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Rio de Janeiro Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro guide

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Check out the boo.com guide to Rio de Janeiro - places to stay, things to see, where to eat and the best places to go out. If you have been to Rio de Janeiro, why not share your reviews with boo. Add your review for Rio de Janeiro.

Latest reviews of Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is everything you\'ve imagined it would be and more! From the amazing coastline to the high energy nightlife, Rio is a must see destination. Be prepared to throw your budget out the window because Rio doesn\'t care how much money you need to borrow from mom and dad!...more Rio de Janeiro is everything you\'ve imagined it would be and more! From the amazing coastline to the high energy nightlife, Rio is a must see destination. Be prepared to throw your budget out the window because Rio doesn\'t care how much money you need to borrow from mom and dad! Don\'t fret about the money-Rio is worth every Realis!close

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by traub – posted on Apr 10, 2008

traub, from USA, has 33 reviews 33

Rio de Janeiro is everything you\'ve imagined it would be and more! From the amazing coastline to the high energy nightlife, Rio is a must see destination. Be prepared to throw your budget out the window because Rio doesn\'t care how much money you need to borrow from mom and dad!...more Rio de Janeiro is everything you\'ve imagined it would be and more! From the amazing coastline to the high energy nightlife, Rio is a must see destination. Be prepared to throw your budget out the window because Rio doesn\'t care how much money you need to borrow from mom and dad! Don\'t fret about the money-Rio is worth every Realis!close

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by traub – posted on Apr 7, 2008

traub, from USA, has 33 reviews 33

This is a city that has everything! Great weather and some of the best beaches in the world. Ipanema is definitely the place to stay. People always say that Rio is dangerous but once you are careful with your belongings and you don't walk around Copacabana at night on your own you will be fine....more This is a city that has everything! Great weather and some of the best beaches in the world. Ipanema is definitely the place to stay. People always say that Rio is dangerous but once you are careful with your belongings and you don't walk around Copacabana at night on your own you will be fine. The beach at Ipanema is great and there are lots of nice restaurants and bars. We found the shopping to be good too! Havaianas for less than €10 so buy a pair in every colour! Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf are not to be missed. I thought it was truly spectacular and sitting drinking caipirinas while checking out the sunset from the top of the Sugar Loaf was one of the highlights of my trip. If you are a football also try to get the Maracana stadium. close

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by Erica – posted on Dec 11, 2007

Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78

amazing city...not perfect cuz of violence.It is not a secure city but if u have careful, u can have an amazing experience without any trouble. It is totally worth it to know it,the landscapes it offers are just WOW, ppl are nice,the combination sun&bodies&beach is perfect and theres a...more amazing city...not perfect cuz of violence.It is not a secure city but if u have careful, u can have an amazing experience without any trouble. It is totally worth it to know it,the landscapes it offers are just WOW, ppl are nice,the combination sun&bodies&beach is perfect and theres a lot of things to explore!close

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by imanteigas9924 – posted on Nov 15, 2007

imanteigas9924, from Portugal, has 1 reviews 1

I went to Rio in October and it was really hot, around 40 degree. I didn't feel it was as dangerous as people say. The shooping centers are huge. Copacabana and Ipanema are great but it seems that they are not really safe. The safest sports are those ones in front of the main hotels (I was...more I went to Rio in October and it was really hot, around 40 degree. I didn't feel it was as dangerous as people say. The shooping centers are huge. Copacabana and Ipanema are great but it seems that they are not really safe. The safest sports are those ones in front of the main hotels (I was told by locals) Search for small local restaurants, you will eat a lot and you will pay almost nothing( you don't pay by dish, they weight your plate) The sighseeing is good, I can tell you how easy or hard is to get to the because I was with locals. Watch out for the taxi drivers they speak more English than you thinkclose

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by Itziar – posted on May 1, 2007

Itziar, from Spain, has 34 reviews 34

When you arrive at the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City), you’ll see why it was nicknamed like this. The list of things to do and places to go will go on and on, the many beaches, restaurants, night clubs, sports events and shopping places are only some of the great things that you can...more When you arrive at the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City), you’ll see why it was nicknamed like this. The list of things to do and places to go will go on and on, the many beaches, restaurants, night clubs, sports events and shopping places are only some of the great things that you can do here. Every sightseens in Rio is worth it because it will be in your mind forever. Just becarefull when you walk alone, don’t go out with a lot of cash on you and with clothes or jewelry that might be to showing. But relax, Rio is not as violent as they say. I lived there for more then 5 years and NOTHING ever happened to me.close

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by Stephane – posted on May 1, 2007

Stephane, from Switzerland, has 19 reviews 19

I didnt love Rio, we had a good time but it is quite dangerous in some parts. Also we stayed out in Copacabana and while it was nice to be by the beach, we didnt get to see much of the city as a result. The weather was fantastic and it was cool to go see a match at Maracana. Would love to go back...more I didnt love Rio, we had a good time but it is quite dangerous in some parts. Also we stayed out in Copacabana and while it was nice to be by the beach, we didnt get to see much of the city as a result. The weather was fantastic and it was cool to go see a match at Maracana. Would love to go back when its Carnival time.close

