Rio De Janeiro
“It is not the right angle that attracts me, nor the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man. What attracts me is the free and sensual curve — the curve that I find in the mountains of my country, in the sinuous course of its rivers, in the body of the beloved women” - Oscar Niemeyer
UNESCO has named Rio as its first World Capital of Architecture for 2020, and for good reason. Rio is one of our favorite cities for design: from the pseudo-extraterrestrial Museum of Contemporary Art in Niterói, designed by the late Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer (the striking modernist building also served as the stage for Louis Vuitton’s Resort 2017 show) to his impressive Niterói Contemporary Art Museum to the undulating curves of its Burle Marx designed sidewalks. Some of our favorite current Brazilian architects working today include Isay Weinfeld, who has been tapped to design Chef Daniel Boulud’s new restaurant in One Vanderbilt in New York City, as well as his student Felipe Hess, and designers including the Campana Brothers.
STAY
HOTEL EMÍLIANO RIO A walnut Noguchi table greets you upon entering this understand hotel off the Avenue Atlântico in Copacabana. Elements of high design continue throughout the hotel, including the restaurant which features “Lampião” chairs design ed by Arthur Casas, and launched during Salone Del Mobile in Milano. Biophilic vertical garden walls envelop the restaurant, successfully bringing the outside in. Escape to the rooftop infinity pool for unparalleled views. Av. Atlântica, 3804 - Copacabana; emiliano.com.br
HOTEL FASANO RIO Designed inside and out by Philippe Starck, Fasano incorporates ironwood from northern Brazil, white marble from Greece, onyx from China, and salvaged 19th-century Argentinian bricks. The hotel also includes a restaurant and bar with live music. The defining feature is the rooftop pool with sweeping views over the Burle Marx-designed boardwalk between Arpoador and Ipanema Beach and on to the Dois Irmãos Mountains. Av. Vieira Souto, 80 - Ipanema; fasano.com.br
COPACABANA PALACE, A BELMOND HOTEL Perhaps the best place to savor a caipirinha poolside and watch the sun descend over Copacabana Beach before heading to Restaurant Mee for dinner. This Art Deco Grande Dame was inspired by Côte d’Azur hotels, built by Joseph Gire in 1910, with a refurbishing by Michel Jouannet. It also had a starring role in the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film, Flying Down to Rio. Av. Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana; belmond.com
SANTA THERESA HOTEL RJ- M GALLERY In the heart of the hills of bohemian Santa Teresa, this restored plantation house is surrounded by an exotic garden teeming with colorful flowers, with a contemporary design courtesy of Studio Vitty and Sergio Rodrigues with custom-made pieces from local ateliers that complement traditional craft items sourced from indigenous peoples. We especially love the rooftop pool and bar at twilight. The sounds of samba drift up from the street and one can’t help but feel the rhythm of the night. R. Alm. Alexandrino, 660 - Santa Teresa; santateresahotelrio.com
JANEIRO HOTEL Our favorite new hotel in Leblon by Osklen fashion designer Oscar Metsavaht with circular windows overlooking the Cagarras Islands from the restaurant and rooftop pool. Av. Delfim Moreira, 696 - Leblon; janeirohotel.rio
ARPOADOR HOTEL As the name implies, Arpoador is situated between Ipanema and Copacabana. Enjoy drinks and dinner at the beach bar and restaurant, Arp. R. Francisco Otaviano, 177 - Ipanema; hotelarpoador.com
HOTEL NACIONAL Recently re-opened, this hotel was designed by Famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Hard to miss, it is set in a 34-story cylindrical glass tower with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary furnishings. Calle 21 y O, Vedado, Plaza La Habana; hotelnacionaldecuba.com
MAMA RUISA The so-called Sintra of Rio, this delightful boutique hotel in the hills of Santa Theresa is run by Jean Michel Ruis in a high-ceilinged 1871 mansion overlooking Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. The eclectic design reflects Ruis’s worldly sensibilities, bringing together Jean Cocteau drawings, Marimekko prints, Belle Époque china, and Madeleine Castaing fabrics with vintage furniture, historic maps, and contemporary artworks from Santa Teresa. Each of the seven rooms is uniquely decorated around a different theme- our personal favorite is The Carmen Miranda Suite, a colorful tribute to the Brazilian beauty. R. Santa Cristina, 132 - Santa Teresa; mamaruisa.com
