What is the best hotel in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) for under $150 USD and what's to see around there in 1 day?

Question

We're making a 24-hour layover in Rio, please recommend a hotel and things to do and see! We arrive in the morning and leave the next morning. Travelers are a couple without kids.

Answer 1

Ο ΚΑΙΡΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΓΙΑ ΚΟΛΥΜΠΙ ΣΤΙΣ ΠΑΡΑΛΙΕΣ ΤΟΥ ΡΙΟΥ?ΠΟΙΑ ΝΥΧΤΕΡΙΝΑ ΜΑΓΑΖΙΑ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΚΑΛΑ ΓΙΑ ΔΙΑΣΚΕΔΑΣΗ?ΚΑΙ ΠΟΥ ΜΠΟΡΕΙ ΚΑΠΟΙΟΣ ΝΑ ΓΝΩΡΙΣΕΙ ΑΥΘΕΝΤΙΚΗ ΒΡΑΖΙΛΙΑΜΙΚΗ ΖΩΗ?

Answer 2

With the hotel I can't help much cause I don't know the prices.

But here goes things you can do in one day:

*visit the beaches. Generally tourists like Copacabana and Ipanema. If it's a sunny day you can stay a bit of the morning getting a tan in Ipanema.

*Go to the "Cristo Redentor" on "Corcovado" (Christ Redeemer) and the "Pão de Açúcar" (Sugar Loaf) you'll get beautiful views of the city. When going to "Corcovado" don't forget to pass by car on "Floresta da Tijuca" (Tijuca's Forest National Park), that's the world's biggest urban forest, and visit the "Vista Chinesa" (Chinese view) where you'll also get amazing views.

*for lunch you can go to "Porcão's Rio" (at "Aterro do Flamengo") that's a famous "churrascaria" (steak house). It's not very cheap but it's all you can eat.

*then you can do some cultural sightseeing at city downtown that's very close to "Porcão's Rio". Visit "MAM" (Museum of Modern Art) and then "Cinelandia" (it's a big square) were you see Rio de Janeiro's Municipal Theatre (very pretty!) and other historical builddings.

*also in city's downtown you can visit (for free) a very good cultural center called "Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil" that always has very good exhibitions going on.

*then go to Lapa, that's a bohemian neighbourhood that gets packed with young people on weekend nights. Visit "Arcos da Lapa", an old big white aqueduct.

*you'll probably be very tired by now! :-)

Go to hotel take a small nap.

*by night don't forget to visit the floating christmas tree on "Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas" (Rodrigo de Freita's Lagoon). It is lighted up by night and is on till january 6th.

*if you want to party there is tons of options: you can go back to Lapa, or go to the dozens of clubs available on town. There is even a Hard Rock Cafe in "Barra da Tijuca", although it's a nice place i don't think is worth going.

***  Use the next morning to go to the beach again drink "caipirinha" or visit sometinhg that you didn't see.

*don't forget to buy "havaianas" sandals, city's favourites to go the beach.

***some security tips: the city is not that dangerous, just  don't look like a fool! Try to wear simple clothes and be aware of your personal stuff and don't show off your nice cam a lot. Act cool! :-)

Hope you enjoy your stay!