Oceanfront Dreams & Cultural Icons: A Weekend Adventure in Rio de Janeiro

This trip began in São Paulo, Brazil’s bustling metropolis. While I’ll cover that in another guide, it’s worth noting that traveling from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro is both affordable and easy—even without a flight. We arrived in Rio early Friday morning, ready to soak in the energy of Brazil’s most iconic beach city.

We stayed at the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, one of the few beachfront resorts in the city with its own private beach. Tucked between Leblon and Ipanema, the hotel offers stunning ocean views, an infinity pool, and one of the best breakfast patios in Rio. Each morning, we enjoyed a generous Brazilian buffet with fresh fruit, savory dishes, and tropical juices while looking out at the beach and the hills beyond Ipanema. Our room featured a private oceanfront balcony—waking up to the sunrise and the sound of the waves was a highlight of the trip.

Day one was easygoing but memorable. We spent the morning relaxing at the pool and beach, followed by an afternoon visit to Forte de Copacabana, a small historic fort that separates the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Inside the fort, we visited a satellite café of Confeitaria Colombo for pastries and coffee with postcard-worthy views. In the evening, we took scooters along the beachfront path and had dinner at Boteco Boa Praça, a vibrant Brazilian bar/restaurant known for its feijoada—a traditional black bean and pork stew. Dining on the second-floor balcony with beach views made for a perfect local experience.

Day two started early with a visit to Christ the Redeemer via train, arriving just after 7 am to beat the crowds. The experience was unforgettable, with crystal-clear winter skies offering panoramic views over all of Rio. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we headed to Maracanã Stadium, a must-visit for soccer fans. That afternoon we explored the Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic stairway filled with art, energy, and great photo ops. We ended the day at Sugarloaf Mountain, taking two cable cars to the summit just in time for sunset. A DJ was spinning live music at the mid-level station, creating an unforgettable vibe. We used the fast-pass line to skip the crowds—highly recommended.

• Transportation: Uber is safe and affordable throughout Rio. It’s a great way to get around if you’re not renting a car.

• Christ the Redeemer: While early trains (like the 7:20 am) help beat the crowds, fog can sometimes affect visibility during cooler months. To increase your chances of a clear view over Rio, consider adjusting your visit to a slightly later time. Aim to arrive at the top around 9 am. Tickets cost R$120 round-trip.

• Forte de Copacabana: Entry is cash only for R$10. Go in the afternoon for great lighting and to enjoy a snack at Confeitaria Colombo.

• Selarón Steps: Great for photography and people-watching. You’ll find vendors selling Caipirinhas for just R$6. They’re strong, so pace yourself!

• Sugarloaf Mountain: Two scenic cable cars take you to the summit, with a mid-point stop offering epic views and occasional pop-up music events or DJs. Lines can get long, especially around sunset, so the fast-pass upgrade is highly recommended. While it is a higher cost—R$195 for standard entry vs. R$295 for fast pass (a ~R$100 difference)—the time saved is well worth it.

• Dining Tip: Try feijoada at a neighborhood bar-style restaurant like Boteco Boa Praça. The second-floor seating offers great views, and it’s a great way to dine like a local.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Rio de Janeiro page.