Search flights to Rio de Janeiro
For football fanatics there is no greater pilgrimage than heading to the sunny shores of Brazil this summer. If you’re planning to enjoy the World Cup 2014 Tournament in Rio de Janeiro amidst feverish excitement, sporting highs and lows and the glorious beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema here are some invaluable tips to ensure your dream trip runs smoothly. Pra caramba!
Quality Over Quantity
Don’t be fooled, Brazil is a gigantic country – it’s 40 times bigger than the UK. That means schlepping from Rio to the north coast would take at least a day’s travel (and that’s without any delays). So plan your itinerary wisely and don’t be overly ambitious. Instead, pick a few key games to see locally and then spend the rest of the time getting acquainted with one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world.
Pack Smart
It is going to be swelteringly hot; you will sweat bucketloads, so pack accordingly. By all means make sure you have speedos in every colour, but don’t forget the basics – like a trusty summer hat, some cool shades and the all-important factor 30 sunscreen. After all, no one wants to look like a lobster before sun down on day one, eh? Practical footwear will be your best friend – yes this may be home to the Haviana flip flop, but unless you want your feet to resemble Bigfoots’s after its been trampled on for the zillionth time, opt for a good pair of comfy trainers.
Befriend the Locals
Look for local recommendations and seek out good bars where you can chatter about the footie, sample some feijoada (the national dish) and wash it all down with an ice-cold cerveja. We’ve heard on the grapevine that Azul Morinho in Ipanema is a great spot that sits right on the beach and remains a big hit with the locals, and Bracarense, situated in the upmarket neighbourhood of Leblon is a local favourite. So head off the tourist trail for a taster of the real Rio.
Look Up Local Travel Options Ahead of Time
Stay one step ahead of the masses and plan transport routes ahead of time. Orientate yourself with local subway and bus routes that run to the Maracana stadium and town centres so when you arrive you’ll be able to navigate the city like a pro.
Learn Some Local Customs
Time to brush up on your Portuguese: useful phrases like “please”, “thank you” and “how much” can help you go a long way during your stay and endear you to the locals who will probably have been accosted a million times by tourists trying to ask for help or directions in English, or worse Spanglish.
Explore the City
Rio has an abundance of remarkable things to see and do – from checking out the spectacular views from the heights of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue to taking a gritty guided tour around the favelas of Santa Teresa. Alternatively, simply revel in the fantastic nightlife and head to a club to practice your best Samba moves and sip on a delicious Caipirinha cocktail.
Feature image: © Tongro Images/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
