Things to do in Rio De Janeiro
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Don Camillo
One of the few decent restaurants on the Copa strip, this handsomely appointed Italian restaurant has flavorful pastas and lasagnas, as well as some excellent seafood dishes. Antique tile floors, distressed wood beams and black-and-white photos make a nice setting to add to your dining pleasure. For pure decadence, try the linguini with lobster, shrimp and cherry tomatoes.
reviewed
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Unimagem
The choice of professional photographers in the city, Unimagem has a good selection of new and used cameras (SLRs, TLRs, point-and-shoot) as well as all the accessories (tripods, film, paper). It also runs a superb developing lab: black-and-white, color, slides and, of course, digital images. It can also provide a one-hour developing service for both slide and color film.
reviewed
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Amazônia Soul
This tiny new café doles out small plates of caranguejo (crab meat), vatapá (a puree of manioc, dried shrimp, coconut and dendê oil) and tacacá a complicated soup made of tapioca, shrimp and manioc root. You can also sample juices and ice creams made from Amazonian fruits. The small shop inside sells handicrafts and edible items from the Amazon.
reviewed
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Galeto do Leblon
One of the pioneers on this street, Galeto do Leblon has been around for over 35 years. Although a recent renovation has created an airy, modern feel, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, Galeto still serves the traditional Brazilian dishes that have made it such a neighborhood favorite over the years. On Saturday, stop in for excellent feijoada (R$46 for two).
reviewed
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Brazil Football 2014—Buenos Aires to Rio
17 days (Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro)
by G Adventures
Every four years, soccer fans get the chance to watch the world's best players compete in the mother of all championships. This time it's happening in Brazil.…Not LP reviewed
from USD$3,249 -
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Saturnino
Another newcomer to the scene, Saturnino was quick to become a neighborhood favorite. In a large room with high ceilings and touches of tropical decor, the stylish 20-something crowd mingles over chope (draft beer) and fruity cocktails (that could use a touch more alcohol). The open-sided patio in front is a particularly fine vantage point for people-watching.
reviewed
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Ponto Da Bossa Nova
On a lively street sprinkled with bars, Ponto da Bossa Nova is a cozy wood-lined space with a small outdoor patio that makes a peaceful spot for sampling daily lunch specials (R$13 to R$17), appetizers like carne seca com aipim (jerked beef with fried cassava) and well-made caipirinhas. True to its name, there's live bossa nova on Tuesday and Saturday nights.
reviewed
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Largo das Neves
A slice of small-town life in the city, this small plaza is the gathering point for neighborhood children and families, who lounge in the benches by day. At night, the bars surrounding the square come alive with revelers crowding the walkways. At times, MPB bands perform to a young crowd here. Largo das Neves is the terminus of the Paula Matos bonde line.
reviewed
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Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da II Guerra Mundial
This delicate monument to the soldiers who perished in WWII contains a museum, a mausoleum and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The museum exhibits uniforms, medals and documents from Brazil's Italian campaign. There's also a small lake and sculptures by Ceschiatti and Anísio Araújo de Medeiros.
reviewed
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Fratelli
On a quiet street in Leblon, Fratelli’s large glass windows frame families and young couples enjoying a fine neighborhood restaurant. It’s the food, however, that ought to be on display: creamy linguini with langosta (lobster), polenta with porcini and Brie and plump tortellini all pair nicely with Fratelli’s decent wine selection.
reviewed
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Hideaway
Aptly named, Hideaway is secreted inside a converted 19th-century house. The all-glass ceiling (with lush greenery framing the outside) and minimalist design give a contemporary polish to the place. The pizzas, made inside a wood-burning oven, are decent, and the small lounge adjoining the restaurant hosts live jazz and Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) groups.
reviewed
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Arquitetura & Decoracão (33)
One of Rua do Lavradio’s most magical antique shops, with a small assortment of antiques ranging from heavy 1930s pieces to sleek, trim designs from the 1960s. Unfortunately, most of what’s for sale is furniture, and you may have difficulty squeezing the Oscar Niemeyer poltrona (armchair) into your suitcase. Sharing the space is a small art gallery.
