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Rio de Janeiro

Baroque Old Town lanes, Uzupis art & honest cheap eats

Browse Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro rewards travellers who wander: one of Europe’s largest baroque Old Towns, the self-declared artists’ republic of Uzupis, and some of the cheapest honest food on the continent. Our local picks so far include the Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl for a night out with locals and the legendary bus station canteen (Autobusu stoties valgykla) for a true Braziln lunch at Soviet-era prices. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.

Rio de Janeiro at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: May to September
  • Highlights: the baroque Old Town and Uzupis
  • Where to stay: Old Town and Uzupis
  • Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
  • Getting around: very walkable centre

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

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Leblon / Copacabana

Bibi Sucos

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Botafogo

Canastra Rose

Canastra Rose is a two-story Botafogo mansion turned parrilla bar, helmed by Uruguayan chef Alejandro Nunez, with a rooftop grill turning out the sinfonia do assador — ribeye, shoulder steak, and chimichurri-doused sweet potato and pineapple. It’s a proper local hangout: live music, strong cocktails, and a cover charge that depends on whether you’re drinking. Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, but it doesn’t really fill up until after 9pm. Tip: book ahead on weekends, it’s one of the most packed bars in Botafogo.
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Lapa

Refettorio Gastromotiva

Why it matters: opened in 2016 during the Rio Olympics by the NGO Gastromotiva (founded 2006 by chef David Hertz) in partnership with Massimo Bottura’s Food for Soul, this restaurant-school rescues surplus ingredients and trains young cooks from vulnerable communities while serving vulnerable Rio residents each evening. At lunch, Monday to Friday, the same kitchen opens to the public with a set menu – starter, main, dessert, drink – designed by rotating guest chefs. Order the daily set menu (there’s no a la carte) and go early since seating is limited. It is one of the few places in Rio where your meal directly funds culinary training and food-waste reduction.
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Rio de Janeiro travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?

Two to three days covers the Old Town, Uzupis and a relaxed food crawl, with time left for a day trip to Trakai Castle.

Where is the best area to stay in Rio de Janeiro?

The Old Town keeps everything walkable; Uzupis is the arty, bohemian alternative right next door.

What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?

Browse the local picks above, from a locals-led pub crawl to the city's legendary cheap-eats canteen.

What is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

Late spring to early autumn brings long days and terrace weather; December has a famously cosy Christmas market.

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