O summer in Rio de Janeiro It’s unbeatable! We are going through a heat wave, with sensations reaching up to 59ºC, so the beaches are certainly the right destination for this holiday. Sun, magnificent landscapes, holidays and Carnival is already knocking on the door. At this time of year the city is buzzing with events, and there are certainly programs for all tastes and ages. On the weekend, for example, there is a lot of Brazilian music at the festival Universo Spantain Marina da Glória, and on the 21st, Anitta makes her Carnival Rehearsal at the Jockey Club. Also on Sunday, there are Technical Rehearsals of Samba Schools in Sapucaí, free, with Mocidade, Paraíso do Tuiti and Salgueiro. And the Verão Rio project is back at station 10 in Ipanema, which hosts these two weekends with shows and sporting activities.
In addition, of course, to its vocation for outdoor walks, and excellent gastronomic offer, with options of bars and restaurants of all styles. Since this Saturday, the 20th, is Saint Sebastian’s Day, the city’s patron saint, we invited a variety of personalities including artists, chefs, journalists and influencers to tell us what to do on holiday in Rio!
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What to do on holiday in Rio
Igor Renovato, mixologist
”In the afternoon, I like to run from Lapa to Praia do Flamengo, on weekdays. And on weekends, I like to run around the center. I’m going to Ferris wheel, which is in the Port Zone. The streets are empty and running around the city center like this is really cool. At night/early morning I like to hang out. In general, in the area of bars in the Center/Lapa – close to home. Watching people come and go, contemplating the void while sipping something. Nearby in the neighborhood of Fátima, for example, where I live, there is a great bar for this. Flame Galera Pointbut I call it “Bar do Remedinho” because of a mixture that is served in the house and is called “remedinho”’
”Still about night/early morning, I really like doing the “tour” Mureta da Lapa, Adalto and Beco do Rato. On Fridays at Mureta with Batuque Suburbano, on Mondays at Beco with Arlindinho… and every day, if I allow it, I’m eating something at Adalto (laughs). Oh, and the best part of all this is that now I’m close! 💚”, says Igor, who has just opened the Suru Bar, in Lapa, together with mixologist Raí Mendes.
Kika Macedo, influencer and content creator at Dicadakika
”I think the beaches are one of the most representative places in the Marvelous City! Therefore, I take the opportunity to wake up early and go for a swim with the sun still rising above the horizon, being grateful for the beauty of this place and wishing much peace and love for everyone who lives here or who visits us! When I’m in Rio on a holiday, I’ve loved it because of the structure offered and the stunning scenery to spend the day at Sel d,Ipanema. O beach club has great music, delicious cuisine and lounges perfect on the sand to enjoy the day!”, reveals Kika.
Maria Maud, actress, singer and songwriter
”I’m from Rio de Janeiro and I love lively places in Rio, with good music and a variety of drinks. I must confess that I like Italian restaurants and Japanese food! But to enjoy the holiday in Rio, I have some suggestions from morning until night. For breakfast and brunch, I love the Dainer, in Botafogo, a dinner American classic, and the Arp Bar, at Hotel Arpoador, which also has a wonderful view of the beach! As for having a cold beer with friends, I love the Queen Bars e Princesaby chef Pedro de Artagão in Leblon, as well as the classic job, nearby. Meanwhile, in Botafogo, I also like the Drugstore, relaxed bar that has great food to share and a good draft beer, and the Galeto Sat’s, bar that is a reference to Rio’s bohemia.”
For all styles
“If you’re looking for something more romantic, I recommend Jojo Bistrosuper charming in the Botanical Garden, the ToguAsian on Dias Ferreira, and on the same street the Sushi Leblon, Japanese that has no mistakes. If you want something more lively, ideal for having a pre-dinner with friends, I love the Elena Horto, which is booming with great drinks, and the Camolese house, at Jockey, which has a cool atmosphere and even views of Christ! And finally, if you want a place in Rio to enjoy good live music, I suggest the Gypsywith an intimate atmosphere at Jockey, or the Blue Note, traditional music venue that reopened in the city, on Avenida Atlântica, on Copacabana Beach! In fact, speaking of which, on February 7th, I’m going to do a show there, here’s a tip”, concludes Maria.
