5 Essential Insider Tips for Your First Trip to Rio de Janeiro

The Sun Sets Early, but the Nightlife Thrives Late

Arriving on a red-eye flight, I powered through lunch and a caipirinha before needing a nap, only to wake up in pitch darkness at 5:50 p.m. Near the equator, the sun sets around 5:30 p.m. in early winter. Yet, Rio's nightlife kicks off late—clubs often open at 11 p.m., with spots for drinking and dancing until dawn as easy to find as counting um, dois, três.

Traffic Affects Everyone—Even Buses

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Landing during rush hour, I opted for Frescão Rio, the executive bus costing R$13.50 (about US$4), complete with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. It was comfortable and comparable in time to the flat-rate hotel shuttle I took later. Black cars and taxis are affordable compared to major U.S. cities. Popular apps like Waze and Uber (with free Wi-Fi via GIG) are widely used, making navigation efficient even in evening traffic.

Tipping Isn't Customary—Watch for Service Fees Instead

Tipping is not expected in Brazil. Rounding up taxi fares to the nearest real is polite, but my driver was surprised when I offered extra change. Most restaurant and bar bills include a 10% serviço fee (optional). Bars with live music may add a per-person couvert charge, and some restaurants charge for bread baskets. Pubs and clubs often use an entry card system: order drinks on it, then settle the total (including couvert and serviço) upon exit.

Opt for a City Bus Tour for Authentic Exploration

Skipping organized tours, I took a local bus for R$2.40 (about 75¢) to Babilônia Feira Hype, passing Barra (future 2016 Olympic sites) and charming Joá. I shopped and dined among locals, discovering hidden gems. Stay aware of surroundings—avoid night buses or favela routes. Note: Metro pré-pago cards don't work on buses, but drivers provide change.

Follow Locals to the Best Street Eats

In New York, I skip street vendors, but in Rio, lines of locals signal quality. Don't miss pipoca (sweet popcorn), tapioca (crepe-like treats with sweet or savory fillings), and churros com doce de leite (sugar-dusted pastries filled with caramel). These are must-try delights from Cidade Maravilhosa.

13 Essential Household Items That Simplify Travel

For tangle-free necklaces: tapeStore all your necklaces in one pouch and you could end up with a tangled mess. To keep jewelry in control, cover the chains with tape before packing them to prevent them from making knots. For makeup: pencil caseThrow a loose pair of stockings into your luggage and they could end up with unsightly runs. Keep them safe from catching on unruly objects by storing rolled-up pairs in a pencil case when you’re packing. Pencil cases also make handy containers for makeup.
17 Essential Cruise Hacks for a Smooth Journey

Cruise tip: Bring duct tape (it helps with everything!)Duct tape can have a variety of helpful uses once you’re onboard. Use it to fix your broken suitcase, take lint off of a formal dress, or keep drawers from rolling open when the ship hits rough waters. Here are some more things you should always pack so that you’re ready for anything. Cruise tip: Book a lower deck room to avoid nauseaPrevent seasickness by booking an inside room on the lower deck, preferably in the ship’s center (this
Travelers Wanted: Destinations Where You Can Make a Positive Impact

It seems another lifetime ago, doesn’t it? When we lived for our next trip, planning routes, comparing flight prices, getting annoyed with booking apps, and then wondering where we’d last spotted our passports in the heady anticipation of airports and adventure? But while many of us can’t wait to get back on the road, there are plenty of destinations who have missed travellers too. Desperately, in fact. Of course, anywhere reliant on tourism has suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but som