LA SUITE BY DUSSOL Situated next to Barra da Tijuca, this intimate property with a rooftop helipad attracts a discreet clientele drawn to the tranquillity of its greenery, ocean vistas, and infinity pool. The 1968 residence, originally designed by José Zanine Caldas, was updated recently… and we especially love that each suite is named after the color of the marble used in the bathtubs. R. Jackson de Figueiredo, 501; bydussol.com
DINE | DRINK
APRAZÍVEL Book a table at sunset and thank us later. Brazilian cuisine & cachaça are produced in this country home setting with gardens and views of Rio from the hilltops of Santa Theresa. R. Aprazível, 62 - Santa Teresa; aprazivel.com.br
SUSHI LEBLON A Leblon staple for over ten years, serving creative, contemporary Japanese dishes in a cozy setting complete with a veranda and an aquarium. Rua Dias Ferreira, 256 - Leblon; sushileblon.com
OLYMPE An upscale French restaurant by Chef Claude Troisgros who carries on the torch of nouvelle cuisine that his father Pierre helped ignite, marrying French techniques with Brazilian ingredients at his restaurant at the foot of Corcovado Mountain. R. Custódio Serrão, 62, Lagoa
OTEQUE After running acclaimed restaurant Epice in São Paulo, Alberto Landgraf moved to Rio de Janeiro and opened the two Michelin star Oteque, complete with modern décor and an open kitchen serving an eight-course menu featuring local produce. Rua Conde de Irajá, 581 - Botafogo; oteque.com
CONFEITARIA COLOMBO Resplendent in historic Art Nouveau decor in the city center- complete with French stained glass, brocaded Belgian mirrors, and Portuguese tiles. Order a cafézinho and a brigadeiro and soak in the splendor. A smaller location can be found in the Forte de Copacabana. confeitariacolombo.com.br
VERO GELATO A popular spot in Ipanema for gelato using all-natural ingredients. We recommend the Maracuja flavor! R. Visc. de Pirajá, 229 - Ipanema
BAR E RESTAURANTE URCA Order a caipi and bowl of moqueca with a side of bolinho de bacalhau and take a seat on the cobbled wall of the boardwalk. Cheer on the teenagers playing futebol on the beach. Founded in 1989, Bar da Urca became one of the greatest gastronomical and outing references in Rio de Janeiro. Based on the Portuguese gastronomy, the bar is wonderfully located on the banks of Baia de Guanabara, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. From there you can see the Cristo Redentor and the entrance of Forte Sao Joao. 205 Loja - R. Cândido Gaffrée - Urca; barurca.com.br
BARETTO-LONDRA A cozy English pub in the back of the Fasano Hotel with live music in the evening. Av. Vieira Souto, 80 - Ipanema; fasano.com.br
EMILE RESTAURANT An upscale Italian restaurant in the Hotel Emiliano featuring “Lampião” chairs designed by Arthur Casas and a vertical living garden wall. Av. Atlântica, 3804 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro; emiliano.com.br
RIO SCENARIUM The place for live samba music in the trendy Lapa district. R. do Lavradio, 20 - Centro; rioscenarium.com.br
LASAI A Basque-inspired modern restaurant in Botafogo by Chef Rafa Costa e Silv Rafa Costa e Silva (formerly of the Michelin-starred Mugaritz in Spain). Largo dos Leões, 35 - Humaitá; lasai.com.br
BAR DO MINEIRO The cure for indulging in one too many caipirinhas is a hearty bowl of feijoada (a meat and bean stew) served on Sundays at this Santa Theresa staple. Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99 - Santa Teresa; bardomineiro.net
BIRA DE GUARATIBA RESTAURANTE Forty minutes down the coast in Barra de Guaratiba, dine amidst the trees under the thatched-roof of this seafood restaurant with a view. Estr. da Vendinha, 68 - Barra de Guaratiba; restaurantedobira.com.b
ACADEMIA DA CACHACA Take your pick from more than 80 types of cachaça at this Leblon landmark. Rua Conde de Bernadotte, 26 - Leblon; academiadacachaca.com.br
BAR BUKOWSKI As the name suggests, the renegade spirit of its namesake novelist lives on at this raucous Rio bar in a historic mansion with a garden and vinyl record collection. R. Álvaro Ramos, 270 - Botafogo; barbukowski.com.br
