The Ultimate Weekend in Rio
Rio de Janiero is a tropical metropolis of charm, seduction and spontaneous fun. Locals, known as Cariocas, are very friendly and welcome you with open arms. One of the most famous Cariocas, author Paulo Coelho, describes Rio de Janiero as a place 'where the smooth sea pats the rugged mountain to show that life, like nature, is full of contrasts.'
While everyone will argue that two days is nowhere near enough time to really experience Rio, I challenge that with this itinerary. This 2-day itinerary will give you a good taste of Rio de Janiero, showcasing the highlights and must-see sights. You will feel immersed in Rio's vibrant lifestyle that you'll leave feeling like a Carioca...
Where to Stay:
Ipanema is hands down the best neighbourhood for a short-term stay in Rio. You will have the gorgeous Ipanema beach on your doorstep. It is in the centre of all the action and best of all, it is safe!
Transport:
Uber is the ultimate mode of transport. It is easy, quick and most importantly, safe! However, Rio's metro system is really good and can be a quicker option during peak hour.
A Note on Safety:
Brazil is notoriously dangerous especially in a big, crowded city like Rio de Janiero. But please don't let the challenging experiences of others deter you away from Brazil. Rio de Janiero is a beautiful city that you must see at least once in your lifetime but you just need to be street smart and stay alert. Ladies, please store any jewellery in your suitcase for safekeeping. Less is more here so you'll be free to sway to the rhythm of bossa nova.
Rio De Janiero Weekend Itinerary
Day 0 - Friday
Travel to Rio de Janiero and spend the night indoors. The fun starts tomorrow!
Day 1 - Saturday
8AM-11AM: Gape at a sky-high view of Rio at Christ the Redeemer
I recommend making a brief pitstop at a supermarket to stock up on some freshly baked pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread). This saves you from snacking on the overprized food at Christ the Redeemer.
Catch an Uber to the base of Christ the Redeemer. Then catch the 20 minute train up the Corcovado mountain to view the surrounding lush forest and watch a samba band perform live on the train.
11AM-1:30PM: Bask in the colours of Escadaria Selarón and boho Santa Teresa
Catch an uber to Escadaria Selarón, located in the lively neighbourhood of Lapa. This colourful staircase, also featured in Pharrell and Snoop Dogg's music video Beautiful, is a mosaic masterpiece by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Brazilians hang out along the steps making it a great place to meet people. If you want that perfect Instagram shot with no people looming in the background, head up to the top of the stairs and you'll find it is much quieter.
Walk from Escadaria Selarón through the bohemian and charming neighbourhood of Santa Teresa to Largo do Guimarães. On route, you'll spot historical and photogenic sites such as Largo do Curvelo and Mirante do Curvelo at the fork in the road. You will feel like you are in a fairytale here with buildings painted in a dreamy colour palette and cobblestone streets. If you're feeling tired from walking uphill, you can wait for the iconic yellow tram to take you all the way to Largo do Guimarães. At this plaza, take your pick from savouring a strong Brazilian coffee at Café Do Alto to shopping at artisan boutiques. Take care not to wander down narrow lanes or you'll find yourself in an unsafe favela.
LUNCH: A traditional Brazilian Saturday lunch
Feijoada is the national dish of Brazil and only served in restaurants on Saturdays. Feijoada is a slow-cooked black bean and meat stew that cannot be missed. Bar do Mineiro is a cosy bar in Santa Teresa that serves a delicious feijoada and has an incredible range of cachaça. Cachaça is an alcoholic spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. Cachaça is the essential liquor that makes up a caipirinha. Traditionally, one enjoys their feijoada with a caipirinha in hand.
4PM-7PM: Sunset from Sugarloaf Mountain
Brazilian sunsets are out of this world and there is no place more magical to watch the sun go down than the top of Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). As you ascend the mountain on a cable car, you'll be able to see a different view of Rio - this one showcasing Copacabana beach. Stay well after the sun sets to see the lights of Rio turn on and get ready to party.
