First order of business: buy yourself a cheap pair of Havaianas. They'll be your lifeline while you're here.
Second order of business: buy appropriate swimwear. You can't hit the beach without a sunga if you're a dude.
The nicer of the two main beaches. Less tourists than Copa, and way better scenery (both physical location and people).
Overpriced churrascaria with never-ending cuts of succulent yet salty meat. Dessert is not included in the price of the meal. You have been warned.
Great place to have a drink before hitting the clubs. Only place where the TV's show football while Britney and Beyonce are on constant rotation.
Cheap breakfast central. R$4 gets you fresh squeezed juice and a salgado pastry. Go for the shrimp or chicken with catapuiry.
Good place to get a sizeable breakfast. Less than R$10 gets you coffee, a huge-ass slice of chocolate cake, a toasted croissant with catapuiry, and cold cuts. Yum!
Excellent Rio-based microbrewery with a suite of kick-ass beers (cervejas) that lives up to it's reputation.
The portions here serve two people. Do not make the same mistake we did and accidentally order extra dinners!
They serve snacks and champagne. Terrible place to be if you're sober, especially when the owners decide to break into song.
Most underrated park in Rio. Great place to see the waves crashing into the beach. Even better place to see the Ipanema skyline at night.
Have your fancy dinner here. Incredible Asian-fusion cuisine in a romantic, intimate setting.
