This off-the-beaten-path guide will have you rubbing shoulders with locals and experiencing Rio like the true savvy traveler you are in no time.
Pedro do Sal
You don’t have to be a
party animal to appreciate the seductive steps of Samba. If you’re in Rio on a Monday night, a visit to the
historic Pedro do Sal is a must. Where the Old Slave Market used to be, it’s where many believe the samba dance
originated. Today you’ll find Pedro do
Sal crowded with locals, and a truly authentic spot to sing and dance the night
away in a traditional roda de
samba. Live musicians set up in the center of the square while everyone
else packs in tightly around them to drink caipirinhas in whatever room
remains. Plan to arrive early as the roda typically ends around midnight.
Playa Prainha
While everyone else is fighting for space on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, grab a bus out to Prainha for an idyllic and secluded escape. Slightly crowded on the weekends, during the week you may just have the gorgeous white sand all to yourself. Located in an environmentally protected area, other than a handful of kiosks selling coconuts and renting surfboards, it will be just you, the turquoise water, and lush rolling hills.
Bar Urca
If you’re looking for an
inexpensive, no-frills local bar, look no further than Bar Urca. Its feature in
Lonely Planet means it’s not the
well-kept secret it used to be; however, it remains a favorite and lively
Brazilian establishment. Grab a beer, a pastel and a seat on the stone wall along
the waterfront and you’re guaranteed to
make friends as you enjoy stunning views.
Botafogo
Botafogo is a middle-class neighborhood, popular with University students and bursting with things to do. For a relaxing afternoon, hop into any of the trendy coffee shops or chic restaurants that dot the area. Alternatively, head for the bustling Market Cobal do Humaita, a large food market just on the edge of town. During the day, you’ll find vendors selling produce and cheese, but at night, the lot fills up with hundreds of outdoor tables with locals ready to eat, drink, and enjoy the live music.
Vidigal
Not long ago, it wouldn’t been advisable for tourists to enter the Vidigal favela. But due to pacification and gentrification, Vidigal is now a popular place for backpackers, adventurers, and even the occasional celebrity. The Vidigal community is open to foreigners to take a peek inside the favela (“slum”), but always remain respectful and polite. Inside you’ll find great restaurants serving everything from Argentinian empanadas to sushi, as well as a stunning hike up to the peak of Two Brothers Mountain. If you’re hesitant to enter Vidigal on your own, CaRiocafreeguide is an excellent local guide that supports the community.
Enjoy the best of the 2016 Summer Olympics and Rio de Janeiro by avoiding the crowds and experiencing the city like a local—you won’t be disappointed!