48 hours in Rio de Janeiro – Weekend Edition
Rio de Janeiro In Less Than 48 Words
It’s easy to make the mistake of confusing Rio de Janeiro as the capital of Brazil. However, the city often called as Cidade Marvilhosa, or “Marvelous City”, has somewhat remained as the nation’s soul –a place where samba, bossa nova, and capoeira had been born.
Cristo Redentor overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro (Photo by Biah Vieira)
First 24 Hours
You can go down to the spectacular city of Rio de Janeiro via the Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, the city’s main hub for international arrivals. It is located some 20 kilometers north of downtown Rio de Janeiro. From there, you can hire a taxi at the terminal’s taxi booths, and go to the city center, or Ipanema and Leblon. The journey usually lasts no more than half an hour, although it may take longer during rush hours, and will cost upwards of R50.
Rio de Janeiro kind of sprawls messily, so exploring the city can be difficult. Just remember that the commercial hub is located in the north, while the beaches begin southward. Traveling long-distance in the city is made easier by its cable car system, which starts from the Praia Vermelha base station. Fares are around R44.
CHECK IN: Get your bearings back at Rio de Janeiro’s hotels
Once in the heart of the city, you can move to Rio de Janeiro’s excellent hotels for an enjoyable stay. Here are some of the best options:
- Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel (Avenida Atlantica 1500|Copacabana, +552 125 468 000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +552 125 468 000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, website) – has an ideal location near the metro and main attractions, and is within walking distance from the beaches. Another attraction is the high class services.
- Copacabana Palace (Avenida Atlantica 1702, Rio de Janeiro 22021-00, +55 21 2548 7070, website) –situated across the Copacabana beach offers delicious food, quality service, and luxurious rooms
- Hotel Santa Teresa (Rua Almirante Alexandrino 660, (55) 2133800200, website) – offers beautifully decorated and spacious rooms, a fantastic view of the city, and very attentive and friendly staff
- Sofitel (Avenida Atlantica, 4240|Copacabana, (+55)21/25251232, website) – has a scenic location by the beach, excellent rooms and great service
- Promenade Palladium (Av. General Artigas, 200|Leblon, 21 3171-7400, website) – is ideally situated beside the beach and offers fine amenities and a perfect atmosphere
CRISTO REDENTOR: Take a view from the symbol of Brazil
Cascatinha Waterfall can be found in Tijuca Forest (Photo by Quasebart)
Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Cristo Redentor (Corcovado, Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The statue is an icon of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, and overlooks the entire city from a height of 700 meters. It was sculpted out of reinforced concrete and soapstone, and stands 130 feet tall. Catholics are allowed to have baptisms and weddings at the site. The main thing to do there is to admire the gigantic figure of Christ. It is reached via a 20-minute train ride from Rua Cosme Velho 513. The station is open daily between 8:30 am and 7 pm, and the fares cost R36 for a round trip.
TIJUCA FOREST: A walk in the park
Tijuca Forest (Praca Afonso Viseu S/n Rio de Janeiro RJ) is the largest urban park in the world. It covers an area of roughly 8,000 acres, with a landscape made up of a hand-planted rainforest, waterfalls, and peaks. It is also home to over a hundred unique animal species. The site is a popular place for leisurely hikes, as well as picnics. There you can see the Corcovado Mountain that houses the Cristo Redentor statue. Other worthwhile attractions there are the Cascatinha Waterfall, Mayrink Chapel, the Pedra da Gávea peak, and the granite picnic table called the Mesa do Imperador. You can reach the park by riding the same train used for going to the Cristo Redentor, though you will have to stop at a station halfway through the ride.
SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN: See the popular and unique peak
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro is the uniquely-shaped Pao de Acucar (Rua Pompeu Loureiro, 15 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22061-000). It is also known as the Sugarloaf Mountain, because it looks roughly like a concentrated refined loaf sugar. It stands 396 meters tall, and you can reach its summit via a cable car ride that offers a 360-degree view of the city. The ride lasts for only three minutes, and is open daily between 8 am and 10 pm. The trip costs around $10.
Pao de Acucar (Photo by Cyro A. Silva)
DINNER TIME: Recharge after sightseeing tours in Rio de Janeiro with dinner at its posh restaurants
The best way to relax after sightseeing is by dining at the superb restaurants you will find all over the city. Here are some of the most popular venues.
