This classic botequin is in downtown Rio. It opens to a busy street corner, making the most of the city’s joyful culture and tropical air. Commuters step off the sidewalk to the cashier, offering a few coins in exchange for a chit, which they then take to the coffee counter.

Eat / Drink Rio de Janeiro

Rising 1,299 feet (396 meters) above Guanabara Bay, Pão de Açúcar (“Sugarloaf”) mountain offers spectacular panoramic views of Rio, especially at sunset. Reach summit on two-stage cable cars, stopping at Morro da Urca. Tip: “There are summer evening concerts on Morro de Urca.”—Flávia Alessandra, actress, Globo TV. Visit Oi Noites Cariocas (www.oinoitescariocas.com.br) for concert details.

Explore Rio de Janeiro

“On weekends, Rio’s fashion runway.”—Ruy Castro, author, Bossa Nova: The Story of the Brazilian Music That Seduced the World. Play beach soccer with locals, spot TV stars at Posto 9, watch the sun set against the Dos Irmaos twin peaks.

Explore Rio de Janeiro

The hub of Rio’s tourist industry. People from around the world pack the beach by day, the clubs by night. Oceanside avenue shuts down each Sunday for pedestrian-only traffic. New Year’s Eve fireworks display attracts two million revelers.

Explore Rio de Janeiro

Bohemian neighborhood enjoying a renaissance. Live choro and samba at night; antique stores on Rua do Lavrádio; street market first Saturday of each month.

Explore Rio de Janeiro

“Old-time neighborhood packed with ateliers and traditional restaurants.”—Flávia Alessandra. Ride streetcar across Arcos da Lapa; visit Museu da Chácara do Céu on the way. Start at Estação de Bondes.

Explore Rio de Janeiro

340-acre (138-hectare) natural reserve; celebrated its 200th anniversary in June 2008. 8,000 plant species from Brazil and abroad. ;

Explore Rio de Janeiro