A complete guide to fun in Rio
Written: Mar 19 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Really unique city
Cons: Violence
The Bottom Line: As I said, Rio can be a very enjoyable experience, just use a bit of common sense when going around!
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| BIKI's Full Review: Rio de Janeiro |
Brazilian people refer to Rio as "Cidade maravilha", which means, wonderful city.
It is thought that when the first Europeans arrived by the sea in the bay of Rio, they were stuck with its sheer beauty, and the name originated from those times.
Today Rio still lives up to its nickname. In recent years, there has been a lot of renovation work going on, the result is that Rio is today a vibrant city, with a very hectic party scene and cultural life. Its natural beauties have been preserved, and it is still possible to wake up in the morning, do jogging in the forest, go to the sea, swim there and sunbath on the beach, go to the lagoon for lunch, cool down under a waterfall in the forest in the afternoon, revert to the beach for a football match in the afternoon…and then live the Carioca night in big style!
So, where to go? Copacabana is where you wish to go to have a feeling of what Rio was at the beginning of the century, you have these large white Hotels, which are visited these days by mainly middle aged tourists. I prefer other part of the town to Copacabana, which in a certain way is a bit of a tourist trap (and indeed some back streets of Copacabana can be dodgy at night)
Barra de Tijuca is where fashionable locals go these days. Together with Leblon, I would advice you to go here for the best beaches, Barra also reminds a very large shop mall, since the beachfront is clustered with many modern shops.
My favourite part of Rio, is the borough of Santa Teresa. This actually a poor neighborhood, flanked by favelas, where you can go using the local tram, called "bondinho". At night, there are many locals where you can go to mix with the locals, and listen to the music. It can be a bit frightening, though, but as long as you do not flash money or jewels, you should be fine.
One of the characteristics of Rio, is that shantytowns side residential areas. The (in)famous part of Rocinha, for example, literally ends where posh buildings start. One side of the road you go up the "favela", well, you in general sense, obviously!, the other part of the road, you may ring the bell of apartments which sell above 1 million USD!
A ride to the so called Sugar Loaf, from where you have a beautiful view of the city, is a must, however, my memories of Rio are recollections of sun , many beautiful scantly dressed women, and as many equally scantly dressed local macho men, just take your pick, really!
I was staying with friends, but I heard good things of the area called Gloria, which is not too far from Cinelandia. I met people who were staying there paying around $15 per person per night for a double with bathroom.
As far as food is concerned, there are so many fruit stalls in the city, displaying all sort of fruits, while pineapple and sugar cane seller ply the streets with their trade.
I tended to stay light during the day, after a large breakfast, and splurge in the night. Like anywhere else in Brazil, you should try at least once a "Churrascaria", a kind of restaurant where they sell meet and meet only. You can have as much as you like, try "picanha". This is meet, but you may be forgiven for thinking it is butter just melting away in your mouth.
Overall, Rio can be a very enjoyable experience, it is a crazy city, this blend of races and rich and poor can be striking at the beginning. Just use the normal prudence you would use in any foreign country, really, and you will be fine!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
BIKI
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Reviews written: 43
Trusted by: 5 members
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