Rio de Janeiro Insider Tips

Adjust font size:

Do you have an inside tip on the Brazilian city? Send us your ideas and suggestions below.

Want to stay in a hotel with the best view in Rio? Forget the five-star hotels down by the beach and head up to a favela hotel such as "Pousada Favelinha" (Little Slum Inn") in Pereira da Silva. The owners claim the area is safe for visitors, though they say, "This place isn't for wimps."

One of the most peaceful ways to see Rio from the air is by taking a hang-glider tour of the city, floating through wispy clouds as you gaze down on the beaches, forest and skyscrapers below before touching down on the edge of the Atlantic. Check out: http://www.riohanggliding.com/

for details.

Beach etiquette is crucial in Rio and can make the difference between being spotted as a tourist (and therefore a more tempting target for thieves) or blending in as a native. All you really need to go to the beach is a towel, a few reals, some heavy-duty suntan oil (especially if you're a pasty European) and a pair of skinny Speedos or a tiny bikini -- which you can pick up from any of the beachwear stores along Rua Santa Clara in Copacabana.

Check out the latest listings by picking up a copy of the weekly Veja

magazine. Alternatively http://www.rioforpartiers.com/

and http://www.ipanema.com/

have lots of good advice for first-time visitors.

Even if you're not in Rio for the carnival in February you can still get a taste of the festival by visiting one of the escolas de samba (samba schools) to catch a rehearsal. These usually take place on Saturday afternoons, continuing into the early hours, and are attended by hundreds of people. One of the most popular schools is Mangueira, which has details of its rehearsal schedule at www.mangueira.com.br

Tools:
Save |
Print |
E-mail |
Most Popular |

Next story in Travel

Travel

Iranian official: Arrest anti-government demonstrators

An Iranian national security official has called for demonstrators to be arrested following deadly weekend anti-government protests in Tehran. Soon afterwar ...

Rio de Janeiro Insider Tips

Iranian official: Arrest anti-government demonstrators

QUICK VOTE

Quick Job Search

Rio de Janeiro Insider Tips

Iranian official: Arrest anti-government demonstrators

QUICK VOTE

Quick Job Search