Rio de Janeiro travel blog: Written by a local
Where to See Live Samba in Rio de Janeiro: Weekly Guide to Rodas de Samba
From beachfront rodas to iconic samba shows, discover where to experience live samba in Rio this month.
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.
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.
Rio de Janeiro sunrise: Best spots, from iconic viewpoints to local favorites
The best place to watch sunrise in Rio de Janeiro depends on what kind of morning you want.
Samba in Rio de Janeiro: A Guide to Classes, Samba Schools and Its Roots
A full guide to samba in Rio de Janeiro: its roots, beginner classes, samba school rehearsals, the Cidade do Samba and roda etiquette.
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, 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.
Best neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro: Where to stay for safety and first-time visitors
From beachfront Copacabana to bohemian Santa Teresa: a local's honest guide to every Rio neighborhood, and who each one is really right for.
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.
Rio de Janeiro solo female travel: A local guide for tourists and first-timers
A local's honest guide to solo female travel in Rio de Janeiro, from someone who's traveled solo everywhere, including places far more complex than Rio.
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.
Rio de Janeiro beach culture: More than sun and sea
From cangas to altinha, coconut water to posto landmarks - discover what makes Rio's beach culture truly unique.
Rio de Janeiro on a budget: How to save money without missing out
Travel to Rio doesn't have to break the bank. From free sunsets and street samba to real prices for hostels, food, and getting around, here's how to experience the city on $50 a day, sometimes less.
Vegan and vegetarian food in Rio de Janeiro: The complete guide
Rio de Janeiro might not be a city with a long vegetarian tradition but it has changed significantly in the last decade, and eating well as a vegan or vegetarian here is genuinely possible.