Rio de Janeiro travel blog: Written by a local
Summer in Rio de Janeiro: Weather, Events and Why You Should Plan Early
From Christmas lights to New Year's Eve in Copacabana and Carnival, summer is when Rio comes alive. A local's guide to the weather, the events and how to plan your trip.
What to Wear to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro: Outfits for Blocos, the Sambadrome and Balls
Comfort first, glitter second. A local's guide to what to wear to Carnival in Rio, from street blocos to the Sambadrome, with outfit ideas for women and men and the costume pieces you can buy once you land.
How to get to Christ the Redeemer: Train, vans, hiking and ticket prices
I've tried every way to get to Christ the Redeemer: train, vans and even hiking. Here's the best one for your trip, plus ticket prices and hours.
Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro: A local's guide to weather, crowds and what to do in every season
Warm all year, but never the same. Find out what each season brings to Rio de Janeiro, from summer crowds to "Caribbean de Janeiro" days.
Rio de Janeiro in February: Summer, Carnival and What to Expect
Summer heat, crowds and Carnival mean Rio de Janeiro in February. Here’s what to do, events beyond Carnival, where to stay and how to pick your dates for 2027.
What to do in Rio de Janeiro: The best experiences in the city
Different from other destinations, what to do in Rio de Janeiro isn't a list of attractions. Here's how to experience it.
Best hotels in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro: From luxury to budget stays
Known as one of the most expensive places to stay in the city, Ipanema also has affordable options. Here's my list of the best hotels in Ipanema, by category.
What to do in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro: One day at the beach and beyond, plus a secret sunrise
A full day in Ipanema, from a sunrise most visitors miss to samba on the sand at sunset.
How to get to Rio de Janeiro: Best flights and routes
Which airport to fly into, which airlines run direct from your city, and when to book before prices climb. The real logistics of getting to Rio, from someone who's booked this route more times than she can count.
Rio de Janeiro in January: Summer, Carnival warm-up and where to stay
Hot days, full beaches, and Carnival warming up in the streets. Here's what to expect in Rio de Janeiro in January, from weather to where to stay.
Astoria Palace: Staying at the Cheapest Beachfront Hotel in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Beachfront hotels in Copacabana can cost up to $900 a night. I stayed at the cheapest one with ocean view for $109, and I'm sharing exactly what it's like.
Helicopter tour in Rio de Janeiro: How to choose a safe and reputable company
I'm afraid of flying, so I did the research myself: how helicopter tours in Rio are regulated and what to check before you book.
One day in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro: What to do and eat
Leblon lives the Rio lifestyle best. Here's how to spend a full day there, from morning beach to dinner on Rio's official Gastronomic Hub.
Best restaurants in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro: Local classics from breakfast to dinner
Upscale Leblon has way more than fine dining. Find braseiros, feijoada, botecos and the city's official Gastronomic Hub. Here's where locals actually eat.
Christmas in Rio de Janeiro: How Brazilians celebrate, the best events, and what's actually open
Christmas in Rio de Janeiro isn't what most visitors expect starting with when it’s celebrated. From floating Christmas trees lighting up the Lagoa and Guanabara Bay to seasonal markets around the city, here's how we actually celebrate the holidays.
Best Ways to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro Outside Copacabana: Private Parties, Boats & LGBTQ+ Events
If the crowds watching the fireworks from Copacabana Beach are something you'd like to avoid, Rio de Janeiro throws parties all over the city, and in this list you'll find one that suits you.
Rio de Janeiro in December: Weather, Floating Christmas Trees and New Year’s Eve
December in Rio means floating Christmas trees, the countdown to summer, and the world's most famous New Year's Eve on Copacabana. Here's everything to expect.
Where to stay in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro: 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.
Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro: What to do and how to get there
Cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, and views over Guanabara Bay — Santa Teresa is Rio's one neighborhood that isn't about the beach. Here's what to do there, and how to get up the hill.
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro for Copacabana Beach concerts: and why this matters
The neighborhood everyone already knows, but the block that actually matters. Where to stay to catch a Copacabana Beach concert without the worst of the crowd.