GALERIA CAFE A jewelry store by day and nightclub by night in Ipanema. R. Teixeira de Melo, 31 - E/F - Ipanema; galeriacafe.com.br
CASA DA MATRIZ A ramshackle house turned two-story dance club once owned by the proprietor’s grandparents and filled with arcade games. R. Henrique de Novais, 107 - Botafogo;
CLUBE DOS DEMOCRÁTICOS For a traditional option, this samba bar by the Orquestra Republicanahas been around since 1867- lessons are available. R. Riachuelo, 91 - Lapa; clubedosdemocraticos.com.br
CIRCO VOADOR The Flying Circus is a concert venue and bar with a palm-tree-lined terrace in Lapa. R. dos Arcos, s/n - Lapa; circovoador.com.br
CASA DA FEIJOADO Another traditional option to try the famed traditional Brazilian stew on a Sunday afternoon. R. Prudente de Morais, 10B - Ipanema; casadafeijoada.com.br
GURUMÉ A Japanese restaurant designed by Thiago Bernardes with Brazilian teak throughout the dining room. gurume.com.br
BIBI SUCOS A casual chain serving the best acai bowls, fresh juice and coconut water, and delicious sandwiches. bibisucos.com.br/
BAR BRACARENSE A great place to go after the beach in Leblon for bolinho de bacalhau and ice cold beer. R. José Linhares, 85
TALHO CAPIXABA A breakfast spot in Leblon serving artisanal breads and homemade pastries. Av. Ataulfo de Paiva; talhocapixaba.com.br
BAR SOBE A local spot for authentic Brazilian food and cocktails. R. Pacheco Leão, 724
NATURALIE If you need a break from seafood and meat, Naturalie has delicious vegetarian options and natural wines. R. Visc. de Caravelas, 5 - Botafogo
SATYRICON An upscale restaurant offering Italian-Mediterranean seafood, a fish counter & indoor garden. R. Barão da Torre, 192 - Ipanema; satyricon.com.br
GERO Contemporary Italian cuisine in the Fasano Hotel. Av. Vieira Souto, 80 - Ipanema; fasano.com.br/gastronomia/gero-rio
CELEIRO Small cozy restaurant serving salads, handmade breads, soups, cakes, desserts & more. Rua Dias Ferreira, 199 - Leblon; celeiroculinaria.com.br
ZAZA BISTRO TROPICALE A bright mansion with a laid-back & eclectic vibe that serves Moroccan & Asian fare, plus cocktails. R. Joana Angélica, 40 - Ipanema
QUIOSQUE MAIALINA Chef Senra, a Daniel and Bouchon Bakery alum, offers an elevated take on the beach snack, preparing organic seafood and pastas. Avenida do Pepê
BIRA DE GUARATIBA A well-known, casual seafood restaurant with views of the sea, serving fish cooked in clay pots, forty minutes down the coast in Barra de Guaratiba. Dine amidst the trees under the thatched-roof. Estr. da Vendinha, 68 - Barra de Guaratiba; restaurantedobira.com.br
BIP BIP Copacabana’s storefront samba bar where famous local musicians play choro & samba music. R. Alm. Gonçalves, 50 - Loja D - Copacabana
FOSFOBOX A club that spins EDM, rock & roll, pop & hip hop music, with a theater & other forms of art. Rua Siqueira Campos, 143 - loja 22a - Copacabana
ARATACA Authentic, traditional Brazilian food in Copacabana. R. Domingos Ferreira, 41 - Copacabana
AMAZONIA SOUL A small shop that sells local accessories & serves regional cuisine like açaí, tapioca & arapaima in Ipanema. 37 B - Praça general Osório, R. Teixeira de Melo - Ipanema
SUD, O PÁSSARO VERDE Meaning “The green bird” by Chef Roberta Sudbrack, who used to work for a former president of Brazil. R. Visc. de Carandaí, 35 - Jardim Botânica; robertasudbrack.com.br
TACACÁ DO NORTE Perfect place for a post beach snack. Serving specialities from northern Brazil like the pastel de caranguejo (fried bread with crab that you dip into spicy oil). Rua Barão do Flamengo 35 R - Flamengo
MALTA BEEF CLUB As the name suggests, meat is the specialty here. R. Saturnino de Brito, 84 - Lagoa
ASA ACAÍ Best acai bowls in Rio. asaacai.com.br
RESTAURANTE MEE A pan-Asian restaurant located at the iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel. The restaurant is not only famous for its amazing food, but also for its glamour and for its impeccable service. Av. Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana; belmond.com
BROWNIE DO LUIZ Rio's most famous brownie was created by a local surfer and offers a range of flavors. Today, there are two official stores — one in Leblon and another in Laranjeiras — as well as various authorized selling points throughout the city. browniedoluiz.com.
