The Best Guide to Traveling and Celebrating Culture in Rio de Janeiro: Solo Style
- Chelsey Jacobs
- Jun 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 9, 2024
Rio de Janeiro unquestionably ranks high on my list of captivating cities. Its beaches alone form a vibrant world where you can enjoy caipirinhas, acai, empanadas, queijo coalho, fresh coconuts, and Brazilian merchandise—all within arm's reach from your chair. After staying a month solo in Rio de Janeiro, I can promise this is the best travel guide for ensuring safety and exploring the culture!
Must-try foods include: brigadeiro (chocolate truffles), queijo coalho (grilled cheese with oregano), acai, pao de queijo (cheese bread bites), salsichão (Brazilian sausage), and guarana (Brazilian soda).
Places to stay
Airbnb: Spent one whole month in this cozy place. Have nothing bad to say about it, in fact, it became a space that resembled home to me. Daily housekeepers, well-equipped kitchen, laundry machine, and a nice outdoor seating. Airbnbs are around the same price as a hostel per night!
El Misti: I stayed here before I came to my Airbnb and I did NOT like it. The beds feel gross and the rooms are tiny.
Pura Vida: Didn't stay here but went here numerous times for the caipirinha-making class, Brazilian funk class, and overall good vibes.
Cafe x Restaurants
Cafes:
Aussie Cafe: My beloved sanctuary in Rio de Janeiro. It's the kind of cafe where the staff greets you by name as soon as you walk in. Among all the cafes in RJ, this place stands out for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a favorite among digital nomads; leaving your computer unattended while you step away is never a concern here. Managed by Daniel, originally from Australia, who started this business and always wears the warmest smile
Alva Bakery: A little hidden gem in Ipanema that promises the most glorious pastries you will find in the city. Freshly baked daily!
Polis Suco: A laid-back juice bar offering sandwiches, acai bowls, tapioca, and other popular treats.
Confeitaria e lanchonete Ipanema: A delicious confectionary and snack bar filled with fresh pastries, sandwiches, breakfast food, sweet treats, coffee, and more!
Gringo Cafe: Open all day with incredible breakfast and lunch options. The pancakes are a must!
Go Coffee: A chain of coffee shops around the city for an amazing iced latte pick-me-up!
Restaurants:
Ponto de Encontro Ximeninho (Lapa): It can't get more local than this. In the heart of Lapa, try any typical Brazilian dish at reasonable prices. A must hit when seeking a dip within the local culture, cuisine, and nightlife!
Allma restaurant: An up-scale and serene spot offering an exceptional menu, with customizable options allowing you to create your preferred plate—whether it's a salad, Buddha bowl, or a protein paired with sides.
Flutante Rio: A short 1-minute boat ride to a floating restaurant with a gorgeous view of the Christ and surrounding ocean and mountains. Serving typically Brazilian food, it's a great spot for sunset.
Balcão Israeli: A cozy Israeli-inspired pita shop tucked away in a corner, and let me tell you, it's one of the best pitas I've had outside the Middle East. Each $5-6 pita sandwich is packed to the brim with deliciousness. I became a regular here; couldn't recommend it more.
Emporio Jardim na Praia: A relaxed café where you fill out a menu and hand it to your waiter, offering a wide variety of breakfast and lunch dishes.
Things to do
Posto 9 beach: The most famous spot, filled with tourists and locals, on the Ipanema beach. All the beach is incredible but this spot appears to be extra full.
Copacabana beach:
Sunset at Arpoador Rock: This is a must! The sunsets in Rio de Janiero are iconic and it doesn't get any better than sitting on a rock with a crowd of others.
Rent the bikes through Uber or Itau
Hippy market: Every Sunday, filled with artisanal stalls and a magical atmosphere.
Vintage Market: One of the most iconic vintage markets I have ever seen! Every Saturday in Centro with over 150+ stalls!
Hike to Christ: To be honest, I thought the Christ was underwhelming but I was thankful to have hiked an hour and a half up the trail to greet it. You can save a ton of money by taking this trail on your own (not demanding).
Pedra Bonita: A beautiful 45-minute hike for an iconic view of the city.
Nighttime Vibes
Sugarloaf Mountain: Catch this, on Fridays and Saturdays there is a live DJ for sunset! The music, views, vibes, and drinks are all fantastic.
Pedra do Sal: It's an absolute must! Mondays are bustling with fun, but for a slightly quieter experience, consider attending Pedra do Sal on the weekend—it still lives up to its hype without the huge crowds. Be mindful when ordering drinks from random stalls and stay with a group of people!
Brazilian Funk Dance Class: Free and a must! Enjoy one hour of shaking that booty to Brazilian Funk music. Men do it too!
Simultaneously as the dance class is happening, at the bar, there is a Caipirhina Making Class! 30 R (USD 6) for two caipiarihnas!
Mundo Lingo: Imagine an international exchange program where participants wear stickers representing their countries and languages spoken. Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at two different bars, yet events happen all across the world! A must for solo travelers looking to connect, practice languages, and meet people from diverse backgrounds.
Terrasse Rio: An iconic and unbelievably enriched cultural spot for live samba music. MUST GO HERE!
@segueabella_: Posts daily about popular day/nighttime events that are happening in Rio
There is nothing I love more than lively activity during the day and at night. Rio is a space where beachwear and streetwear mirror each other. Wear what you want, dance how you want, and eat what you want!
Xoxo,
Chelsey
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