Travel around Rio de Janerio with Bobby
Day 1Sunrise at Christ the Redeemer
The moment I arrived in Rio de Janeiro, I knew this trip was going to be special. I checked into Hotel Fasano in Ipanema, which had the perfect blend of luxury and style, with an unbeatable view of the beach and the surrounding mountains. After freshening up, I set off early to see one of Rio’s most iconic sights: Christ the Redeemer. I took the Corcovado Train, which winds through the lush greenery of the Tijuca Forest, adding to the anticipation as we climbed higher and higher. When I reached the top, the clouds parted, revealing the towering statue, and the view of Rio beneath was nothing short of spectacular—beaches, mountains, and cityscapes all in one breathtaking panorama.
After spending time taking in the view and snapping plenty of photos, I headed back down and made my way to Copacabana Beach for the afternoon. Copacabana’s energy was infectious—locals playing volleyball, families enjoying the sun, and vendors strolling by selling fresh coconuts and local snacks. I grabbed lunch at one of the beachfront kiosks, indulging in an authentic acarajé, a fried ball of black-eyed peas stuffed with shrimp, which was packed with flavor. As I sipped on coconut water straight from the shell, I let the rhythm of the city wash over me.
As the day turned to evening, I strolled along the iconic black-and-white wave-patterned promenade, soaking in the atmosphere as the sun set over the Atlantic. For dinner, I went to Churrascaria Palace, where I experienced a classic Brazilian churrasco—endless cuts of perfectly grilled meats served at my table. The food was rich and flavorful, and the experience was a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.
Starting the day with Christ the Redeemer was a surreal experience, and seeing Rio from above really sets the tone for the trip. Copacabana Beach is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the sun, but expect it to be crowded, especially on weekends.
Day 2Sugarloaf Mountain Adventures and Lapa's Nightlife
Day two was all about adventure and views, starting with a trip to Sugarloaf Mountain. After a quick breakfast of pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) and coffee at the hotel, I hopped in a taxi and made my way to Praia Vermelha, where the cable car ride to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) begins. The cable car ride is split into two stages, with the first stop at Morro da Urca. Here, I took a moment to explore the walking paths, grab a snack, and take in the first glimpse of Rio’s dramatic coastline from above. The second stage of the cable car journey took me to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, and the views were even more stunning than I imagined. The entire city stretched out below me—Copacabana, Ipanema, and the distant peaks of Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer standing tall.
I spent hours at the top, enjoying the panoramic views, snapping photos from different angles, and just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. There were even hang gliders soaring below, adding to the sense of adventure. After descending, I stopped at Marius Degustare, a renowned seafood restaurant near Leme Beach. The selection was incredible—grilled prawns, lobster, and octopus all cooked to perfection. The restaurant’s unique atmosphere, with its nautical decor and attentive service, made the meal an experience in itself.
In the evening, I set my sights on Rio’s famous nightlife, heading to Lapa, the heart of the city’s music and party scene. The neighborhood was buzzing with energy as live samba music spilled out of bars and onto the streets. I started the night with a caipirinha, Brazil’s signature cocktail, at Rio Scenarium, one of Lapa’s most famous bars, known for its eclectic decor and multiple floors of music and dancing. The night was filled with dancing, live samba, and the lively spirit of Rio’s nightlife that is simply contagious.
Lunch at Marius Degustare was a seafood lover's dream, with fresh prawns, lobster, and octopus. However, the high price was a bit steep for the portions, and the atmosphere, while charming, felt a bit too touristy. The service was excellent, but for the cost, I expected a little more in terms of presentation.
Food
Returning to Hotel Fasano after a day of sightseeing was relaxing. The rooftop pool was a highlight, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. The downside remained the noise from the busy streets below, which could be bothersome at night, especially for light sleepers.
Accomodation
The cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain was incredible, offering panoramic views that were even better than expected. The only downside was the crowd at the summit, which made it difficult to find a quiet spot to enjoy the view. Still, it was one of the most memorable experiences in Rio.
Activity
Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-do for any trip to Rio—the views are unbeatable, and the experience of riding the cable car is unforgettable. Lapa’s nightlife is vibrant and energetic, perfect if you’re looking to experience Rio’s party scene, but be prepared for loud music and late nights.
Day 3Relaxing at Ipanema Beach
After two full days of sightseeing and excitement, I wanted to slow down a bit and explore one of Rio’s more artistic neighborhoods, Santa Teresa. Known for its colonial houses, cobblestone streets, and bohemian vibe, this area felt like a step back in time. I took a ride on the historic Santa Teresa Tram, which has been running since the late 19th century. The tram rattled along as it climbed the hills, offering unique views of the city below. Once in Santa Teresa, I wandered through the charming streets, stopping to admire the street art and popping into small art galleries and cafes. I grabbed a coffee at Café do Alto, a cozy spot known for its traditional northeastern Brazilian dishes.
For lunch, I found my way to Aprazível, a hillside restaurant with stunning views of the city. The atmosphere was relaxed, and I enjoyed a delicious meal of moqueca—a traditional Brazilian seafood stew made with coconut milk, lime, and fresh fish. The flavors were rich and comforting, and the setting, surrounded by lush greenery, made it feel like a hidden paradise.