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by yvonne – posted on May 1, 2007

yvonne, from Ireland, has 144 reviews 144

Rio is the most amazing city, there is so much to see and do. From early mirning to late at night there is always something to do. The weather is un believable, while i was there it was 37 degrees celcius by 11am, it was great. The beaches are something i dont think you could experience anywhere...more Rio is the most amazing city, there is so much to see and do. From early mirning to late at night there is always something to do. The weather is un believable, while i was there it was 37 degrees celcius by 11am, it was great. The beaches are something i dont think you could experience anywhere else in the world. Its more than just a normal beach, it alive. Rio seems to ahve a beach culture which influences the people and its so contagious. For one when you on there beaches you feel comfortable because no matter how many beautiful people there are on the beach, no one seem caught up in that and they accept you just the way you are. Then there is the constant activity... The beaches are always full of friendly people, and you can get ANYTHING you want or need on the beaches, from drinks, to prawns, to clothes and jewelry. Its truely amazingy. There is a huge entrepreneurial spirit about the people which is great, people arent just lazing about if they dont have work, they making something for themselves! (thats quite inspiring). Then theres the sports on the beach, there are always people playing volleyball, football or foot volley! And theres also great development for kids in the form of sports clubs training kids in volleyball or football in the evenings. And thats just the beaches. The sight seeing is another great thing, there are the most amazing sights to see like the Christ Stautue, but the even greater thing is that these things dont make Rio, there is so much more to it. Another thing I loved was the constant buzz in the streets. Most shops are open till about 10pm, so there are always people out and about, walkng the streets. And contrary to what most people say, i found it quite safe to just walk around, as long as you are obviously wise about where you are walking around and are cautious. There are so many old buildings in downtown,but despite the poor initial impression you realise there is still so much character in this more run down area and its really beautiful. Another feature of Rio that stood out for me was the Mountains and the tropical vegeatation is so beautiful. Of course there is the night life, something that cannot be ignored in rio. Lappa is FULL of great places, from live samba music shows, great restaurants, and awesome clubs, like the old dance halls. Rio as i said is an awesome place to visit and this is simply a quick summary of what it ahs to offer. You could never some up what rio is all about with words, its just something you have to experience for yourself, and when i say HAVE to, i mean it. You wont be disappointed!close

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by melon7911 – posted on Mar 7, 2007

melon7911, from South Africa, has 2 reviews 2

We didn't have time to chill out over carnaval. This hostel doesn't organise activites but Anna and Jorge can tell you everything you need to know about Rio and doing stuff. They will order taxis for you if you need and have lots of maps and books about Rio. Eating out in Lapa is OK...more We didn't have time to chill out over carnaval. This hostel doesn't organise activites but Anna and Jorge can tell you everything you need to know about Rio and doing stuff. They will order taxis for you if you need and have lots of maps and books about Rio. Eating out in Lapa is OK but I feel there are better restaurants around the beaches and in Leblon. They are easy to get to from here.close

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by sarewi – posted on Feb 10, 2007

sarewi, from England, has 8 reviews 8

This is an absolutely perfect hostel for any traveller. At least 30 cool young pparty people at any one time, many different nationalities and the most chilled and beautiful staff of all the guest houses in Rio. Big love for this place - like a little latin groovy mews street - full of little...more This is an absolutely perfect hostel for any traveller. At least 30 cool young pparty people at any one time, many different nationalities and the most chilled and beautiful staff of all the guest houses in Rio. Big love for this place - like a little latin groovy mews street - full of little funky houses and tropical delight.close

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by tomaso6931 – posted on Jan 19, 2007

tomaso6931, from England, has 3 reviews 3

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Top Rated Rio de Janeiro Places to Stay

  1. Casa da Valeska 99%      

    casa da valeska proved to be a great choice for our stay in rio. Friendly, central and comfortable

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    by Kingof – posted on Aug 2008

    Kingof, from Ireland, has 1 reviews 1

    Val was great and so helpful. Highly recommended! Tony

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    by azl3 – posted on Mar 2008

    azl3, from Poland, has 4 reviews 4
  2. Casa 579 98%      

    I only rate fun at 80% because it was not my goal to have fun but to get away from so much business in my regular life. The location was such that this was even more possible. Also I was there in the off season so I was the only one there. Quiet, solitude - two things I needed. Ashley, the...

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    by rickson – posted on Jun 2008

    rickson, from USA, has 1 reviews 1

    Casa 569 is a great place to stay more like a home than a hostel. The people are great, the location is great, the views are amazing, its on a whole probably the best place that we have stayed. Def make a trip up here, it will be worth it Ash and Hugh Bartlett

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    by ashleighjones20006359 – posted on Mar 2008

    ashleighjones20006359, from South Africa, has 3 reviews 3
  3. Vila CasaNova 96%      

    staying at vila casa nova was great, manu and zaba are more than helpful and the rooms are very clean and comfortable. loved it so much going to stay there again before getting the flight out of rio!

