🇧🇷 Day 1 – December 28: From Christ the Redeemer to Copacabana Nights

The journey in Rio began with breakfast at Teva Deli, one of the city’s top vegan eateries, known for its creative takes on Brazilian classics. After fueling up, the day continued with a visit to the world-famous Copacabana Beach and Ipanema beach—a sun-soaked stretch of sand with dramatic coastal views.

This beach is what we saw in all the instagram pics and we were so excited to visit! However, so many friends and colleagues told us horror stories that their phones, wallets, belongings, dignity (lol) got stolen on the beach! This, to be honest, totally ruined the magic of this beach and our time in general in Rio. That is not to say that this does not happen, but being aware, maybe taking your phone and wallet with you, or going with friends and being extra vigilant of people who come by. In any case, we arrived at the beach with all our stuff and we were so nervous to leave anything on the sand that we just stood with our stuff, took some pics and then left! Truly a sad ode to the beauty of this Rio treasure. Apparently these thieves come out in greater numbers around New Year’s Eve and Carnivale, so maybe this isn’t the case year round.

From there, we took an uber through Tijuca National Forest to visit Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!!! Ubers are very cheap in Brazil so it was much easier and nicer to take than public transport. Make sure to pre book your tickets so you can skip the lines! Up through clouds, which occasionally obscured the statue, breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Guanabara Bay made the trip unforgettable. This place gets very very packed and sight of the statue is dependent on weather so plan accordingly! You also have the option to hike up or down to the wonder but the train up is definitely easiest. Here we picked up a cute souvenir of the Christ the Redeemer and Bay rock.

In the evening, we explored Rio’s vibrant nightlife in the Copacabana area, where live music, samba rhythms, and open-air energy capture the spirit of the city. We decided to check out the Carioca party in Marina da Gloria which was a very cool venue on the water but because it had rained the night before, the floor for the event was soaked!

☀️ Day 2 – December 29: Leisure, Local Markets & Lagoa Strolls

This was a slower-paced day with time to relax and explore more of Rio’s day-to-day rhythm. A morning visit to the General Osório Market in Ipanema offered a glimpse of local crafts, produce, and street food.

In the afternoon, a walk around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the stunning lagoon surrounded by mountains and city skyline, provided a peaceful contrast to the busier tourist sites. It’s a favorite spot for joggers, bikers, and those looking to enjoy Rio at a calmer pace.

Dinner was enjoyed at home with local ingredients picked up at nearby markets—an easy way to experience Rio’s culinary flavors in a more personal, low-key way.

🖼️ Day 3 – December 30: Futuristic Museums & Urban Art Icons

The day began at the architectural marvel that is the Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã). This science and sustainability museum in the Porto Maravilha district offers immersive exhibits and striking views over Guanabara Bay. Check which days it is open! I believe it is closed Wednesday, which we were so upset to hear as we were really looking forward to this!

After the museum, the journey continued to Escadaria Selarón, the iconic staircase created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Covered in over 2,000 brightly colored tiles from around the world, it’s one of Rio’s most vibrant photo ops. This is a mad house for tourists and near impossible to get a solo shot BUT:

Tip: Go higher up on the stairs to get better shots with fewer people

Nearby, we explored Praça Mauá, a revitalized square featuring public art and great views of Rio’s modern waterfront.

The evening wrapped with another visit to Teva Deli, this time trying inventive dishes like seitan in Béarnaise sauce and plant-based shakshuka.

🏖 Day 4 – December 31: Beach Vibes & New Year’s Eve Warm-Up

The final day of the year started with a walk through Ipanema Beach, taking in the holiday atmosphere as locals and travelers gathered for pre-NYE celebrations. The beaches were buzzing with anticipation, with many already dressed in the traditional white attire for good luck in the year ahead.

Later, a visit to the nearby Arpoador Rock at sunset offered a stunning perspective of the coastline and a peaceful place to pause before the evening festivities. Though crowds were everywhere, the electric energy of Rio on New Year’s Eve was undeniable.

🎇 Day 5 – January 1: A Quiet Start to the New Year

New Year’s Day was spent unwinding after the vibrant night before. Morning views from Mirante Dona Marta provided a serene overlook of Sugarloaf Mountain and the bay—a less-crowded alternative to Corcovado.

The afternoon was reserved for downtime and recharging, with light snacks from Oakberry Açaí and time to reflect on the beauty of Rio from a local café. In the evening, we briefly stopped by a New Year’s celebration at NAU Cidades, a multi-use cultural space along the water, offering views, music, and a unique mix of locals and visitors.

🧳 Day 6 – January 2: Travel Hiccups and a Bittersweet Goodbye

The final day didn’t go quite as planned due to a missed connection involving vaccine requirements for onward travel. However, the unexpected extra time in Rio allowed for a relaxing afternoon in the Santos Dumont area, enjoying fresh açaí, casual bites, and a last walk along the harborfront.

Despite the hiccups, the Rio experience delivered unforgettable views, vibrant culture, and plenty of stories to bring home.

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