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[H2] Celebrating 27 years online!
Whether we are talking about beaches, attractions, bars, shopping, or nightclubs, we always have first-hand impressions to share. We are fascinated by Rio, it's our hometown. We try to go a little beyond the obvious when we suggest a museum, a park, or a celebration.
You will find photos, maps, tips, addresses, references,  posts from social media, the works! We went online in 1996 when the Internet was a fledgling. We have been adding new features since then  -  you will notice our commitment.  For practical information to plan your trip and figure out what you're getting into explore
Rio for Beginners.

[H2] Carnaval 2024 in Rio de Janeiro
It's never too early to start planning Carnaval 2024. It happens in mid-February! Expect awesome street festivities including Cordão da Bola Preta, Simpatia é Quase Amor, Banda de Ipanema, Monobloco, Empolga às 9, Spanta Neném, the best blocos are always the ones that your friends invite you to!
The Samba Parade at Sambódromo will be amazing! Carnaval Balls, off-Carnaval parties with the best DJ's... Our Carnaval Party Planner has all the highlights and links! Highlights of Carnaval 2024 - Carioca Guide

[IMG: View to Botafogo Bay from Urca]

[H2] Getting a good taste of Rio
You can do all the sights in a single day. Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Maracanã Stadium, it's a panoramic tour, and it may make sense. Rio has such a diversity of scenes, make time to pursue your personal interests. This is a city rich in history, with great museums, and structures dating back to the colonial era.
A collection of gorgeous ocean beaches. Small, sophisticated neighborhoods where everything is within walking distance. Historical Centro, with bohemian Lapa. Trails in tropical forests that are rewarded with breath-taking views. The hospitality business in Rio offers a smorgasbord of lovely choices. Take advantage of our professional experience, a few trade secrets, and a genuine interest to help. Virtual City Tours

[IMG: Deluxe Hotel along Barra da Tijuca Beach]

[H2] Where to Stay in Rio - Carioca Guide
We've launched a completely new and improved version of our celebrated guide to lodging in Rio. The scene has changed for the better. There are a host of new properties, including premium international labels. Traditional hotels changed hands and went through a complete makeover. We used our expertise of  decades in the inbound travel business to select the best alternatives.
Choose by area or star rating and use the interactive maps for orientation. Choose your personal favorites by picking out features that make sense to you. From oceanfront to pet-friendly, a luxury spa and pool - or just a basic hotel right next to the action. Lodging in Rio the Janeiro!

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Attractions
Where to Stay
Eating Out
Night Life
Carnaval
Newsfeed

[IMG: Pedra da Gavea seen from Pedra Bonita]

[H3] Favorite Parts of Rio
You may start with a Rio Quick Tour. From the International Airport past Historical Rio, Guanabara Bay, and ocean beach areas all the way to Barra da Tijuca. Stop whenever you want. Find photos, maps, tips, and curiosities.
Choose special themes like parks, museums and cultural centers, beaches, historical churches. We give you all the tools to make the best of your stay in Rio, at your own pace. You can favorite the maps for future reference. We provide links to official websites, whenever available.

[IMG: Pool at Hotel Fasano Rio]

[H3] Where to Stay in Rio
The lodging scene in Rio has been upgraded, and there are more hotels and rooms than ever before. New international chains arrived in town. Other properties changed hands and were renovated from scratch - or retrofitted.
Condo hotels that offer apartments with services and a kitchenette are available in some areas and are perfect for families or gourmet cooks. The hostel concept blossomed, and sometimes in addition to dormitories, they may also offer rooms.

[IMG: Eating Out in Rio]

[H3] Eating Out in Rio
Some travelers are satisfied just to grab something to eat along the way, while others consider eating a part of the whole cultural experience. Maybe it's an ingrained longing to find a dish cooked exactly like home. Or a gourmand urge to sample anything that you will never find elsewhere... Would it surprise you to learn that Rio caters to all tastes?

[H3] Style, Cuisine, or Area
You do not have all the time in the world to sample everything, so we took the liberty of picking out favorites that are popular with friends - and specialized critics. The vast majority are located in convenient areas that are easy to reach, and they come in all price ranges. We are not prejudiced.

