Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: Beaches, Samba, Sunsets—and So Much More

You know that rule about needing ten years to officially become a New Yorker? Well, Rio de Janeiro has something similar. But here, becoming a local—a carioca—isn’t measured in years. It’s measured in lifestyle. You earn your stripes after your 50th grocery run in Havaiana flip-flops, or after your 100th saideira (the “last” beer that’s never actually the last). Bonus points if you have a personal relationship with a vendor of sweetened iced tea (called mate) on the beach.

I moved to Rio five years ago and only now feel I have the authority to call myself a local. And yes, I’m wearing Havaianas as I write this. That’s the thing about Rio: It’s not just a place you visit. It’s a place you want to belong to. Maybe that’s why so many first-time visitors end up coming back. And why some, like many of my expat friends, never leave at all.

Ready to find out why? This insider’s Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide will take you through the best beaches, local eats, unforgettable things to do and a few Carioca secrets to help you experience Rio like someone who lives here.

The beach is Rio’s real living room—and you can’t visit the city without spending time there. It’s where Cariocas hang out, play sports, sip that sweet iced tea I mentioned, or do absolutely nothing at all. These are the five beaches you shouldn’t miss while visiting Rio.

Starting with my personal favorite, Ipanema Beach is Rio at its most picture-perfect. Grab an açaí from a beach vendor and stick around for the sunset, when everyone applauds as the sun disappears behind the Dois Irmãos mountain peaks.

Just west of Ipanema, Leblon offers a quieter, more upscale beach experience. Everyone here is absurdly beautiful—it’s where Rio’s who’s who comes to see and be seen.

Brazil’s most famous beach is overwhelming in all the right ways—street vendors shouting, beach tennis balls flying and tourists snapping selfies. But it also has a surprisingly local feel. Less posh than Ipanema or Leblon, and though more touristy, it’s still buzzing with real Carioca life, especially in the mornings, when older locals take their daily walk or swim. Head to Posto 6, near the Copacabana Fort, for waters so calm you might mistake them for the Caribbean.

Now for something more offbeat: Joatinga is a hidden cove tucked beneath a cliff that feels like a secret hideout. To get there, take a cab or Uber to the residential neighborhood of the same name, then follow a steep but totally manageable path down to the beach. It’s best to visit at low tide, before the water sweeps up the sand.

Located just beneath Sugarloaf Mountain, Praia Vermelha is one of Rio’s most peaceful beaches. It’s a personal favorite—the cove is small, the water is calm and the views are unreal. You’re surrounded by towering granite cliffs and jungle, with the cable cars overhead adding to the drama.

From hikes to samba parties, there are countless ways to live the carioca lifestyle during your visit to Rio.

This is probably the top hike in Rio—for the views, the adventure and the chance to step inside one of the city’s favelas. To get there, head to Vidigal. Ubers and taxis won’t go up the hill, so once you’re at the base, hop on a mototaxi and tell them you’re going to the trailhead (Trilha Dois Irmãos). The ride alone is half the fun. The hike takes about 45 minutes, and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the entire city. It’s especially magical at sunrise.

Bonus tip: On your way back down, stop by Ame Viva, a yoga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school that doubles as a social project offering free classes to local kids. Visitors are always welcome to join a class or simply learn more. It’s a meaningful way to give back while exploring the community.

There’s nothing like live samba to make you fall in love with Rio. The most historic spot is Pedra do Sal, located in the city center—once a slave market, it’s now home to Rio’s most iconic samba gathering. You can also head to Alalaô Kiosk, a beachside bar where samba bands play right in front of the ocean.

Yes, it’s touristy. But Cristo Redentor is iconic for a reason. The best way up is by train, which winds through the lush rainforest en route to the summit. For a less crowded experience, book a local guide who’ll take you up early, stopping at Mirante Dona Marta—the most beautiful sunrise viewpoint in the city—on the way.

Parque Lage feels like stepping into a storybook: There’s a café inside a 1920s mansion with Roman-style arches and a stone pool in the courtyard, all set within the rainforest.

At the far end of Ipanema, the beach morphs into Arpoador, Rio’s most accessible surf break. It’s perfect for beginners and there are plenty of friendly local instructors around.

Renting a bike is one of the best ways to get around in Rio—look up the Bike Itaú app for that. For a real local adventure, rent an electric bike and cruise up to Vista Chinesa, an impressive lookout inside Tijuca National Park. The ride winds up and through the rainforest, and on weekends, the road is closed to cars.

There’s no better way to take in Rio’s jaw-dropping landscape than from the water. Book a full-day tour or sunset sail around Guanabara Bay, where you can snorkel, dance and sip caipirinhas on board until the sun goes down.

Rio’s food scene is as diverse and colorful as the city itself. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a hearty carioca lunch, here are some of my favorite spots around the city:

I went vegetarian last year, so I’d be remiss not to include Teva. This plant-based bistro reimagines Brazilian classics with a modern, creative twist, like acarajé, a spicy fritter traditionally stuffed with shrimp, made here entirely vegan.

Go for the coffee, stay for the friendships. Meet digital nomads and expats from all over the world. The owner is a sweet Australian who has made it his mission to bring good coffee to Rio.

Chez Claude is a warm, buzzy bistro serving refined French-Brazilian fare. There’s something for everyone—seafood, meat and veggie dishes—but the must-order is the ravioli. Perfect for a slightly upscale night out.

When it comes to sushi, San is hands down the best in town. Everything is fresh, artfully plated and full of flavor, like the salmon sashimi, served on a bed of pink Himalayan salt.

For date night, Babbo delivers. It’s my favorite Italian spot in Rio, with a modern, elegant atmosphere and standout dishes like eggplant parm and handmade gnocchi.

This laid-back wine bar focuses on natural wines, including bottles from southern Brazil, where my family is from. Pair your glass with simple small plates and enjoy the effortlessly cool, unpretentious vibe that only a sidewalk bar in Botafogo can offer.

For a traditional, meat-heavy Brazilian meal, Braseiro da Gávea is the place. It’s a local institution and here’s what to order: a sizzling plate of picanha, broccoli rice and crispy chips for the table. It’s the holy trinity of carioca comfort food. Best enjoyed with a cold chopp (draft beer) and a group of friends.

Before you go, here are a few insider tips to help you navigate Rio like a true carioca.

Uber is a safe and convenient way to get around Rio and it’s usually cheaper than a regular cab. That said, regular taxis are reliable too, just make sure the driver uses the meter.

You don’t need to bring much to the beach. Everything you need will come to you—literally. Vendors and beach kiosks sell all kinds of drinks and food, from coconut water and beer to fresh sandwiches and steamed corn. You’ll also see vendors selling bikinis, sarongs and even speakers. Chairs and umbrellas? Just grab a spot and someone will set you up.

Beaches in Rio are divided by postos, or lifeguard stations and each has its own vibe. Posto 8 in Ipanema is LGBTQ+ friendly, while Posto 6 in Copacabana is known for calm waters. We use these numbers as meeting points—explore and find the one that best fits your vibe.

They may taste like juice, but caipirinhas are strong. Made with cachaça (a sugarcane spirit), lime, and sugar, they go down easy but can hit hard, especially in the sun. Sip slowly and stay hydrated. And maybe don’t try your first one on an empty stomach.

Even a few words—bom dia, por favor, obrigado/a—can go a long way. Cariocas will appreciate the effort and often help, with a smile.

The best time to visit Rio is between April and June or September to November. During these months, you’ll have warm weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. For 24/7 parties and big events like Carnival, come in the summer (December to March).