Article cover image

Twelve tips for a nice visit to Rio de Janeiro city:

Mariley

Tour Guide, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

| 2 mins read

1. If you are a foreigner, never walk throughout the tunnels by foot, 

anytime of the day.

2. In Rio de Janeiro city, the bus stops are classified by numbers, 
such as 1, 2 and 3, and the buses only stop, if their number and route are 
mentioned in the table, located inside the bus stop protection, just like 
any other city in the world.

3. It is difficult to find a “Cafeteria” in Rio de Janeiro city, but 
they exist. It is easier to find them inside the malls. On the sidewalk 
streets, one can find many “Lanchonetes”, which are just like bars, serving 
express food. Most of them belong to oriental immigrants.

4. Supermarkets are closed at 10 p.m. in Rio de Janeiro city, but 
there is a 24 hour supermarket in Copacabana, called “Pão de Açúcar da 
Paróquia”, next to the corner, at the Avenida N. Sra. de Copacabana and Rua 
Hilário de Gouveia.

5. The called “Botequins” here, are just like the pubs, except that 
they are open, illuminated and one should pay their expenses, when leaving.

6. Do not walk on the beach sidewalk wearing a bikini. Native people 
(including ill-meaning ones) will know, immediately, that you are a 
visitor. On the side walk, women should use shorts, kangas, miniskirts, 
etc. Never ever high heels!

7. A tourist is exposed to risks, when visiting the “favelas” without 
a guide or not being part of organized tours.

8. There are no samba events going on, in Rio de Janeiro city, just 
after Carnival time, because this is the time, when people take a rest to 
start planning the events for the year to come.

9. Foreigners should be careful when visiting Ipanema Beach over the 
week ends. Different groups choose different areas to stay.

10. Unless one is going to a specific museum or theater, downtown is 
usually empty over the week ends. One should visit the area, from Mondays 
to Fridays, during commercial hours, and on Saturdays, until 1 p.m. 
Afterthat, the area could be full of street people or it maybe dangerous.

11. Brazilians do not eat when they walk on streets.

12. Avoid walking at the beach after the sunset.