Rio Trip

The JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is a luxury property situated in the heart of Copacabana overlooking the beach, approximately nine miles from Rio De Janeiro Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. Local attractions include Sugarloaf, International Primitive Museum, Tijuca Forest, and Maracana Soccer Stadium.Hotel amenities include concierge, business center, safe deposit box, complimentary shoeshine, free newspapers, and onsite parking (fee). Guests may also enjoy the outdoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, and jogging trail. Onsite drinks and dining are available at the lobby lounge, the terraneo bar, the terraneo restaurant, and the terraneo sushi bar.Guest rooms feature hairdryers, bathrobes, toiletries, dual-line telephones, voicemail, air conditioning, AM/FM alarm clock radios, coffeemakers, individual climate controls, in-room safes, satellite/cable TV, and minibars.

Protected by the widespread arms of the huge Christ the Redeemer statue perched over the city, Rio de Janeiro is known for its beautiful people, beautiful beaches, good dance moves, even better soccer team and thumping carnival.

Copacabana and Ipanema are, by far, the most famous beaches. Those attracted by the much-celebrated  love of Brazilian beauties for minuscule bikinis should note that while itsy-bitsy doesn’t begin to cover it, actually going topless is illegal in Brazil.

Unfortunately, Rio is also known for its gang-riddled slums, or favellas. Obviously, travelers should avoid risky areas and use common sense to stay safe. If you do so, your trip to Rio is likely to be eventful only in the best sense of the term. So book a ticket for the two weeks of carnival, pack your sun block and smallest swimwear, and get ready to get your samba on.

One of the best national names in clothing, Alice Tapajós offers the woman of the 21st century elegant options for all occasions, be it a light suit for daytime or an astonishing evening gown. The stylish, well-cut jackets and exclusive shoes are a must. You can find her special collections at the exclusive São Conrado Fashion Mall and in Ipanema.

This Polish restaurant offers dishes that are made with sharp spices and sophisticated taste. The restaurant is simply decorated, with photos of Polish cities hanging on the wall and food that is reminiscent of the meals prepared by Polish grandmothers in the "old days". Some of the house specialties include the beet soup and Stroganoff, the Tenderloin of Pig served with Purple Cabbage, and meatballs made with wheat Saracen and fish. But save room, as the best of the specialties is the dessert. The Chocolate Souffle is an utter delight that must not be overlooked. - Agnes Guimarães

This cultural centre, Brazil's first neo-classical building, was built in 1820. Designed by French architect Grandjean de Montigny, it started as an indoor market. Today, it is home to different exhibitions reflecting the cultural relationship between France and Brazil, through exhibits that include painting, photography, prints and sculpture. Entry is free. There is also a restaurant on the premises.

Isn't it great to go to a restaurant where the owners actually work? Such is Alho e Óleo, cared for by its owners who work to create a nice environment and offer great service. The pasta is freshly made in-house, and is strongly recommended. And so is the octopus in tomato sauce and the fish farfalle with artichoke hearts. From Monday to Thursday, there is a special lunch menu for a fixed price. Pleasant atmosphere, with air-conditioning.

At 2230 feet, this hunchback mountain with is where the Christ Redeemer statue stands with outstretched arms. At night, the 100 foot, 1,000 ton statue seems to float as if it were a guardian angel for the city. Of course it will be crowded with many tourists, but, nothing has prepared you for the view you will witness. Stand with the statue at your back, and to your left is the soccer temple Maracanã and the northern districts. Straight ahead in the distance is Niterói with its snaky bridge and Rio's other must see, the hump of the Sugar Loaf. To the right is the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in the foreground, and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches further out. The trip takes around 20 minutes.

This restaurant is elegant, without excessive formalism. It is appreciated by the carioca high society and especially by middle-aged couples. The decor is typically Portuguese, with authentic antique furniture and an antiques dealer on the mezzanine. Some of the house hits are codfish à lagareira—whole pieces baked in olive oil with onions and garlic, broccoli and black olives—and duck rice. The desserts made from eggs and sugar are typically Portuguese.

The most famous beach in the world, Copacabana has lost little of its mystique and charm over the years. Positioned in a wonderfully rich setting with a backdrop of sharp rising hills and a concrete jungle, this is the best place to feel the carioca spirit. Sit at one of the many restaurants along the beachfront to enjoy a batida or caipirinha, or take a stroll on the famous and often imitated Burle Marx designed sidewalks. In summertime, go early, as it may be hard to find a spot on the sand. Also, take note that the currents are deceptively strong. A perfect place to eat, drink, relax and people watch.

As its name suggests, Bar da Praia enjoys a wonderful beachfront location in the well-heeled neighborhood of Leblon. Serving tasty, albeit pricey, Japanese cuisine as well as traditional Brazilian petiscos (bar snacks), this is the perfect spot to start an evening out in Leblon. The informal atmosphere attracts a young, lively crowd, and the caipivodkas (vodka with lime, ice and sugar), are well-prepared and enduringly popular. Head here on a Friday or Saturday night to see Rio's trendy young things at play, or during the week for a relaxed pre-dinner cocktail. - Lucy Bryson

This store, traditional in the city center and opened recently in Ipanema, is a must for book and jazz music lovers. It sells mostly imported books on photography, cinema and the arts in general, but you will find a nice selection of all subjects, and bestsellers too. It also sells CDs and calendars. Browsing here is a delight, with jazz music playing in the background, and a small café in the mezzanine where you can eat snacks while paging your newly acquired books.

The Champion of Happy Hour Special Edition Eating & Drinking—Boteco Casual, is the right place to be for casual dining. Sink your teeth into the delicious buffalo ribs, fried potatoes and Portuguese beast pots for they are truly delicious. For desserts, try out the cookies, the cheese cake and the pastels. Complement your grand meal with a chilled drink or two. To avail the best Happy Hour meals and get value for your money, look no further than Boteco Casual!