Netto Moreira, Regional Luxury Director at Accor in Rio
”I suggest starting with a sunrise walk on the most beautiful beach in the world and a swim in the Copacabana sea! Afterwards, an ice-cold coconut water from Tropik Beach Club, followed by the practice of stand up paddleone of the sporting activities offered at the beach service at the Fairmont Rio hotel. Have lunch and spend the day at the trendy beach restaurant Sel d’Ipanema, refreshing yourself with signature dishes and drinks inspired by the freshness of Mexico. Furthermore, another good option for a holiday in Rio is to enjoy the view of the sunset from the deck from the swimming pool Hotel Santa TeresaMgallery, enjoying a good caipirinha and listening to sweet MPB in this urban refuge in Santa Teresa.”, says Netto.
Sei Shiroma, restaurateur and chef at Ferro e Farinha e Suibi
“To start the day: run around the lagoon. I don’t like running, but I like the feeling of victory that comes after running! And there’s no better place to get your 7km done than a walk around the Lagoa, feeling victorious and also drinking some cold coconut water. For lunch, I recommend Giuseppe Grill from Leblon. You can escape the midday heat and stay in a beautiful room, with air conditioning and eat a nice ancho and a good cream of spinach.”
”To top it off, have some Negronis and walk back to the beach, and finish with the sunset at the Sel d’Ipanema! I’m a Fairmont fan, so obviously I would like the Accor kiosk! Besides being close to my house, it’s a great place to have a few drinks, eat some nice food, sit on the sun loungers on the beach, and relax. In fact, you can even jump into the sea, come back, chat and enjoy the sunset,” says Sei.
Thereza Chammas, influencer and creator of Fashionism
”To enjoy your holiday in Rio, I suggest going to the Gigóia Archipelago, a delightful tour of “Pantanal (or Venice!) Carioca”. It’s worth renting a boat and exploring all the lovely islets, going to the alligator nursery and enjoying the idyllic climate of a region that doesn’t even seem to be in the bustling Barra da Tijuca. Still enjoying the region, the trendy – and now award-winning! – Ocyá restaurant, by chef Gerônimo Athuel, It is the right destination for those who want to eat very well and in a relaxed and simple space. I recommend booking close to sunset to enjoy the experience with a beautiful view. Furthermore, another tip is to City of Arts, a hub that decentralizes culture from the Center-South Zone axis. You can watch everything from a children’s play to a Philharmonic Orchestra Concert. If you don’t have a ticket, no problem, the space is a free Instagrammable setting and a favorite for bloggers and architects. ”
“Do you want to escape even further? The gastronomic hub of Guaratiba is traditional and the Bira restaurant, the Bira de Guaratiba, It’s probably the most classic and my favorite. Rustic atmosphere, fresh seafood and tasty snacks, all overlooking the incredible Restinga da Marambaia. In other words, an unmissable and essential tour for any Carioca! Still in the region, the Burle Marx Site, where the landscaper lived is a mandatory and unmissable tour. The feeling of traveling within your own city is fundamental and valuing this internationally recognized space is a source of pride in Rio. Be sure to book in advance for the full tour.”, says Thereza.
Nívea Maria, actress
”How about enjoying your holiday in Rio, strolling along the beaches of Barra and drinking good coconut water? Or suddenly go to the Paquetá Island, this place that brings me so many good memories of the soap opera I made there, A Moreninha, from 1975. A beautiful island with a wonderful atmosphere, and close to Rio, just 1h20 by ferry. Then, at the end of the day, who knows, maybe have a really delicious meal at Two on Scenea restaurant in Rio Sul in which I have been a partner for 18 years, and which is now launching a line of frozen pasta and relaunching bread recipes by Clécia Casagrande, who made history in Rio gastronomy with Escola do Pão, in Lagoa”, says Nivea .
Renata Araújo, journalist and editor-in-chief of You Must Go!
“On the São Sebastião holiday, I would start the day by having a hearty breakfast at the Capixaba Butcher, my neighbor, who always has fresh bread and other treats! Afterwards, if it’s sunny, I’d take a nice swim in the sea, otherwise, I’d walk along the promenade to Arpoador. Furthermore, I would have lunch in the neighborhood, at Taste of Waters, with those delicious oysters; or taste the succulent meat of the Malta or even the new sushi Suibi. And I would end the holiday at Marina da Glória, in Universo Spanta, going back in time with É o Tchan and Xuxa!!”, adds Renata.
And you, what is your favorite program to enjoy the holiday in Rio? Tell us in the comments!
By Renata Araújo and Duda Vetere.
Photos: Duda Vétere, Disclosure, Renata Araújo, Rodrigo Azevedo, Vera Donato