LATE NIGHT: Dance the night away in Lapa
Lapa is the heart of Rio's nightlife and there is no shortage of bars and clubs to choose from. Lapa is the birthplace of the samba - a dance with complex footwork and quick hip shaking. Young Cariocas flock to Lapa because it is cheap and has something for everyone. You can choose from twerking to Brazilian funk or learning the forro (a sensual take on the samba). Start your night at Casa de Cachaça where you can try different blends of cachaça. Don't forget to try a passionfruit caipirinha! Carioca da Gema is a club that has live samba bands so it is a great spot to practice your dance moves. Every bar and club will be packed with people on a Saturday night so let your music taste guide which clubs you'll enter.
Day 2 - Sunday
9AM-11AM: Stroll through Rio's Botanical Gardens
After that wild night, a lazy Sunday is exactly what we need! We can still see a lot of Rio while taking things easy. The thing I miss the most about Ipanema is that on about every corner there is a juice shop. A fresh watermelon juice (suco de melancia) uplifts your spirits and prepares you for the day.
Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janiero, the Botanical Gardens, is located in the gorgeous neighbourhood of Jardim Botânico. If there's one place I could live in Rio, it'll be here. It's a tranquil area with pastel-painted studios and terraces covered by lush greenery. This neighbourhood is all about laidback luxury with intimate bars and cafes serving high quality Brazilian food. If you're a plant lover, you will fall head over heels with Rio's Botanical Gardens.
*OPTIONAL ACTIVITY*
If you have recovered from your hangover and have energy, I highly recommend this activity. However, it does involve a hike so I understand if you'd rather not do any strenuous activity. In this case, please skip this activity and head straight to the beach!
11AM-2PM: Hike through Tijuca National Park to Horto Waterfalls
Catch an Uber down the road to the entrance of Tijuca National Park (Portaria do Parque Nacional da Tijuca). From there, the trail to Horto waterfalls is only 15 minutes. It's an uphill hike filled with fallen jacas (Brazilian jackfruit) so take care on the trail. If you're lucky, like I was, you'll have these rockpools and waterfalls to yourself. It is a peaceful and secluded sanctuary where you'll be completely surrounded by nature.
2PM-7PM: Beach hop from Copacabana to Leblon
This is your time to truly relax in the world's best beaches. Rio de Janiero is renowned for having the most striking beaches with a gorgeous backdrop of mountains. Start at the iconic Copacabana beach, make your way down to Ipanema and finally to Leblon. Each beach has its own appeal so I recommend relaxing at all of them. There are many vendors walking along the beach selling Brazilian street food such as barbequed beef and fried cassava chips.
You cannot leave Brazil without trying Brazilian açai combined with cupuaçu. I have tried açai in various parts of the world and many vendors blend it with fruit juice so it is healthy. Brazilian açai is truly unique because it is blended with guaraná syrup and it is the most delicious treat I have ever had in my life. I still have dreams about it! Cupuaçu is a fruit that resembles cocoa and has this extraordinary, creamy chocolate and pineapple flavour. Add toppings like fruit and granola but if you have a sweet tooth like me, try condensed milk and nutella.
Catch the sunset at Arpoador - you will find yourself alongside many people (Cariocas and tourists) admiring the sunset from the rock in between Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
NIGHT TIME: Chill out at the trendy bars of Leblon
Leblon is a fancy, upscale neighbourhood next door to Ipanema. This is the most expensive area of Rio de Janiero so here you can splurge on exotic cocktails and fine dining before you leave. There is a reason why Boteco Belmonte is on every must-see in Brazil list - it is THAT good! If you love a crowded bar with good beer and food, this is the place to be. If you are after a more intimate bar, check out Garoa Bar Lounge.
I hope you enjoyed that weekend in Rio de Janiero just as much as I did. As I previously mentioned, Rio de Janiero is a big city with many different neighbourhoods. There is so much more to explore and I truly wish that after this ultimate weekend in Rio, you'll be inspired to return.
