Lifestyle in Rio de Janeiro

The lifestyle in Rio de Janeiro is lively and bustling as the city claims its place as Brazil’s entertainment capital. Rio de Janeiro is an ethnically and culturally diverse city with plenty of shopping, eating out and nightlife options. Expats will find that Cariocas work hard, but they also take plenty of time out to enjoy the sweeter things in life.

Moving To Rio

Shopping in Rio de Janeiro

Shopping in Rio de Janeiro is a dream come true for shopaholics. From large American-style malls to Bohemian shopping districts and flea markets, Rio has something to fit the needs and budget of any shopper.

The malls in Rio offer many world-famous brands, as well as cinemas and food courts, which are perfect for family outings. The affluent Zona Sul offers many famous international brands and glitzy boutiques alongside high-fashion boutique shops. The Zona Oeste is a shopper’s dream, with several large malls scattered across the district.

Those who want to avoid malls will discover that the city also offers a few markets worth visiting. The monthly Feira do Rio Antigo on Rua Lavradio in Lapa (first Saturday of each month) is a great option for antique and art lovers, while Feira de São Cristóvão offers stalls selling food and household products.

Centro offers a more eclectic mix of old and new, with a variety of clothing, book and antique shops on offer.

Sports and outdoor activities in Rio de Janeiro

With some of the most stunning beaches and landscapes in the world right on their doorstep, Cariocas always find time to enjoy some fun in the sun. Locals enjoy an active lifestyle and spend much of their time outdoors with leisure activities like cycling and jogging, alongside the ever-popular beach volleyball.

Brazilians love football (soccer) and enjoy meeting with friends and family to watch their favourite team play. The city is home to the Maracanã Stadium, one of the world’s largest football stadiums. Watching a live game here is always a thrilling experience.

Cycling is a popular activity in Rio, particularly along the beachfront. The city has worked to encourage cyclists by building an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes.

Eating out in Rio de Janeiro

From fast-food joints to five-star establishments, Rio de Janeiro’s bustling restaurant scene has something to offer everyone. With wide stretches of beachside restaurants, al fresco dining is popular in Rio. This is particularly evident in Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra, which are home to some of the best restaurants and snack bars in Rio.

Brazilians typically eat a light breakfast. Pao de queijo, a stuffed bread roll made from tapioca flour and filled with melted cheese, is a popular breakfast food that can be found across the city. Lunch and dinner are usually heavier meals that are eaten with the family. Feijoada, a bean and pork stew, is the best-known regional dish from Rio de Janeiro. The city also has several restaurants that offer international cuisine from countries such as France, Japan, Lebanon and Argentina, among others.

A 10 percent gratuity (gorjeta) is commonly added to the bill, although this is often optional, particularly in tourist areas. It’s worth checking whether this has been included before adding another tip.

Entertainment and nightlife in Rio de Janeiro

Cariocas are famous for their love of partying, and Rio certainly offers a diverse and electrifying nightlife. Popular nightlife spots are spread out across the city. Ipanema and Leblon are two popular tourist hubs in Rio and have some of the city’s most famous nightlife. Lapa is also a trendy nightlife spot that attracts the young crowd, thanks to its variety of clubs and bars, plus a diverse range of music and dance styles to choose from. Barra da Tijuca in the Zona Oeste also has many interesting restaurants and bars to discover.

Rio is the home of samba, and many clubs offer live music and samba dance classes. There are also many samba schools across the city offering lessons. Learning this traditional style of dance is a great way for expats to immerse themselves in Brazilian culture.

Brazilians are not known for their punctuality, and meeting times are often loosely arranged. The party can start early, but it’s also not unusual to eat dinner at 10pm and then head out to dance after midnight.

See and do in Rio de Janeiro

Expats living in Rio de Janeiro will discover a wealth of things to see and do. The city’s abundance of natural splendour and man-made wonders puts expats in a perfect position to enjoy all sorts of attractions, from beaches and restaurants to mountains and iconic statues. Below are some of the best attractions in Rio de Janeiro.

Christ the Redeemer

Undoubtedly one of Brazil’s most famous landmarks, the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer was proclaimed one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Thanks to the statue’s mountaintop position, its silhouette can be seen throughout most of the city. Nevertheless, it’s well worth the trip up Corcovado Mountain to experience the true scale of this awe-inspiring statue up close.

Sugarloaf Mountain

The magnificent panoramic views from atop Sugarloaf Mountain are unrivalled. Glass-walled cable cars transport visitors to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain every 20 minutes. Although the ascent takes just three minutes, the cable car ride alone affords gorgeous views of the city.

Copacabana and Ipanema

Copacabana Beach is one of the world’s best and most beautiful beaches. A promenade runs alongside the glittering white sand, which is lined with restaurants, bars and nightclubs waiting to be discovered. There is also an annual New Year’s Eve party that promises a spectacular night of fireworks and concerts.

Meanwhile, Ipanema is the place to see and be seen, well known as a playground for the rich and famous. One of the wealthiest areas in all of Rio, Ipanema’s beach is an excellent spot for surfing and lounging in the sun.

Maracanã Stadium

The Maracanã Stadium has a capacity of just above 78,000 and is one of the best ways to experience Brazilian sports culture. Local football teams regularly play matches at this stadium. It has also hosted worldwide events, including Olympic and FIFA World Cup events.

Escadaria Selarón

Also known as the Selarón Steps, this staircase of more than 200 steps is covered in tiles, mirrors and ceramics of blue, green and yellow to create a mosaic effect. Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón created the mosaic and considered it his tribute to the Brazilian people.

Jardim Botânico

Rio’s botanical gardens are a refreshing respite from bustling city life. Nature lovers will enjoy being among the thousands of different plant and tree species in the garden. There are also more than 140 species of birds, most of which are familiar with humans and can be observed at close range.

Meeting people and making friends in Rio de Janeiro

Rio’s social culture makes meeting people feel natural. Cariocas welcome newcomers warmly. Their openness helps visitors and expats connect quickly with local communities.

Sports clubs create instant friendships. Beach volleyball, football, and surfing groups take advantage of Rio’s coastal setting. Language exchange events happen regularly. Mundo Lingo organises international meetups. Local language schools also host social gatherings where people practice Portuguese while building relationships.

Professional networking thrives here. The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Brazil) runs business events and conferences. Cultural venues – samba schools, art galleries, music halls – become meeting places for people with shared interests. Online groups help you find hiking buddies, beach sports teams, and cultural event organisers. Social media connects people around specific hobbies and interests.

Useful links

• Meetup Rio
• AmCham Brazil: American Chamber of Commerce
• Rio & Learn
• Mundo Lingo
• Rio de Janeiro by Cariocas