Weekend in Rio
Yes, this is the Sao Paulo blog, however, chances are if you are coming here you will want to explore more of Brazil. The perfect weekend getaway (a quick 50 minute plane ride away), is one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Rio de Janeiro. Try to fly into Santos Dumont, the domestic airport, as you will get a wonderful view of the city from above as you land. In my opinion, the place to stay is on Ipanema beach. My only exception to this recommendation would be if you're up for an all-out splurge and plan to stay at the Copacabana Palace. The hotel is flawless with beautiful high-ceilinged rooms, an enormous pool, and two restaurants that won't disappoint.
If you decide to stay on Ipanema, there are two hotels I would recommend. If price does not matter, Caesar Park is among the nicest hotels on the beach. It also places you right in front of Posto 9 which is known as the hottest spot on Ipanema. I prefer, however, to stay at the more understated Praia Ipanema which is towards the end of the beach where Ipanema meets Leblon. The rooms are airy with nice balconies from which you can see the beach. There is also a rooftop bar and very small pool which is great for cooling off in mid-day if you don't feel like going to the beach. Also, the hotel provides everything you need for the beach (chairs, umbrellas, mats) including a security guard who sits on the section of the beach in front of the hotel to make sure that you are not harassed.
While eating in Rio is not as good as Sao Paulo, there are plenty of culinary delights to be had. Here are some highlights:
Polis Sucos, Rua Maria Quiteria 70, Ipanema
All Rio juice stands are not created equal, and among them Polis reigns king. Their sandwiches and juices, which appear just moments after they are ordered, are the perfect lunch break from a lazy afternoon at the beach.
Marius Crustaceos, Av Atlantica 290A, Leme
If you're out to celebrate a birthday or just want to have a special dinner with a group of friends, this is the place to go. It is a seafood version of the restaurant's churrascaria and waiters bring plates of salmon, halibut, lobster, mussels, clams, scallops, and more to your table for an all you can eat seafood feast.
Nam Thai, Rua Rainha Guilhermina 95B, Leblon
Among the best Thai food I have found in Brazil (there is a Nam Thai in Sao Paulo as well, however, I find the ambiance of the Rio branch to be much more intimate and relaxing).
Sobrenatural, Rua Almirante Alexandrino 432, Santa Teresa
A seafood restaurant located in the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, watch the Bonde (an old streetcar) as it passes by outside. Go alone and enjoy their weekday lunch specials or else go with a group and order some pastels and moquecas (a traditional Brazilian seafood stew) to share.
Galani, Av Vieira Souto 460, Ipanema
Located in the Caesar Park hotel, theplace to go for Saturday feijoada.
