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Rio
is one of the prettiest places in the world, and
there's lots to do and see. It's hard to do Rio in less than a week, so you have to be selective. There are many different
areas to explore, streets or neighborhoods that
you will will want to go back to...
And if you don't leave some free time to hang out at the beach and parks, you will go back home feeling you missed some of the best the city has to offer. Cariocas have a laid-back lifestyle, and try to incorporate some outdoor activity with their daily routine. A stroll or a bike ride around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the South Side lake, or along the beaches following the bicycle lane are perfect for you to see this first-hand. You need to take educated guesses to set priorities on a first visit. To help you with the planning we laid out a few ideas for each day of the week. Mix and match with the party planner with our nightlife suggestions, and we are sure you will have an unforgettable trip! MONDAY: IPANEMA IS YOUR FIRST STOP IN RIO
 Monday is your first day in town, and it's a
sunny day at that. Instead of going for a city
tour right after you step off the plane we are going to explore Ipanema. Put on
your trunks, and go for a dip at the beach. It's a
weekday, perfect to start working on your tan. Go to Body Tech Gym, and pay
for a day pass. A good workout will help to line
up those bones after the long flght. Alternatively go for a quick shower at one of the gay baths
Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes in Ipanema. At Rua Garcia D'Avila take the complimentary workshop tour at H. Stern jewelers, and visit the Amsterdam Sauer Gem Museum. Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Mont Blanc, Antonio Bernardo, and other sophisticated boutiques line this world-famous cross-street. After the window-shopping and daydreaming, proceed exploring the main street Rua Visconde de Piraja. Buy some new swimwear - Cariocas wear wider briefs (Speedos) underneath their trunks (Blue Man has a great selection). There are also many cools shops around Praca Nossa Senhora da Paz. Take your time, stop for a fresh-squeezed juice, or an expresso with pao de queijo (cheese roll), and start tuning into the Rio lifestyle. You have a busy night ahead. TUESDAY: THE GRAND TOUR - PARKS & SIGHTS
 You had a lot of fun yesterday, fell in love
at least three times (in a row), but there's lots
to do today so get out of bed.
We are taking the mandatory panoramic city tour. We know it's touristy, but prejudices aside Rio is a very big city. If you don't develop some sense of orientation, you will be tempted to the same places all the time. A typical city tour features the Corcovado (Statue of the Christ), Tijuca Forest, beaches of Botafogo and Flamengo, Sugarloaf, the Cathedral, Sambodrome, Maracana Stadium, Governor's Palace, and other attractions. Full-day city tours usually include a rodizio-style lunch. To request your tour using the services of Ipacom Travel, an IGLTA member since 1996. WEDNESDAY: AT THE COPA, COPACABANA...
 You have already spent a full day in Ipanema,
so now let's give Copacabana it's fair chance.
This is a neighborhood that keeps side by side
luxury and trash, and gets away with it.
For contrast, start with breakfast at the pool of Copacabana Palace Hotel. Close your eyes and imagine that this is the famous pool where celebrities from Princess Diana to Rock Hudson went for laps while in Rio... Once you're finished, proceed to Barata Ribeiro 194, and pretend you are visiting a friend if the doorman asks you anything. This is a cabeça de porco, a building with dozens of tiny studios on each floor. Explore the art-deco district of Lido, the discount stores on the main street, and head South the chic antique shops on Shopping Casino Atlantico. Visit Forte de Copacabana, the surf shops at Francisco Otaviano, and finish your perfect day watching the sunset from the Arpoador rocks. THURSDAY: ADVENTURE OR CULTURE?
 If you feel adventurous today, this is the
opportunity to go on a dual tandem flight. It's
pretty safe, loads of fun, and your friends will
not believe you had the guts once they see the
photos. River rafting is a second suggestion to
daredevils. A third option is taking a guided
favela tour, visiting a popular community.Once
you see it from inside, you will change that
bring-the-bulldozers mentality.
If you woke up with more of a cultural mood, a good alternative is a visit to Downtown Rio. There are many churches, museums, palaces, shopping streets with colonial and imperial architecture. Attractions are grouped in clusters, and with the subway you can easily go from one area to another. Downtown is always very busy during the day, and there are restaurants and eateries everywhere. Use our subway map for orientation and tips on attractions surrounding each station. FRIDAY: BUZIOS OR BOTANICAL GARDENS?
 You have already done a lot of things, but you
haven't ventured out of the city yet. If you are
interested in Brazilian history, a visit to
Petropolis is the order of the day. Visit the
Imperial Museum (Imperial crown & jewels),
the Cathedral, and the Crystal Palace. Beach
lovers can take the one-day tour to Buzios, and
divers must visit Angra dos Reis.
To enjoy the more bucolic side of Rio, an afternoon at Lagoa and the Botanical Gardens. This historical park was opened by Dom Joao VI and attractions include Imperial Palm Trees, an orchid greenhouse with exotic flowers you wouldn't have a chance to see elsewhere... On your way back you may stop at scenic Jockey Club, that is right across the street. As you are in the neighborhood you may well stretch your tour and explore a bit of Gávea. There are traditional restaurants around Praca Santos Dumont, you can later go on a shopping spree or catch a movie at Shopping da Gávea. SATURDAY: BEACH HOPPING & SHOPPING
 The beach is the natural destination on sunny
Saturdays. If you have errands to run, the shops
in Ipanema and Copacabana stay open until 1 or 2
p.m. You could go to the gay beach in Ipanema,
but these are the plans for tomorrow. To do
something different venture all the way to Barra.
Praia do Pepê spot concentrates some of the
prettiest (mostly straight) boys and girls, some
actors, and other local characters.
Do not be surprised to see some nudity at Praia da Reserva. If you are actually looking for the nude beach, proceed to Praia do Abrico, on the left side of Grumari. A visit to Barra without a stop at the huge malls would not make sense. For the full experience choose Barrashopping with literally hundreds of shops, its own monorail system, the works! There are movie theaters, restaurants, and lots of people all the time. Save some time for a quick nap, as Saturday is a long night in Rio. SUNDAY: BACK TO THE START FOR MORE!
 A special attraction in Ipanema on Sundays is
the Hippie Fair at Praça General Osório. It's
the perfect opportunity to find gifts and
souvenirs for you and your friends, with stands
selling reasonably priced jewelry, paintings,
sculptures, handcraft, and exotic musical
instruments.
The beach lane is closed for cars, and a constant parade of rollerbladers, skaters, bikers, cyclists, dogs, boys and girls will keep your head turning (bring your sunglasses). At the Farme Gay you may join or watch the volleyball or dodgeball matches, rent a beach chair and mingle with the crowd. If you just want to have something light there are kiosks at the beach where you can sip a fresh coconut, chilled beer and assorted snacks. Later try one of the restaurants at Farme, or have a late lunch at Felicce.There are still cafes, bars and gay baths to explore before you call it a day. There's Sunday night to look forward to. Clickable Map of Rio de Janeiro Subway Stations |
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