Summer weekend in Rio de Janeiro
How locals do summer in Rio de Janeiro — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana + Ipanema Beach
OutdoorsZona Sul
Posto 9 is the see-and-be-seen stretch — fresh agua de coco from the kiosks.
Sugarloaf Cable Car
OutdoorsUrca
Two-stage cable car — sunset slot is the best ticket in town.
Tijuca National Park
OutdoorsAlto da Boa Vista
World's largest urban rainforest — Pedra da Gávea hike for sunset over the city.
Lapa Friday Night
NightlifeLapa
Open-air street party — samba at Rio Scenarium, caipirinhas under the arches.
Pedra do Sal
NightlifeSaúde
Birthplace of samba — Monday & Friday street roda from 7pm.
Where to eat
Bar Urca
$$Botequim · Urca
Bolinhos de bacalhau, cold Antarctica beer, sitting on the seawall.
Confeitaria Colombo
$$Café · Centro
Art Nouveau 1894 stained-glass salon — pastel de Belém and afternoon tea.
Lasai
$$$$Contemporary Brazilian · Botafogo
Latin America's 50 Best — daily-changing tasting from chef Rafa Costa e Silva's farm.
Aprazível
$$$Brazilian · Santa Teresa
Treetop hilltop deck with the city's most romantic view.
Live & on stage
Carnaval
Sambódromo + citywide · Feb – Mar · Festival
Circo Voador
Lapa · Year-round · Brazilian / Indie
Rock in Rio
Parque Olímpico · Sep (odd years) · Festival
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Sugarloaf Cable Car, Copacabana + Ipanema Beach, Tijuca National Park. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Rio de Janeiro and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.