Rio de Janeiro Hit List – THE ROLLING STORM

HIT LIST

RIO DE JANEIRO

HIT LIST

RIO DE JANEIRO

LAST UPDATE / June 1, 2016

Rio de Janeiro is world famous for beautiful beaches and parties like Carnaval. During my time there I tried to dig a little deeper into the culture and less frequented neighborhoods. What I found was a bounty of great food, impressive architecture and bohemian charm. Hit the beach but don't miss out on the rest of this great city.

TOP OF THE LIST

Christ the Redeemer | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Breakfast at Bar Bracarense | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Museum of Contemporary Art in Niteroi | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sunset over Ipanema | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

1
Holy Art Deco
Christ the Redeemer
This impressive deco Jesus Christ statue sits at the top of Corcovado mountain and looks over all of Rio. The view from the mountain top underneath the statue serves close to 360 degree views.

2
Carpe Diem
New Year's Eve
What better way to ring in a new year than strolling through the Copacabana surf while watching fireworks burst from loaded barges. Remember to bring your whites - it is said that wearing white brings good luck for the coming year.

3
Boteco
Bar Bracarense
Bracarense serves up Brazilian pub food and cocktails. I found myself there for a late breakfast of flaky prawn empanadas and a requisite caipirinha. Nice start to the day.

4
Modernist Architecture
Niemeyer in Niterói
The Contemporary Art Museum in Niterói is one of Oscar Niemeyer's most famous and recognizable buildings. It's UFO shape and curving ramp are perched on a cliff with nice views of Rio de Janeiro.

5
Sushi
Sushi Leblon
Brazil is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan so I had to have at least one sushi experience while in Rio.

6
Sunset
Sunset from Pedra do Arpoador
This tiny rocky headland provides views of the ocean, the stretch of Ipanema and the sun sinking below Two Brothers Hill.

7
Nice Digs
Ipanema Inn
If you are looking for a cozy and modern boutique hotel close to Ipanema beach this is the place stay. Want something on the higher end? Look no further than Hotel Fasano.

8
Comfort Food
Giuseppe Grill
Everything was delicious. Everything was very hearty. Bring your appetite. Try the "Picadinho Carioca" consisting of chopped sirloin with poached egg, butter farofa, fried banana, white rice and black beans.

9
Fresh Juice
Polis Sucos
I had my share of Açaí from Polis Sucos during my visit to Rio. Also had a few sandwiches. The quality is great and consistent and the service is fast.

BEACHING & SNACKING IN RIO

Rio has some of the best beaches in the world. I baked on the three most accessible ones while enjoying a couple of the more popular local beach snacks.

Sunny Day on Copacabana Beach | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

10
Beach
Copacabana Beach
Thongs, speedos, footvolley, scorching sun and Brahma abound. Bring your sun screen, towel and maybe even an umbrella to hide under. Do not under estimate the power of the sun here.

11
Beach
Ipanema Beach
Definitely in the running as one of the most famous and sexiest beaches in the world. LGBT folks will feel right at home in the gay section resting between posto eight and nine.

12
Beach
Leblon Beach
The beach is named for it's adjoining neighborhood which is known as one of the more hip, stylish and exclusive of Rio de Janeiro. Leblon beach tends to be a little more relaxed and laid back than it's neighbor Ipanema.

Snacks on Ipanema Beach | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

13
Gay Beach
Posto 8 at Ipanema Beach
I'm not sure what's in the water in Rio. Or is it the açaí? Who knows? But the men in Brazil (and women for that matter) are gorgeous. No better place to survey the gay sunbathers than at Posto 8 on Ipanema Beach where the LGBT crowd gathers.

14-16
Beach Snacks
Globo Biscuits and Coco Water
On the three most popular beaches of Rio you can grab snacks from vendors that comb the surf. The Globo snacks may look like donuts but they are light, crunchy and flaky and come in savory or sweet flavor. Or sip on coconuts from one of the aqua de coco vendors that line the beaches.

DOWNTOWN & SANTA TERESA

Looking to beat the heat of the beach? Or just looking for a different take on the city? Head downtown or to Rio's bohemian hood Santa Teresa for delicious eats, architecture, street art and more.