The Weekly Getaway: Rio Olympics Special

With the global spotlight shifting to Brazil, we take you on a brief tour around the vibrant life of Rio de Janeiro, where the people are always out on the beach and the samba is ever so cheerful.

You can even find tips on your next visit (of course, after the Olympics) if you scroll down below.

Stark contrast between the rich and the poor, favelas in ruins and full of garbage

Up the hill in the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa

Caipisake at Fasano hotel

Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage

See

• Sugar Loaf Mountain – great views to the city, one of the best spots in town
• Corcovado Cristo Redentor – top of the list, although peak times ought to be avoided. Also, when you’re that close it makes you wonder how small this statue is
• Jardim Botanico – perfect idea for a stroll in the wildlife of this beautiful botanical gardens of Rio.
• Parque Lage – nice park with an amazing building of the old school of Arts that also features a great café for snacks and drinks
• Ipanema beach and Copacabana beach – both are very well known and not to be missed. If you really though want to swim (or just hang in the sun with the locals) try Leblon beach
• Tijuca National Park – forest at the backdrop of the city once you’re past the favellas; nothing exciting but could well be bundled with a hiking or 4×4 jepp tour

Stay

• Hotel Fasano – arguably the best hotel in Rio these although with the Olympics a few of the older hotels got renovated. Also features a nice rooftop bar and pool
• Airbnb – always a good choiuce if you can find a bargain; make sure you stay towards the side of Ipenema and Leblon where the areas are more residential and tourist friendly

Eat

• Aprazivel – perfect hideaway spot right on the hill of Santa Teresa; make sure you don’t miss out on the steamed bamboo stick, although most of the food is good
• Sushi Leblon – buzzing sushi place where most of the cool crowd hangs. Sit at the bar and ask for the chef’s omakase special. Drinks are also good
• Porcao – one of the most popular churracherias in Brazil; if you don’t have enough time opt for Fogo de Chao
• Fogo de Chao – all the juicy and delicious meat cuts in the world you can imagine. Sit down and relax, the food is going to keep on coming as long as you have the green card side up!