BALADA MIX A healthy restaurant known for its cheerful decor and equally colorful menu of fresh juices and salads. Try the tapioca! baladamixrestaurante.com.br/baladamix
ARTS | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
JARDIM BOTÂNICO Arrive early to avoid the tourists and sit at the poolside cafe of the Parque Lage under the welcoming arms of Cristo Redentor. Originally planted as a royal nursery for nineteenth-century Prince Dom João VI, the gardens’ more than 13,000 species of plants and trees are the backdrop for monkeys, toucans, and other fauna in this verdant paradise. R. Jardim Botânico, 1008 - Jardim Botânico; gov.br/jbrj/pt-br
NITERÓI CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM (MAC) Don’t be deterred by traffic as this sits a bit outside of Rio proper. It is well worth the journey, especially if you can catch the sun setting from this Oscar Niemeyer masterpiece. Mirante da Boa Viagem, s/nº - Boa Viagem; culturaeumdireito.niteroi.rj.gov.br/mac
TEATRO POPULAR DE NITERÓI A performing arts theatre with undulating white and yellow curves and spiral staircases by architect and wunderkind Oscar Niemeyer. In addition to theater, the building is home to a variety of arts programs, from dance to photography as well as workshops and artist residencies. R. Jorn. Rogério Coelho Neto, s/n - Centro
MUSEUS DO BENJAMIN CONSTANT The former residence of politician and military officer Benjamin Constant and contains his original furniture and personal belongings, as well as beautiful gardens overlooking the neighborhood of Santa Teresa. R. Monte Alegre, 255 - Santa Teresa; museucasabenjaminconstant.museus.gov.br
MOSTEIRO DE SÃO BENTO One of the best examples of Brazilian colonial architecture, the Mosteiro de São Bento was completed in 1671 and remains an abbey today. A plan exterior reveals an ornately gilded jewel box of an interior. R. Dom Gerardo, 68 - Centro; mosteirodesaobentorio.org.br
MUSEU DE ARTE MODERNA DO RIO DE JANEIRO The concrete Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro in Flamengo Park was designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy and completed in 1955. The angular external pillars and large windows overlook a garden, designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Parque do Flamengo; mam.rio
PÃO DE AÇÚCAR Sugarloaf Mountain is accessible by cable cars, but we suggest hiking down to see the marmosets peaking out from the trees! Avenida Pasteur 520 Vl Galvao
FORT COPACABANA A military base open to the public, containing the Museu Histórico do Exército and a small outpost of Confeitaria Colombo. Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco
PARQUE DAS RUÍNAS A public park in Santa Theresa with an art gallery and bar built around the ruins of a mansion, and a venue for live outdoor concerts. R. Murtinho Nobre, 169 - Santa Teresa
JOCKEY CLUB One of Brazil’s largest and loveliest racetracks with a great view of the mountains and Corcovado, the Joquei Clube (Jockey Club) seats 35,000, and lies on the Gávea side of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, opposite Praça Santos Dumont. Races are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The big event is the Brazilian Grand Prix (Grande Prêmio Brasil), usually held on the first or second Sunday in June. Praça Santos Dumont, 31. Gávea; jcb.com.br
MUSEU DO AMANHÃ Designed by Spanish neo-futuristic architect Santiago Calatrava, The Museum of Tomorrow is a science museum built on the waterfront at Pier Maua. Praça Mauá, 1 - Centro; museudoamanha.org.br
SÍTIO ROBERTO BURLE MARX The former property of renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx with lush grounds, as expected, and artwork. Estr. Roberto Burle Marx, 2019 - Barra de Guaratiba; sitioburlemarx.org
