Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!
We are thrilled to host ICSE and Co-Located events in the great city of Rio de Janeiro, to ensure your experience is as enjoyable and safe as possible, we’ve put together a few friendly tips. These are simple, common-sense practices that locals follow too, to help you explore with more confidence and tranquility.
A Few Local Tips
It’s important to take some basic precautions when visiting the city, just as you would in any major metropolitan area around the world.
These habits will help you focus on enjoying everything Rio has to offer:
- Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated or unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-lit, bustling streets where locals gather.
- Avoid flaunting valuables or drawing attention to yourself with expensive clothes or accessories. Keeping a low profile helps you blend in and feel like a local.
- Do not react in case of assault or attempted robbery. Your safety is the priority; material possessions can be replaced.
- Keep your documents and money in a safe place and only take what you need when you go out. A small amount of cash and a copy of your ID is often all you need for a day of exploration, if you need for any given reason walk with the original ID or sensitive documents, it’s advised to use a money changer and acessing it only when it’s necessary.
- Respect the laws and local authorities. This is the foundation of a positive and hassle-free visit.
Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro
One of the best parts of visiting Rio is experiencing its incredible culinary scene. From traditional Brazilian steakhouses (churrascarias) to cozy neighborhood cafes and fresh coconut water on the beach, there’s a flavor for every palate.
For a curated list of our favorite spots—from hidden gems to must-visit classics—please visit our supporters page. You’ll find content available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, German, Chinese, and French to help you choose the perfect dining experience.
Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro | Restaurants and Flavors
Quick Suggestions for an Unforgettable Trip
- Enjoy Barra’s Beach: The beach in Barra da Tijuca is vast, beautiful, and less crowded than Copacabana or Ipanema. It’s perfect for long walks, beach sports, and relaxing. Look for the postos (lifeguard stations)—Posto 4 and 5 are popular gathering spots.
- Plan Your Transportation: Barra is a sprawling neighborhood designed around wide avenues. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99 are highly recommended for getting around efficiently and safely, especially at night. Other public transportation options include BRT (for quick access to the Metro at Jardim Oceanico Station) and Buses (Bus Lines indicated in Google Maps via Public transportation pathing are well updated and usually correct).
- Use Shopping Malls as Hubs: Barra is famous for its large shopping malls, such as BarraShopping and VillageMall. These are safe, air-conditioned spaces with excellent dining options, ATMs, and convenience stores—great for grabbing a meal or essentials.
- Be Mindful When Crossing Streets: Avenues in Barra are wide and traffic moves quickly. Always use crosswalks and pedestrian bridges where available, and wait for the light to turn green.
- Explore the Surroundings: Barra is a great base to explore nearby natural wonders. Consider visiting Pedra da Gávea for hiking (with a local guide recommended) or the stunning Reserva Beach, a more preserved, natural stretch of coastline within Barra itself.
- Dine Locally: Beyond the malls, Barra has fantastic beachfront kiosks (quiosques) serving fresh fish, cold beer, and coconut water. It’s a wonderful way to experience the local carioca lifestyle.
- Stay Hydrated: The Rio sun is strong! Always carry a reusable water bottle and apply (and reapply) sunscreen liberally, especially on the long, open stretches of Barra’s beach.
- Carry Cash & Card: While most restaurants and stores in Barra accept cards, smaller beach kiosks and local vendors may prefer cash (Brazilian Reais).
- Learn a Few Portuguese Phrases: A simple “Bom dia” (Good morning), “Obrigado/a” (Thank you), or “Tudo bem?” (Everything good?) goes a long way in connecting with the warm carioca (Rio local) spirit.