[IMG: RMC - Rio Music Carnival at Marina da Gloria]

[H3] Nightlife in Rio
When it comes to nightlife possibilities, Rio caters to all tastes. Hanging out with friends at a café is a Carioca past-time. We have favorite bars, usually clustered around the same areas. Samba is alive and sets the beat to the gafieiras and clubs in Lapa. Forró is also popular if you like to dance together.
Dance clubs feature several favorite label parties. There are clubs open all days of the week. They come in all sizes, from cozy and neighborly, to huge. The largest clubs are mostly in Centro. They alternate attractions including live music shows and bigger parties. Rio Nightlife Carioca is updated daily with our hand-picked suggestions. Keep connected!

[IMG: Carnaval Samba Parade]

[H3] Carnaval 2024 in Rio
Carnaval is so much part of our culture that it has been celebrated in Rio since the colonial era. In many cases when Cariocas say that the year only starts after the end of Carnaval they are being realistic. Festivities last a month. The city stops to celebrate during the 4 official Carnaval days, February 10th through 13th, 2024. Street Carnaval is much more organized than you would imagine. We are hosting 550 bandas and blocos this year. The largest ones may attract as many as one million people!
The Samba Parade at Sambódromo is spectacular. On Friday and Saturday Group A schools compete to fight their way up. On Sunday and Monday, Special Group Samba Schools perform their magic. If you follow our posts, you know that tickets are priced less with the new exchange rate. Watching at home is not the same thing, but it will be broadcast in real-time. The party scene happens in a big way. Off-Carnaval specials compete for the attention of Cariocas and visitors from Brazil and all around the world. Enjoy!

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CARNAVAL 2024 in Rio

[H3] Check Hotels

[IMG: Ipacom Travel - Travel Services in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

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Home » Virtual Citytours and Maps of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[IMG: Virtual Citytours and Clickable Street Maps of Rio de Janeiro]

ALL ABOUT Series

Everything you need to know
Ipanema

All About Ipanema
Pictours of Ipanema
The Main Street
Ipanema Beach Tour
The Beach People
Sunday at the Beach
Surfing in Ipanema
Dogs on Parade
The Early Birds
The Peace Square
Plants & Flowers
Ipanema Hippie Fair
Ipanema Beach
Country Club Beach
Cap Ferrat Beach
Posto 10 Beach
Posto 9 Beach
Farme Gay Beach

Copacabana

All About Copacabana
Pictours of Copacabana
Copacabana's Posto 6
Copacabana Postcards
Copacabana Classics
Copacabana People
Kinky Copacabana
Copacabana Contrasts
Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Mosaic
New Year's in Copa
New Year's Celebrations
African Traditions
Family Celebration
The People's Party
Choosing the Spot
The Fireworks Festival

Arpoador

All About Arpoador
Pictures of Arpoador
Getting There
Garota de Ipanema Park
Views from Arpoador
On the Rocks
Meet the Devil

Lagoa

All About Lagoa
The Heart of the South Side
Fun for the Whole Family
A Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Downtown

All About Downtown
Lapa, Cinelândia & Castelo
Carioca, Uruguaiana & Saara
Praça XV
Downtown Postcards
People Downtown
Statues & Monuments
Shopping Downtown

More Areas

More Areas in Rio
Arpoador
Barra da Tijuca
Botafogo
Carioca, Uruguaiana & Saara
Copacabana
Downtown / Centro
Flamengo
Gávea
Ipanema
Lagoa
Lapa, Cinelândia & Castelo
Leblon
Leme
Praça XV - Colonial Rio Tour
Santa Teresa
São Cristovão
São Conrado

Off-Rio
Búzios & Cabo Frio
Paraty & Trindade
Penedo & Itatiaia National Park
Búzios
Cabo Frio
Itatiaia National Park
Penedo

Special Interest

Themed Tours & Spotlights
Ipanema Beach Tour
Grumari & Prainha Beach Park
Guanabara Bay
Joá Overpress
Sports & Actions Series