reviewed
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Jardim Zoológico
Covering over 12 hectares, the zoo at Quinta da Boa Vista has a wide variety of reptiles, mammals and birds – mostly indigenous to Brazil. Special attractions include the large walk-through aviary and the night house, which features nocturnal animals. The monkey house is also a crowd favorite. Some animal enclosures are cramped, though overall the reproduced habitats are fairly well done.
reviewed
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Carlota
This award-winning restaurant has an intimate ambience that sits just right with the delicate cuisine. The small but ever-changing menu features elements from traditional Portuguese cooking (like the cod recipes) as well as Eastern influences (salmon sashimi, shiitake dishes). Regardless, inventive chef Carla Pernambuco always creates some memorable meals.
reviewed
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Morro Do Leme
East of Av Princesa Isabel, Morro do Leme contains an environmental protection area. The 11 hectares of Atlantic rain forest are home to numerous species of birds, such as the saddle and bishop tanagers, thrushes and the East Brazilian house wren. An hour-long tour is available by booking ahead. Tours meet at the Praça Almirante Júlio de Noronha.
reviewed
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Azul Marinho
Below the Arpoador Inn, Azul Marinho serves an assortment of tasty seafood dishes, and the outdoor tables facing the ocean have the best beachside setting you'll find in the Zona Sul (there's no traffic between you and the sea, only sand). Try one of the moquecas (seafood stew), the octopus vinaigrette salad or the famous whole fish baked in salt.
reviewed
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Rio de Janeiro
4 days (Rio de Janeiro)
Explore Rio, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$690 -
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Capricciosa
Inside this trendy high-end pizzeria, you’ll find tasty thin-crust pizzas made with fresh ingredients. The price is high, but the chefs – working in an open kitchen next to the brick oven – are at least generous with the toppings. Among many flavorful combinations is the signature capricciosa (ham, bacon, an egg, artichoke hearts and mushrooms).
reviewed
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Café Do Rodrigues
Inside the charming Centro branch of the Livraria da Travessa bookstore, Café do Rodrigues is a suitable setting for philosophical conversation when the world – or the humidity – has worn you down. Browse for books, then peruse your finds over a torta do palmito (heart-of-palm quiche), a hearty soup or a flavorful salad.
reviewed
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Casa Oliveira
One of several excellent music shops on Rua da Carioca, Casa Oliveira sells all the pieces that make up the rhythm section of Carnaval baterias (percussion sections). Unique souvenirs for the musically minded include cavaquinos (ukulele-sized guitars), which start at around R$150, and pandeiros (tambourines), starting at R$35.
reviewed
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Museu Casa de Rui Barbosa
The former mansion (completely restored in 2003) of famous Brazilian journalist and diplomat Rui Barbosa is now a museum housing his library and personal belongings, along with an impressive archive of manuscripts and first editions of other Brazilian authors, such as Machado de Assis and José de Alençar. Barbosa played a major role in shaping the country's socioeconomic development in the early 20th century.
reviewed
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Biblioteca Nacional
Inaugurated in 1910, the neoclassical national library is the largest in Latin America, with more than nine million volumes, including many rare books and manuscripts. Among the treasure trove are original letters written by Princess Isabel, the first newspapers printed in the country and two copies of the precious Mainz Psalter Bible, printed in 1492.
reviewed
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Museu de Folclórico Edson Carneiro
Created in 1968, the museum is an excellent introduction to Brazilian folk art, particularly from the northeast. Its permanent collection comprises 1400 pieces, and includes Candomblé costumes, ceramic figurines and religious costumes used in festivals. The museum also features a folklore library and a small shop, selling handicrafts, books and folk music. The museum is located next door to the Palácio do Catete.
reviewed
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Favela Hype
Inside the Galeria River, this stylish boutique sells daring youthful fashions for men and women. Founded by the sisters Kananda and Krishna Soaras in Santa Teresa in 2001, Favela Hype incorporates a mix of retro and vintage design in the clothing, accessories and shoes, and the label deserves credit for its socially responsible employment practices.
reviewed
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Eclipse
One of the only 24-hour restaurants in town, Eclipse is equal parts juice bar, pizzeria and traditional Brazilian restaurant, with outdoor seating, a stand-up counter and a sit-down air-conditioned restaurant for escaping the heat. It can be a great (and lively!) destination when hunger strikes in the madrugada (the wee hours of the night).
reviewed