u/Ok-Finding-1253

​

​

Whenever I travel, I look for alternative, non-touristy things to do in the cities I visit. So I decided to share my own recommendations for Rio de Janeiro (I live here!).

Food & Drink Spots:

* Sushi Barcellos (Botafogo) – If you like Japanese food, it’s super fresh and very cheap (it started as a fish stall at the street market). It’s located in a square, has a great vibe, and is popular with locals.

* Delirium Café (Ipanema) – Highly recommended for post-beach drinks. Best craft beers in Rio de Janeiro, and every day from 5 PM to 8 PM, draft beer is only R$ 12 (Tripel, IPA, Session IPA, Witbier, among others).

* Baixela (Copacabana) – An alternative bar/restaurant serving cheap, delicious Brazilian food.

* Labuta Mar / Déjà Vu / Isca – Alternative/hipster bars in Glória (Rua do Russel). If you want to check out the Glória Sunday street market (arrive EARLY), you can grab a drink and some bite-sized snacks at these places afterward.

* Braseiro da Gávea (Gávea) – Recommended by Dua Lipa. Very traditional spot for grilled meat and broccoli rice. Not that cheap and VERY crowded on weekends. You can grab a draft beer at the bar across the street (Brewteco) while waiting.

* Adega Pérola (Copacabana) – A traditional bar famous for draft beer and a huge display case of savory tapas.

* Bar Urca – It’s a cliché, but for good reason. Loved by everyone, it’s amazing to grab a bottle of beer and a fried pastel while sitting on the sea wall (mureta).

Activities & Outings:

* Pedra Bonita Trail – A relatively easy hike with a breathtaking view. The trailhead is in São Conrado, where you can also hang out at the beach and watch people hang gliding. Pairs perfectly with the next recommendation:

* Joatinga Beach (Praia da Joatinga) – I think it's one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio. It's a tiny beach accessed through a gated community. You need to arrive early and at low tide, otherwise it gets super crowded and the tide washes away the sand.

* Jardim Oceânico & Ilha da Gigóia – So you can say you actually experienced Barra da Tijuca.

* On Saturdays – General Glicério Street Market (an outdoor market featuring a live chorinho band of older musicians) + Janela Livraria (bookstore) + Parque Guinle.

* On Saturdays – Feira da Lavradio (antique market) + explore local antique shops + Solar dos Abacaxis + Mercado Central for food and drinks (there’s also Labuta there, but it gets EXTREMELY crowded on Saturdays).