- Porcao Rio’s (Av. Infante Dom Henrique s/n, Aterro do Flamengo, 21 3389 8989, website) – serves authentic and delicious Brazilian cuisine; particularly recommended is the Brazilian barbecue
- Fellini (Rua General Urquisa 104|Leblon, (21) 2511 3600) – offers delicious dishes prepared in diverse ways, served by a welcoming and friendly staff
- Zaza Bistro Tropical (Rua Joana Angelica, 40, (21)2247-9101, website) – offers fantastic food, a romantic environment, and is a ready favorite
- Braseiro da Gavea (Praca Santos Dumont, 116, (21) 2239-7494) – has a friendly and energetic ambience, and is a great place to have weekend lunches or weekday dinners
- Zuka (Rua Dias Ferreira, 233 Rio de Janeiro, 21 3205-7154) – offers pricey but delicious dishes and an intimate and classic ambience
Next 24 Hours
IPANEMA: Head to a beach paradise
Kick off your next 24 hours in Rio de Janeiro by visiting the city’s other attractions. Perhaps one of the best options is Ipanema Beach, which is located in the Ipanema neighborhood. It has gained worldwide renown as the inspiration for the hit song “The Girl From Ipanema.” Of course, a large part of its fame has been derived from its idyllic coasts and sands. This beach also features Rio de Janeiro’s diverse lifestyles, containing apartment buildings and chic boutiques. Go for a swim, bake in the sun, indulge in water sporting and beach volleyball, or just relax while drinking beer at the pubs lining the beach.
Soak up under the sun at Ipanema Beach (Photo by Mike Vondran)
ILHA GRANDE: Go to the “Big Island”
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis District, Bay of Ilha Grande Rio de Janeiro), a popular island in the city. Literally translated as “Big Island”, the undeveloped but unspoiled island features rich vegetation and tropical beaches. It is also one of the most pristine remnants of the Brazil Atlantic rainforest. You can find there a rich ecosystem, especially large populations of endangered species. These include the red-browed Amazon parrot, broad-snouted caiman, red-ruffed fruitcrow, brown howler monkey, maned sloth, Magellanic penguins, and Southern right whales. The island has over 150 kilometers of hiking trails, where you can pass by coastal villages, waterfalls, beaches, and mountains.
CANDELARIA CHURCH: Let’s go to church
Pay a visit to the historical Candelaria Church (Praca Pio X, downtown Rio de Janeiro), which is one of the most important churches in the city. It was built between 1775 and 1811, and is also the largest church in Rio. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin who is supposed to light the way to heaven with her candles. The church is also known for being the site of the infamous Candelaria Massacre, wherein a group of eight young children were killed by police. Admire its impressive Baroque façade, as well as its German stained-glass windows, bronze doors, Art Nouveau-style pulpit, and main altar.
Candelaria Church (Photo by marcusrg)
NIGHTLIFE: Indulge in Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant nightlife scene
Indulge in the exciting pleasures afforded by Rio de Janeiro’s bars and clubs. Some of the best options are the following:
- Rio Scenarium (Rua do Lavradio n20, Rio de Janeiro, 21-3147-9000, website) – a brothel turned nightclub, it is decorated with Venetian chandeliers, antique armoire, and Victorian ceramics; plays live and DJ spin music, and offers affordably cheap drinks
- Melt (Rua Rita Ludolf, 47 Rio de Janeiro, 21 2249-9309) – a bar and restaurant; it is frequented by a diverse crowd, and is known for serving good food as well
- Academia da Cachaca (26 Rua Conde de Bernadotte, Rio de Janeiro, +55 (21) 2529-2680, website) – drop by this bar to taste the best mix of Brazil’s national drink, caipirihinha
- Casa da Matriz (Rua Henrique Novaes 107, Botafogo, 55 21 2266 1014, website) – a fashionable and trendy club playing a diverse set of music from drum and bass and is frequented by students
- Rio Scenarium (Rua do Lavradio 20, Centro Antigo, 55 21 3147 9005, website) – a vibrant samba club housing three dance floors, and includes restaurant facilities
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