Spending a weekend in Rio de Janeiro is not enough to see all the attractions of this wonderful city. Still, I consider Rio to be the perfect place for a weekend getaway or long holiday. This is because you can leave all the check list in the drawer and simply enjoy the city the Rio way: calmly, sprawled out on the beach with a caipirinha in hand.
In this post, we have separated some tips for putting together a weekend itinerary in Rio de Janeiro, without falling into the nonsense of rushing in and coming back more tired than you were. If you have more time or want to know more about the classic tourist attractions, I suggest reading our complete guide with all the attractions: What to do in Rio de Janeiro: itinerary and tour tips.
In our guide to where to stay in Rio de Janeiro, you will find the best neighborhoods to choose your accommodation.
Where to stay for a weekend in Rio de Janeiro
With a big city where getting around is complicated, I believe that looking for accommodation close to the subway is always a good idea. Therefore, neighborhoods like Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Botafogo are always good choices for where to stay in Rio.
For a more complete description, read our guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Rio de Janeiro.
Recommended accommodation options in Copacabana and Ipanema:
Although they have many attractions and good access to public transport, you need to be careful when staying in the Center or Lapa, as some streets there can be dangerous at night. If you want to look for a hotel in this area, Santa Teresa is a safer option. There you even have the chance to stay in a beautiful colonial mansion.
Options and recommended accommodation in Santa Teresa:
Find hotels in Rio de Janeiro
What to see on a weekend in Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy the beaches
It’s great to spend the weekend in Rio de Janeiro on a beach-hotel-beach basis. In this case, it is worth focusing your visit on the South Zone and choosing a hotel there too. Although Ipanema beach is better, in Copacabana you can find more affordable accommodation and you can walk along the promenade to the neighboring beach, choosing the best spot.
O post 9 of Ipanema It’s the busiest, but it gets busy on the weekends. If you want more tranquility, walk along Copa on the opposite side to the Leme beachwhich is emptier, or try to find a not so crowded part in Ipanema.
Over there, a program that I always think is worth seeing is the sunset in Arpoador, the big rock between Ipanema and Copacabana. Arrive half an hour early to see Rio’s greatest natural spectacle, literally applauded by city residents and tourists who gather there every day, especially in summer, when the sun sets facing the Atlantic.
View of Copacabana boardwalk
When you get tired of the beach, you can visit the Copacabana Fortright there in Arpoador, and eat at the branch of the traditional Colombo Confectionery which is inside. Another cool idea is to rent a bike and take a ride around the beautiful Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and the Skate Parkwhich is there (Av. Borges de Medeiros, s/n ). There is a really cool wooden deck, where you can take great photos, with views of the Lagoa and Corcovado.
Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf Cable Car
If it’s your first visit, you might want to see the city’s two main postcards up close. In that case, read here the tips for visiting Christ the Redeemer and what the Sugar Loaf cable car ride is like. As time is short, you can choose whatever interests you most, but you can squeeze both into one day. In this case, I suggest hiring a guided tour that takes you to both attractions, because this way you save time traveling, queuing and trying to find out where things are. Here we have an indication of companies that do this tour in 7 hours (click here to find out more) or in 4 hours (click here to find out more).
In any case, I would go to Cristo in the morning, even though it tends to be busier at that time, and I would leave the cable car for after lunch. If you want to go against the flow of people, reverse the tours, but I like this order because Pão de Açúcar is in Urca and then I would be close to one of my favorite things to do in Rio: spending the end of the afternoon at Mureta da Urca, which faces Guanabara Bay and has an incredible view. People usually buy beer at the bar in front and sit there to enjoy the view and the sunset.
Weekend in Rio de Janeiro: view from Mureta da Urca
Tours and other trips for a weekend in Rio de Janeiro
If you have one more day or are not at all interested in Christ and the Cable Car, a good idea is to take a walking tour of the city. I like this plan because it’s an opportunity to see several things in a short time, which is perfect for a weekend. If you like the suggestion, I recommend the tours from Sou+Carioca, which offer several themed tours for a very reasonable price.
The project is by Gabriela Palma, a blogger friend and entrepreneur in the tourism sector. I’ve already taken the Little Africa tour, the black heritage in Rio de Janeiro, and it was very worth it.
There are also several other types of tours: historical, cultural walks, trails and adventures around the city. You can find a good list of them here.
Another cool thing to do is visit the recently opened Rio Art Museum and the Museum of Tomorrow, which are located right in the center. Saturday is still feijoada day at Bar do Mineiro, one of the most traditional in Santa Teresa, and you can take the opportunity to discover the coolest and most charming neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro.
Weekend in Rio de Janeiro: restaurants and nightlife
Braseiro da Gávea, Baixo Gávea
Santos Dumont Square, 116
Baixo Gávea is really cool because people drink not only in the bars, but also on the street, in the gutter and with a bottle in hand. And as it’s a region close to the theaters, it’s a good spot for you to see well-known artists or cult sub-celebrities. Apart from this interesting aspect, to say the least, in the Baixo Gávea region is Braseiro da Gávea, a great restaurant. Like, really great. Cold draft beer and the best picanha with fries and rice with broccoli ever. And the best thing is that it’s not expensive. But here’s a tip, Braseiro is in a very busy place, has good food and good service: this means it’s always crowded. Official site.
Sambinha in Lapa
I love Lapa. I would go out to Lapa every day if I could. In fact, I went out there at night from Tuesday to Sunday. I like the climate, the people, the music, everything. There was no place I didn’t like. I’ve been to a funk party at Circo Voador, a samba party at Cordão da Bola Preta, a forró party at Democracias, a samba-rock party at Rio Scenarium (by the way, this is the most incredible, beautiful and well-connected nightclub I’ve ever seen) and a samba party. in Carioca da Gema. The five places mentioned are worth it and it is important to remember that the program is very varied and pleases almost everyone. Lapa is full of people of all tastes.
Italy Ice Cream Shop, Leblon
There are Sorveteria Itália units spread across several neighborhoods in the city. If you leave Ipanema beach, just walk a little until you reach the Leblon branch, which is located at Rua Almirante Guilhem, 317. The ice cream is VERY good and has several cool flavors. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it nonetheless.
Belmonte, Flamengo
Just like the ice cream shop, Belmonte is a bar that can be found everywhere in the South Zone. I’ve been to others, but I like the one in Flamengo because it’s always booming, rain or shine. There are people in that place at any time of the day. Belmonte has a sensational cod cake, as well as other delicious foods and good draft beer. Is not expensive. It’s less frequented by chic and famous people than Braseiro, but it’s certainly still very cool.
Did you like our weekend tips in Rio de Janeiro? Be sure to check out the other posts about the city.
