Experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by juliana

What is it like to live in Rio de Janeiro? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in Rio is a paradox. There's nature, beaches, you can go cycling to a few places in zona sul, a few good parties but the prices have been really spice and there're some places at some times that is better not to go.

In Rio you need to search for cheap things. there's always an option. There free party for exemple but they are not well published. They have been happening at the Centro, next to Cinelandia, Lapa and if you are luck at Arpoador Beach, specially at the summer. Those party are gay friendly, so everybody feels welcome. I'd say that you are a night party person, you should go to Sao Paulo as well. But if you are coming for Carnaval, please stay at Rio because you will be happy. There's bloco the whole day. At the day and at night. At the day it's more classic carnaval, but at the night it's different. For a cheap beer go to Botafogo at the end of the street Voluntarios da Patria.

About the transport, choose always the metro. If you can go by metro, do it! the traffic jam has been a chaos since forever, but specially since the olimpics work.

If you are a nature person you are going to feel good. Choose the zona oeste beaches like: Barra, Reserva, Prainha, Macumba and Grumari. All of them are great to surf. There is also Abricó, which is a nudism beach. The zona sul beaches are beautiful but they are really crowded and sometimes really dirty. But dont miss the chance to go to Arpoador beach and the Arpoador Rock, Praia do Leme, Ipanema, Leblon and Sao Conrado. They are good to surf as well, but Zona Oeste Beaches have more waves. To visit Zona Sul beaches I recommend to go on the week days, not in the weekend.

If you like climbing there's a lot of options. You can look for FEMERJ - Federação de Esporte de Montanhas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, if you prefer. Also, you have the mountain range, like Teresopolis and Petropolis which is 1:30h by car or bus.

To a hang gliding flight go to Sao Conrado and look for ABVL - Associação Brasileira de Voo Livre.

The city is beautiful and it's special. I'm not saying this because I'm from Rio, but because I feel it special. And lots of foreign people who have come here say the same. But there's a lot problems. Don't deceive your selves.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Rio de Janeiro?

-You pay half ticket at the cinema and theater.

How much does it cost to live in Rio de Janeiro?

Expensive.

To rent an apartment T2 you won't pay less than R$3000, 00.

bus: R$3, 80

metro: R$4, 10

lunch out: 30 - 50, 00

Some places are disproportional.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Rio de Janeiro? Is there any advice you can give?

If you are saving money look for a room and not an apartment.

I can't give you great advices, sorry. But search a lot. There're lots of expensive things, but now with the crisis, the prices are getting lower.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Great! I love it.

Try the Feijoada do Mineiro, at Santa Teresa. This neighborhood is beautiful and there's a lot of options of party and food.

Try açai, brigadeiro, muqueca at Barra de Guaratiba (perfect)

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What places would you recommend visiting in Rio de Janeiro?

The classic places, if you have never been here, like: corcovado, pao de açucar, the zona sul beaches.

Try pedra da gavea, pedra bonita, the Barra de Guaratiba restaurants, aterro do flamengo, Lapa, Centro do Rio, Candelaria, CCBB, MAC, MAM, MAR, Praia de Itacoatiara in Niteroi, the zona norte beaches, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, pedra da Catacumba, Santa Teresa, Morro da Conceição

Is it good to eat out in Rio de Janeiro? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I prefer to make it, but if you like fish go to barra de guaratiba.