Getting to the Heart of Rio's Brazilian Soul

08.11.2024 - 13:23 / cntraveler.com / Santa Teresa

During December, the height of Brazilian summer, Rio reveals why it is known as the Marvelous City. The days stretch longer, the light takes on a special glow, and preparations for the boisterous Carnival season infuse the streets with an infectious energy. This summer feels particularly special. Though millions of visitors flocked to the city for the World Cup in 2014 and again in 2016 for the Olympics, tourism has been slow to recover since the pandemic. As a result, restaurants have been catering increasingly to locals, and cultural projects have focused on the needs of residents. The city, in other words, has been reconnecting with its roots. That means that the Rio greeting guests today is one that feels deeply, intrinsically itself. And the fun extends beyond the beach, into neighborhoods you might not have thought to visit on past trips. It's Rio for the Cariocas—those who call the city home—and it's Rio for you too, if you're lucky enough to visit.

Here are the of-the-moment neighborhoods to know now, and new reasons to return to the icons.

Classic neighborhoods include Santa Teresa, Rio's artsy enclave of cobblestone streets that is never short on gallery openings. Longtime favorite Estúdio Dezenove, a collective of contemporary Brazilian artists, has rotating exhibitions from artists like Brazilian painter Maria Lídia Magliani to keep you coming back. Once written off as past its prime, Copacabana is experiencing a revival: Head toward the just-opened outpost of the iconic Confeitaria Colombo, where young couples and grandmas alike savor pastel de nata—or hit the cozy Café 18 do Forte for a lazy brunch with views. The buzzy nightlife in lively Ipanema and refined Leblon means beach days need to be extended until well after the sun goes down. Be sure to make a reservation at the seafood-heavy Ipanema hot spot Koral.

Centro, an up-and-coming star in Rio's long-maligned downtown, represents the scene's major renaissance. Public space initiatives have drawn in-demand chefs and creatives, and Senado Street, a key thoroughfare, is now home to bars including Braseiro Labuta, where the petiscos (fried snacks) are hot and the chopp (tap beer) is always cold. While laid-back, mansion-lined Laranjeiras is one of the city's oldest areas, a younger scene is developing here. Cool bakeries and community-centric restaurants sit alongside bookstores such as Casa 11, which sells new and used titles and hosts neighborhood events. After a major cleanup of Guanabara Bay, Botafogo Beach is for more than just walking. Have a swim, then head to the new bar Casa Tão Longe, Tão Perto, for a smart selection of Brazilian vinho served alongside local cheeses.

Hotel Santa Teresa MGallery, in the bohemian neighborhood