Rio de Janeiro has been the hot topic of conversation recently and all eyes will firmly be on Rio this month.
However, it’s understandable that not everyone will be glued to the sporting events – much like any major sporting event, there’ll be those who love it, and those who hate it. If the thought of cycling leaves you cold, badminton sounds a bore, and the whole thing seems a little like a giant school sports’ day, you need our alternative guide to Rio de Janeiro: a definitive directory on what to do and see in the Brazilian hot-spot this summer.
Copacabana Beach
If you believe everything Barry Manilow has to say, Copacabana is the hottest spot north of Havana *shakes maracas*. The Copacabana neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro is home to one of the most famous beaches in the world – the pure, sandy goodness stretching for 2.5 miles against the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic. With historic forts nestled either end of the beach, and numerous restaurants and bars to be found on the promenade, Copacabana beach is the ideal place to sunbathe the days away.
Plataforma Samba Show
If you travel to Brazil and don’t see some samba, you’re missing out. The Plataforma Samba Show in Leblon is one of the biggest and best dance shows in Rio, with over three hours of beautiful costumes, flamboyant dancing and carnival-inspired theatrics. Vida Brazil!
Sugarloaf Mountain
Towering over Guanabara Bay at 1299ft, Sugarloaf Mountain got its name because of the peak’s resemblance to historical sugarloaves – the process by which refined sugar was sold up until the 19th century. Offering panoramic views across Rio, take the cable car 1400 meters up to the summit (or, if you’re feeling daring, rock climb – gulp.)
Hippie Fair
Dating back to the 1960s, the ‘Hippie Fair’ (or, in Portugese, Feira Hippie de Ipanema) is a recurring local market held every Sunday in Ipanema. The ideal place to browse the traditional arts and crafts of the Brazilian culture – plus do some serious people watching – the Hippie Fair is a great activity for a lazy Sunday.
Christ the Redeemer
The Art Deco sculpture of Jesus Christ - perched atop the Corcovado mountain - is one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks in the world. Christ the Redeemer stands at 30 meters tall, weighing a whopping 635 metric tons, and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – if you see one thing in Brazil, make sure this is it!
Org Bistro
All this sightseeing making you hungry? You should pop into Org Bistro, an innovative and modern restaurant where all the dishes are healthy, vegetarian and fresh. With a focus on sustainability and harmony with nature, Org Bistro produces some of the tastiest food in Rio: we’re currently drooling over the thought of the quinoa cookies with ginger dip, goats’ cheese and eggplant focaccia and almond milk chia pudding.
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