TASTE OF RIO DE JANEIRO

You can never get enough of Rio De Janeiro. Once you go there, you start to think that no city is more beautiful than Rio De Janerio.  To get a taste of Rio, you should stay at least 4 days. It is easy to visit Rio de Janeiro thanks to its efficient public transportation and Uber. ​Security is not an issue if you use common sense and do not go in favelas alone or walk at night on empty roads. ​

Rio De Janeiro

WHAT ARE THE BEST EXPERIENCES IN RIO DE JANEIRO?

1. RIO CARNIVAL
2. SUNSET AT THE IPANEMA BEACH
3. SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN VISIT
4. CORCOVADO CHRIST THE REDEEMER
5. FAVELA TOUR

Rio Carnival

Carnival is maybe the best experience you can have in Rio de Janeiro! 
Click here to find out the details!

• When can you go to Rio Carnivalrio-carnival.html
• How can you watch Rio Carnival
• Where to buy Rio Carnival tickets
• Which place to choose at the Sambadrome 
• Tips and suggestions about the Rio Carnival

Sunset at the Ipanema

I try not to miss any evening without admiring the sunset at Ipanema Beach when I am in Rio De Janeiro. It feels safe. Moreover, you can continue the evening at the bar where the famous song The Girl from Ipanema was written.

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN VISIT

One of the MUST DO's of Rio De Janeiro is the Sugarloaf Mountain. If you have limited time or budget and you need to choose among a MUST SEE of Rio De Janeiro, you can pick Sugarloaf Mountain. Do not forget to relax at the beach under this marvellous mountain! 

CORCOVADO CHRIST THE REDEEMER

Since it is considered one of the top experiences in Rio de Janeiro, The Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain is always very crowded. Check out the below link, our 5 days Rio De Janeiro Itinerary, on how to insert the Christ the Redeemer visit in your Rio de Janeiro trip! RIO DE JENAIRO in 5 DAYS

Favela Tour

One of the most incredible experiences in Rio de Janeiro is a tour of Favela's. Is it safe to visit Rio's favelas? You never know. But it is a great chance to get another sight of life in Rio. 
If you decide to join this "poverty tourism" or "slum tourism", be sure to book a local walking tour. Favelas will give you an emotional rollercoaster. So assure to feel better, knowing to have contributed to improving the living conditions of people in these improvised neighbourhoods.

WHERE TO STAY IN RIO DE JANEIRO?

​There is no doubt that the best places to stay in Rio De Janeiro are Ipanema, Lebnon or Copacabana. 
These are also the best neighbourhoods in Rio and the safest ones. 
You can also add Botafoga to this list, a residential but flourishing tourist area thanks to its accommodation, restaurants and bar options. 
If you prefer a bohemian atmosphere, you can opt for Santa Teresa, but it is not safe to walk there at night. 
For the nightlife, you can stay in Lapa. Although it is safer at night in Lapa due to the temporary crowd, it is empty and not secure during the day. 
The first 2 times I was in Rio, I happily stayed in Ipanema. I took the metro station to get anywhere. I enjoyed the Ipanema beach from morning till late evening. I loved its touristy but still residential feeling. 
The third time, due to the carnival, I couldn't find any place in Ipanema, so I opted for Copacabana.
What I loved about Copacabana was its easy access to all the highlights of Rio. I preferred to use uber or a taxi to reach all the main attractions even though bus and metro options were cheap and available, but I saved time and energy. 

Happy in Ipanema

Copacabana Beach

Botafogo Beach

Which is better, Ipanema or Copacabana?

IPANEMA SYMBOL SIDEWALK PATTERNS

COPACABANA SYMBOL SIDEWALK PATTERNS

​​Is it better to stay in Ipanema or Copacabana?
​Copacabana is more touristy since it is more central and easier to get around. 
Ipanema has a better atmosphere than Copacabana, being one of the fanciest neighbourhoods of Rio, a luxury residential area, Ipanema has fewer hotels than Copacabana and more costly Airbnb options.
Since there are more hotels in Copacabana than in Ipanema, you can find better bargains.
Copacabana is bigger than Ipanema, so there are more shops and services around. 
​Which is safer Ipanema or Copacabana?
Ipanema is safer then Copacabana.
​During the day, both neighbourhoods are safe, but Ipanema is much safer at night. 
Which beach is better, Ipanema or Copacabana?
Both Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches are spectacular white sand beaches.
Copacabana beach is longer, while Ipanema has better views.
The water in Ipanema Beach is cleaner than in Copacabana.
The beaches of Rio are divided into segments signed by numbered towers/lifeguard stations (called "posto"s). Under each posto, there are public services like changing rooms and toilets for a small fee.  
Arpoador and Leblon Beaches are respectively at the beginning and at the end of Ipanema Beach. 
Which beach is safer Ipanema or Copacabana?
You can get an isolated spot on Copacabana beach, but you should be careful with your bags and phones.
You can enjoy Ipanema Beach during its breathtaking sunset, while it is not safe to be on the beach in Copacabana at that hour. 
How far is Copacabana to Ipanema?
They are not far away from each other. The distance between the ending point of each beach is only 1 km. 
If you start a walk from the beginning of Copacabana till the end of Ipanema Beach, it may take around 1-1,5 hours. 
If you take a taxi or an Uber, it can take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the traffic. 
If you take a bus, as there are many stops between Ipanema and Copacabana, it can take around 40 minutes. 
There is also the metro/underground option where you can reach Ipanema from Copacabana or vice versa in 10 minutes. ​

Copacabana Beach