Subscribe to our Travel updates and receive a daily email with the latest news in the industry. Fall in love with the captivating allure of Rio de Janeiro, a city that holds a special place in my heart. Born and raised in Paris, I have a strong connection to Rio as my mother is Brazilian. Growing up, we would frequently visit my grandmother, and the thought of raising my children in such a vibrant and beautiful city led me to make the move a few years ago. Rio offers a breathtaking blend of stunning beaches and majestic mountains. Whether you prefer hiking up Vista Chinesa to witness the magical sunrise, exploring the jungle and discovering mesmerizing waterfalls, or simply spending a relaxing day at the beach, Rio has it all within reach of the city center.
I am lucky to reside in a charming neighborhood called Arpoador, situated at the very beginning of Ipanema beach. Stepping outside my house, I am immediately greeted by the warm sand. Every morning, I take my two-year-old on a delightful stroll along the coastline. It’s a unique experience for him since he’s used to our apartment life in Paris.
The local cuisine in Rio is a comforting delight, featuring simple dishes made with exceptional ingredients. The locals are incredibly generous in their cooking. Brazil’s fertile land allows for rapid growth, resulting in an astonishing range of produce. It feels like I discover a new type of fruit every day. One restaurant close to my heart is Sud, O Pássaro Verde, meaning “the green bird,” led by renowned chef Roberta Sudbrack, who previously worked for a former Brazilian president. Another favorite of mine is Tacacá do Norte, a humble eatery where you can enjoy northern Brazilian specialties. I highly recommend trying the pastel de caranguejo, a scrumptious fried bread stuffed with crab and dipped in spicy oil. Additionally, for meat lovers, Malta Beef Club is a fantastic restaurant renowned for its quality.
Indulging in açaí, a delicacy made from berries grown in northern Brazil, is one of my absolute pleasures. In Rio, they blend it with sugar, banana, and various other ingredients, resulting in a sorbet-like texture. Açaí is packed with antioxidants and is commonly eaten in the morning with granola. My go-to spot for the best açaí bowls in Rio is Asa Açaí, named after the Botanical Gardens.
Although Rio may not possess the same economic power as it once did when it was the capital, it remains profoundly rich in culture. The city’s slower pace of life attracts numerous artists. Santa Teresa, a neighborhood known for its creative community, is home to Getúlio Damado, an established artist who has resided there for almost five decades. His unique artwork originates from recycled neighborhood waste. I still remember seeing his exhibition in London, where his pieces fetched astounding prices.
Rio is adorned with mosaics and gardens created by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, who significantly impacted the city’s aesthetic. His transformative work turned pavements into masterpieces. I love visiting his meticulously developed house, now a UNESCO heritage site, as well as the Museum of Modern Art, which he contributed to. The new Museu do Amanhã, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is another must-visit destination. Lastly, the Instituto Moreira Salles boasts an impressive photography collection that I always enjoy exploring.
Rio remains the carnival capital, shutting down the whole city before Lent each year. The parades, a spirited competition among different schools, showcase extravagant costumes and performances. Block parties in various neighborhoods offer a diverse range of music, from traditional Carnival beats to modern electronic tunes. It’s an exhilarating and somewhat wild experience, especially coming from a city like Paris.
Brazil’s culture is incredibly robust, encompassing film, music, culinary delights, and nature. It’s like immersing yourself in an entirely different ecosystem. Perhaps due to its relative isolation and large population, Brazil has managed to cultivate unique specialties and attributes. Even though I have been coming here all my life, I still feel like there is so much more to explore and experience in this captivating country.
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