Rio de Janeiro: see the New York Times itinerary in the city – 03/04/2023 – Tourism

What would you do if you only had 36 hours to enjoy Rio de Janeiro?

Even without a lot of time, with good doses of energy, it is possible to enjoy some tours and places that summarize the experience of living in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. This is the proposal of the Carioca itinerary published this week by The New York Times, which mixes natural attractions of the city, such as Arpoador and Morro Dois Irmãos, with bars, restaurants and shops outside the tourist circuit of the beaches in the south zone.

Compiled by reporter Jack Nicas, who has lived in Rio since 2021, the itinerary begins with a tip that is as common as it is valid: the famous sunset at Pedra do Arpoador, the most iconic landscape in Rio.

Afterwards, the tip is to head to Bafo da Prainha, a large square with tables on the sidewalk, cold beer and good options for traditional food. Once well fed, samba “is just around the corner”, in the traditional Pedra do Sal.

If you don’t give up investing in souvenirs, the American journalist recommends SEBRAE’s Centro de Referência do Artesanato Brasileiro, in Praça Tiradentes, “possibly the best place in town to buy exclusive and quality gifts”.

On Saturdays, the reporter also recommends taking a walk at the traditional Feira do Lavradio, in Lapa, noting that it is possible to find antiques and handicrafts there “in two carioca styles: relaxed and relaxed, or noisy and full of colors”.

Still in the center, the itinerary suggests a visit to a “jewel of brutalist architecture from the 70s”, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio and, right next door, take the tram that goes up through Arcos da Lapa to Santa Tereza.

On the tour there, Nicas highlights the Favela Hype shop/cafe/bar, the Vinil do Mustafa record store, the LGBTIA+-friendly Novo Oeste hamburger bar and the cod fritters at Bar do Gomes.

Back at sea level, in Botafogo, the recommendation is to try the gourmet version of Rio’s traditional pé-sujo bars, such as “pé-limpo” Chanchada, which serves pork rinds, shredded roast beef, shrimp pastel, eggplant à la milanesa and a wide variety of beats.

The already renowned Quartinho is a great option for those who enjoy cocktails and, if the night calls for a little more music and flirting, the “basic and artsy” Calma, with a good lineup of DJs and drinks at honest prices, is the destination. right.

Closing the 36-hour round trip in Rio, the American journalist suggests a ‘ride’ that doesn’t disappoint even the most cariocas: the Morro Dois Irmãos trail, which begins with a motorcycle taxi ride through the narrow alleys of Vidigal.

Then, a relatively short trail (less than 3 km round trip), but quite steep (it’s 200 meters uphill) challenges physical conditioning — but nothing impeding for those who have already beaten so much leg through Rio. “The payoff is worth it,” writes the reporter. “Brazil’s largest favela, Rocinha, is on the left. And then, at the peak, a breathtaking view of Rio’s most famous sights.”