Discovering the Magic of Rio de Janeiro
10 Days of Beaches, Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences
A Shorter Stay Than Planned
When I first arrived in Brazil, I had heard so much about Rio de Janeiro that I decided to limit my time there. I felt like a month-long stay would require me to be constantly on my toes, extra careful with my belongings, and hyper-aware of my surroundings. Instead, I extended my stay in other cities, leaving myself with just 10 days in Rio. But as it turned out, the city felt as safe as any other, and my usual diligence with my things was more than enough. Those 10 days were all it took for Rio to capture my heart, and I’m already planning to return for longer stays in the future.
Reuniting with Friends and Exploring Ipanema
My time in Rio started on a high note, as my friends from Belo Horizonte joined me for the first few days. It was so much fun to reconnect with them—and Kiwi, their adorable miniature pinscher! They helped me get acquainted with the city, from introducing me to the subway system to showing me around Copacabana and Ipanema. I even got a new look, thanks to Beto’s friend, who owns an optical shop. Goodbye, blue glasses!
I quickly fell in love with my neighborhood in Ipanema. Mornings often started with an espresso from the Nespresso machine in my Airbnb, followed by a leisurely start to the day and catching up on work. Later, I’d sometimes stop by a cafe for another before heading out to explore. The beach was just a short walk away, and I spent many afternoons soaking up the sun, wandering the shoreline, or catching stunning sunsets. Even on overcast days, the beach had its own moody charm.
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Barra da Tijuca and Ilha de Gigóia
One of my favorite outings was to Barra da Tijuca and Ilha de Gigóia, just a few subway stops from Ipanema. I started the day with a drink and some food beachside before meeting my friends on the island. The vibe was relaxed and tropical, a perfect escape from the city’s hustle. We ended the day back on the beach, watching the sun dip below the horizon—a truly magical moment.
Food, Music, and Culture
Rio is a city that knows how to live, and I dove headfirst into its food, music, and culture. At the Feira de São Cristóvão, I wandered through shops, listened to live music, and shared a massive dish with my friends. Dessert was a coconut and passion fruit treat that I’m still dreaming about. Later, we explored the plaza around the Museu do Amanhã and stumbled upon in an alley of cats, complete with a staircase leading to a street filled with homes, restaurants, and bars. We sat down for beers and caipirinhas at Ladeira7 and watched the cats, all 14 of them, play in the alley.
Restaurants and bars around Ipanema that I enjoyed and recommend are:
Pura Brasa - Amazing steak and fun vibe
Mercearia de Praca - Portughese food on a nice street by the Praca General Osorio
Brazin Bar Ipanema - I had the feijoada here
Vinicius Bar - Bosso Novo bar and venue upstairs
Spicy Fish - Asian fusion/Seafood
Piemonte Gelateria - Excellent Italian style gelato!
Lapa was another highlight, with its lively streets, sizzling food stalls, and iconic steps. I even found a music festival where caipirinha stands outnumbered the people! Speaking of caipirinhas, I tried them in a variety of flavors—passion fruit, pineapple, and even caju, the fruit of the cashew nut. The caju caipirinha was especially delicious and unlike anything I’d had before.
Iconic Sights and Missed Opportunities
No trip to Rio would be complete without visiting its iconic landmarks, and Sugarloaf Mountain delivered one of the most breathtaking experiences of my time in the city. Watching the sunset from the top was nothing short of magical, with the city bathed in golden light and the ocean shimmering below. From this vantage point, I was even able to see the Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance, surrounded by dramatic clouds that added an intense, almost mystical quality to the dusk and sunset hour—a truly unforgettable sight.
Unfortunately, my attempts to visit Christ the Redeemer up close were thwarted twice due to poor visibility. While it was disappointing to miss the chance to stand beneath this iconic statue, the detours gave me the opportunity to wander through the lovely Laranjeiras neighborhood. Both times, I stopped for coffee at the outstanding Rio Coffee house, and on my way back to the metro, I enjoyed spotting cats lounging around the streets. Though I didn’t make it to the Redeemer, these moments of exploration and discovery made the experience just as memorable.
Downtown Rio offered a mix of modern and historic sights, from the bustling Mercado Popular Uruguiana to the elegant Confeitaria Colombo, where I indulged in coffee and dessert. The Rio Museum of Art and Museu do Amanhã were both fascinating, with the latter offering stunning waterfront views.
Saying Goodbye to Rio (For Now)
As my time in Rio came to an end, I found myself wishing for more. The city’s energy, beauty, and warmth had completely won me over. On my last day, I finally picked up my new glasses, worked a bit downtown, and enjoyed a fantastic dinner at Spicy Fish. Even the weather seemed to reflect my mixed emotions about leaving—one side of the beach was sunny, while the other was gray and moody.
Rio de Janeiro, you’ve left a lasting impression on me. I may have only had 10 days this time, but I’m not done with you yet. Until next time, minha querida Rio!