Rio de Janeiro travel blog, written by a local
Where to stay in Downtown, Rio de Janeiro: Best areas and hotels with safety tips
Best-value hotels, easy public transport and safety tips: a guide to where to stay in downtown Rio de Janeiro, by a local who worked there for years.
Where to stay in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: Best areas and hotels for every budget
Copacabana combines convenience, a wide range of hotels, and the classic Rio experience most visitors expect. But it comes with a downside that's worth knowing before you book.
Where to Stay in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro: Best Hotels from Luxury to Budget Stays
Santa Teresa isn't for everyone, and that's the whole point. Here's where to stay in Rio's most bohemian neighborhood, from castle hostels to hilltop luxury.
Where to stay in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro: Best hotels for your budget
In Brazilian telenovelas, Leblon is shorthand for old money. This guide breaks down whether Rio's most exclusive beachfront neighborhood is the right fit for your trip.
Where to Stay in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro: Best Streets, Safety and Hotels
Here's a detailed guide by area, budget with hotel recommendations and what to do in the neighborhood.
Rio Carnival 2027 Guide: Dates, Schedule, Tickets and Tips from a Local
Rio Carnival 2027 runs February 5–10, but planning starts now. Everything I'd tell a friend going for the first time: the schedule, Sambadrome tickets, blocos and where to stay.
Rio de Janeiro metro stations guide: Which station to use for every tourist attraction
Where to get off the metro in Rio for beaches, museums and iconic views.
Where to stay in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro: Hotels, apartments & best areas
Space, comfort, and quieter beaches. Here's where to stay in Barra da Tijuca, area by area with prices.
Where to stay in Ipanema: Best areas for beach, budget and nightlife
Ipanema is compact but depending on where to stay in the neighborhood will impact your experience. Here’s a guide to the best areas.
New Year's Eve in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: What it's really like and how to plan it
New Year's Eve in Copacabana is unlike anything else on earth, but it's also easy to get wrong. Here's how to plan for Rio’s busiest night.
How to get around Rio de Janeiro: A guide to public transportation
Find everything you need to know to use public transport in Rio: metro fares, how to pay, Jaé, RioCard and why to avoid buses.
Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists? A practical guide by a local
Is Rio de Janeiro really as dangerous as the headlines suggest? Discover what it's actually like to visit Rio, with practical advice from a local who calls the city home.