Beach Soccer
Beach Volleyball
Foot-Volleyball
Beach Tennis
Capoeira on Sundays
Surfing in Ipanema
Skim & Bodyboarding
Jogging & Cycling

Airport Transfer

One Way (up 2 pax)
One Way (3 to 7 pax)
Round Trip (up 2 pax)
Round Trip (3 to 7 pax)

Museum Hopping
Church Hopping
Corcovado Hill & Statue Christ
Urca & Sugarloaf
Parks & Tourist Sights
Maracanã Stadium
Praça XV
Vidigal

Maps

Interactive Maps Powered by Google!
Subway Stations in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Clickable City Map
Ipanema Map
Copacabana Map
Leblon Map
Arpoador & South Copacabana Map
Lapa, Cinelândia & Castelo
Praça XV
Shops & Venues
Restaurants

Oriental Cuisine
French Cuisine
Steakhouses
Vegetarian / Vegan
Fish & Seafood
Italian Cuisine
Brazilian Cuisine

Rio for Gays & Lesbians

GLBT Ipanema
GLBT Arpoador
GLBT Copacabana
GLBT Bars
GLBT Dance Clubs
Gay Baths

Shopping in Rio - Fashion for Women
Everything Carnival
Rio de Janeiro Samba Schools
Sambodrome - Samba Parade
Street Carnival - Bandas & Blocos

Guided Citytours

Guided citytours
Angra dos Reis
Búzios
Búzios & Cabo Frio
Helicopter Tour
Ilha Grande
One Day in Rio
Paraty
Petrópolis (9 hours)
Petropólis (2 nights)
Rio Historical Walk Tour
Rio NightLife Tour
Samba Night
Soccer Match
Tropical Islands
Adventure tours
Cagarras Islands
Favela Tour
Hang Gliding
Helicopter Tour
Hiking at Pedra da Gavea
Hiking at Serra dos Orgãos
Hiking at Sugarloaf
Horseback Riding
Ilha Grande
River Rafting
Scuba Diving

Land & Air Tours

Brazil Destinations
Manaus - AM
Pantanal Safari - MS
Iguazu Falls - PR
Fortaleza - CE
Natal - RN
Fernando de Noronha
Recife, PE
Porto de Galinhas - PE
Maceió - AL
Salvador - BA
Porto Seguro - BA
Florianópolis - SC

[IMG: All About Ipanema]

[IMG: Ipanema Beach]
Let's start with our favorite area of Rio de Janeiro - Ipanema of course. This relatively small neighborhood between the lake and the sea was the inspiration of many songs. The Girl from Ipanema, describing the routine of a local girl on her way to the beach made it a world-famous destination. But there's lots more to do and see, even if you are not into sun and sand. Ipanema's Diamond Row with a selection of jewelers and luxury shops is perfect if you want to keep pale.

[IMG: All About Copacabana]
[IMG: Copacabana Beach]
Copacabana, Rio's Princess of the Sea, is the largest South Side neighborhood with a beach. And what a beach it is! With it's horseshoe shape stretching from Forte de Copacabana to Pedra do Leme, it accommodates as many as 2.5 million people on New Year's Eve. Its landmark hotel Copacabana Palace helped put Rio de Janeiro on the dream map - , this is where Fred met Ginger for the first time while Flying Down to Rio

[IMG: Main Sights & Tourist Attractions]

[IMG: Corcovado and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer]
If you are coming to Rio you cannot leave without visiting the main sights and tourist attractions. Soccer aficcionados will run first thing to the Maracana Stadium. Other mortals will probably first start with either the Sugarloaf, with its famous cable car, or the Corcovado, topped by the statue of Christ, the Redeemer. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though. Discover the Lapa Arches and its streetcar, the Botanical Gardens that date back to colonial Rio, historical churches, world-class museums...
[IMG: Other Favorite Areas]

[IMG: Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema and Leblon]
There's much more to do and see!
Did you know that Lagoa is a lake right in the heart of the South Side? Have you ever heard of Gávea, right between Leblon and Jardim Botanico? What about São Cristovão, home to the most colorful market in Rio de Janeiro?And that São Conrado is where the hanggliders land? If you are already familiar with the basics let's proceed to less obvious attractions.

