This Is What It's REALLY Like in Rio de Janeiro

13 places in this vlog

In the order they appear. Tap a time to play it here, or ↗ to open YouTube at that second.

1. 0:46

   Corcovado Rack Railway

   🚡 Activity · Cosme Velho

   The first train of the day leaves around 7:20 a.m.

2. 1:04

   Christ the Redeemer

   🏢 Landmark · Corcovado

   If clouds are forecast, the ticket booth offers a free refund. Clouds roll in quickly, so the first train of the day is the safest bet.

3. 3:51

   Lapa

   🏘️ Neighborhood · Lapa · brief mention

   Easy to reach by city bus by tapping a card, for a fare of about R$4.70.

4. 4:10

   Santa Teresa Tram (Bondinho)

   🚡 Activity · Santa Teresa

   Expect up to a 2-hour wait at the Lapa station. Staff flip the seats at the turnaround point.

5. 5:23

   Lapa Arches

   🏛️ Historic site · Lapa · brief mention

6. 6:28

   Bar do Mineiro

   🍴 Restaurant · Santa Teresa

   A single-person feijoada portion easily feeds two. The pastéis aren't greasy, and one is filled with shrimp moqueca.

7. 9:57

   Parque das Ruínas

   🌳 Park · Santa Teresa

   Entry is completely free.

8. 16:05

   Selarón Steps

   🏢 Landmark · Lapa

   The bottom and top are packed, but the middle section is calm enough for photos and people-watching.

9. 18:45

   Museum of Modern Art of Rio de Janeiro (MAM Rio)

   🏛️ Museum · Flamengo Park

   Has an immersive exhibit on light and darkness; on Sundays, dance and rollerblading groups fill the grounds.

10. 20:35

    Confeitaria Colombo

    ☕ Cafe · Centro

    The brigadeiro is rich and smooth, but the cafe gets very crowded.

11. 29:16

    Ipanema Beach

    🏢 Landmark · Ipanema

    Around 8 a.m. it is uncrowded. The beachfront road was closed to cars on a Sunday.

12. 32:09

    Feira da Glória

    🛒 Market · Glória

    Try the bolinho de bacalhau, cheese-and-chicken tapioca, pastel, layered chocolate strawberries and grilled meat skewers.

13. 37:22

    Bar Urca

    🍺 Bar · Urca

    The shrimp-filled pie has a light, crisp crust. The fried cheese-and-sausage bites are also good.