Rio is nicknamed “The Marvelous City,” and after spending some time there, it’s easy to see why. This city of contrasts completely won us over. But what makes it so special? Let’s dive in!
In short
Rio is a place that blends perfectly with its surroundings. It’s a city in the middle of a forest, nestled between mountains and the ocean, where every view seems more breathtaking than the last. It’s also a city of extremes in every sense, which makes it unique and fascinating.
Whether you’re into paradise-like beaches, hiking in nature, or lively nightlife, Rio has something for everyone.
We spent five full days there, and honestly, it wasn’t enough—there was still so much to explore.
One thing is for sure: We'll be back!
A City of Stark Contrasts
I have to admit, before arriving in Rio, I had some concerns based on everything you hear about the city. Yes, Rio de Janeiro has a reputation for being dangerous, but it’s important to put things into perspective and understand how the city is structured.
Rio is a massive city divided into two main areas:
- Zona Sul (South Zone), This includes places like Leblon and Tijuca and is the most tourist-friendly area.
- Zona Norte (North Zone), Mostly made up of neighborhoods that don’t hold much interest for visitors. This is the area often portrayed in the media as violent.
When people think of Rio, they often picture favelas. I was surprised to see how integrated they are into the city. Unlike in many places where lower-income neighborhoods are pushed to the outskirts, Rio’s favelas are right in the heart of the city. Since Rio is built between mountains, wealthier neighborhoods were developed in the accessible areas, while lower-income communities settled on the steep hillsides.
For a bit of history, favelas in Rio first appeared in the late 19th century after the Canudos War (1896-1897). The government had promised land in Rio to soldiers from the Northeast in exchange for their service, but that promise was never fulfilled. Left with nowhere to go, they built homes on the hills using whatever materials they could find. The first favela, Morro da Providência, was established in 1897 and got its name from a plant called favela that grew in the area.
Today, Rio is a mix of wealthy and working-class neighborhoods, interspersed with favelas. For example, the famous favela of Rocinha, home to over 150,000 people, is located right next to Gávea, one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods. The same goes for Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana, all surrounded by favelas.
This lack of spatial segregation is one of the most striking aspects of Rio. Here, everyone coexists, and public spaces are shared by all social classes. On the most popular beaches, you can’t tell people’s backgrounds just by looking at them in their swimsuits. On the Selarón Steps, teenagers from the favelas mingle with the wealthy. To me, Rio is a city with a level of diversity rarely seen elsewhere.
Safety: The Reality vs. the Stereotypes
Not all favelas are the same. Those in Zona Sul are much safer than those in Zona Norte. For example, when we crossed Rocinha to get from one side of the mountain to the other, I was surprised to see that police patrol the area freely. It was nothing like the stereotypical “lawless zone” that people imagine.
When it comes to safety, the rules are simple:
- Avoid Zona Norte unless you’re with a local.
- Zona Sul is relatively safe, but it’s still Brazil, and Rio is a big city with its own risks.
Personally, I never felt particularly unsafe, but I was always with Brazilians and locals. The only slightly unsettling moment was when we rode our bikes through a park and found ourselves alone with some sketchy-looking individuals. We just sped up, and everything was fine.
In tourist areas like Copacabana, Leblon, and Ipanema, police presence is strong, with patrol cars stationed every 200 meters. Tiago, who’s Brazilian, also knows what situations to avoid. There’s a saying in Rio: "It’s the situation that creates the opportunity,"meaning that incidents only happen if the conditions allow them to.
Basic Safety Tips for Tourists
- Don’t walk alone in deserted streets, especially at night.
- At night, use a taxi or Uber instead of walking.
- Stick to busy areas and main roads.
- Keep your phone and valuables secure.
- In a car, don’t stop at red lights at night (even taxis don’t, to avoid carjackings—it’s rare, but it happens).
- Be polite with street vendors, even if they approach you often.
- Stay in Zona Sul.
Also, use Uber instead of the yellow taxis, as local taxis have a reputation for overcharging tourists by taking longer routes.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Afraid of Rio?
Rio is, above all, a major Brazilian city. Yes, you need to stay aware of your surroundings. Yes, it has more security concerns than a city in France—though to be fair, Marseille might not be far behind.
But no, Rio isn’t some ultra-violent place where you’re in danger at every corner. That version of Rio exists, but you’re unlikely to end up there because Zona Norte and Zona Sul are completely different worlds.
So, is it a recommended destination? That depends. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest Rio to a woman traveling alone. However, I know someone who went solo and never felt unsafe. One thing is certain: if Rio intrigues you, don’t let the media’s portrayal scare you away. Rio is stunning—so go for it (just stay aware of your surroundings)!
Take a look at our videos!
Still not available, we are having trouble finding time to edit, as we are in vacations :)