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Cidade Marvilhosa is a really great place to see.
Brazil’s second largest city was the country’s capital until the 1960s. Portuguese is the official language in this bustling city. This is where the iconic Cristo Redentor can be seen.
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
Learn the historical facts of the city on a free 3-hour walking tour. It is every 9:30 am from Monday to Friday. Guides in yellow shirts are waiting in front of the city theatre/metro Cinelandia. The tour is very informative, fun and free! You can visit the steps of Lapa, the Imperial Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and even the famous Cafe Confeiteria Colombo. Don’t forget to tip the tour guides after the tour.
2. Try the Brazilian snacks
Churrascarias are a must try in Rio. They serve all kinds of meat on skewers. You choose the food you like on the buffet table, stack it on your plate and pay by weight. Feijoada is a Portuguese stew made from black beans, a very important food that was believed to be associated with the slaves during colonial times. You can also try coxinha, acai, brigadeiros, tapioca and pa de quiejo.
3. Visit the Petropolis
It is the Imperial City of Brazil during the 19e century in honor of Pedro II, the second emperor of Brazil. It is a very popular winter destination due to its very cool climate. This served as the summer residence of the Brazilian emperors, now converted into a museum. Tourists can walk around the palace and see the luxurious things during their reign. You can also see Quitandinha Palace which used to be a casino hotel until the government banned casinos from the country. Now it has been renovated into a residential place, but tourists can still walk around and be amazed by its beautiful architecture. Don’t miss the Cathedral of St. Peter, which houses the remains of the previous Imperial family. The Bohemian brewery is also included in the must-see tour for beer lovers. You will learn how beer is produced as you tour the place. It wouldn’t be complete with a free taste of real Brazilian beer.
4. Travel to Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande or ‘Big Island’ is a 2-3 hour drive from the city. It is still an undeveloped place, but some tourists flock here for its scenic beauty which may be different from a city feel. This was once a prison for Brazil’s very dangerous criminals, but now it is starting to develop into a tourist destination. You can arrange a tour through ferry to reach the island.
5. Go Beach Bumming
Spend a lazy afternoon on Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon beach in the city. Try their signature cocktail Caipirinha, which usually costs R$10-12, while enjoying the scenic view. You can rent a sun lounger for just R$5 or bring your own towel. You can also see vendors selling churros, grilled cheese, sausage, and tapioca. This is truly a year-round beach destination, even in winter.
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Copacabana, Ipanema Beach and Leblon.
6. Go shopping in Uruguay
This is a haven for flea market enthusiasts who love to find cheap goods from souvenirs to clothes. Beware of pickpockets who feast on your valuables. Also, make sure not to plan your bargain hunt on Sunday, as most malls and shops are closed and nearly everyone goes to the beach and spends the day with the family.
7. Book a tour
Yes, you read that right! I’m not a fan of guided tours, but trust me, it really helps. A day tour will save you a lot of time queuing for tickets and entry to the place. You can visit Cristo, Sugarloaf, Lapa steps, Metropolitan Cathedral, Maraccana Stadium, Sambadrome and a sumptuous lunch of churrascaria all in one day. I suggest looking for the Tourist Ticket Center which can be found on Copacabana beach for very cheap package rates for almost all tours.
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Sambadrome Marquess of Sapucai.
8. Try hang gliding
This is a must for that adventurous tourist who can brave the heights. You will have the chance to see the best aerial view of Rio while flying like a free bird. Plan it in advance as the operator can at least predict the wind forecast of your planned day. Read our personal experience with hang gliding here.
9. Stay at a Carioca
I have decided to rent a guest house with a Cariocan family. I have used Airbnb to find a host for my stay. Like any other hotel, hostel or guest house, make sure to read feedback and reviews from other guests. My host lives in the Leme neighborhood near Copacabana beach. This is an alternative way to stay near the beach without paying expensive hotel rates. I was actually scared of the idea of staying in a favela, but seeing roaming cops somehow made me feel safe. We were welcomed with my host’s mother even if we arrived quite late at night. The gesture of Cariocas to greet their friends is with a kiss on both cheeks. Apart from a first hand answer about traveling in the area, she diligently prepared breakfast for all the guests. It also feels great to wake up every morning to beautiful scenery of the beach and even the Cristo Redentor.
I enjoyed my stay in this vibrant city and I know you all will. I can’t get enough of this city and there are definitely many more places to see and do when I come back. Enjoying!
Planning to travel through Brazil, check out our DIY Travel Guide for 19 Days for Different Cities in Brazil.
About the author:
Reah is a Filipina who works in Singapore as a hotelier in the country’s leading integrated resort. She loves to travel and discover the world. She enjoys reading travel blogs and learning from other adventurers.
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