Rio de Janeiro

The residents of Rio affectionately call their city 'Cidade Maravilhosa', which means 'Marvelous City', and truly, this description is fitting. Here, I will show you what makes Rio de Janeiro such a dreamlike destination, one that nearly everyone has on their bucket list.

Rio de Janeiro is an absolutely unique place. While the coastlines around Sugarloaf Mountain symbolize the city's wealth, the people in neighborhoods like Ipanema gladly showcase what they have, just behind the skyscrapers of hotels lie makeshift metal shanties of the slums, or favelas. And yet, when we think of Rio de Janeiro, images of Carnival parades, white sandy beaches, Caipirinhas, and nights spent dancing come to mind. Yes, all of this and so much more is part of what makes Rio de Janeiro special!

I'm sure you're curious about what awaits you in the metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, so I've summarized all the highlights for you.

Let's start with the heart of Rio: the Santa Teresa neighborhood, where you can see a lot of highlights and sights at once and also let yourself be enchanted by Rio's culture. Unlike most of the other neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa is characterized by its winding and curved streets and colonial style.

Largely situated on a small hill in the city, Santa Teresa is the quintessential artist district.

Rio Fact: Graffiti and street art are legal in Rio de Janeiro, and due to these political guidelines, Rio has become a canvas for some of the most famous and beautiful artworks.

This is prominently displayed by the world-renowned Escadaria Selarón. The Selarón Steps are a colorful and intricate masterpiece created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who began this project in 1990 as a tribute to his favorite city, which remained unfinished until his untimely death in 2013. Here, brightly painted tiles, ceramic tiles, and broken pieces of mirrors are meticulously placed on approximately 220 steps and the adjacent walls, creating a magnificent work of art!

If you walk up the steps to the top, you're almost at Parque das Ruinas, from where you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of Rio. The ruins of the former villa now serve as an art gallery and are a popular venue for cultural events. The yellow tram, Bonde, is also well-known, and you should take a short ride on it despite the hefty price of 20 Reais (about $5) as it is one of the oldest trams in the world, originating from the 19th century, and is a city landmark. This will give you a quick glimpse of the artist district of Santa Teresa.

Somewhat away from the other attractions in the neighborhood, but by no means less spectacular, is Cristo Redentor. The Christ statue overlooks Sugarloaf Mountain from its perch on Corcovado Mountain, keeping a benevolent watch over the entire city and all newcomers. You too can experience this if you decide to pay him a visit. And you should, because the Cristo Redentor is not only one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but also offers breathtaking views! Even if the place is overcrowded, a visit to the Christ statue is a must!

Guru Tip: While you can traditionally take the cog train to Corcovado, which is often sold out, you can also take a van, which can be booked last minute, or hike up the mountain on foot and experience the surrounding nature. It's best to start your visit early in the morning, as the later you arrive, the more crowded it gets.

If you find yourself in this bustling and sometimes chaotic city and are in need of some peace, I highly recommend visiting the city's Botanical Garden. Designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, it serves not only as a park but also as a research institute of high scientific importance. Here you can discover amazing sights: you'll find gigantic trees dating back to the park's founding in 1808, in addition to numerous greenhouses, orchid and rose gardens.

The Jardim Botanico is home to 6,500 species of plants.

A highlight is also the park's lake, where you can admire giant water plants. There are approximately 6,500 different species of plants here, some of which are already threatened with extinction. And if you're lucky, you might spot some of the wildlife here, such as toucans or capuchin monkeys.

If you want to climb just one of Rio's mountains, then it should definitely be Morro Dois Irmãos, because unlike Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado, it's not completely overrun by tourists. The reason is simple: You need to put in a bit of effort to reach the top. But that's what makes it a true experience, and once you reach the summit, you are rewarded with a unique view of the city.

Brazil Fact: The term Favela actually comes from a plant, the favela bush. Soldiers named a hill covered with the favela bush after it, and through a misunderstanding over time, the impoverished neighborhoods became known as favelas.

The base of the mountain is in a favela, and you cannot help but, nor should you avoid, passing through it. It's best to do this with a local guide who knows the area. The residents of the favela are quite friendly and peek curiously out from their rundown shacks. The sight can be somewhat shocking, but it's important to understand the conditions many people live in.

Once you've passed completely through the favela, you'll have already covered some elevation and many steps. The next highlight is the forest you will walk through. You are now hiking on dirt paths, away from asphalt and unstable slopes. Sturdy shoes and plenty of water are a must. If you're lucky, you might encounter wild monkeys, but you will definitely see quick little lizards.

At the top, you'll find the long-awaited and hard-earned reward. With the weather in Rio de Janeiro being warm to hot year-round, the hike can be quite sweaty, but the view that awaits you afterward is beautiful: Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema Beach, Corcovado, and all of Rio lie before you. Believe me, you won't regret it!

Guru Tip: With a Free Walking Tour, you can climb the mountain together. This is highly recommended because the favela residents know the guide; he tells stories and shows you the coolest paths, viewpoints, and spots. With a final stop at a small restaurant in the favela with a view, he will safely bring you back down to sea level, outside the favela. You can decide how much to give the guide for this trip. In any case, plan for at least half a day for the excursion.

