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Rio de Janeiro is an extraordinary place! It’s not surprising that millions of tourists travel to this Brazilian city each year given its famous beaches, iconic mountains, and vibrant culture. There are plenty of things to see and do in Rio whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer. However, Rio can also be expensive!
In order to help you get the most out of your vacation, we’ll be giving advice on how to enjoy Rio de Janeiro on a budget. We will discuss the history of Rio de Janeiro, things to do and see, cuisine, where to stay, and tips for visiting.
Table of Contents
Where is Rio de Janeiro?
What does Rio de Janeiro mean in English?
Rio de Janeiro translates to January River in English. It was named by Portuguese explorers who arrived in January, 1502, and mistakenly believed that the Guanabare Bay was a river.
Rio de Janeiro's Claim to Fame
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its incredible scenery, cultural diversity, and lively atmosphere. It is one of the most famous cities in the world thanks to its Carnaval celebration and Christ the Redeemer statue, which is perched atop Corcovado Mountain. One of the largest cities in the Americas, Rio has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Copacabana and Ipanema are just two of the city’s world-famous beaches, which draw millions of tourists each year. Rio de Janeiro is also famous for its stunning environment as well as its diverse cultural legacy, which includes indigenous, African, and European elements in its architecture, music, and cuisine. This city has been around since the 16th century, and has something to offer everyone!
What to Do in Rio de Janeiro on a Budget
While there is plenty to see and do in Rio de Janeiro, here are our recommended top 5!
1. Take a Cable Car Up to Sugarloaf Mountain
I’m no fan of heights, but this is something that I could not miss while visiting Rio de Janeiro. Sugarloaf Mountain is only accessible via cable car. Once you get to the top, you will be treated with panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. The view of the city is even better during sunset.
Tip: If you are a student, you will get a reduced fare for the cable car. Be sure to inform the ticket vendors. I showed them a photo of my student ID from the United States and they accepted it.
2. Visit Copacabana Beach
This is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beaches. The water is beautiful, but the waves can be rough. Walking along the beach, you will see thousands of people playing soccer or just juggling their soccer ball with their feet. If soccer is your thing, you will find plenty of people to play with. There are also tons of free fitness stations along the beach if you want to work out without having to pay for a gym.
I really enjoyed walking along Avenida Atlantica near Copacabana Beach at night. There were tons of food vendors, entertainers, and even people selling mixed drinks along the sidewalk. I would avoid walking out onto the sand at night for safety reasons.
3. See the Christ the Redeemer Statue
This nearly 100-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ is one of Brazil’s most famous landmarks. Located on top of Corcovado Mountain, this giant statue can be seen from across Rio de Janeiro. The most common way to get up to the base of the statue and enjoy the panoramic views of the city is by taking a train.
Check out this guide about visiting Christ the Redeemer.
4. Visit the Jardim Botânico
Rio’s Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) is another beautiful location to visit. This garden contains over 8,000 plant species, and is a great place to relax after a busy day of exploring the hectic city. Check out this guide on visiting the botanical garden.
5. Walk Around Parque Lage
Parque Lage is a public park located between near the Jardim Botânico. Not only is it a great place to enjoy a nature walk, it also has an impressive historic mansion. This building has been converted into a School of Visual Arts and is open to the public. There is even a cafe inside to help you relax after exploring the park.
You can sit by the pool while enjoying the view of the Christ the Redeemer statue in the distance!
Cuisine of Rio de Janeiro
The cuisine of Rio de Janeiro is a diverse mixture of traditional and international flavors. Here are the top 3 foods you should try!
Churrasco
Churrasco is a popular Brazilian dish consisting of various barbecued meats, sausages, and chicken. After being cooked over an open flame, it is served with rice, beans, and vegetables. This is a popular food choice for celebrations.
Learn more about churrasco in Rio de Janeiro here.
Feijoada
Feijoada is another traditional food in Rio de Janeiro that you should try. It is a stew made of sausage, black beans, and different types of meat. Feijoada is often served alongside rice, sausage, and vegetables. This is considered a national dish, but it varies between each region of Brazil.
Learn more about feijoada in Rio de Janeiro here.
Açaí
Another staple food in Rio de Janeiro is açaí. Now considered a superfood around the world, this berry has been cultivated in Brazil for centuries. The purple açaí berry is blended and mixed with sugar and ice to create something resembling frozen yogurt or a smoothie. Different ingredients, such as chocolate or fresh fruit, can be added as well.
Check out the best açaí spots in Rio de Janeiro here.
Tips for Visiting Rio de Janeiro on a Budget
Before your trip to Rio de Janeiro on a budget, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Keep Your Eyes Open
Rio de Janeiro is generally a safe place to visit as long as you maintain awareness of your surroundings. However, some neighborhoods are dangerous, especially as you move further north away from the beaches. I would recommend not going to the beach at night, and definitely do not visit the favelas. Some companies may offer a guided tour of different favelas, but they won’t be able to guarantee your safety.
2. Use Public Transportation
Rio de Janeiro is a huge city, and it is spread out over the distance of more than a million square kilometers! The subway is a great option for moving between the major attractions in the city. You’ll save much more money compared to using Uber or taking taxis around the city.
Check out this guide for more information on navigating Rio’s public transportation.
3. Download Google Translate or a Similar App
I’d recommend learning some Portuguese before you visit. However, if you do not know Portuguese, having one of these apps will help you out a lot. You’ll be able to translate menus at restaurants, ask people questions, etc.
This is essential because it will help you avoid some of the tourist traps that charge you more money for service in English.
4. Choose the Right Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro
The high season for tourism is from December to March, and especially during Carnaval. During this time, the nightlife will be better, but everything will generally be more expensive.
There will be much less tourism from June to September. If you want a more relaxing trip, this would be the best time. It will also be much cheaper to visit Rio de Janeiro during this time.
5. Bring Good Walking Shoes.
Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city. It is also very hilly, and some streets are extremely steep. You don’t want to go out in flip flops if you are not familiar with where you are going.
Having good walking shoes can make your trip much more enjoyable and possibly prevent injury.
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
Neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro
There are a few different neighborhoods worth staying in while visiting Rio de Janeiro. If you want a centralized location where everyone goes to party, you can choose Copacabana. For a more luxurious experience, check out Ipanema. Lapa is another popular neighborhood for budget travelers.
Check out this guide for more information on Rio de Janeiro’s neighborhoods.
Recommended Hostels in Rio de Janeiro
If you are resourceful and use different apps (Hostelworld, Airbnb, Dorms.com), you can find hostels to stay in for $10-15 USD/night. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in a the Che Lagarto Hostel, about a 10-minute walk from Copacabana Beach for $9.35/night.
The Ipanema Club Hostel is a popular hostel near Ipanema Beach. Make sure you plan in advance and keep an eye on the prices.
Recommended Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
There are several options for hotels near the beach that are worth staying at. The Hotel Astoria Copacabana is a great option for staying right on the beach. The Royal Rio Palace Hotel is a couple of blocks from the beach, so it is a cheaper option.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
