City Guide Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro - city of my dreams!

Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city with such diversity: next to beautiful beaches it has mountains, a rainforest, a lake and great inhabitants. The inhabitants (Carioca's is what they are called) are the friendliest people in the world, immer laughing & interested in others. After spending half a year living in Rio, I recently returned for a holiday and still feel the same about "my" city. There is so much happening: a chaos which feels overwhelming at first but which easily turns into home.

Insider Tip:Watching the sunset from Arpoador, dance forro with locals in Lapa, go to the antique market in Lapa/Centro which takes place every 1st saturday of the month, visit the hippie fair in Ipanema (weekly on sundays), eat in a Pizza Rodizio and definitely try the pizza doce (chocolate pizza's as dessert) and try some juice at a kiosk (with fruits of your choice) in combination with a delicious hamburger! There is much more to do, find out for yourself.. just ask around - everyone will be happy to help!

Rio Nostalgia

One of the busiest cities I have visited and I'm from London. Senses are overwhelmed as soon as you step off the plane. It seems unsafe at first but after two days staying in Lapa (which is supposed to be unsafe), I felt no different to being back home. I'm sure common sense should come into safety. I personally would recommend Rio for adventure as opposed to relaxing. It is a city not to be missed!

Insider Tip:Beat the queues up to Corcovado; Christ the Redeemer, go early in the morning and get the first tram up, avoid the tourists.

Paciencia "patience"

Once in Rio, enjoy the unequalable friendliness of the Cariocas but bring patience for everything. It all takes for ages.

This city is incredible, they've got great restaurants, beautiful people all over, lots of smiles and fair prices too.

Rio de Janeiro is still BEAULTIFUL!!!

It´s the third time that I go to Rio and the city is still amazing, unique of it´s kind! Things that would happen only in Rio, like seeing senior people going around with their swimming suites on the supermarkets! Cariocas (People born in Rio) are very friendly and always willing to help.

Insider Tip:Take care with Taxi drivers offering you a "good price". Go around asking the price for a ride on other taxis to see if the price is good. On the Airport, get taxis that are coming from the city to drop someone there on the boarding area entrance. Rio is NOT violent. It´s like any other gigantic city in the world!