Fun things to do in Rio de Janeiro

The early 20th century Church of São Pedro is located in the inland neighbourhood of Rio Comprido. The green mountain Morro do Mirante behind serves as a scenic backdrop to the white and beige façade and the silver dome of the church. The beautiful church is located along the road linking downtown Rio with the southern neighbourhoods of Zona Sul, just outside the tunnel of Rebouças.

1 more image

Located in Humaitá, a neighbourhood in Lagoa, the church of Santa Margarida Maria is a beautiful example of colonial Baroque architecture. The blue and white church overlooks the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lagoon) and the tunnel of Rebouças which links Lagoa with the northern part of Rio de Janeiro. The church is the first thing one sees after driving through the tunnel from Rio to Lagoa.

2 more images

Officially outside the city limits, São Conrado is only separated from Rio de Janeiro's Leblon district by the twin peaks of Morro Dois Irmãos. The quiet residential neighbourhood is graced with a beautiful and isolated beach where hang gliders land from a nearby towering peak. The beach is said to get crowded on weekends, but during the week when I visited, it was very empty as seen in the photos, the reason for which I enjoyed this beach tremendously more than Ipanema or Copacabana. The breathtaking views of the mountains all around add to its charm. When I was here, I intended to try hang gliding, but due to high winds, it was not possible.

Caipirinhas pair perfectly with the Brazilian climate. A gratifying mix of lime juice, raw sugar and cachaça.

This photo is taken at the main square in Santa Teresa. I forget the name of the restaurant, but it's a very nice place! The people at the information/cultural center a few doors over on the square pointed it out to me. It's easy to find once you're there. This area reminds me of Silver Lake in Los Angeles. That said, I found São Paulo's art scene more sophisticated. But I'm just a tourist. I'll stick to what I've got first hand and intimate experience with, the Caipirinhas!

Also delicious is the Batida de Coco. This is not a sweet coconut drink like the pina colada. It's a rich and creamy coconut drink that could make you lose a few years in a tipsy slumber. It almost tastes healthy!

Busy shopping on R. Visconde de Piraja in Ipanema? Give yourself a break and pretty up your toes and fingers with a pedi mani! I was pleasantly surprised at the price, it was cheaper than home in LA. (R$11 each in 2008) A pedicure and manicure in Los Angeles isn't terribly expensive and much cheaper than New York.
Granted, there was no spa chair and this place IS a Hair Salon, but they were very very friendly, cleaned things up, made me look good AND offered a coffee! I never use polish (is toxic and not enviro friendly and flakes off when I surf) and buff my nails instead. This place didn't have anything to buff with. But after my stop maybe they do now!

2 more images

Wander the streets of Rio de Janeiro and you will meet the people of Brasil. Many are friendly. Some may consider this a warning or danger because many of the people are poor and there are areas where they say it is not safe, but if you have a musical instrument or can sing, even the toughest people will warm up, and join you in song.

I'm living in Sao Paulo but I love Rio de Janeiro. I spent some vacations there and I will share with you some places that I recommend.
Kinds of beaches:
-Tourist beach - Copacabana
-Fancy and trend beach - Leblon (Posto 9/Gate 9)
-See and to be seen beach - Ipanema
-Small, quiet, beautiful beach - Prainha
Restaurants:
- Sushi Leblon - Japanese Food
- Zaza Bistrot - In this restaurant I recommend a special meal (cuzcuz marroquino with chicken it is delicious and one plate is very well served).
- Gula Gula - Chain restaurant (you will find every type os food).
Night Clubs:
- Zero Zero (00) - Gavea Neighborhood
- Nute - Barra Neighborhood
- Circo Voador
Avoid :
- Walking in the street after 8 o'clock (p.m), be wary of taking or crossing the "linha vermelha" (red line) and "linha amarela" (yellow line)road. It's kind of near poor places and a little bit dangerous because the drugdealers usually "work" there.
I urge not to walk on the street with a lot of jewels and fancy watches.
Leave your passport in your hotel. Whatever you do, don't take the passport with you.
If you are keen on football games, you can't miss a Flamengo or Fluminense game.
But refrain from taking your cameras, watches and cell phone with you, you might be mugged.
Go to Corcovado (Christ) or Pao de Açucar ( Sugar Loaf) it doesn't get any better than Corcovado view.
Or take the "bondinho" it is certainly worth to visit.
Other things to do:
Watch the sunset at Arpoador
Walk around Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon

And if you want more information about Rio, visit - http://www.riodejaneiro.com.br

You'll find every kind of information that you looking for

ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

One of the things I like about Rio is that the vendors here don't seem to give you too much of a hard time. When I was in the Caribbean they'd pester the daylights out of you. Not so much here in Rio. If you show no interest, half the time they move on. If you are approached by one and still aren't interested, a simple "Nao" will do good and they'll go to the next customer. However, try not to be rude to them unless they're overbearing or rude to you first. Most of the time they won't be. They sell quite a lot of goods on the beach. Each vendor sells something different, from sunglasses to drinks.