Sun, Samba & Sea: The Ultimate Guide to Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana and Leblon Beach: These beaches truly feel like the heartbeat of Rio. I spent so many mornings here—grabbing a chair, ordering food right to the sand, drinking fresh coconut water, and watching people play futevôlei (the volleyball—soccer hybrid I couldn’t stop obsessing over). The energy is incredible. The water, the mountains, the music, the locals… it’s impossible not to fall in love. These beaches are where I felt the most connected to the city.

Jeep jungle tour through Tijuca National Forest: This was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my time in Rio. You dive deep into the rainforest and you’re surrounded by wildlife, waterfalls, and the powerful story of how this jungle was almost completely destroyed and then reforested by hand. It’s inspiring, humbling, and unlike anything else—and when the monkeys or coatis cross your path, you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life nature documentary.

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar): Sugarloaf absolutely blew me away. You can easily spend half a day here—riding the famous cable cars, walking the trails, taking in jaw-dropping views of the beaches and city, and stopping at little restaurants and bars along the way. There’s something magical about watching the city from this height while sipping a cocktail or grabbing a snack with the ocean breeze around you.

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor): Seeing Christ the Redeemer up close is surreal, but here’s the thing: don’t book your tickets too far in advance. The weather changes fast. Some days, the clouds roll in and the entire statue disappears into the fog. If you wait for a clear day, it becomes one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever see—a true New Wonder of the World moment.

The ROXY Dinner Show in Copacabana: This was such a highlight for me. The food was delicious, the show was electric, and the dancers and musicians really bring Brazil’s culture to life. It’s glamorous, fun, and absolutely worth dressing up for. I left smiling from ear to ear and wishing the night didn’t have to end.

Escadaria Selarón (The Famous Tile Steps): Every tile here tells a story. The steps do get crowded (especially on weekends), so I recommend going during the week to really take it all in. I loved wandering up slowly, noticing all the tiny details and colors—each step feels like a piece of art you want to remember forever.

Açaí Bowls, Fresh Seafood & Caipirinhas on Repeat: You genuinely have to get an açaí bowl and a caipirinha every single day… trust me. They’re so fresh, flavorful, and inexpensive. The seafood is incredible—perfect grilled fish, buttery shrimp, and a steak that melts in your mouth. And if you’re lucky, try fresh cashew fruit! It spoils quickly and rarely leaves Brazil, so it’s such a treat to eat it straight from the source.

Sunset at Arpoador Rock: One of my favorite memories is sitting on Arpoador Rock surrounded by locals, watching the sky change from gold to soft pinks and oranges. People clap when the sun sets—it’s simple, but it feels magical. It was one of those moments where you stop, breathe, and think, “I can’t believe I’m really here.”

Marine Restô, Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana: I still think about the meals I had here. Sitting above Copacabana Beach with the ocean breeze rolling in while eating the freshest seafood—it just hits differently. There’s something about the combination of the view, the atmosphere, and the warmth of the staff that made every meal feel like a moment I wanted to stretch out. It was my “reset” spot on busy days.

Spirit Copa Bar, Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana: This became my go-to for a nighttime drink. The bartenders are genuinely talented—like, “watch them shake a cocktail and wonder how this is their everyday job” talented. I loved grabbing a seat overlooking the water, sipping something cold and perfectly made, and just watching the lights dance across the ocean. It felt like Rio in a glass.

JANEIRO Restaurant, JANEIRO Hotel, Leblon: Breakfast here might be one of my favorite slow mornings ever. The way the sunlight hits the dining room, the calmness of Leblon Beach right outside, and the incredibly fresh food… it feels almost meditative. Their dishes are simple but full of intention—nothing heavy, just clean, bright flavors that make you feel good before a long beach day.

Fasano Al Mare, Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro: This spot feels special the moment you walk in. The service, the precision of the dishes, the elegance without being stuffy—it’s the kind of place you dress up for because you want to. I remember taking that first bite of seafood and just smiling to myself, thinking, “Okay… this is one of those meals I’m going to remember for a long time.”

Aprazível, Santa Teresa: Dining here felt like a little escape within the city. You’re surrounded by greenery, the air feels cooler, and the views spill out over Rio in the prettiest way. It’s romantic, peaceful, and the kind of place that makes you slow down without even realizing it. It reminded me of how beautiful Rio is beyond the beaches.

Bar do Mineiro, Santa Teresa: This place has personality. It’s loud, friendly, full of locals, and the food tastes like someone’s grandmother has been perfecting it for 40 years. I had feijoada here that made me rethink every other feijoada I’ve ever had. It’s a spot where you leave feeling full—not just from the food, but from the whole experience.

Garota de Ipanema, Ipanema: There’s just something fun about eating at the place where “The Girl from Ipanema” was written. It’s casual, energetic, and the steak is shockingly good for a place with so much history attached to it. I loved sitting outside, watching people wander by, sipping a caipirinha that was way too easy to drink.

Nosso, Ipanema: This restaurant feels like the Rio version of a perfect night out—stylish but not pretentious, creative but not confusing, fun without being chaotic. The cocktails are beautiful, the food is exciting, and the playlist always puts you in a good mood. If Rio had a “cool kid” dinner party spot, this would be it.

Academia da Cachaça, Leblon: This is where I went when I wanted to feel like a local. The menu of cachaças is endless, the caipirinhas are strong in the best way, and the food is hearty and comforting. It’s not fancy—it’s real. This is where you taste the soul of Brazil.

Confeitaria Colombo, Centro, or Copacabana: Walking into Confeitaria Colombo feels like stepping into another era. The ornate details, the huge mirrors, the pastries that look almost too pretty to eat—it just feels magical. I loved coming here for something sweet and lingering a little longer than I planned every single time.