[IMG: Historical Churches & Museum Hopping]

[IMG: Museum of Naif Art - Portray of Rio de Janeiro]
Historical churches and convents abound in Rio, and range in style from Brazilian Baroque and Rococo to contemporary glass and concrete structures. And when it comes to museums, there are so many that you have to priorize, or you would stay your whole trip indoors. Museu Histórico Nacional is a good place to start. It has an impressive collection of colonial and imperial relics - including a mold originally used to bake a sugarloaf - the Portuguese bread that lent its name to Rio's famous postcard.

[IMG: All About Museums]

MUSEU HISTORICO NACIONAL
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
MUSEUM OF NAIF ART
MUNICIPAL THEATER

[IMG: All About Churches]

CANDELARIA CHURCH
SAO BENTO MONASTERY
METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

[IMG: All About Museums]

MUSEUM OF THE INDIAN
CASA DE VILLA-LOBOS
CASTRO MAIA ART MUSEUM
BANCO DO BRASIL CENTER
LAURA ALVIM CENTER
CARMEN MIRANDA MUSEU
BOTANICAL GARDENS
NORTHEASTERN MARKET

[IMG: Off-Rio Favorite Destinations and Weekend Getaways]

[IMG: Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro]

Buzios  »  The most famous beach resort in Brazil

Cabo Frio  »  White sandy beaches, cobalt blue sea...

Paraty  »  This preserved colonial town is a must-see!

Penedo  »  The hills are alive, with a Finnish accent?

Petropolis  »  The retreat of the Imperial family

Angra dos Reis  »  Are 365 islands reason enough?

Itatiaia Park  »  The first National Park is next to Rio

Trindade  »  The prettiest natural sea pool in Brazil

Tropical Islands   »  Guided tour for sea lovers

[IMG: Webclip of the Month]

[IMG: All About Leblon]

[IMG: Leblon Beach]
Leblon is Ipanema's beach sister, and full of surprises of its own. It concentrates some of the city's best restaurants, charming cafes and chic malls, neighborhood bars that become a meeting spot after important soccer matches...

[IMG: Downtown - Rio de Janeiro]

[IMG: Municipal Theater]
Historical Lapa  »
Lapa is Rio's bohemian heart with colonial landmarks, samba halls, cafes, and much more!
Praça Quinze  »  To give you a historical perspective, this is where the Portuguese Royal family landed back in the days.
Praça Onze  »  Rio's famous Sambodrome is right in the heart of Praça Onze, the original birthplace of samba.
Santa Teresa  »  This hilly neighborhood right next to Lapa is considered by some Rio's Montmartre. You can reach it on Rio's only remaining streetcar.
Guanabara Bay  »  Mistaken by the Portuguese for the mouth of a river, Guanabara Bay is dotted with Forts and Colonial landmarks.

[IMG: Beach Hopping in Rio]

[IMG: Ipanema Beach]
Yes, Rio is dotted with beaches. From scenic Flamengo and Botafogo Beaches around Guanabara Bay to preserved parks like Prainha and Grumari on the West Side there are choices for everyone. If you are into sand, sun and surf, Rio is the right destination for you. Learn about our beach etiquette to blend in, bring along your sunglasses and sunscreen, and get ready for a true joy ride with us. We are sure you will discover much more than you expected.

[IMG: All About Flamengo and Botafogo]

[IMG: Botafogo Bay]
Flamengo, Glória and Botafogo are historical neighborhoods teeming with attractions from museums to green parks that stretch for miles. Join us on this virtual tour and learn all about it.

[IMG: Favorite Parks and Nature Resources]

[IMG: Botanical Gardens]
Other than the world-famous Botanical Gardens. Rio has sprawling parks and natural resources that must be included in your travel experience. Lagoa, Flamengo Reclaim Park, Parque Laje, this is our pick of the crop.

