48 hours in Rio de Janeiro - see the sights of Brazil’s busy heart in a weekend

7 p.m. – Tourists in Rio generally stay in the south of the city, in the more recently developed areas of town near the beaches. Once you’ve checked in, go and see some of the attractions in this part of town. The Jardim Botanico, is a nice quiet way to ease your way into the lively atmosphere of Rio. There are all manner of weird and wonderful jungle trees and plants from all over South America to see, as well as everything from monkeys to peaceful ponds and fountains. Parque Lage is another beautiful nature spot, nestled beneath the Cristo at the foot of Corcovado Mountain.

 

9 p.m. – As the most affluent part of Rio, the southern strip is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants. After your refreshing strolls in the parks, wander down to Rua Dias Ferreira. This street is home to many of Rio’s most prestigious eateries, including Zuka. This trendy spot is really lively on a Friday night, so remember to make a reservation. As home to the largest Japanese expat community in the world, Rio has also become known for its sushi. If there’s no space at Zuka, the fantastic Sushi Leblon across the street is just as good.

 

Saturday

9 a.m. – Start your Saturday with a browse through local wares at the market on Praca Quince, right in the heart of downtown Rio. From here there’s plenty of things to see on foot. The Paco Imperial, the modest colonial office which the city grew from is on the south side of the square, and the Iglesia de nossa Senhora da Candelaria is just around the corner. Both give a fascinating insight into the early history of the city.

 

1 p.m. – Continue your walk through the center of town to the famous Confiteria Colombo, an elegant colonial-style café where you can stop for a luxurious hot chocolate and a pastry.

 

3 p.m. – You can’t leave Brazil without taking in a game of soccer. Catch the metro a couple of stops from the magnificent Central do Brazil station to the historic Maracana, which has become much more tourist friendly since its redesign for the 2014 World Cup. If it isn’t soccer season, get a cab in the other direction into the Santa Teresa district for a walk around. This part of town gives you a taste of old Rio, steep hills and winding bumpy streets lined with cafes and shops - stop and enjoy the view with a café com leite at Bar do Gomez.

 

6 p.m. – Brazilian barbeque is world famous, and there are no shortage of places to try it in Rio, but Porcao Rio’s central location and fabulous view make it the ideal place to experience your first churrasco.

 

9 p.m. – If you’re still able to walk after your all-you-can-eat meat feast, head to the Lapa district to drink and dance in the heart of Rio’s nightlife.

 

Sunday

9 a.m. – Today you’ll need a big breakfast to prepare yourself for Rio’s two highest spots, so head to Da Casa da Tata to fuel up. This locals’ favorite does a great line in pao de quijo, the cheese-filled bread balls that are a traditional Brazilian favorite.

 

11 a.m. – Don’t linger at breakfast too long, no matter how tempting it may be, as it’s worth getting on the trail up to the Cristo Redentor before it gets too hot or crowded. If you don’t feel up to the hike, you can get a train all the way to the top, or a cab to the car park and take a shuttle bus from there.

 

1 p.m. – It wouldn’t be a trip to Rio without a visit to the beach. First have a bite to eat with a gorgeous view of the sea at the Arpoador Inn, then load up on sunscreen and hit the sand. Copacabana & Ipanema are the best known beaches in Rio (and perhaps the world), but can get crowded. Barra da Tijuca, just a couple of miles down the coast, has much quieter beaches and is easily accessible by taxi.

 

5 p.m. – Next, make your way east to Urca, from where you can catch the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar). From the summit you can end your stay in Rio enjoying the legendary view over the city and Guanabara Bay in the late afternoon sun.

 

If you have more time…

There is a lot to see in Rio, and 48 hours doesn’t give you much scope for exploring outside the heart of the city, but if you find yourself with an extra day or two there’s tons of local places to check out. The nearby city of Petropolis is a favorite getaway spot for native Cariocas, and is the perfect place to go to cool off for the day. Nearer still is Niteroi, just a short ferry ride across the bay, from where you can get fantastic views of Rio.

 

The boat to Niteroi leaves from the docks in downtown Rio just around the corner from the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, a fantastic art museum with dependably fresh and interesting exhibitions on constant rotation. The enormous nearby Biblioteca Real is situated in a beautiful building and is certainly worth a visit even if you can’t read a word of Portuguese.

 

Other cultural highlights include the Museu da Republica, a must-see for anyone interested in Rio’s fascinating and often thrilling history; the delightful Municipal Theater; and the Rio Scenarium, the perfect place to go and see some samba.

 

If you want to enjoy Brazil’s beaches but want a bit of peace and quiet, Grumari Beach is just over an hour down the coast from Copacabana and is in a natural park, meaning unspoiled beaches in a wonderful setting. Take a picnic and enjoy.

 

Location/contact details:

Day one

Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro

Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008 - Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22460-030, Brazil

www.jbrj.gov.br

(21) 3874-1808

 

Parque Lage

R. Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22461-000, Brazil

www.eavparquelage.rj.gov.br

(21) 3257-1800

 

Zuka

Rua Dias Ferreira, 233B - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22431-050, Brazil

www.zuka.com.br

(21) 3205-7154

 

Sushi Leblon

Rua Dias Ferreira, 256 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22431-050, Brazil

www.sushileblon.com

(21) 2512-7830

 

Day two

Paço Imperial

Praça Quinze de Novembro, 48 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20010-010, Brazil

pacoimperial.com.br

(21) 2533-4359

 

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária

Praça Pio X, s/n - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20040-020, Brazil

mapadecultura.rj.gov.br

(21) 2233-2324

 

Confeitaria Colombo

Rua Gonçalves Dias, 32 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20050-030, Brazil

www.confeitariacolombo.com.br

(21) 2505-1500

 

Central do Brasil

Edifício D. Pedro II - Praça Cristiano Otoni, s/n - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20221-250, Brazil

www.rj.gov.br

(21) 2334-5891

 

Maracanã

Avenida Presidente Castelo Branco, s/n - Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20271-130, Brazil

www.maracana.com

0800 062 7222

 

Bar Do Gomez

Rua Áurea, 26 - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20240-130, Brazil

(21) 2232-0822

 

Porcão Rio's

Avenida Henrique - s/n, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil

www.porcao.com.br

 

Day three

Da Casa da Tata

Rua Professor Manoel Ferreira, 89, Lojas N e O - Gávea, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22451-030, Brazil

www.dacasadatata.com.br

(21) 2511-0947

 

Arpoador Inn

Rua Francisco Otaviano, 177 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22080-040, Brazil

www.arpoadorinn.com.br

(21) 2523-0060

 

Other tips

Rio Scenarium

Rua do Lavradio, 20 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20230-070, Brazil

www.rioscenarium.com.br

(21) 3147-9000

 

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

Rua Primeiro de Março, 66 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20010-000, Brazil

www.bb.com.br

(21) 3808-2020

 

Biblioteca Real

Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

www.realgabinete.com.br

(21) 2221-3138

 

Museu da República

Rua do Catete, 153 - Catete, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22220-000, Brazil

www.museus.gov.br

(21) 2127-0324

 

Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro

Praça Floriano, S/N - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20031-050, Brazil

www.theatromunicipal.rj.gov.br

(21) 2332-9191