The Rio Olympics are just over two-weeks away, and to help you make the most of your time in rambunctious Rio, here’s a short list of absolutely must-do travel experiences to tick off your travel bucket list.
Being just 16 days away, at this point we hope you’ve got everything sorted travel-wise for the Rio 2016, including vaccinations and such. If not, check out this travel check list.
Assuming that’s all good, it’s time to really have a think about what else you want to do during your time in Rio besides watching the games to ensure you make the most of your time there.
To give you just a taste of what you should ideally be aiming to do, here’s five authentic Rio experiences you absolutely must do during your time in Rio de Janeiro.
1. Stay in a favela
Don’t stay in an over-priced hotel during the Rio Olympics and opt to stay in a traditional favela instead, close to all the action of the Games. Despite its bad reputation, favelas have been cleaned up recently, and now about 65 percent of Rio’s favela residents actually belong to Brazil’s emerging middle class.
Most homes in favelas have all the amenites you’ll need to have a comfortable stay in Rio, including fast Wi-Fi, and police regularly patrol these areas to ensure their safety.
Check out Airbnb and other apartment rental websites such as Vrbo.com for a truly authentic Rio experience.
2. Shake your thang at Rio Scenarium
Dance your shoes off at Rio Scenarium, one of Rio’s hippest music and dance venues in the middle of the Lapa district.
Infused with the spirit of Brazilian music and decorated with cool antiques throughout its third floor in a colonial mansion, a live band takes the stage most nights for an evening of samba, dance, and good times.
You’ll meet mostly locals here.
3. Go on a Rio street art tour
Be amazed at Rio’s creative spirit with a four-hour street art tour around Rio checking out the city’s eclectic urban murals.
Venture into the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, an area famous for its street art, and get the low down on the local scene with a pair of knowledgable and fun guides.
Then, end the tour at a cool gallery bar with a drink, and check out its walls decorated with some of Rio’s best street art.
4. Sip cocktails at Ipanema Beach
Take a break from the Games, and watch the world’s beautiful people strut their stuff at the famous Ipanema Beach whilst sipping on a frosty caipirinha – Brazil’s national drink, made from cachaça, limes and sugar.
Don’t forget to slip, slop, and … slap!
5. Fill your belly at a rodizio
These traditional all-you-can-eat establishments are famous all over Brazil, and are an absolute must-do during your time in Rio.
Rodizios offer buffets of meat, pasta, or sushi, and all you need to do is sit and eat as waiters routinely bring you a selection of food to your table. How good is that!
Some of Rio’s best rodizios include Porcão and Fogo de Chao.
*You may also want to give our Rio city guide a read for more ideas on what you can do in Rio during the 2016 Olympic Games.
