Rio de Janeiro has always been one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations, and that doesn’t look like changing anytime soon after a month in which the world’s eyes have been focused on the Brazil city. While the tournament has been held across 12 different cities throughout the country, it has been the landscape of Rio de Janeiro that will be the lasting impression of this year’s World Cup.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of television companies have chosen the Copacabana Beach as their base throughout the tournament, filling living rooms across the globe with images of some of the most picturesque scenery in South America. From the iconic image of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the beautiful beaches of the city to the hill-side’s favelas, Rio’s already-booming tourism industry looks set to become even bigger at the end of this World Cup.
While the usual 6.3 million inhabitants of Rio have been significantly increased during the World Cup’s stay, the city has maintained the laid-back charm that it has become synonymous with. It may not be carnival time for Rio but it’s been a month-long party for the city, with the fan park on Copacabana Beach providing a unique atmosphere for those unable to get tickets for the games.
Along Avenida Atlantica in Copacabana there are hotels to suit many budgets, from reasonably priced hostels to lavish hotels such as the Copacabana Palace, where guests can expect to pay around $600 a night for a basic room. But even if you don’t stay the night in one of the five-star resorts along the beach-front, you can at least sample the high life by enjoying a drink in the bar or dinner in one of the hotel restaurants.
While the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema continue to be the most popular with tourists and locals alike, Arpoador Beach is a great place to watch the surfers while enjoying the city’s magnificent sunsets. Situated in between Copacabana and Ipanema, Arpoador gained its name from the rock formation on which is stands, where visitors are able to experience stunning views of both of its more famous neighbours.
Head a little further down the coast and you’ll find yourself in Ipanema. It may have been made famous by the 1964 smash-hit song, Ipanema had been one of Rio’s most popular One of the city’s most fashionable regions, Ipanema Beach attracts a huge variety of visitors; from the Botox’d beauties walking down the shoreline, to the artists and hipsters hanging out at Posto 9.
If you get bored of relaxing on the beach and fancy taking advantage of Rio’s unique gambling industry, tourists and locals can pit their wits against each other on one of the many card tables that are scattered across the sidewalks. Most Brazilian gambling fans only get the chance to play roulette or the slots if they go online and choose one of the many online casinos – but the lack of casinos has meant these beach-side card tables continue to thrive, and it’s certainly an interesting and unique way to pass an evening after a day at the beach.
Perhaps the best thing about the beaches in Rio is that you don’t need to leave your hotel with much. With beach vendors selling everything from sun-cream to coconut milk and beers, you only need to leave your hotel with your speedos, towel and a handful of notes. .
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