CRISTO REDENTOR The definitive feature of Rio De Janeiro’s landscape, this Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ was created by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa in collaboration with French engineer Albert Caquot. Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida fashioned the face. Touristy, yes, but a trek up Corcovado mountain is a must-visit for first-timers in Rio. Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista; santuariocristoredentor.com.br
CASA FIRJAN An incredible Beaux-Arts villa from 1910 built by the French architect Joseph Gire, who also designed the Copacabana Palace Hotel. R. Guilhermina Guinle, 211 - Botafogo; casafirjan.com.br
INSTITUTO MOREIRA SALLES Once home to Walter Moreira Salles, a Brazilian banking heir, former ambassador to the United States, and prolific photo collector- the historic site contains only a portion of Salles’s 900,000 images and books. The lush landscaping of the institute alone is worth a visit. R. Marquês de São Vicente, 476 - Gávea; ims.com.br/unidade/rio-de-janeiro
ILHA FISCAL Completed in 1889 by engineer Adolfo del Vecchio, Ilha Fiscal is a neo-Gothic, green palace on Guanabara Bay. Originally built to house port operations, the building is now home to a museum of cultural history overseen by the Brazilian navy. marinha.mil.br/dphdm/ilha-fiscal
IGREJA DE NOSSA SENHORA DA PENHA A Catholic church built atop a cliff in 1728, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Penha offers some of the best views of Rio. If you are after a workout, climbing 382 steps is required to get to the top (or you can take a free tram). Largo da Penha, 19 - Penha; igrejadapenharj.org.br
CASA DE CANOAS Oscar Niemeyer designed Casa das Canoas as a private home for his family from 1951-1965. It features plenty of his signature curved lines and glass walls. Estrada da Canoa, 2310 - São Conrado; oscarniemeyer.org.br/fundacao/locais/casa-das-canoas
CATEDRAL METROPOLITANA DE SÃO SEBASTIÃO Finished in 1979, the Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastiäo is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Rio. A modern interpretation of Mayan pyramids designed by Edgar Fonseca, it features four rectangular stained-glass windows that soar 210 feet from floor to ceiling. A sight to be seen! Av. República do Chile, 245 - Centro; catedral.com.br
CARIOCA AQUEDUCT Near the New Cathedral, the impressive Aqueduct was built to carry fresh water from the Carioca River to the city. Inaugurated in 1750, the aqueduct was deactivated by the end of the 19th century, and though it no longer carries water, it now serves as the Santa Teresa Tramway. Lapa, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, 20031-040, Brazil
ARPOADOR Our preferred place to surf or catch sunrise and sunset in between Ipanema and Copacabana Beach. Prainha Beach between Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Grumari is another great option.
ESCADARIA SELARON Dodge tourists and walk up and down these famous brightly colored steps by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón who claimed it was his “tribute to the Brazilian people." R. Manuel Carneiro - Santa Teresa; prefeitura.rio
BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL The largest library in Latin America (and the seventh-largest in the world). This is one of our favorite places to escape into in Rio- the ornate interiors rival those of the city’s opulent homes and hotels. R. Debret, 23 - Centro; gov.br/bn/pt-br
TIJUCA NATIONAL PARK Thought to be the world’s largest urban forest, Tijuca National Park is an urban national park in the mountains of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The park is part of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Preserve, and is administered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation. Estr. da Cascatinha, 850 - Alto da Boa Vista; parquenacionaldatijuca.rio
PEDRA BONITA A beautiful hiking and running trail.
