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Romantic Weekend in RIo

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Gorgeous sunsets, sea breezes, beautiful beaches and unbeatable views - Rio has to be one of the best cities in the world to spend a romantic weekend. Whether you've got cash to splash on a decadent break or need to find romance on a shoestring, our guide gives insider tips on where to stay, visit, eat and drink during your romantic getaway.

Author: Lucy

Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro

If you have the budget for it, there’s no doubting that Copacabana Place is the best place to bring your loved one for a weekend away. If you’re looking to impress, then the decadance and elegance of this legendary hotel is a surefire way to do it! For extra indulgence, book a suite, or at least ask for a front-facing room, as some of the back rooms have unfortunate views over the less-than-romantic back streets of Copacabana. If your budget it is a little more limited, your lucky lover is bound to fall for the beach-view charms of Sol Ipanema, a good-value beach front hotel right at the heart of upscale Ipanema. Once you’re settled, head out to the sands at Copacabana or Ipanema beaches, and catch some sun and sea before grabbing a bite to eat at a beach-front kiosk, or splash out on lunch and a cocktail by the pool at Pergula, Copacabana Palace’s chic bar/restaurant (open to non-guests). After lunch, take a cab or bus ride to Cosmo Velho, and make the ascent up to the legendary Christo Redentor statue. While it’s possible to do this by taxi, riding the old funicular up to the mountain top is far more scenic – and romantic. Once at the top, the views will take your breath away – if you’re looking for a perfect place to pop the question, this could be your moment! Once back in Copacabana or Ipanema, enjoy a caipirinha (cocktail made with ice, lime, sugar and sugar cane rum) by the sands before heading out for dinner. One of Rio’s most intimate and romantic spots is Carame Bistro. Make sure you have made reservations in advance, as this small spot fills up quickly. After dinner, take a bus or taxi ride to the lively district of Lapa – avoid the street party, which is something of a meeting point for singles, and head instead for samba dancing and live music at legendary dance spot Rio Scenarium.

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Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel

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Avenida Vieira Souto 320 Ipanema
Ipanema
22420-000 Rio de Janeiro, BR

Phone:

21-5252020

Copacabana Palace

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Avenida Atlantica 1702
Copacabana
22021-001 Rio de Janeiro, BR

Phone:

+55 21 2548 7070 / +55 21 2545 8705

Copacabana Beach

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Avenida Atlantica and Xavier da Silveira
22010-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2542 8080

Cruise and Seafood Lunch in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer Statue

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Rua Cosme Velho 513
22241-090 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 558 1329

Rio Scenarium

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Rua do Lauradio, 20
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 3147 9005

Carême

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Rua Visconde de Caravelas, 113
Botafogo
22271-030 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 25372374

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro

As Rio’s historic downtown is dangerously deserted on Sundays, head here on Saturday morning to get to know Rio beyond the beaches. Head for the beautiful Confeitaria Colombo for coffee and a snack or – if budget allows – the full on breakfast or afternoon tea spread. Once you’ve absorbed the opulence of the place, spend an hour or so browsing the shops before heading for the estacao de bonde – the boarding point for the rustic old tram bonde) that winds up the hill into beautiful Santa Teresa. For just 60 centavos, this memorable ride aboard the rickety old street car has to be Rio’s best value tourist attraction. You’ll rattle across the famous Arcos do Lapa (Lapa aqueduct) and up steep cobbled streets, past crumbling mansion houses and artists’ studios. Jump off at the Curvelo stop and take in the marvellous view over the city from Parque das Ruinas (entrance is free) before spending the afternoon browsing the arts, crafts and vintage clothes shops of this beautiful, bohemian hillside neighbouthood. The most romantic place to dine in Santa Teresa is Aprazivel – a French/Brazilian restaurant with outdoor seating in a gorgeous tropical garden with spectacular views. You’ll need reservations – and possibly a credit card! Reservations aren’t necessary down the hill at Espirito Santa, however, where you can take a seat on the patio and enjoy excellent Brazilian cuisine and pretty views at prices that won’t break the bank. After dinner, take a drink in one of Santa Teresa’s many bustling bars, before heading down the hill to Lapa, for another night’s dancing, this time at Carioca da Gema. Don’t worry if you have two left feet, it’s fine just to sit back with a drink and enjoy the live music.

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Aprazível

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Rua Aprazível, 62
Santa Teresa
2508-9174 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 2508 9174

Confeitaria Colombo

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Rua Gonçalves Dias, 32
Centro
20071-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 22322300

Bonde de Santa Teresa

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Rua Professor Lélio Gama, 65
Centro
20031-080 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 222 1003 / +55 21 242 2354

Santa Teresa

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Ladeira de Santa Teresa
20241-140 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Espirito Santa

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Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 264
Santa Teresa
20241-260 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 2508 7095

Carioca da Gema

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79 Rua Mem De Sa
Lapa
24220-261 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 2221 0043

Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf)

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Praia Vermelha
Urca
22290-270 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2461 2700

Bar e Restaurante Urca

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Rua Candido Gafree 205, Urca
22291-080 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 2295 8744

Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro

With Rio’s beachfront roads closed to traffic on Sundays, a romantic morning stroll along the beach is on the cards today. Stop for a cooling coconut water (drunk straight from the coconut, through a straw), before taking a bus up to the pretty Jardim Botanico neighbourhood. Here you’ll find the city’s beautiful, shady botanical gardens – perfect for a relaxing Sunday stroll. Enjoy a bite to eat at the café by the entrance, before heading up the road to Lagoa de Freitas, the vast city lake. Here, you can rent a tandem bike or pedal boat, before enjoying a romantic drink by the lake. There are many excellent bar/restaurants here, all very romantic spots at sunset and after dark. For an indulgent end to the day, book a rooftop table at Mr Lam, the upmarket Chinese restaurant in Jardim Botanico. Weather permitting, the roof is lifted off the restaurant at night, allowing dining beneath the stars – and beneath the embrace of the Christo Redentor.

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