Going to Rio de Janeiro
 

Any must do's or must see's other than the obvious 2 or 3.
Restaurant recommendations, Beaches, Clubs?

hi, things really arent as bad here as everyone loves to make out everywhere else, there are FAR worse cities fdor violence etc in latin america, and elsewhere. You have to be careful, sure but in what big city dont you. Considering some of the things this city has been thru in its past I think it's all pretty under control at the moment. I work with tourism and get this feedback also from the tourists I work with here.

Riobound-by all means go to RIO! I have been going over the past few years and recall ove the years that are always new postings talking about a "new wave of crime". Although I don't have data to prove it, I have not observed any changes (better or worse) as a tourist in the typical tourist areas. As others will tell you, safety is an issue but there are things you can do to reduce risk as you would do in other large cities around the world.
To me, the benefits of RIO are great, I love the city, the people, the food and the beaches. There are also some great museums that are often overlooked. My impression is that more adventurous travelors really enjoy Rio. If time permits there are great side trips also.

hotnphoenix,

Could you please post some information about sidetrips from Rio? We will have almost a week there around New Years next year. Thanks!

Ok, like it or not every place changes. "my" Copacabana scene of 30 years ago is not the same,neither am I nor my activities.Safety has always been an issue. When the subway was inaugurated, I travelled on it with a terrified friend, I went last 11/07 and did the same with another "forewarned" friend, did a lot of walking around day and night, and additionally took the poor soul on public buses, something that he was told not to do. Ipanema area seemed more ok. You just can't find a more breathtaking view of contrasts than the beachfront, great fun, good food. Just use common sense, don't flash money, stay in busy well lit areas. I am not minimising the favela concern- there are economic realities- I would return in a heatbeat.

hi if you go there, I recommend to stay at the new hotel santat teresa, very safe, it is a new boutique hotel in the hills, so nice and quiet but still close to center, lapa (nightlife), beaches, awesome spa, you wont regret it!!! Rio is the best!!!

i can recommend the hotel praia ipanema. it's one of the few places where rooms have balconies, right on the main drag. very clean, modern place.

I'd also recommend trying to get to a soccer match at maracana. they were sold out when we went (all 90,000 seats) but it looked like an absolute blast! get tickets early.

for info and pics from our trip: http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/

Try these sites: http://www.rcvb.com.br/rcvb_ingles/home.htm
http://www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br/pt/
and this is a MUST DO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiD-l8DnIHQ

Have a very nice trip!

I posted that question 16 months ago. Since that time we have been back to Rio 3x and have decided to return again in Aug. We will be staying in Teresopolis again. Have seen all there is to see in the tourist areas of Rio. We are not beach people, we prefer the mountains over the beach. We are now considering buying a home in Teresopolis.

Spend a day in Petrolopolis, (sp) a lovely historical city. I'd also visit Paraty, a beautiful town which is picturesque and quaint: it's an artist's colony so to speak. Do a few boat trips while there, too. Stay in a pousada (sp).

Right now my brain is in a quandry; I have a cold and can't think straight; my guide books are packed, too. Since your trip is a year away from what I gleaned-- I'll write later if I'm not too late! (03/16/10)

Wow, Teresopolis. So what makes you love it so much? I just was in Rio for the first time, my husband for the second, and we can't wait to go back and explore some of the surrounding towns.