10 Things You Simply Have To Do In Rio De Janeiro

07 Jul 10 Things You Simply Have To Do In Rio De Janeiro

It’s always daunting for me to write a blog post about a city that’s been admired, and written about, as much as the city of Rio De Janeiro has been. It was the same when I tried to share our New York experience. It’s difficult to top the writings that already exist.

What I can do, however, is praise the city in my own words and in my own way, because it’s not often we get genuinely sad and upset (to the point where we have to give ourselves a little pep talk saying, “It’ll be ok…we’ll come back one day…don’t cry…don’t look back…”) when leaving…and yes, um, that’s exactly what happened when we left Rio a couple weeks ago.

 

 

It’s tough to explain the ‘Carioca Energy’ you feel in the city of Rio. There’s a noisy bustle, sure – you hear it even up on the 11th floor in an apartment block in Copacabana. With the windows closed. But it’s more than that.

Side note (in case you’re unaware, as I didn’t know this until I arrived): Cariocas are people who are born and bred specifically in Rio de Janeiro.

Anyone who has ever watched a Brazilian football game (quite fitting as the 2018 World Cup is currently underway) will understand what I mean by carioca energy. You walk out and want nothing more than to smile, ear to ear. Whether you’re just crossing the street to visit the local grocer, or hanging out at Ipanema at sunset, or shuffling up those 215 colorful Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa, or looking up at the most famous (and immaculately mosaiced) Art Deco statue in the world. You can’t even help yourself.

 

 

After two weeks (which certainly didn’t feel like enough time) we’ve left Rio already planning our return, and hope that despite what you might have read in the media (as apparently Rio’s had a bad reputation for being “unsafe” lately), Rio de Janeiro is still 100% safe for tourists, and should be on everyone’s “visit before you kick it” list – at least in our opinion.

Now without further ado…

 

10 THINGS YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO DO IN RIO DE JANEIRO

 

 

Go Spot Toucans In The Botanical Gardens

We were thrilled to find out that you don’t need to venture out into the Amazon to see these gorgeous birds do their thing. Just look up whilst visiting the main avenue in the Gardens and maybe you’ll get lucky like us (oh, and while you’re there – pop past the cactus garden too!)

 

 

Take A Samba Class

Trust us, it’s way more fun and endorphin-releasing than most experiences. Our dance teacher’s name was Patrick and he was amazing – send us a mail and we’ll happily share his details with you if you dare to shake it a little whilst on your trip.

 

 

Sip On Caipirinhas (Or Local Beers) At Sunset On Ipanema Beach

We experienced the most memorable sunset of our lives on this beach, and you’ll need to see it for yourself to believe us.

 

 

Book The Early Access Tour To See Christ The Redeemer

You’ll literally avoid the crowds and have him (and the gorgeous early morning views) all to yourself just after sunrise. Goosebumps will takeover – you’ve been warned.

 

 

Watch A Football Game To Feel That Carioca Spirit

Whether a local game at a stadium, or like us at a local bar during a World Cup, seeing the Brazilians’ love of football will turn anyone into an instant hooligan.

 

 

Go To The Colourful Selarón Steps

Either just to admire the art of Chilean-born artist, Jorge Selarón, or (if you’re up for the challenge) to see if you can find a tile from your country (as the steps are said to have tiles from 121 countries).

 

 

Try On A Carnival Costume

That’s right, you can visit the Sambadrome at any time of year, and for only R$10 (around US$2.5) you can choose a costume and try it on for a quick snap (unless of course you visit in February, during the actual festival – then by all means, don’t only try on the costume – get involved and show off those samba moves you learned during your lesson).

 

 

Visit The World’s Largest Urban Forest, In Tijuca National Park

You might spot a marmoset (or the lesser-seen sloth), but if you don’t, at least you can say you felt the fresh escape in the middle of this South American hub.

 

 

Overlook The Beaches Atop Sugar Loaf Mountain

Whether you choose to hike, climb, or simply cablecar your way up the mountain(s) to get to the top, the reward is well worth it.

 

 

Get Up For Sunrise On Copacabana Beach

Running with Brazilian flag is optional, but it certainly adds to the experience (and you’ll have this world-famous beach to yourself).

 

We promise to write part two of this post when we return to Rio again one day. We only just scratched the surface, and there’s many more adventures to be had!

Muito Obrigada Rio de Janeiro!

CC

 

If you enjoyed this blog post, you may want to follow our journey on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, browse our online photography shop, or get yourself a copy of our TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD eBook.