FABRICA BHERING Once a chocolate factory, and converted by a group of artists into open studios. After touring the workshops of the more than 40 painters, sculptors, and designers now based in the vast space, sit down for some cacao-based confections at its just-opened café, then climb to the roof for an outdoor film hosted by boutique book publisher A Bolha Editora. R. Orestes, 28 - Santo Cristo
PASSEIO DE HELICOPTERO An amazing experience! From the helicopter, you can see the whole city of Rio de Janeiro and, at one point, it flies underneath the Cristo Redentor's arms.
PRAINHA To talk about Rio is to talk about the beach, the sun, smooth sand, the beautiful sea, and a tropical climate. When in Rio, a visit to Prainha is a must — it's one of the beaches on Baixada de Jacarepagua, located between the neighborhoods of Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Grumari. There aren't enough words to describe the local beauty. Prainha is a small beach, being only 150 meters long...but it's the surfers' favorite. It is also considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in town.
MORRO DOIS IRMÃOS HIKING Walking through the trail takes around 30 minutes to the final summit, and the view is completely amazing. From there, you can also see Rio’s other popular attractions, like Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain, and Guanabara Bay. Av. Presidente João Goulart, 857 - Vidigal
SHOP
GRANADO You can't miss a visit to the traditional “Carioca” perfumery, Granado, founded in 1870 by José Antonio Coxito, and visited by Emperor Pedro II. granado.us
OSKLEN Designer Oskar Metsavaht founded the Brazilian fashion brand along with OM.Art Studio. He also serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Estonia in Rio de Janeiro. Recently, the multi-hyphenate designer added Hotelier to his resume with the opening of the stylish Janeiro Hotel in Leblon. osklen.com.br
SCHUTZ A contemporary Brazilian shoe brand with global locations. schutz-shoes.com
ANDREA MARQUES This Brazilian label's flair for ultra-feminine, sleek, sophisticated design includes shapes crafted from flowing fabrics and sensual materials. A palette of vibrant hues punctuated with bold prints and intricate detailing lends the finishing touch to this elegant collection. andreamarques.com
ADRIANA DEGREAS São Paulo-based designer Adriana Degreas launched her eponymous beachwear label in 2001, reinterpreting vintage codes to create an aesthetic that evokes modern femininity and grace. True to the label’s South American roots, the collections draw on the founder’s Brazilian heritage with graphic patterns in vibrant hues, while tortoiseshell buckles and beads bringing a free-spirited, retro mood to shimmering lamé and ruched textures. Expect beautifully cut swimwear and elegant cover-ups in vivid colors and playful prints that echo the energetic atmosphere of Rio’s beaches. adrianadegreas.com
LENNY NIEMEYER No stranger to design, she married Oscar Niemeyer’s nephew, Lenny Niemeyer creates luxury beachwear & swimwear, which hug a woman's curves in all the right places. lennyniemeyer.com.br
FARM RIO You can now step into a Farm Rio boutique in Soho in Manhattan, but the brand was originally born here in Rio. farmrio.com
HAVIANAS Classic Brazilian sandals, worn by everyone with multiple boutiques across Rio. havaianas.com
VIX BY PAULA HERMANNY A Brazilian swimwear and resort brand. vixpaulahermanny.com
ARA VARTANIAN A Brazilian jewelry brand. aravartanian.com
MERCADO MODERNO Vintage Brazilian furniture sourced from the 1940's to the 1970's. R. do Lavradio, 66 - Centro; memobrasil.com
TROPICALIA DISCOS Classic vinyl records of bossa nova and MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) Rua Sorocaba,122 - Botafogo
NK STORE A curated selection of designer fashion labels. Rua Garcia d'Avila, 58 - Ipanema; nkstore.com.br
DONA COISA A multi-brand clothing store. R. Lopes Quintas, 153 - Jardim Botânico
PATRICIA VIERA Brazilian fashion designer and Rio de Janeiro-based leather industry owner Patricia Viera's innovative designs have won her a loyal following in Brazil. Rua Dias Ferreira 417, 401 Leblon