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    by Tim9458 – posted on Jun 2008

    Tim9458, from England, has 1 reviews 1

    This is an amazing place that really suites couples. It's like a home away from home. As everyone has mentioned the breakfast is beyond good, the staff are amazing, and in terms of location, you really couldn't ask for more. Highly recommended !!!!

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    by cassieharrex9445 – posted on Feb 2008

    cassieharrex9445, from Australia, has 2 reviews 2
  4. Hotel Arpoador Inn 86%      

    Good and clean hotel, but the staff is a bit too more insistent as far as tips or "service charges" are concerned.

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    by coralie – posted on Mar 2008

    coralie, from France, has 3 reviews 3

    Very nice hotel. Staff was great. Had a good time there.

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    by patricia4540 – posted on Feb 2008

    patricia4540, from USA, has 1 reviews 1
  5. Hotel Cristal Palace 82%      

    Decent mid range hotel. Be warned though, the advertised price is not what you end up paying. They add on 15% additional taxes when you check in. And it advertised as new but I can´t see how it is. Good location within walking distance to both Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.

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    by squirlymaher7463 – posted on Jul 2008

    squirlymaher7463, from Ireland, has 6 reviews 6

    I LOVED the Hotel Cristal Palace! I plan on going back and marrying Jessica. Though it was a bit pricey, the location definitely makes up for it. Turn right out of the hotel and walk three blocks, you're at Copacabana, turn left three blocks, and you're at Ipanema! Josie in the kitchen is...

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    by coopaloop206921 – posted on Mar 2008

    coopaloop206921, from USA, has 1 reviews 1

Top Rated Rio de Janeiro Restaurants

  1. Carretao:80%      

    For the value of a trip to Rio - you must take in the tase of Brazil, that is to say the "Churrascaria" or Brazillian Steak house. Carretao is like Porcao in the fact that the waiters bring all types of meat (Beef, Lamb, Pork, Chicken) grilled to perfection on large skewers & carved right onto your plate. While Porcao has a vast selection of other...

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    by Baumerjet – posted on Dec 2006

    Baumerjet, from USA, has 2 reviews 2
  2. Delirio Tropical80%      

    Good place for breakfast or lunch in Ipanema. You can choose from a wide selection of salads and quiches. You pay by portion or you can get 2 salads and an empanada or quiche for a set price.

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    by Erica – posted on Oct 2007

    Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78

Top Rated Rio de Janeiro Attractions

  1. Sugarloaf Mountain100%      

    The legendary 2nd highest peak in Rio & made famous from the pictures "Now Voyager" & "Moonraker," Sugarloaf Mountain begins at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 396 metres (1,299 ft) above sea-level, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar....

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    by Baumerjet – posted on Dec 2006

    Baumerjet, from USA, has 2 reviews 2
  2. Ipanema/Leblon Beach100%      

    If you gotta choose between ipanema and copacabana, choose Ipanema. It's a lot cleaner and safer then copacabana also the view of "pedra da gavea" makes it more worth going there.

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    by abruna – posted on Sep 2007

    abruna, from Brazil, has 28 reviews 28
  3. Botanic Garden100%      

    A real ecologic sanctuary. The Botanic Garden of Rio shows a lot of diferent spices of plants and trees with a special attention to their famous Imperial Palm Tree that are planted around the garden. The entrance costs only 4,00 Reals.

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    by Stephane – posted on Dec 2006

    Stephane, from Switzerland, has 19 reviews 19
  4. Maracana100%      

    The biggest stadium in the world. It's very impressive, especialy when you go to a soccer match. It has a great museum that tells the history of the place. Snack bar and shop are also available.

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    by Stephane – posted on Dec 2006

    Stephane, from Switzerland, has 19 reviews 19
  5. the Statue of Christ the Redeemer100%      

    The 710-meter granite peak is located in the Tijuca Forest, a national park. Corcovado hill lies just west of the city center but is wholly within the city limits and visible from great distances. It is known worldwide for the 38-meter statue of Jesus atop its peak, entitled Cristo Redentor' or "Christ the Redeemer". The peak and statue can be accessed via a...

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    by Stephane – posted on Dec 2006

    Stephane, from Switzerland, has 19 reviews 19

carsBest rates for Rio de Janeiro go

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Rio de Janeiro Weather

today
Showers
21°C/70F
Sun
Showers
22°C/72F
Mon
Sunny
23°C/73F
Tue
Sunny
25°C/77F

In Rio de Janeiro

Restaurants

Restaurant name price boo rate
Carretao: $$$$$ 80%
Delirio Tropical $$$$$ 80%

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See the Rio de Janeiro guide