[IMG: Visiting a Favela in Rio]

[IMG: All About Favelas]
More and more visitors are including a tour around a Favela in their list of things to do. Rio's working class communities welcome travelers from all parts of the world these days.

[IMG: Webclips from Rio de Janeiro]

New feature!! Enjoy all-original webclips by www.ipanema.com featuring the most exciting images of Rio de Janeiro.
[IMG: read more]

And, of course, do not miss our Pictorial Tours of Rio, a photo guide with hundreds of images featuring all areas that we talk about here, and then some.

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[IMG: Family celebrating Carnaval together]
[H2] Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro
Our most festive occasion of the year has been a tradition since the colonial era. There are reports of royal children misbehaving in the Entrudo. Celebrating Carnaval in Rio from a tender age is not an exception. It is the norm. Street celebrations were influenced by all the diversity in the city, including our African roots. These days, there are over 500 street events in a season!
Costume Balls were apparently introduced by the husband of an Italian opera singer who owned a hotel in Centro. In the golden era, fabulous balls at Theatro Municipal and Copacabana Palace attracted international celebrations and the glitterati. Now, balls come in all concepts, formats, and themes. Off-Carnaval parties feature the best DJs from around the world.
Many consider the Carnaval Samba Parade the greatest show on earth. We have to agree. Big-leaguers parade on Carnaval Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at Sambódromo. Four Samba Schools perform to an audience of over 80 thousand live spectators each night. We know the scene inside out and love sharing information with our visitors! Rio Carnaval History & Trivia

[IMG: Backstage - Percussion Band Mangueira]
[H2] Rio Carnaval Samba Parade
Before the Sambódromo was launched in 1984, the Samba Parade happened in the street. The structure was an instant success. It underwent several renovations, following the original plan by architect Niemeyer, and the number of seats has increased considerably.
Guests can choose luxury catered boxes, runway boxes, bleacher seats, or popular sectors. There are tickets in all price ranges. Access Groups Samba Schools take over the Samba Runway on Friday and Saturday. The winner will be promoted next year. Special Group big-leaguers parade on Carnaval Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. How you participate in this equation is your choice. Watch or join in and march with a Samba School.
Although we do not sell tickets or costumes, we give you the elements to get the best deals. We have two decades of professional experience with Carnaval in Rio and a lifetime as Cariocas. We marched with several schools and watched the parade from all available seats and sectors. Let us help you better understand how the parade concept works. You will enjoy a much more enjoyable experience and impress your friends!

Liesa publishes the official ticket prices for most sectors. They are sold online, sometimes on a single day. Leftover tickets, if any, are available until a few days before Carnaval. Always compare what brokers are offering and consider the markup and benefits. Professional companies produce Luxury catered boxes, and individual tickets are only available through authorized retailers. Some tickets are non-transferable. Carnaval Parade & Sambódromo

[IMG: Simpatia e Quase Amor]
[H2] Bandas & Blocos - Street Carnaval
Street Carnaval festivities happen all over town, and events are free. You are welcome to join in and participate. There are all sizes and formats of blocos. The oldest is Cordão do Bola Preta, over 100 years old. The first blocos start four weeks before the official date, and the season lasts over a month.
The best blocos are always the ones where your friends are. We pick out our favorite blocos and publish them as featured suggestions. Events have to be authorized by the city. Every year, they put together this giant puzzle with over 400 blocos. The largest ones happen in Centro. Santa Teresa, Laranjeiras, Flamengo, Copacabana, Leme, Leblon, and Ipanema also have great choices!
Some blocos are stationary, but most have a concentration spot and a route to follow. The percussion band is usually on street level, and many blocos have sound trucks for vocalists. There are blocos with unique themes - nuns, geeks, the Beatles... Try to learn a little about the event so you can dress accordingly. And enjoy like there's no tomorrow. Street Carnaval in Rio