CECILIA PRADO A knitwear brand with the most desirable pieces. ceciliaprado.com.br
THE PARADISE A boutique in Ipanema that makes its own line for both women and men, and is known for opulent, tropical clime-inspired prints (almost like the Rio version of Versace in Miami). Rua Garcia D'Ávila, 173
ACERVO VINTAGE Founded by Manoela Carvalho and Flavia Kux (Carvalho cut her teeth at Balenciaga in Paris and with Christopher Kane in London). Rua Conde de Irajá, 370 - sala 301 - Botafogo; acervovintage.com
SERPENTINE Marcelo Lima’s store in Rio offers exactly the type of pieces you'd expect from the city of Rio. Living out your Brazilian bombshell dreams is as easy as stepping into the store, which is stocked with Dolce and Gabanna bustiers, cut-out-laden Valentino dresses, and crochet. Expect ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s-era vintage as well as some more recent finds. serpentine.com.br
PERSONAL BRECHO In 2008 Juliana Lenz and Priscilla Cunha opened Personal Brecho—then just an online resale site. By 2012, it had expanded to a store in Rio de Janeiro’s Leblon neighborhood. Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 706 - Leblon; personalbrecho.com
TXELLO VINTAGE A boutique run by its fashion-history-loving owner, Txello Aguiar. Here, you’ll find a mix of archival and secondhand vintage from Escada, Oscar de la Renta, Versace, and more. In a neat and colorful display, you’ll also find accessories, footwear, and jewelry. R. Visc. de Pirajá, 00444 - Loja 126 - Ipanema
MOVIN Sustainable, organic-cotton tanks and tees and backpacks made from recycled car cushions at its Ipanema shop. Also available are vintage-style bikes and blond-wood skateboards from emerging brand Itsu—ideal wheels for dodging the city’s traffic jams. startmovin.com
FEIRA DO RIO ANTIGO Weekly antique market in Rio. R. do Lavradio - Lapa
SPA | SPORT | WELLNESS
SPA AT THE FASANO HOTEL After a day spent hiking or surfing or a late night of dancing, we recommend the hot stone treatment with products by Vichy. Av. Vieira Souto, 80 - Ipanema; fasano.com.br/en/facilities/fasano-rio-de-janeiro-spa
ANNA ASLAN Considered a national treasure not only for her clinic’s orthomolecular, vitamin-based body treatments, but also her sought-after facials, which promises rejuvenation and energy. Av. José Silva de Azevedo Neto, 610 - sala 511 - Barra da Tijuca
CLINICA KARLA ASSED Book an appointment for the star dermatologist’s exfoliating crystal peels or light-therapy treatments. FÓRUM IPANEMA - R. Visc. de Pirajá, 351 - 7º andar - Ipanema; grupokarlaassed.com.br
PHISYU Visit for a legendary Shiatsu massage. Those experiencing more serious back problems, either from long bouts in the stands or on the field, should seek the attention of the clinic’s osteopath Dr. Yunã Faislon Galvão Magalhães. R. Visc. de Silva, 6 - Botafogo
SPA DEIA E RENATA A salon for Brazilian-style natural highlights, an effortless cut, and eco-conscious scalp treatments at the salon. Av. Rodolfo Amoedo, 156 - Barra da Tijuca; spadeiaerenata.com.br
RIO ACADEMIA
This scenic outdoor gym in the heart of Ipanema features everything from martial arts training on the beach to open CrossFit classes. Avenida Vieira Souto
DAY & WEEKEND TRIPS
BÚZIOS Armação dos Búzios is a popular Brazilian resort destination to the east of Rio de Janeiro, known for surfing and water sports. The cobbled Rua das Pedras is the center of dining and nightlife.
PARATY Paraty is a small colonial town on Brazil's Costa Verde between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo with cobblestone streets and 17th-18th-century buildings dating to its time as a port city during the Brazilian Gold Rush.
INHOTIM The Inhotim Museum is home to one of the largest foundations of contemporary art in Brazil and one of the largest outdoor art centers in Latin America. It was founded by the former mining magnate Bernardo Paz in 2004 to house his personal art collection.
TRANCOSO Likened to Tulum, this tranquil beach town is 2 1/2 hours from Rio. Once a small fishing village, the town is now known for its beaches and eco-friendly appeal.