Starting at Marina da Glória, you can take a beautiful walk to Sugarloaf Mountain or alternatively jog along the coast. Marina da Glória is a small harbor where Rio's yachts are docked, and you can directly watch the airplanes taking off from the national airport across the way. From there, you can stroll south along the beach - with the lively city on your right and the calm water, with huge palm trees everywhere, creating a special atmosphere on your left. The water there isn't really suitable for swimming, but you can watch Brazilians play football, which is always an emotional highlight.

Always in sight: Sugarloaf Mountain. Literally translated, this mountain means 'Sugarloaf', and it is arguably as famous as the Christ statue and is likely mentioned more often than any other attraction in connection with Rio de Janeiro. From the 394-meter granite rock that is perched above the city, you can watch the sun set in an orange glow against the glass towers, while the waves crash on the beaches. You can easily reach the top via the cable car, which offers incredible panoramic views during the ride.

Of course, you cannot miss downtown Rio de Janeiro, known as Centro. There is also a generous portion of culture and history waiting for you: A lot has happened at Porto Maravilha in recent years, as Brazil invested a lot of money into the city for the 2016 Games. This is especially evident here: Eduardo Kobra, a Brazilian artist, has beautifully created murals on old warehouses-entirely by hand. The result is both impressive and moving: it depicts the heads of various peoples from the five continents in portrait form and vibrant colors. It is the largest street art piece in the world and represents the individuality and yet equality of humankind. Brilliant idea, right?

Also at Porto Maravilha, near Pier Mauá, is the Museu do Amanhã, translated as the Museum of Tomorrow, which focuses on future ideas. In close collaboration with scientists, astronauts, and climatologists, projects related to the cosmos and planet Earth, as well as the origins and future of the world's population, are on display. A visit is worthwhile-also for the pier itself, on which the museum stands. From the vast plaza, there's a lovely view of the water and the 13-kilometer bridge to Niteroi, as well as the impressively futuristic museum building.

The Metropolitan Cathedral leaves visitors in awe.

Not far from the harbor area is the Metropolitan Cathedral. Its completely atypical shape immediately stands out. The church's appearance is hard to put into words, and even when standing before it, its uniqueness might not be immediately apparent. The only solution is to go inside! You are greeted by a dark interior that is quite impressive at first until your eyes adjust and you can see the true beauty: Axial stained-glass windows integrated into the walls seem to stretch 60 meters into the sky. Instead of the heavens, you see a giant white cross above you, shining down on the amazed visitors.

When visiting Rio, it's quite obvious that you will want to visit at least one of the two famous beach areas, Ipanema and Copacabana. And of course, it's an absolute must to bask in the sun on the beach and watch the colorful goings-on! Praia Copacabana is the longest beach section in Rio de Janeiro, stretching 4 kilometers, and thus offers not only perfect beach enjoyment with the Avenida Atlântica promenade but also a great place to stroll! The beach is also dubbed Princesinha do Mar, which means 'little princess of the sea', and has been seen as a place of glamorous luxury, sparkle, and wealth since the 1930s.

Nowadays, this reputation is rather attributed to the neighboring neighborhood of Ipanema. At its beach, people gather who like to show off what they have, although the water here is a bit rougher. But there's nothing better than sitting on the beach with a coconut in hand and watching the colorful hustle and bustle.

Another recommendation is the beach at Barra da Tijuca. While it is no less touristy, it's less about 'seeing and being seen', as many Brazilian families and couples come here for a relaxed vacation. If you prefer to relax in the sun away from tourism or crowds, I recommend renting a car and driving two to three hours east.

At Praia de Itauna in Saquarema, you will find absolutely empty, long white sand beaches and large waves crashing right on the shore. I tell you, it's not only extremely relaxing, but it's also great fun to jump into the wave breakers in the sweltering heat.

Guru Tip: The hotels in Barra da Tijuca are significantly cheaper than in downtown Rio. With Uber, you can quickly and affordably reach the other neighborhoods of Rio, and you have the beach right at your doorstep.

Rio's gastronomy is as diverse as Rio itself: characterized by the many different international influences. Rather than following one direction, the many restaurants and bistros offer a wide variety of flavorful dishes from a multitude of cultures that have made their way to Rio over time. There is so much to discover!

Feijoada is a typical Brazilian dish.

The bean dish, feijoada, which is typical of Brazil and particularly of Rio de Janeiro, is very popular and has yet to be driven out of the offerings despite the many new fast-food chains. You should definitely try one of the typical churrascarias. For a fixed price, meat is served directly from the skewer to your table, and you have access to a rich buffet. Meat is a staple in Brazilian meals, especially beef, which tastes exceptionally good in Brazil! As a digestif, you might enjoy a Cachaça, which you might know from the famous drink Caipirinha.

In the neighborhoods of Leblon and Lapa, not only can you dine excellently, as there are numerous restaurants, but the nightlife also makes it worth visiting. Particularly in Lapa, the neighborhood at the famous archway, where the Bonde also passes, the nights come alive. Each weekday, young and old gather on the streets outside the bars to drink, eat, and have fun! This is something you definitely should experience during your trip, because when Brazilians are not playing football, they really know how to celebrate and dance!

Are you already eager to discover Rio? Here, you can find all the highlights at a glance:

Rio de Janeiro is truly and genuinely a 'Cidade Maravilhosa'. Beautiful and terrible at the same time, as lively as it is sometimes confusing. A city of superlatives and definitely worth every minute of your visit! I hope I have given you a good first insight, and that you will have as much fun there as I did!