Solo in Rio 🇧🇷

I arrived in Rio at about 8pm, a bit tired but mostly excited in that slightly nervous “I can’t believe I’m actually here” kind of way.

Getting out of the airport was easy once I knew how. I exited the main doors and turn left, then followed the signs outside for the Uber pickup zones — they’re colour-coded and only a few minutes’ walk from the terminal. Uber is extremely common in Rio, and I found it simple and reliable the whole time I was there. My ride into the city felt smooth and straightforward, which immediately settled my nerves.

I stayed in Ipanema, and honestly, I think I chose perfectly. It felt like the right balance of energy and calm, and I was only about a five-minute walk from the iconic Ipanema beach. Walking alone around the area felt comfortable, but I was always mindful of my belongings and phone, especially along the beachfront strip. Before coming, I had heard a lot of horror stories, and while yes, those situations can happen, I personally didn’t experience anything scary. I just stayed aware — if I needed to use my phone, I’d step into a shop, and I also used a wrist strap for extra security, which made me feel more at ease.

On my first day, I explored Ipanema properly, just wandering around and getting my bearings. I also visited a forested area in the city, which was free to enter and had amazing viewpoints over Rio. It felt surreal being in a city where you can go from beach to rainforest in such a short time.

In the evening, I watched live samba near Ipanema beach as the sun set behind Dois Irmãos. That moment honestly felt like one of those “this is why I travel” experiences — music, sunset, ocean, everything all at once. Everybody was singing along and dancing, the energy was intense and my heart felt full.

Day two took me to the Selarón Steps. I got a taxi close by and walked up. There was a huge queue for the classic photo spot, but I just wandered further up where it was quieter and got just as good (if not better) pictures without the crowds. I went here with somebody I met on a travel app, but there are so many other tourists there you could ask a family or a couple to take your photo if you’re solo too! I also visited a few viewpoints and did some shopping in Ipanema. I picked up a perfume from Granado which was beautiful and surprisingly affordable — around £50, which is so much cheaper than back home in the UK.

One of the absolute highlights of the whole trip was a helicopter ride over Rio. I booked it through GetYourGuide, and it was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done. Seeing the city, the mountains, Christ the Redeemer and the beaches from above was unreal — it gave everything a completely different perspective and felt almost cinematic. It was £150 and sooo worth it!

On day three, I did a favela tour of Rocinha, which I arranged through Instagram via a friend’s recommendation. It was incredibly insightful and gave me a much deeper understanding of the communities and culture that shape Rio. We also watched the sunset from a viewpoint inside the favela, which was unforgettable. Afterwards, I took the metro back to Ipanema — super easy, just tapping my card at the gate — and later went for Brazilian BBQ with my tour guide in the Cantagalo favela area near Ipanema.

The next day was slower. I had a proper rest on Ipanema beach, wandered over towards Copacabana, and then visited Christ the Redeemer. I took an Uber to the Cosme Velho train station, bought my ticket there, and went up in time to catch another incredible sunset from the top. It’s one of those views that genuinely makes you stop and go quiet for a moment. I went at around 3:30pm and there was no queue going up really, although it was relatively busy at the top but that’s expected.

Transport around Rio was generally easy. I mostly used Uber or mototaxis booked through Uber, which were fast and much cheaper than cars. I just made sure to keep my phone and bag secure, especially on the motorbikes.

One thing I’d say for anyone visiting: when buying things on the beach, always use cash and always ask the price first. It helps avoid getting overcharged. But definitely don’t leave without trying mate com limão e maracujá — it’s refreshing and perfect on a hot beach day. It’s my new favourite drink!

If I went back, I’d definitely add Sugarloaf Mountain, Pedra do Sal, and a favela street party to my list. There’s still so much I didn’t see. I had all these planned but I got carried away with other activities!

But what stood out most wasn’t just the places — it was the feeling. The culture in Rio is something else entirely. People always say, “once you’ve been to Rio, nowhere else compares,” and I didn’t really believe that until I experienced it myself. There’s a soul to the city that stays with you. It honestly feels like Rio gives you a little piece of itself to carry home.