There has never been a better moment to visit. Rio de Janeiro

Defoes Lifestyle Travel Team

Blog featuring travel tips, packing guides, videos and photography from around the world.

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‘Marvellous City’

Rio de Janeiro has changed dramatically in recent years, and there has never been a better moment to visit. Rio de Janeiro, also known as the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (or ‘Marvellous City,’ has unlimited opportunities, but to properly appreciate them –especially if you’re a first-time visitor –it’s best to hire an experienced, professional guide since you’ll see far more than if you try to do it all alone.

Outside of the Carnival season, many visitors to Rio are drawn to the glitter of the beaches, intermingled with breathtaking views of the bay from the famed peaks that curve around it.

The discriminating visitor may choose to include additional cultural experiences.

Copacabana Beach is the most well-known of Rio’s beaches, but Ipanema Beach is setting the trend these days. Ipanema is particularly well-known for its numerous beach activities, where both residents and visitors participate in sports such as beach volleyball and sand soccer. The competition is friendly yet fierce.

Breakers are available in Barra da Tijuca Beach and Prainha Beach for people who like surfing and other water activities, as well as those who want to get away from the crowds.

Municipal Theatre, Anyone interested in classical culture is likely to be aware of this national treasure. It’s worth seeing the architecture, but it’s probably best experienced by attending one of the numerous regular performances.

Bookings may be made online ahead of travel to ensure that you do not miss out. Football, Fans of the game may choose toattend a game in the Maracana stadium. Flamengo and Fluminense play here regularly, with other Rio State teams visiting occasionally. South Americans are devoted to the game, and regardless of the outcome, you can expect a spectacular show.

In Rio’s perspective, Lapa is ‘The scene.’ The neighbourhood includes several restaurants and pubs, where Brazilian music reigns supreme and artists congregate and mingle. The Arcos de Lapa (a massive monument of an 18th Century aqueduct) and the current Metropolitan Cathedral dominate the skyline, making it simple to discover and orient yourself in Lapa.

The police are particularly concerned about protecting the area’s reputation, and it is thus deemed safe for both visitors and local inhabitants.

Whether you visit a Botequim (pub), Churrascaria (grilled meat restaurant), or another specialist restaurant in Rio, you can anticipate a broad variety of delectable meat, fish, and vegetable choices prepared to the highest standards.

It’s worth trying some traditional Brazilian dishes like Feijoada (considered the national dish). A fast web search will yield a list of delicacies to seek out and enjoy. You will not be expected to follow any specific code for dinner, emphasising having an enjoyable and relaxing evening.