Rio de Janeiro travel blog: Written by a local
Where to stay in Downtown and Lapa, Rio de Janeiro: Is this area right for your trip?
Downtown by day, Lapa by night, a local's guide to Rio's most historic (and budget-friendly) area, from a Carioca who knows both sides.
Where to stay in Leblon: Is it the right neighborhood for your trip to Rio de Janeiro?
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 — from Dias Ferreira's restaurants to the city's safest stretch of sand.
Where to stay in Botafogo: Is this the right neighborhood for your Rio trip?
Considering Botafogo for your trip? Here's a detailed guide by area, budget with hotel recommendations and what to do in the neighborhood.
Rio Carnival 2027: Dates, weather, Sambadrome tickets & how to plan ahead
Rio Carnival 2027 is already in motion. Official dates, ticket release schedule and how to secure your seat early.
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: Best areas and hotels
Space, comfort, and quieter beaches. Here's where to stay in Barra da Tijuca, area by area with prices.
Where to Stay in Ipanema: Is it right for your trip?
Is Ipanema right for your trip? Here's the breakdown by area, budget, and traveler type from design hotels in Arpoador to budget stays near the metro.
The best carnival parties and events in Rio de Janeiro: Beyond blocos and the sambadrome
There's a whole side of Rio Carnival most first-timers never hear about: the parties, balls, and events beyond the Sambadrome parade and the street blocos.
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 what I tell every friend visiting for the first time, from where to stay to the one thing most guides never mention.
Where to stay in Copacabana: Is it right for your Rio de Janeiro trip?
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.
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.

