5 days in Rio..what to do?

It rather depends on your tastes and interests. I'd recommend going to the Feira de São Cristóvão in São Cristóvão to get a taste of north eastern culture and gastronomy. The zoo is nearby, along with a couple of good museums. Hit the bars in Vila Isabel, the bar scene is better than Santa Teresa and not as touristy. have an alternative beach day at the Piscinão de Ramos, meet some ordinary folk. Take the ferry over to Niterói and visit the MAC. Have a seafood lunch at the fish market or further around in Jurujuba. Take the ferry to Paquetá for a change of pace. Climb up to the top of Morro do Leme and take in the unique views or walk the trail up to the top of Morro da Babilônia. Visit the Mercadão de Madureira or wander through the SAARA market in Centro.

Really the list is endless. You wouldn't run out of things to do in a lifetime in Rio.

Enjoy your stay.

Much thanks Corisco for the detailed reply. YES, I will check out the places you recommended. In truth i enjoy meeting local people and food but i think this might be hard seeing i don't speak any Portuguese so I will stick with the food experience :)
cheers!

I wonder if there're Bike rental service at RIO? I found one on the Internet <www.bikeinriotours.com> but it's quite expensive. Are you aware of any other options?

Lots of fun stuff there #1, but for a first-timer with just a few days during world cup?

Babilônia is a neat trip, but it's worth remembering that it's a favela and should probably not be done by a first-time visitor w/o Portuguese.

I also wouldn't call Santa Teresa all that touristy... actually barely saw a single tourist staying up there last month (or in Lapa). Vila Isabel's a neat place, but again a bit of a stretch for a 1st time visitor w/no Portuguese.

Piscinão de Ramos...!? Funny :D Hey, why not...

It's also worth noting that the city will be in upheaval during that period... many locals will be gone (renting their house out for exorbitant prices) and the overall vibe will probably be pretty hectic/tense. All part of the fun though!

You'll find there are guided tours to the top of Babilônia these days, run/ coordinated by the residents association. There are even a couple of hostels there now.

You might not have seen tourists in Santa Teresa or Lapa but that's where they go and I've seen plenty. Every guide book bids them to do so and for good reason, they are worth visiting. Nothing wrong with it.

None of those places really should be a stretch. Vila Isabel is a pretty laid back neighbourhood. It has an abundance of good bars and it's easy enough to get to by public transport.

Piscinão de Ramos is predominantly a family location. It's not for everyone but if you want to see another aspect of life, it's a fun alternative to the beaches of Zona Sul and quite a bit cheaper. Try it next time you come.

Anyway purely suggestions and dependent on taste. I doubt most people would fit half of that list into five days, with or without the cup. Feel free to add your own.

@ the OP: The trip up to Corcovado sees some pretty lengthy delays during holidays and weekends and I suspect this will true during the WC. You can book on line but your best bet is to get there as early as possible. It's not unusual for there to be delays of three to four hours for people buying on site. The downside is of course you can't control the weather and naturally a clear day, when the Cristo isn't shrouded in cloud is generally preferable.

Hey, I think they're great ideas actually... just a bit of a stretch for a first-timer during WC for only a few days already visiting all of the "big sites" (which will, most likely, be utterly overwhelmed with people whose main directive in Rio will be "get close to the Jesus thing").

What would be the best way for a foreigner to pop into Vila Isabel? The Maracaña subway? Not a bad idea at all, but again, after several Fridays down in Lapa, I saw probably 1 (obvious) foreigner for ever 1000 or so Brazilians. Santa Teresa also does have plenty of Europeans lolling about but it's because the place really does have a neat vibe... shame the Bonde isn't ready to go yet, it's supposed to be this year but local residents seem doubtful. I was struck by the thought that some tourists would probably be pretty unhappy with the scene, depending on their expectations of Rio...

I've been to Piscinão... not exactly my cup of tea and probably a bit better for more experienced travelers (getting there isn't especially easy), but I'm sure some would love it.

Interesting re: the hostels in Babilônia (and Vidigal, for that matter). Still a place you'll want to be a bit careful, especially walking up alone – as I did, and had no probs.

Overall I was struck by how few foreign tourists I saw around Rio at all... though I'm sure that's about to change in the coming month.

I second the Feira de São Cristóvão idea. It´s a very fun place and a great location to taste some of the northeastern flavours in Rio.

However, I don´t think that the Piscinão de Ramos is a great option. It´s an artificial pool/beach in a an area that isn´t easy to get to, specially if you don´t speak any portuguese.

If you want a beach far from the most touristic ones, try Prainha and Grumari at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Neighbourhood, or even Joatinga, in the beggining of Barra da Tijuca.

I prefer ten times Lapa than Vila Isabel... There are endless options in there, from the cheaper to the most expensive ones, just walk around and find something that appeals to you.

Circo Voador and Fundição Progresso, two famous venues in Lapa, will, definitely, have a special line up during the World Cup, check their websites for more info or ask in your hostel/hotel.

I also love Santa Teresa... Try the Feijoada at Bar do Mineiro once you´re there.

For an spectacular view of Rio, go to Mirante Dona Marta, located on the top of the hill in Botafogo. It used to be a dangerous place, but nowadays it´s completely safe.

The "nearby rainforest" is located everywhere, because Rio is surrounded by it. A guided tour to the top of Pedra da Gávea might be an unforgettable experience. The view from there is breathtaking. Besides, you could try a guided tour to other trails in Floresta da Tijuca (Tijuca´s Rainforest).

If you´re attending a game in Maracanã, try the Picanha in Garota da Tijuca, a traditional restaurant of the neighbourhood, before the game. It´s amazing and it isn´t expensive.

It´s located in a square named Praça da Vanhargem, also known as Buxixo. It´s located in a walking distance from Maracanã and you will find a lot of bars and restaurants in there. It´s a fun place to go before or after the match.

With 5 days, are you considering leaving the city and seeing other parts of the state of Rio? I suggest the mountains (very close, under an hour from the city of Rio) out of Teresopolis or Petropolis to see the Atlantic Rainforst, or going 4 or so hours to the gorgeous beaches and colonial town of Paraty, with a great national park (Bocaina) nearby. It might be nice to get away from what is sure to be a very crowded and excited city for a few days to see another part of Brazil.

Thank guys - I am really excited about all these tips.
Is the Tijuca´s Rainforest good for a 1/2 day event or would you recommend some other rainforest? Also do you guys have any links to good tour for this in english.. I'm finding it hard seeing i don't know Portuguese.
Finally could someone recommend a good place to check out some Samba Show? :) ...haha, i know i'm lame!!
cheers buds!