September 2023
Landing in Rio: A Night of First Impressions
My Brazilian adventure began with an evening touchdown at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport (GIG). Before I even packed my bags, a local friend had given me a heads-up: “Be extra careful with your personal belongings. Rio’s beautiful, but not always forgiving.” That advice lingered in my mind as I stepped off the plane—excited, but admittedly a little on edge.
Thankfully, my friend had gone the extra mile and arranged a private pickup from the airport to my hotel in Ipanema, where we would meet. One of the first things I noticed? Nearly all the cars in Rio have tinted windows. It gave everything outside a muted, shadowy appearance—especially with the sun already down.
We hit peak hour traffic on the highway, which felt endless. Motorcycles zipped fearlessly between lanes, weaving through tight gaps like water around rocks. Watching them, I couldn’t help but think: If only I knew how to ride one, and didn’t have luggage... I might’ve reached my hotel in half the time.
Eventually, the city lights shifted, and we pulled into Ipanema—a beachside neighborhood that instantly felt warm and welcoming. Tired and a bit hungry, I checked into my hotel quickly. Within moments, I met up with my friend, and we headed straight out for dinner.
When in Brazil, you eat like the Brazilians do. We went to Boteco Belmonte, a well-known local bar and restaurant. It was a multi-story place, buzzing with energy and filled with the sounds of live music. Brazil’s nightlife is no joke—when my friend said “Brazil is not for amateurs,” I suddenly understood what she meant.
We found a table on the second floor, which was semi-open and caught the cool sea breeze drifting in from the coast. From our perch, we enjoyed both the music and the rhythm of the city’s nightlife. We ordered carne assada and mandioca frita (fried cassava), along with a few glasses of chopp, Brazil’s beloved draft beer.
While waiting, servers passed around trays of rotating appetisers—empanadas, croquettes, and other bite-sized delights. Each one looked mouth-watering and, to my delight, tasted just as good as they looked. It was a perfect first night: vibrant, flavorful, and a little bit wild. Just like Rio itself.
Dine: Boteco Belonte (Google Maps)
Christ the Redeemer and Jardim Botânico
Rio is a place full of many wonders. The next day we took the tram up to witness one of the seven wonders of the world—Christ the Redeemer. The tram was crowded, as expected, but nothing could stop me from reaching the top of Corcovado Mountain.
Thankfully, the weather in September wasn’t too hot, making the wait manageable. The views from the tram looking down over the city were already incredible, but nothing compares to the moment you get off and see the statue right in front of you. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Standing beneath Christ the Redeemer, I felt both small and awestruck. Towering at 30 metres, it was built by a collaboration between Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski, completed in 1931 as a symbol of peace and faith.
Before I had time to fully absorb that experience, we made our way to the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, located to the west of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. This expansive garden is home to a range of native Brazilian flora—cacti, floating lotus flowers, bromeliads, and more. Walking beneath the shade of its towering palm trees, I felt transported far from the bustle of the city. It was a moment of calm, nestled in nature.
A Night of Fine Dining at Oro
Later that evening, we paid a visit to a Michelin two-star restaurant—Oro in Leblon. This modern Brazilian fine dining spot delivered far beyond expectations. We were seated on the upper floor, a cozy, intimate space with only a few tables and a comfortable ambiance.
We opted for the Afetividade tasting menu, which featured 11 creative “snacks,” two small main courses, and a dessert. We paired the meal with a chilled bottle of rosé—perfect for the warm night. The experience began with a parade of vibrant dishes, each more beautiful than the last. Every plate was crafted with fresh, local ingredients and presented like art. Some carried subtle Asian influences—temaki, banh mi—and my personal favorites were the oyster, which was fresh and meaty, and the monkfish, delicately cooked with miso. It was a standout gastronomic experience that highlighted Brazil’s culinary evolution.
Dine: Oro (Google Maps)
From Sugarloaf to the Museum of Tomorrow
After a rich breakfast the next morning, we began our ascent to one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks—Sugarloaf Mountain. Seen from the ground, it looks like two giant stones rising abruptly from the sea, as if nature dropped them in the middle of the bay for dramatic effect.
We skipped the line with VIP tickets and took the cable car to the summit. Once at the top, I could see all of Rio sprawled out before me. The juxtaposition of favelas next to affluent neighborhoods was striking. It’s a contrast that defines the city—real and raw. Even more exciting for me was seeing planes take off and land at Santos Dumont Airport, located right nearby. A dream for any aviation geek!
In the afternoon, we visited the futuristic Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow). Its architecture reminded me of Valencia’s Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Spain—with its white, fishbone-like structure hovering over pools of water. Inside, the museum was equally forward-looking, with sleek, interactive exhibits exploring sustainability, technology, and the future of humanity. I loved walking through the installations—but also around the museum itself, admiring the setting along the waterfront.
Final Thoughts
I’ll never forget the beautiful view of Ipanema, nor the feeling of stepping into one of the world’s most iconic cities. From vibrant street bars and legendary landmarks to fine dining and modern museums, Rio de Janeiro left me with memories as colourful as the city itself.
It was a pleasant visit to Rio, one of the most popular gateways to Brazil. And with that, we were off to explore the next chapter of our journey—Brasília, the country’s futuristic capital.
Stay: Sol Ipanema Hotel(Official/Qantas Hotel)
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