Micaela Sling Cape Town Photography

Micaela Sling

EM CASA: RIO DE JANEIRO

My Top 5 things to do in Rio de Janeiro 🙂

The moment I landed in Rio de Janeiro, I knew it was about to feel like home. Not only did the weather feel familiar, but so did the people.

Here are a few of my favourite things to do in Rio on your trip, as well as four must have foods in Rio.

Top Foods to try:

  1. Açaí (pronounced a-sa-ee) also known as Nature’s “Purple Gold” – is a berry found in South America that has a superfood status. It is served as a sorbet, often accompanied with banana and granola. It can literally be bought from any street bar or restaurant.

2. Pao de Queijo– a stuffed bread roll made from tapioca flour and filled with melted cheese. You can find it throughout Rio.

3. Churros and Ice cream  – a fried dough, rolled in brown sugar and filled with condensed milk or chocolate. Super safe and yummy and most times cheaper than restaurants.

4. Empanadas– pastries with either: seafood, meat, cheese, ham or a combination that are delicious snacks for the day.

Five Must Do’s

  1. Cocktails on the Beach

The beaches stretch for ages, with its renown sidewalk (much like Sea Point’s Promenade). Grab yourself a bicycle and ride from Copacabana to Arpoador and then Ipanema beach. Copacabana was my favourite beach to “blom” (chill). Here you can grab an umbrella, beach chair and sip some cocktails or coconuts while taking in the views.

  • Copacabana beach
  • Ipanema Beach
  • Arpoador Beach

  1. Santa Teresa 

A beautiful quaint town filled with super friendly and kind people. Best way to absorb its ambience and enjoy the panorama views of the surroundings is to walk or take the bus through through the town. Places close by include the Escadaria Seclaron (Famous Stairs), National Park of Tijuca and Mirante Dona Marta.

  • Cristo Redentor
  • National Park of Tijuca
  • Escadaria Seclaron

  1. Museum of Tomorrow

If you’re interested in the future of the planet, then this Museum of Tomorrow is a must see. Brazil is incredibly eco-friendly, and its understandable why after visiting the museum. I was lucky enough to walk in to a Police Parade before visiting the museum, which was really helpful with regard to understanding the way Rio’s policing works. Plus, they have gorgeous police officers.

  1. Sunset Cruise

Sipping Caiprinhas

Brazil has the most amazing sunset I’ve ever seen, and trust me, I’ve seen many sunsets. The sunset cruise was a 3 hour trip from the harbour to a beautiful secluded island. Airbnb Experience is a great tool to find trips around Rio at great prices.

  1. Mirante Dona Marta 

Most people want to see Cristo Redentor when visiting Rio, which makes the tourist site overly populated. Visit Mirante Dona Marta instead. It gives you a 360’ view over Rio which is absolutely breath-taking. From seeing islands, to skyscrapers and even the favelas.

Would you visit Rio?

Artist – Kobra

Check out my IG posts for a more detailed description of each location I visited in Rio. 

Let me know what you think about visiting Brazil in the comments, I’d love to hear whether my blogs could get it onto your bucket list.

Tchau xx

Location: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

Watch my Instagram for videos from the adventure 🙂

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