🌈 The City of Colors and Rhythm: Rio

Ah, my beautiful Rio… a city whose energy I can never get enough of! Rio de Janeiro is the capital of its state and Brazil’s second-largest city after São Paulo. It captivates visitors with both its vibrant culture and breathtaking nature. Its full name is “São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro”, but let’s keep it simple and call it Rio.

The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue is located here, and the world-famous Rio Carnival also takes place in this magnificent city. But like every city, Rio has its challenges too — the biggest being the striking gap between rich and poor. Although considered a major metropolis, a large portion of the population lives in favelas, the city’s shantytowns. Interestingly, the front of the Christ statue faces the wealthy areas, while its back is turned to the favelas. Locals even joke, “Christ opens his arms to the rich while turning his back on the poor.”

It’s also fun to know that Rio is often called “Cidade Maravilhosa” — meaning The Marvelous City!

Another curious fact? The city’s name comes from a river that doesn’t exist! Back in 1502, Portuguese explorers mistook the Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a river and named the area “River of January.” This charming misinterpretation lives on to this day.

Did you know that lightning strikes Christ the Redeemer multiple times a year? Perched on Corcovado Mountain, the statue’s height makes it an ideal lightning target. Locals joke, “Even Rio’s energy tries to reach the statue!” According to Brazil’s Space Research Institute, the statue is hit by lightning two to four times annually. Lucky for us we’re not made of stone!

Rio’s lively spirit truly comes alive during Carnival — a reflection of the city’s multicultural soul. With energetic dances, dazzling costumes, and contributions from Indigenous, Portuguese, and African cultures, the festival is a vibrant spectacle not to be missed.

Now that we’ve gotten the “serious” part out of the way, let’s dive into the fun stuff — the delicious experiences I had in Rio! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

🍽 A Tasteful Journey Through Rio

Feijoada – A traditional stew made with black beans, pork, and spices. It’s typically served with rice, orange slices, and collard greens. I highly recommend trying it at Casa da Feijoada for an authentic experience.

Churrasco – Brazilian-style barbecue! If you're a fan of protein-packed meals, try the Rodízio — an all-you-can-eat meat service. For a more upscale experience, Fogo de Chão is a stylish choice worth the splurge.

Pão de Queijo – These small, cheesy bread balls are soft, warm, and perfect any time of day. My personal favorite place is Padaria União, known for its freshly baked treats.

Brigadeiro – A classic Brazilian dessert made from condensed milk and cocoa, shaped into sweet little chocolate balls. You can enjoy them at the elegant Confeitaria Colombo, one of Rio’s most iconic pastry shops.

Bon Appétit!

🌴 Unforgettable Spots in the Marvelous City

Let’s start with the beaches, because Rio’s coastline is one of its most iconic features:

Copacabana, Ipanema & Leblon Beaches

These three beaches stretch side by side along the coast. Ipanema feels a bit more luxurious, with upscale hotels and shops, while Copacabana is known for its strong waves — perfect for surfing! All beaches are free to enter, so be prepared for crowds. (It really gave me Kilyos public beach vibes!)

Christ the Redeemer – Cristo Redentor

The symbol of Rio and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! The statue stands atop Corcovado Mountain and rises 30 meters tall. You can take a train from the city center to reach it — the journey is just as impressive as the view.

Historic Downtown Square

Start your walk at the Cinelandia metro stop to explore Rio’s historic center. You’ll see government buildings, cathedrals, and the Candelária Church. Right across from it is the Navy Museum, worth a visit if you love history.

Tijuca National Park

This is the largest urban forest in the world! It’s full of hiking trails, waterfalls, and… monkeys! (Spending time with monkeys was one of the most fun things I did in Rio — definitely bring some snacks to share 😄)

Maracanã Stadium

The heart of Brazilian football! Once the world’s largest stadium, Maracanã was built for the 1950 World Cup and has hosted games with over 200,000 spectators. It’s a must-see for football fans. (Say hi to Neymar for me!)

🎉 The Famous Rio Carnival

The Carnival is held just before the Catholic season of Lent, which commemorates Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. The term "carnival" itself comes from the Latin "carne vale", meaning “farewell to meat.”

The first Rio Carnival was held in 1840, inspired by the Portuguese. It used to be a more formal affair, but in 1917, samba music and dance made their way into the festivities — and changed everything.

In 2025, the Carnival will take place from February 28 to March 8, and in 2026 from February 13 to 18. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss it! The streets come alive with samba dancers, music, and joy. One of the most popular events is the Grand Ball at Copacabana Palace, but act fast — the tickets sell out quickly!

Rio has a story around every corner. I hope this little guide inspires your future trip to this marvelous city.

Wishing you health, happiness, and plenty of unforgettable adventures! 💛🌎