Bom Dia, Brazil! 🇧🇷✨
Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Rio de Janeiro — Where to Stay, What to Eat, and All the Must-Do Activities (Plus Hidden Gems!)
I went to Brazil back in 2022—before it became the social media hotspot it is today—and honestly, it still ranks as one of my favorite trips out of the 33 countries I’ve visited so far. Now that Brazil’s popping up everywhere on TikTok and Instagram, I figured I’d spill all the tea and give you the ultimate guide, packed with my tips, recommendations, and hidden gems to make your Brazil trip unforgettable.
Getting There
I kicked off my trip from Atlanta, and flights to Brazil are usually pretty affordable if you time it right. I flew ATL to Panama (about 4 hours) and then Panama to Rio de Janeiro (around 6 hours). The total flight time wasn’t terrible, but still long enough to have me questioning all my life choices around hour six.
When we landed in Rio, it was pouring—and I mean monsoon-level rain. I visited in November (late spring in Brazil), so afternoon showers are pretty common, but I was low-key freaking out thinking it’d rain the entire trip. My friend kept checking the weather app, and every day looked like a storm. But here’s a pro tip: weather apps lie, especially in tropical places. It rained for maybe an hour or two each afternoon, but most of our days were sunny and perfect for exploring.
Where I Stayed
We stayed at the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, and I still think about that hotel. The location was unbeatable—right on Copacabana Beach—with insane views of the ocean and Sugarloaf Mountain. The rooms were super chic, and the service? Next level. One day, we accidentally left cash on the bedside table, and the housekeeping team locked the room for safety —seriously, I felt so taken care of.
The daily breakfast was also so good. I’m talking tropical fruits, fresh pastries, eggs, all with panoramic ocean views. Plus, the pool area was a whole vibe, perfect for unwinding after sightseeing.
If the Fairmont isn’t quite your vibe or budget, here are a few other options I looked into:
Emiliano Rio – Sleek and modern with minimalist rooms, rooftop pool, and prime Copacabana location.
Chez Georges – A boutique hotel tucked into the Santa Teresa hills with insane city views and a more intimate feel.
Hotel Fasano – If you want to live your best luxe life, this is the spot. Their rooftop pool overlooks Ipanema Beach and is pure Instagram gold.
What I Ate
Brazilian food is seriously next level, and I still dream about some of these meals.
Babbo Osteria – A cozy Italian-Brazilian fusion spot. I had the most amazing handmade pasta here.
Marine Resto – Located in the Fairmont, but their seafood dishes were so fresh and flavorful. I had the octopus, and it was chef’s kiss.
Aprazível – One of my faves. It’s tucked into the hills of Santa Teresa, surrounded by trees with views of the city below.
Churrascaria Palace – You have to do a traditional Brazilian steakhouse experience. This spot was amazing—endless meats, caipirinhas flowing, and a crazy good salad bar. It’s like Fogo de Chão but way more authentic.
Street food is also a must:
Pão de queijo – Warm, cheesy bread rolls that I ate way too many of.
Coxinha – Deep-fried dough filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese. Trust me.
Açaí bowls – Way better than what we get in the U.S. They're thick, icy, and topped with fresh fruits and granola.
What I Did 🏖️
Rio is such a perfect mix of city, beach, and nature. Here’s what I got up to, plus some extra recs if you’re planning your own trip:
Iconic Landmarks:
Christ the Redeemer – Of course. It’s a must. We went early in the morning to beat the crowds and get clear photos (without a million heads in the background).
Escadaria Selarón – The famous colorful mosaic stairs in Lapa. Perfect for photos and a quick stop while exploring.
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) – Take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of Rio. Go around sunset for the best lighting and views. I didn’t get to do this one because I am truly afraid of heights!
Beaches:
Copacabana Beach – The classic. Perfect for people-watching, grabbing a caipirinha from a beach vendor, and just soaking in the vibes.
Ipanema Beach – A little more relaxed and local than Copacabana. Post up near “Posto 9” for the liveliest section.
Nature & Adventure:
Parque Lage – A gorgeous public park with botanical gardens, a café, and a view of Christ the Redeemer peeking through the trees. It’s a great spot for a chilled morning.
Tijuca National Park – One of the largest urban forests in the world. We did a waterfall hike here that ended with a dip in natural pools—so refreshing.
Unique Experiences:
La Suite by Dussol – We did a day pass here, and it was such a vibe. It included access to their infinity pool, a floating breakfast (yes, floating), and a delicious lunch. Great for photos and a relaxing escape from the city hustle.
Samba Night in Lapa – Lapa comes alive at night with live samba music, dancing in the streets, and bars spilling over with people. We ended up at Rio Scenarium, a super cool multi-level club with live music and a super fun crowd.
Brazil was everything I hoped for and more. The energy, the food, the people, the nature—it was all so vibrant and alive. If you’ve been thinking about going, consider this your sign. And if you’re already planning a trip, I hope these tips help you have the best time ever!
Already been to Brazil? Drop your fave spots in the comments—I’m definitely planning a round two.