Rio De Janeiro Brazil 3 Day Itinerary
Rio de Janeiro 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Iconic Landmarks
Morning:
- Start your day with breakfast at Padaria Riogárdia, a traditional bakery offering a variety of delicious pastries and coffee. (Rua do Mercado, 55 - Centro)
- Head to Corcovado and visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue. You can reach it by taking a train from Cosme Velho station or by joining a tour.
- Afterwards, explore the Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban forest, offering beautiful hiking trails. (Parque Nacional da Tijuca)
Afternoon:
- Grab lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, a historic café located in downtown Rio. Try their traditional dish “Feijoada” (Rua Gonçalo de Carvalho, 21 - Centro)
- Spend the afternoon at Copacabana Beach and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. Don’t forget to try a famous Caipirinha at one of the many beachfront bars.
Evening:
- For dinner, head to Aprazível in Santa Teresa for a unique dining experience with panoramic views of Rio. (Rua Almirante Alexandrino 107 - Santa Teresa)
- Take a nighttime tour of Selaron Steps and enjoy the vibrant mosaic tiles that adorn this iconic staircase in Lapa neighborhood.
Day 2: Discover the Cultural Heart
Morning:
- Begin your day with breakfast at Casa Sant’Ana, a charming café in the heart of Santa Teresa. (Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 107 - Santa Teresa)
- Visit Museu de Arte Moderna to admire Brazilian modern and contemporary art. (Av. Presidente Vargas, 545 - Centro)
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at Feliz, a popular spot for vegan and vegetarian dishes. (Rua do Lavradio, 103 - Lapa)
- Explore the historic Paço Imperial and learn about Rio’s colonial history. (Prédio da Rua Uruguaiana, s/nº - Centro)
Evening:
- Dine at D.O.M., one of Latin America’s top restaurants, for an unforgettable dining experience. (Rua Ari Pedro, 55 - Gávea)
- Take a samba class at Carioca da Gema in Lapa and immerse yourself in Brazilian culture. (Rua Mem de Sá, 65 - Lapa)
Day 3: Experience the Favelas and Enjoy Local Flavors
Morning:
- Start your day with breakfast at Pãozinho, a bakery offering delicious pastries and coffee. (Rua do Riachuelo, 97 - Laranjeiras)
- Take a guided tour of Santa Marta or Rocinha favelas to learn about the local culture, history, and daily life in these communities.
Afternoon:
- Grab lunch at Casa da Suiça, a family-run restaurant in Santa Teresa offering traditional Brazilian dishes with a twist. (Rua do Lavradio, 96 - Santa Teresa)
- Visit Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC) to explore contemporary art from Brazil and around the world. (Praia de Botafogo, s/nº - Botafogo)
Evening:
- Dine at Casa da Pracinha, a local favorite known for its rodízio-style dining and variety of meats. (Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 198 - Laranjeiras)
- End your trip with a night out in Lapa and enjoy live music at Carioca da Gema or Fosfobósforo.
Things to Know:
- Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beaches, samba, and Carnival. But don’t forget to explore the city’s rich history, art, and culture as well.
- Safety is always a concern in Rio. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid deserted areas.
- The official language is Portuguese, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas.
- To get around the city, you can use buses, metro, or taxis. Uber is also widely available.
- Brazil uses the Real (BRL) as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
- Don’t forget to try other local dishes like Moqueca, Acarajé, and Pastel de Bacalhau during your stay in Rio!