KEEP CONNECTED

WHERE TO SAY
SAMBA PARADE
STREET CARNAVAL
PARTIES & SPECIALS
CARNAVAL ETIQUETTE
NEWSFEED

[IMG: View to South Copacabana]
[H3] Carnaval Season Specials
Counting down, Pre-Carnaval Weekends With the expansion of mega-blocos, festivities start one month before the official date. You can watch a samba school's rehearsal at the Sambadrome or their headquarters (Quadra de Samba). Participate in any of the fabulous free street festivities - there are bandas and blocos you don't want to miss.
Rio has been very busy this summer with domestic and international visitors. Add Cariocas, and you have a lively mix of fun-loving people at every party, nightclub, bar, and beach. Better news yet: hotel rates are not as high as they charge during the main event. Read More!

[IMG: Queen at Samba Parade]
[H3] Carnaval Samba Parade
What many consider the greatest show on earth, Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval Samba Parade is amazing in every way. It happens from Carnaval Sunday through Tuesday. Each night, a selection of four Special Group Samba Schools perform to an audience of about 80 thousand spectators. Each school chooses a theme and illustrates it with a song, incredible floats, and colorful sections of people wearing the same costumes. Millions watch the live broadcast.
Golden Group schools (formerly known as Access Group) parade on Friday and Saturday, eight each night. The winner will be promoted to the Special Group next year. Understand how the Samba Parade works and what to watch for! We do not sell tickets, so we can give you fair advice on how to get them at face value. Explore our photo albums and videos to understand the season's magic!

[IMG: Eating Out in Rio]
[H3] Bandas & Blocos
Street Carnaval festivities have blossomed beautifully. Each season, there are over 500 events. The larger ones are in Centro. They also happen in public parks and residential neighborhoods. Staying in a happening area makes a lot of sense when you book a place to stay. Of course, we have our favorite blocos and are happy to share some great suggestions with you. And helpful safety tips, of course.

[H3] Photos & Videos
We never miss favorite blocos, and we have a fantastic collection of photos and videos for you to explore. Banda de Ipanema, Simpatia é Quase Amor, and Empolga às Nove are among the ones we follow. The best blocos are always where your friends are, and it's a great occasion to mingle. Consider wearing some fun accessory or costume to get into the right mood.

[IMG: RMC - Rio Music Carnival at Marina da Gloria]
[H3] Off-Carnaval Parties
Nightlife in Rio happens during the high season, translating to over a month in Carnaval terms. Local label parties invite international DJs, promote theme parties, and offer more options than anyone could handle. Rio Nightlife Carioca
is updated daily with our hand-picked suggestions. Keep connected!
The LGBTQ+ party scene is another highlight. Some events are straight-friendly or mixed, so everyone can join the fun. We publish the parties and specials at www.riogayguide.com,, with links to all e-flyers. .

[IMG: Carnaval Samba Parade]
[H3] Street Carnaval Etiquette
Carnaval is something we celebrate in Rio since we are children. Sometimes, we see two or three generations partying together. Neighborhood blocos keep this spirit of a family. They are populated mainly by groups of friends, and visitors are welcome!
Each bloco must request a permit from the city government to avoid complete chaos. The city takes care of diverting traffic, provides security, and installs public restrooms or chemical toilets. There are fines for littering and for peeing in public. Please respect the areas that host bandas and blocos. Beware of pickpockets..

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Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro

Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro

[H3] Check Hotels

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Home » Eating Out in Rio

Rio for Beginners

Useful & Pratical Information
Meet the Cariocas
Rio de Janeiro: a Brief History
About the Language
Basic Safety Tips
Getting Around Rio
Treveler's Visa
Packing your Bags
Airport & Customs
Money Matters
Climate & Weather
Phones & Internet

Eating Out in Rio

Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian Cuisine
Italian Cuisine
French Cuisine
Oriental Cuisine
Other Specialties
Fish & Seafood
Salads & Vegetarian
Rodízio & Streakhouses
Budget & By Weight
Gourmet & Trendy
Snacks & Cafés
Insider's Favorites

Nightlife in Rio

Nightlife & Entertainment
Party & Dance Clubs
Shows & Live Music
Samba & Gafieiras
Bars & Baixos
Theater & Musicals
Rio for Single Men
Rio for Gays & Lesbians
TV & Cable Options
Going to the Movies

