For soccer fanatics there is no greater pilgrimage than heading to the sunny shores of Brazil this summer. If you’re planning to enjoy World Cup 2014 in Rio de Janeiro amid feverish excitement, sporting highs and lows and the glorious beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, here are some invaluable tips to ensure your dream trip runs smoothly. Pra caramba!
Quality over quantity
Don’t be fooled, Brazil is a gigantic country. Schlepping from Rio to the north coast would take at least a day’s travel (and that’s without any delays). So plan your itinerary wisely and don’t be overly ambitious. Instead, pick a few key games to see locally and then spend the rest of the time getting acquainted with one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world.
Pack smart
It is going to be sweltering; you will sweat profusely, so pack accordingly. By all means make sure you have a bathing suit in every colour, but don’t forget the basics – like a good summer hat, some cool shades and the all-important SPF 30 sunscreen. After all, no one wants to look like a lobster before sun down on day one, right? Practical footwear will be your best friend – yes, this may be home to Havaianas flip flops, but unless you want to resemble Big Foot after your feet have been trampled for the zillionth time, opt for a good pair of comfy sneakers.
Befriend the locals
Look for local recommendations and seek out good bars where you can chat about the soccer, sample some feijoada (the national dish) and wash it all down with an ice-cold cerveja. We’ve heard through the grapevine that Azul Morinho in Ipanema is a great spot that sits right on the beach and remains a big hit with the locals, and Bracarense, situated in the upmarket neighbourhood of Leblon is a local favourite. Head off the tourist trail for a taste of the real Rio.
Look up local travel options ahead of time
Stay one step ahead of the masses and plan transport routes ahead of time. Learn about local subway and bus routes that run to the Maracana stadium and town centres so when you arrive you’ll be able to navigate the city like a pro.
Learn some local customs
Time to brush up on your Portuguese: Useful phrases like “please,” “thank you” and “how much” can go a long way during your stay and endear you to the locals who will probably have been approached a million times by tourists asking for help or directions in English or Spanglish.
Explore the city
Rio has an abundance of remarkable things to see and do – from checking out the spectacular views from the heights of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue to taking a gritty guided tour around the favelas of Santa Teresa. Or, simply revel in the fantastic nightlife, head to a club to practice your best Samba moves and sip on a delicious Caipirinha cocktail.
Featured image: © Tongro Images/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
