Rio GO

1. Copacabana Beach
You knew this already, but you’ve got to see Copacabana at least once. Cariocas and tourists from ages 2 to 92 congregate here, especially on weekends, when the Avenida Atlantica is closed to traffic. This is where you’ll find the characteristic swirling-patterned sidewalks designed by Robert Burle-Marx. Copacabana is loud, crowded, and fun, and though pickpockets are a danger, it doesn’t keep the sun-seekers away.

2. Ipanema Beach
If Rio is where the so-called “beautiful people” live, then Ipanema is where they flock to see and be seen. Just as crowded as Copacabana, Ipanema somehow feels calmer. And no one here seems interested in doing much more than getting the perfect tan. Wear your sunglasses so you can get an eyeful of the girls in their fio dental (dental floss) bikinis, and guys in their sungas (Speedos) — yes, everyone wears them.

3. Ipanema
One of the best neighborhoods to explore on foot, Ipanema is a high-style, heavily moneyed district, with fashionable restaurants, bars, shops, and people. It seems that everyone is dressed to impress here: the same fashionistas you saw on the beach wouldn’t be caught dead in flip flops here on a weekday. This is Rio’s SoHo, and home of beautiful tree-lined streets, Fendi bags, H. Stern, health-food stores, and million-dollar apartments.

4. Porcao in Flamengo
If you plan to pig out just once, do it here, at one of Brazil’s most famous churrascarias (grilled- and roasted-meat restaurants). Waiters buzz about the room, slicing sizzling beef, chicken, and pork right off the skewer until you say uncle. You’ll find a limitless buffet of salads, fruits, soups, and sushi. The city has four branches of the restaurant, but this one has the best view: of the sparkling-blue Guanabara Bay and the Sugarloaf.

5. Hippie Fair
For loads of locally made take-home souvenirs that don’t scream tourist trap, browse the 50-plus stalls at one of the city’s best street fairs, held every Sunday 9-6. You can spend $5 or $500 on jewelry, clothing, crafts, and art. Some favorites: hand-made leather sandals, unique earrings and necklaces, paintings and pottery.

6. Nightlife in Lapa
Rio’s beach culture is rivaled by its party culture, and Lapa — at least in the past five years — is where the party’s at. Late-night clubs here attract young talent and young partiers. If you want to hear popular samba and chorro bands, and dance all night doing it, Lapa is the place for you. Carioca da Gema, Rio Scenarium, and Semente are a few of the best music clubs.

7. Lagoa Kiosks
It’s one of those experiences that makes you feel as though you’re a local out for a low-key night on the town. The outdoor restaurants and bars that line the western edge of the Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon fill with cariocas (residents of Rio) on weekend evenings. Here you can dine on Italian or burgers, or just down a few caipirinhas (cocktails of lime, sugar and cachaca, a sugarcane liquor) in the glow of the shimmering lake, the lights of the city, and the Christ statue in the distance.

8. Corcovado
It was on your list already, but here’s why Corcovado is not an overrated tourist attraction: the views of the city are spectacular, and a close-up look at Rio’s most famous icon, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, is truly amazing. The train up to the statue is a fun ride, too. Get there before 10 a.m. to beat the tour-bus crowds.

9. Centro
It all started here. Back in Rio’s heyday when Portugal’s riches showered onto the then-capital of its largest colony, Centro was the home of Brazil’s high society. Evidence of those days is especially apparent in the baroque Teatro Municipal opera house; the Confeitaria Colombo; and cathedrals like the Convento do Santo Antonio. Only tour Centro Monday through mid-day Saturday, when the streets are populated.

10. Santa Teresa
Few tourists venture to this neighborhood between Centro and the Zona Sul beaches. But Santa Teresa is worth a visit for its mix of colorful architectural styles, including gorgeous colonial homes and even castles, and for its unique artsy, bohemian flavor. Bondes (streetcars) still operate on these narrow, twisty streets packed with irregularly shaped antiques shops, artists studios, and neighborhood bars. Wander around, have brunch, and soak up the goings on of daily life.

Bet You Didn’t Know . . .

The restaurants on the 8th floor of Botafogo Shopping (a mall) have a panoramic view of the Sugarloaf and the bay — a perfect photo op.

If you go to Porcao on your birthday (and can prove it), you eat for free.

About a month before Christmas, a huge lighted tree is set afloat on the Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon, where it remains until after New Year’s Day.

There’s more to Rio than Rio
If you’ve come all this way, you should check out two other hot destinations near Rio de Janeiro

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