aprazível
Aprazível is one of the nicest restaurants in Rio. Situated on a hilltop in Santa Teresa, you'll be in awe of its decor. Best to go at sunset if you can snag a reservation!

Sightseeing

Trust us — there's so much more to Rio than its beaches. Make sure to explore a dash of everything this city has to offer.
Arpoador is located in between Copacabana and Ipanema — making it one of the best beachside views in the city. Climb the rocks and prepare for some primetime surfer watching.
1009 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arpoador
1009 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arpoador is located in between Copacabana and Ipanema — making it one of the best beachside views in the city. Climb the rocks and prepare for some primetime surfer watching.
This is a wonderful place to come in the earlier morning hours for a coffee. You'll have some of the best views of Copacabana Beach and you can explore the historic military fortress.
1284 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fuerte de Copacabana
1, Posto 6 Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco
1284 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This is a wonderful place to come in the earlier morning hours for a coffee. You'll have some of the best views of Copacabana Beach and you can explore the historic military fortress.
This is not your average fair. Intrepid families who are up for a trek outside of Zona Sul — not to mention a ton of food and dancing — should check out Feira de São Cristóvão on Saturdays or Sundays. Here you'll find over 600 stalls, making it the perfect place for original souvenirs.
295 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Feira de São Cristóvão
B47 Rua Paraíba
295 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This is not your average fair. Intrepid families who are up for a trek outside of Zona Sul — not to mention a ton of food and dancing — should check out Feira de São Cristóvão on Saturdays or Sundays. Here you'll find over 600 stalls, making it the perfect place for original souvenirs.
It's a wonder of the world and worth your time! Make sure to book tickets on the "Trem do Corcovado" online ahead of time.
1936 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cristo Redentor
1936 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
It's a wonder of the world and worth your time! Make sure to book tickets on the "Trem do Corcovado" online ahead of time.
Known as the 'Selaron Steps.' This world-famous set of steps came from the mind of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who dedicated as "my tribute to the Brazilian people."
505 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Escadaria Selaron
Rua Manuel Carneiro
505 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Known as the 'Selaron Steps.' This world-famous set of steps came from the mind of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who dedicated as "my tribute to the Brazilian people."
Buy tickets online and go at sunset. It will be an unforgettable experience.
2563 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pão de Açúcar
2563 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Buy tickets online and go at sunset. It will be an unforgettable experience.
Perfect place for families to rent bikes or paddle-boats, with stunning panoramic views.
1379 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Laguna Rodrigo de Freitas
1379 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Perfect place for families to rent bikes or paddle-boats, with stunning panoramic views.
Your portal to Lapa. Great place to route for an Uber.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carioca Aqueduct
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Your portal to Lapa. Great place to route for an Uber.
Wonderful for brunch or simply sightseeing its gorgeous exterior. Take a stroll down Copacabana beach toward Leme and you can't miss it.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
1702 Avenida Atlântica
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wonderful for brunch or simply sightseeing its gorgeous exterior. Take a stroll down Copacabana beach toward Leme and you can't miss it.
Great place to go following Pão de Açúcar for stellar views on the ground.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Guanabara Bay
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great place to go following Pão de Açúcar for stellar views on the ground.

Neighborhoods

For treks outside of Copacabana, don't miss these thriving neighborhoods.
Cinemas. Breweries. Vegetarian Joints. Hop on metro lines 1 or 2 and you'll find yourself in Botafogo — one of Rio's up-and-coming, trendy neighborhoods.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Botafogo
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cinemas. Breweries. Vegetarian Joints. Hop on metro lines 1 or 2 and you'll find yourself in Botafogo — one of Rio's up-and-coming, trendy neighborhoods.
Lapa is the New Orleans of Rio, in part due to its historic colonial buildings — in other part due to its samba-centric streets! Come here from 9pm onward and you'll find unrivaled street parties, the Carioca Aqueduct and the famous Escadaria Selaró.
876 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lapa
876 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lapa is the New Orleans of Rio, in part due to its historic colonial buildings — in other part due to its samba-centric streets! Come here from 9pm onward and you'll find unrivaled street parties, the Carioca Aqueduct and the famous Escadaria Selaró.
Nestled in the hills of Rio, Santa Teresa is one of the city's most charming neighborhoods. This bohemian district is known for its 19th-century mansions and thriving historic bars.
594 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Santa Teresa
594 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nestled in the hills of Rio, Santa Teresa is one of the city's most charming neighborhoods. This bohemian district is known for its 19th-century mansions and thriving historic bars.

Parks & Nature

So many parks, so little time. Here's a list of what to prioritize.
One of the world's best botanical gardens. It's an essential part of any visit to Rio and can be reached after walking along the Lagoa. Keep an eye out for the monkeys!
1717 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jardim Botânico
1717 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of the world's best botanical gardens. It's an essential part of any visit to Rio and can be reached after walking along the Lagoa. Keep an eye out for the monkeys!
Stunning public park that most visitors overlook, known for a gorgeous mansion that was once the former residence of industrialist Enrique Lage and his wife, singer Gabriella Besanzoni.
1473 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Lage
414 R. Jardim Botânico
1473 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stunning public park that most visitors overlook, known for a gorgeous mansion that was once the former residence of industrialist Enrique Lage and his wife, singer Gabriella Besanzoni.
Said to be the world's largest urban forest and you'll see why.
535 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Florestal da Tijuca
535 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Said to be the world's largest urban forest and you'll see why.

