Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Granted, my first impression of Rio de Janeiro was a bit intimidating. Similar to Sao Paulo, the way to the Rio de Janeiro bus terminal led past an endless sea of houses traffic and slums (favelas). I feared that what laid ahead would be an over-bearing experience. Fortunately, first impressions can be very deceiving.

We found a super laid back hostel with great location (4 blocks from the beach) in Ipanema (one of the safer and more upscale neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro). I immediately felt comfortable at the hostel and would do so during my entire stay (our private room at the hostel beat sharing a dormitory with 8 snoring guys, breakfast was open end, no ckeck out time and a very chilled out vibe).

We had planned well because we arrived in Rio de Janeiro on a Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. The nightlife in Rio de Janeiro is spectacular and unlike other cities is available to everybody (not just the rich able to afford a 20USD cover charge). Rio’s nights feature fun street parties almost on a daily basis. During the other nights there are public concerts, beach parties or dances free to the public. One could easily go out every night without entering into a single establishment. Then of course there are innumerable bars, lounges, night club and discos.

But the days in Rio de Janeiro are fun as well. For starters the city is wrapped by endless beaches filled by sunbathers, beach volleyball, football, runners, swimmers and omnipresent venders.

Rio de Janeiro’s many stunning rock hills peaking into the sky not only make for easy landmarks but offer spectacular views over the entire bay. The two most famous hills are Corcovado (710 meters elevation) and Sugarloaf (400 meters elevation).

Rio’s population is as diverse and colorful as its various neighborhoods (Ipanema, Copacobana, Lapa, Flamenco, Centro, Santa Teresa, Botafogo etc.). Best explored walking each part will give you a very distinct impression the city.

Definitely the best aspect about Rio de Janeiro is its people: fun loving, open, friendly, helpful, easy going, singing & dancing and seemingly always in a good mood.