After lunch, I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at Ipanema Beach, just a short walk from my hotel. Ipanema has a more laid-back vibe compared to Copacabana, and I found a spot on the sand to relax and take in the view of the iconic Two Brothers Mountain in the background. I swam in the clear water and watched locals play football and surf. As the sun began to set, the beach was bathed in golden light, and the famous Posto 9 area came alive with music and laughter.
Lunch at Aprazível was one of the best meals of the trip. The moqueca was rich in flavor, and the atmosphere, nestled in the greenery, felt like a true escape. The only downside was the long wait for a table, even with a reservation.
Food
After a peaceful day in Santa Teresa, Hotel Fasano remained a comfortable retreat. While the hotel’s modern design was stunning, the noise from outside was still an issue, especially in the evening. The service remained top-notch, but the price for extras felt a bit excessive.
Accomodation
Exploring Santa Teresa by tram was a unique way to see the more artistic side of Rio. The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture were charming, but the area could feel a bit isolated in some spots. Nevertheless, the views and cultural vibe were worth the visit.
Activity
Santa Teresa is a must-visit if you want to experience Rio’s artistic side—it’s full of charm and creativity. Ipanema Beach is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a more relaxed beach vibe with a stunning sunset view.
Day 4Final Sunset at Arpoador
For my last day in Rio, I wanted to experience the natural side of the city, so I set out to explore the Tijuca National Park, home to the world’s largest urban rainforest. I booked a guided hiking tour that took me deep into the lush greenery of the Tijuca Forest, where I was surrounded by tropical plants, waterfalls, and even spotted some monkeys swinging through the trees. The hike led us to Pedra Bonita, one of the best viewpoints in Rio. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking, with the city and ocean spread out below, framed by the greenery of the forest. It was the perfect way to connect with nature and experience a different side of Rio.
After the hike, I returned to the city and grabbed a quick lunch at a local street food stall—pastel (a crispy pastry filled with cheese and meat) and fresh açaí—which was refreshing after a long morning of hiking. I spent the afternoon wandering through the Botanical Gardens, which provided a peaceful retreat with towering palm trees, colorful flowers, and quiet walking paths.
To cap off my last evening in Rio, I headed to Arpoador, a rocky peninsula between Ipanema and Copacabana, famous for its incredible sunset views. I found a spot on the rocks and watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city and the ocean. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Rio—surrounded by locals, surfers, and travelers all soaking in the same magical moment.
Lunch on the street near Tijuca Forest—a simple pastel and açaí bowl—was fresh, light, and affordable. It was the perfect snack after a morning of hiking, though not particularly memorable in terms of taste. The street food was quick and convenient, but not the highlight of the day.
Food
The final night at Hotel Fasano was consistent with the previous days—comfortable but with the same noise issue. The rooftop pool remained a highlight, and the staff were accommodating, but the overall cost of staying here felt a bit steep for the level of quiet and space provided.
Accomodation
Hiking through the Tijuca Forest and reaching the top of Pedra Bonita was a perfect way to experience Rio’s natural beauty. The hike was manageable and offered stunning views, but the tour felt rushed at times, and there weren’t many stops for photos. Finishing the day with the sunset at Arpoador was magical, with locals and tourists alike gathering to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Activity
The Tijuca Forest hike was the perfect way to experience Rio’s natural beauty and get a break from the city’s energy. And don’t leave Rio without watching the sunset at Arpoador—it’s a magical moment that perfectly captures the spirit of this incredible city.
Summary of My Trip
Rio de Janeiro truly left a lasting impression on me with its vibrant energy. The natural beauty of the city, especially the views from Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, was absolutely breathtaking. However, the large crowds at these iconic spots sometimes made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. Ipanema and Copacabana beaches were stunning as well, though the constant crowds of tourists took away some of the charm.
The food was mostly fantastic, with the standout being the moqueca I had at Aprazível, a highlight of my trip. However, some of the restaurants felt overly touristy and a bit overpriced. Hotel Fasano provided luxurious accommodations, but the noise from the busy streets below was a significant drawback. The nightlife, especially in the Lapa district, with its live samba and energetic atmosphere, was unforgettable.
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Rio de Janeiro is an impressive destination with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. However, the crowds in tourist-heavy areas and high prices can sometimes make the experience a bit challenging. Overall, Rio is captivating, but it's not without its flaws. Here’s my overall experience:
Lunch at the beachfront kiosk near Copacabana Beach was fresh and flavorful. The acarajé was delicious, but the portion size was small for the price, and service was slow due to the beach crowds. While the view and atmosphere added to the experience, the food could have been more satisfying for the cost.
Food
Hotel Fasano in Ipanema was luxurious, with sleek modern design and a rooftop pool offering incredible views of the beach and mountains. The rooms were comfortable, though slightly smaller than expected for the price. The main drawback was the high cost of additional services and amenities.
Accomodation
Visiting Christ the Redeemer was awe-inspiring. The views from Corcovado Mountain were stunning, but the crowds made it difficult to fully enjoy the moment, and it was a bit challenging to take uninterrupted photos. Despite the hustle, the experience was unforgettable.
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