Drinks & Nightlife

The Marvelous City is *the* place for marvelous nightlife.
Come for the bolinhos de bacalhau (fried cod balls) and stay for the music flooding into the streets of Santa Teresa, the city’s bohemian district.
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Armazém São Thiago
26 R. Áurea
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Come for the bolinhos de bacalhau (fried cod balls) and stay for the music flooding into the streets of Santa Teresa, the city’s bohemian district.
One of Copacabana's most celebrated eateries. Opt for the polvo à vinagrete — some of the freshest and most flavorful octopus we've had to date. The chopp (draft beer) are equally beloved. It gets packed, so go early or prepare to spill over into the street!
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Adega Pérola
138 Rua Siqueira Campos
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of Copacabana's most celebrated eateries. Opt for the polvo à vinagrete — some of the freshest and most flavorful octopus we've had to date. The chopp (draft beer) are equally beloved. It gets packed, so go early or prepare to spill over into the street!
An order of pataniscas de bacalhau is a necessity. Pavão Azul’s pataniscas are made without potatoes, which is a recipe not as readily found around Rio. Other must-eats include the escondidinho—a sort-of deep dish shepherd's pie, stocked with either shrimp or carne seca, a dried beef—and a selection of pasteis, the fried, filled half-moon pockets of cheese, meat, or shrimp. At night, Pavão Azul is bursting with crowds in between its two outposts, which are located directly across the street from each other.
367 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pavão Azul Bar
71 Rua Hilário de Gouvêia
367 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
An order of pataniscas de bacalhau is a necessity. Pavão Azul’s pataniscas are made without potatoes, which is a recipe not as readily found around Rio. Other must-eats include the escondidinho—a sort-of deep dish shepherd's pie, stocked with either shrimp or carne seca, a dried beef—and a selection of pasteis, the fried, filled half-moon pockets of cheese, meat, or shrimp. At night, Pavão Azul is bursting with crowds in between its two outposts, which are located directly across the street from each other.
Beloved local pub that is a must when visiting Leblon.
304 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jobi
1166 Av. Ataulfo de Paiva
304 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beloved local pub that is a must when visiting Leblon.
For all of your fancier caipirinha needs. It is a staple in Leblon.
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Academia da Cachaca
26 Rua Conde de Bernadotte
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
For all of your fancier caipirinha needs. It is a staple in Leblon.
Sits along a street of open-air breweries. Great local artisanal beers!
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hocus Pocus DNA
186 R. Dezenove de Fevereiro
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sits along a street of open-air breweries. Great local artisanal beers!
Situated along one of the most popular streets in Leblon; known for artisanal beers and people spilling onto the streets.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brewteco Leblon
420 Rua Dias Ferreira
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Situated along one of the most popular streets in Leblon; known for artisanal beers and people spilling onto the streets.
Bar & pizzeria in a historic mansion. Great for samba and choro.
262 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bar Carioca da Gema
79 Av. Mem de Sá
262 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bar & pizzeria in a historic mansion. Great for samba and choro.

Cafés

For when you just need that coffee, pastry, moment to breathe — or all of the above.
Local café with nice staff and great hours.
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafeina Barata Ribeiro
507 R. Barata Ribeiro
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Local café with nice staff and great hours.
Perfect place for a morning coffee or pastry inside of Galeria Menescal. There is WIFI and an additional dining area upstairs.
Galleria Café & Bistrô
473 R. Barata Ribeiro
Perfect place for a morning coffee or pastry inside of Galeria Menescal. There is WIFI and an additional dining area upstairs.
Fantastic bookstore along an ever-popular street in Leblon. There is a café in the back.
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Livraria Argumento
417 Rua Dias Ferreira
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fantastic bookstore along an ever-popular street in Leblon. There is a café in the back.
One of the most important cafés in Rio's history. The inside is stunning and not to be missed!
1015 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Confeitaria Colombo
01 Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco
1015 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of the most important cafés in Rio's history. The inside is stunning and not to be missed!
Fantastic bakery, with a buffet sold by weight in the back, and wonderful pastries. The pizza is incredibly tasty and they also offer several vegetarian and a few vegan options. Everything is homemade.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Farro
630 Av. Nossa Sra. de Copacabana
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fantastic bakery, with a buffet sold by weight in the back, and wonderful pastries. The pizza is incredibly tasty and they also offer several vegetarian and a few vegan options. Everything is homemade.

Arts & Culture

An architectural gem of Rio de Janeiro, located right off the Cinelândia metro stop.
738 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Teatro Municipal de Río de Janeiro
S/N Praça Floriano
738 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
An architectural gem of Rio de Janeiro, located right off the Cinelândia metro stop.
Forward-thinking museum devoted to science and better understanding our natural world. Free to all visitors on Tuesdays.
1571 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo del Mañana
1 Praça Mauá
1571 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Forward-thinking museum devoted to science and better understanding our natural world. Free to all visitors on Tuesdays.
Follow up your trip to the Museum of Tomorrow with a trip to the Museu de Arte do Rio.
563 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Arte de Río - MAR
5 Praça Mauá
563 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Follow up your trip to the Museum of Tomorrow with a trip to the Museu de Arte do Rio.
Bibliophiles will feel right at home.
Fundação Biblioteca Nacional
219 Avenida Rio Branco
Bibliophiles will feel right at home.