Ah, Rio, where music and passion are always the fashion. With a population of over 14 million and a culture more colourful than the outfits at Carnival, Rio de Janeiro is a true melting pot. And there’s white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and mouth-watering cuisine too. We’d love to spend a week or two (or three) in this sprawling city, but if your South American itinerary is already jam-packed, 24 hours in Rio de Janeiro is just enough time to see the highlights and sample a taste of the carioca (local) lifestyle. Read on for our guide on how to make the most of 24 hours in Rio de Janeiro…
Early Morning
Marvel at Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer
We’re kicking off your 24 hours in Rio de Janeiro bright and early to give you the chance to admire Christ the Redeemer without having to weave through swarms of sightseers. The best way to get to this modern Wonder of the World is on the Corcovado Railway, so nab your tickets online and keep that QR code handy. Beginning at Cosme Velho, this iconic train will whisk you up the slopes of Tijuca National Park, offering stellar views of lush forest, swinging monkeys and brilliant butterflies. Once you’ve reached the peak of Corcovado Mountain, you’ll be welcomed by the sight of the colossal stone statue, whose widespread arms symbolise peace and unity. Drink in views of the sprawling city, sun-soaked beaches and deep green rainforest. There’s a reason Rio is known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (marvellous city); there really is nowhere quite like it.
Late Morning
Dive into Rio's history in Centro
After Corcovado has suitably wowed you, it’s time to head to Confeitaria Colombo in Centro for a taste of traditional Rio. This grand café has been an institution since the 1800s, and its perfectly pressed linen tablecloths and ornate gold furnishings have earned it the title of one of the top ten most beautiful cafés in the world. To avoid queues, aim to get there for 11am, and be sure to order a cappuccino and a pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) for the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up. Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, wander south through the cobbled streets of the historic centre. If you’re a culture vulture (or just love to appreciate a good bit of architecture), make your way south to Cinelandia Square and pay a visit to some of Rio’s most important landmarks, like the Municipal Theatre or the National Museum of Fine Arts. If that’s not your thing, just wander more leisurely, popping into shops or picking up a souvenir or two from a street seller.
Image by John W. Banagan / Getty Images.
Lunchtime
Satisfy your seafood cravings at Adega Perola
A mid-morning pastel might have satisfied your sweet tooth, but an early start and hours of sightseeing will have your stomach rumbling again. There’s an abundance of street food stalls and tapas bars in Rio, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a lunch stop. One of our favourites is Adega Perola, a rustic bar in Copacabana. This pub may not look like much, but line up at the glass bar and feast your eyes on a gold mine of juicy octopus, giant prawns and fresh salads drizzled with olive oil. We’d recommend ordering an assortment alongside calamari, croquettes and a bread basket – perfect for mopping up any leftover flavour.
Afternoon
Connect with carioca culture at Ipanema Beach
What better place to spend your last hours of daylight in Rio than at the beach so attractive it inspired the bossa nova classic ‘The Girl from Ipanema’? Top up your suncream and head over to Posto 9 at Ipanema Beach. This vibrant section of the shore is the birthplace of local beach game altinha (think volleyball, but with no hands) so grab a ball and get stuck in. Don’t worry if you’re travelling solo – there will be groups of locals playing who can show you the ropes. Just be careful about swimming here – there might be lifeguards, but Brazilian currents can be extremely strong (a trait we much prefer in a cocktail). Best to watch the waves crash and foam with your feet firmly sunk into the sand.
Soak in the sunset at Arpoador
Once it gets to 5pm, begin your stroll east along the beach to Arpoador, a small peninsula between Ipanema and Copacabana which the locals say is the prime spot to watch the sun set. You can either collapse onto the warm, golden sand or grab a terrace table at the Arp Bar and order yourself a perfectly sweet and sour caipirinha – the country’s national drink. Make sure to keep at least one hand free, though, so you can join the locals in applauding the setting sun as it casts an amber glow over the waves – another carioca tradition to thank the sun for gracing the city with its beaming presence.
Image by Alexander Spatari / Getty Images.
Dinner
Savour local produce at Territorio Aprazivel
With precious few hours left of your 24 hours in Rio de Janeiro, there is only one place to stop for dinner, and that is Territorio Aprazivel. Set high up in the canopy, in the hills of Santa Teresa, this family-run eatery serves authentic Brazilian cuisine with a delightful French twist, courtesy of chef Ana Castilho. The lush greenery and warm amber lamps that adorn the wooden terrace combine with a view over the city – the perfect backdrop while you feast on delicious local dishes like ceviche and moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew). The food is made even more enjoyable by Aprazivel’s commitment to sustainability – we find dinner always tastes better when you know it’s a force for good. It’s crucial to finish your meal with the Amazonian chocolate cake, which the restaurant makes using homemade chocolate and a healthy dose of nuts and sea salt.
Evening
Samba the night away at Lapa
Okay, okay, we know this 24 hours in Rio de Janeiro has been chock-full, but it would be criminal to leave without experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife. Rio is famously the birthplace of samba, a dynamic musical genre with roots in Afro-Brazilian traditions. Head to Lapa in Rio’s centre for electrifying clubs and buzzing bars that serve up some of the best drinks in the city. Carioca de Gema is a particular highlight for live samba (and claims to be the spot with the coldest beer). Rio Scenarium is another star, boasting three floors, every music genre imaginable and caipirinhas strong enough to keep you on the dancefloor all night long – or until you simply have to leave for the airport.
Image by Ale_Silva / Getty Images.
Written by Emma Begley. Header Image by Alix Pardo.
