Rio de Janeiro > Rio de Janeiro Experience

Advantages: Rio
Disadvantages: Violence

Rio de Janeiro "River of January" is the second major city of Brazil, behind only São Paulo. Its 8 million inhabitants occupy an area of 485 square miles. There are three main city districts: Centre, South, and North. The city centre is the financial and business district of Rio. After the transfer of the capital to Brasília, in 1960, the process of economic transfer to São Paulo was increased. The summer months officially begin around November and ... Read review

Advantages: sun, sea and sad what else do you want
Disadvantages: it does get a little hot

...all moved with him to Rio de Janeiro. I was only 3 at the time so i cant remeber much about moving there but i can remember some of the things from when i was older. I was 7 when we moved back to scotland so i experianced the Brazilian school system and learned how to speak potugese although i can remeber a word of it now. I'd love to say that at the time i treated it like it was the best experiance in my life but i was young when we moved there ...
...why my family were so excited when they came over to see us. What everyone else thought was tourist attractions was part of everyday life for me. It was just an other weekend at Corcovado or Sugarloaf mountian (I think we have a souvinear for every time we went as there is no space for anything else on the shelfs). It hasn't been until recinly when i was looking at photos of me as a child that i relised how lucky i was to have had an experiance like ... Read review

Advantages: Beaches, gorgeous tropical islands, unbelievably great value.
Disadvantages: Having to keep your wits about you, but no real problem.

They call the city of Rio de Janeiro "Cidade Maravilhosa" (The marvellous city), I have to say that visiting Rio was an eye opening and awe inspiring experience. This review is a selection of the best parts, with a few pointers on what not to do there. SAFETY TIPS ------------------ **Hotels First of all, it is recommended that tourists stay in a Hotel that is on the coastal road of Copacabana beach - Avenida Atlantico, or one of the coastal ...
...and pick-pocketing is rife in Rio so it is best to be very aware of your surroundings. The whole time I was there, especially when walking around, I kept all money concealed in a money pouch under my clothes. Simply putting your wallet or purse in your pocket is not enough, you are only inviting trouble. It is also strongly recommended not to carry more cash than you need. It is advisable that you leave your credit/debit cards in your hotel, in your ... Read review

Advantages: Spectacular, exciting and perfect for budget travellers.
Disadvantages: Is that a knife in your pocket or are you just trying to rob me?

Rio De Janeiro ranks amongst the most exotic cities in the world. It's nature attractions are world famous and its people legendary for their party tendencies. Despite being a budget friendly city it also has appeal for those on a 5 star expense account. Like most Brazilian cities it has many problems, its ghettos are to be avoided and the city's gun culture gets worse by the day. Rio has a population of 7 million but you might be surprised to know ...
...Of course many arrive in Rio on a package deal so this is not a problem. For others who arrive at the Novo Rio bus station in the Zona Norte without a clue taking taxi is the only reliable option. You can buy fixed priced taxi tokens in the station which is a good idea as overpricing is almost a hobby amongst Rio's taxi fraternity. The cheapest areas to stay in Rio are just south of the city centre in Catete, Gloria and Lapa although the latter is ... Read review

Advantages: Vibrant and exciting.
Disadvantages: Expensive to get to

This famous location is probably about 10 years past its best, but even so it is still one of the premier destinations in the world. The beach front is packed with grand hotels and bars that sell "Coco Gelado", or unripe coconuts that are filled with coconut milk and are the best hangover cure known to man. If you sit at one of the bars you will be hassled by traders selling everything from hats, to t-shirts, to plastic maps of Brazil, even if you ...
...the side street souvenir shops. If you fancy a taste of home you could try the tiny Shaeds bar close to The Meridien Hotel, situated down a side street (but signposted from the beach) this bar sells Guinness in cans for 10 Reais (about £3). The beach itself contains football goalposts for most of its length and is floodlit at night. These floodlights rather ruin the sunset at this location but the colourful and spectacular display can be viewed in ... Read review