Shopping in Rio

Shopping & Services
Malls & Dept. Stores
Women's clothing
Men's clothing
Children's clothing
Beachwear & Surfwear
Shoes & Handbags
Jewelry & Accessories
Handcraft & Souvenirs
Book, Music & Video
Home & Antiques
Gifts & Stationery
Cameras & Electronics
Pharmacy & Drugstores
Health & Beauty
Food & Drinks
Special Services

[IMG: Quadrucci]
Going out for a meal can be a very special moment when we
travel. Rio caters to all tastes, and exploring the city's
restaurants is definitely to be included on your list of things to
do. Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, and Leme concentrate many of the best restaurants, cafes, and snack bars.

Our guide will help you find the right options by cuisine and by
area, with capsule reviews of the most popular venues. Feel free
to print and bring along the pages you may need.
[H2] About Prices Ranges
[IMG: Brazilian wines]
Eating out in Rio does not have but can be an expensive experience. Yet even at the
sophisticated restaurants there are dishes such as saladas or pasta priced US$25. Seafood, especially lobster and shrimp is expensivish. The country specialty is steak, proudly served in large portions. Mineral water and sodas are usually twice supermarket prices. When it comes to drinks... you know the sky is the limit. On the bright side Brazilian wines can be of excellent quality - ask your maitre d' for advice. Luxury restaurants sometimes offer a fixed price executive lunch that is more affordable.
[IMG: Brazilian wines]
Rio also has a lot of more affordable restaurants, and we listed them by cuisine and location to make your life easier. Vegans, for instance, can make themselves a huge salad at that charges food by weight, and save a lot. There are also rodizio steakhouses (all-you-can-eat) accompanied by the side dishes you choose for a fixed price (drinks not included). And if you need food on the go you can check out the local snack bars that offer specialties such as a sandwich made to order and a large cup of açai juice. Or go to the places that make you feel back home like KFC, McDonald's, Subway and Starbucks.
[H2] Tipping, etiquette and extras

[IMG: Brazilian wines]
Most restaurants today take plastic, but to avoid any embarrasments ask them if they work with the card you intend to use. Acoording to the law, all restaurants should post outside a copy of the menu with prices so that patrons know what they are getting into. If you don't find one ask the hostess for assistance. Once you ask for the check you will see an additional 10%
which is the service tax.
You may round up, or give a little extra if service was
outstanding. If the tip is not included (it usually is), add at least 10%. Locals
double-check the bill, and ask when they do not understand or
agree with some detail. Proceed likewise.
Restaurants
used filtered ice, so you do not have to fish the cubes out with
your spoon (yikes!). Do not be paranoid, indulge. Be wary of
steakhouse waiters that insist on pushing a pink fruit
cocktail or liqueur from a tray. They are not complimentary! Better restaurants have a bilingual staff, if you are allergic to anything bring along a note in Portuguese (google translate).
[H2] Couverts are charged per person

[IMG: couvert, a mixed blessing]
Most restaurants start with a couvert (coo-vert). It usually
consists of a basket with bread, rolls, and assorted spreads. At
better restaurants expect real treats (see Italian).
The couvert is not complimentary, and it's charged per person. If
you're trying to save, you could try asking for a single couvert
and share. Cariocas will
not leave without a cup of coffee or expresso. Brazilian coffee is
very strong, very black, and very good. Do give it a try. Enjoy
the caffeine buzz, and go for a walk along
the beach to help digestion.
[H2] We are open for suggestions!

[IMG: couvert, a mixed blessing]
Use the menus on top or on left of the page to choose the kind of restaurant you have in mind. They are sorted by areas and accompanied by maps and reviews. We are currently updating our lists of suggestions with lots of novelties and links. We value your input and you are more than welcome to send suggestions or comments! Word of mouth is still one of the the best ways to learn about lovely places we never even heard of. We do not get freebies for adding venues to our lists, and reserve the right to remove them at any time.

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