Rio by Foot
I love walking and I love walking through Rio. With a subway ticket in hand and comfortable shoes you can see an incredible number of famous places, as well as other wonderful and lesser known ones. The first thing to do is look down and see the Portuguese stones, which were brought into the country in the 19th century. Many are complete, while others need to be renovated. But regardless of their condition, these patterns in black and white inspired Roberto Burle Marx to create the boardwalks of Copacabana and Ipanema. One of its most famous sights is the huge park along Flamengo beach. A great place to start the walk is at the MAM, which has several temporary exhibitions and selections from the permanent collection of Gilberto Chateaubriand.
1. Aterro e vista do Pão de Açúcar
Aterro do FlamengoFrom the Cinelândia subway station, it is a short walk to the pedestrian bridge that leads to the MAM, the Museum of Modern Art. Visit the exhibition and then take a walk through Aterro, which is a project of Burle Marx. Enjoy the view of the bay and the Sugar Loaf mountain.
2. Lapa (de dia)Still from the Cinelândia station, in the opposite direction of the MAM, visit the Steps of Selaron and cross the arches of Lapa. Then follow to Lavradio Street, where it is fun to see all the antique shops. Follow to the end of the street, arriving at Tiradentes Square. It is worth pausing to see the triumphant, classical sculpture in the middle of the square. From there, go to the gallery A Gentil Carioca and Largo das Artes and visit their exhibitions. Also nearby is the Royal Portuguese Cabinet, which is also something to be admired.
3. Lapa (à noite)
There are several bars where you can listen to great samba. The "Carioca da Gema" is the most famous of them. But you can also indulge in some of the various bars, drink a beer and watch a live show. If you get hungry, go to the Portuguese restaurant, "Nova Capela", across the street.
4. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
No trip to the center is complete without a visit to the CCBB, which is really one of the best exhibition venues in Brazil, always hosting different and special exhibitions.5. Bar do Mineiro (Santa Teresa)
Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno 99Want to eat a superb feijoada or just have a beer? It is worth making the trek through the winding slopes of the neighborhood of Santa Teresa for a visit to the "Bar do Mineiro."
6. Posto 7 (Arpoador)
Av Francisco Bhering, posto 7Arpoador is the best water for swimming and is also a meeting place for surfers. If you go to the beach during the day, rent a chair and umbrella from one of the beach tents. Also try the foods of street vendors, especially the cheese, that is cooked to order. And if you spend the day on the beach you will see a delightful sunset dipping behind the two hills " Morro Dois Irmãos" (even better, if also sipping a caipirinha in the restaurant "Azul Marinho"!).
7. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Av. Epitácio Pessoa s/nRent a bike and cycle across the Lagoa de Ipanema, admiring the Corcovado (the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world) and feeling the mountains and nature flowing and mixing with the city.
