A Weekend in
Rio de Janeiro
Travel tips by Tinko Czetwertynski
Images from Tinko Czetwertynski and Belmond
Rio: the best of beaches and forests; Shutterstock.
Brazil-based photographer, Tinko Czetwertynski shares his favorite places to eat, shop, wander, soak up culture and dance Samba in Brazil's excitable 'second city', Rio de Janeiro.
With its world-famous carnival - the spirit and joy of which seems to infuse the city with a fizzing, excitable energy all-year-round - historic house museums and easy access to both beaches and forests, Rio de Janeiro is a great gateway into Brazil. In just a day, you can experience natural wonders, like the Horto Waterfalls, alongside Rio's best beaches and a packed cultural itinerary. Here, Tinko opens his insider's address book and shares his Rio highlights.
Rio's famous Copacabana Beach; Image courtesy Belmond.
Left: Shutterstock. Right: Tinko Czetwertynski.
What to See & Do
Fundação Roberto Burle Marx, Barra de Guaratiba
The former home of renowned Brazilian landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx - particularly famous for his iconic Copacabana sidewalk - who used his property as a laboratory to study and produce tropical plants. Book a guided visit of the historic house and its lush, landscaped gardens.
Santa Teresa
Take a stroll through Santa Teresa, a traditional hilltop neighbourhood next to Rio’s historic downtown area. Here you will find faded grandeur at its best - decrepit facades that hint at the stories behind the walls - and beautiful views. Make sure you book a table for lunch at Aprazível (see 'Where to Eat').
Instituto Moreira Salles, Gavea
A beautiful modernist property in the hills of Gavea, home to an intriguing photography collection.
Casa Roberto Marinho, Dona Marta
A newly-opened house museum, this is the former home of one of Brazil’s most affluent families and holds their important collection of Brazilian and international art.
Parque das Ruínas, Santa Teresa
In the park, you'll find the former home of Brazilian heiress, Laurinda Santos Lobo – a patron of the arts whose house was a meeting point for Rio's intellectuals and artists until her death in 1946. It's now a house museum, with a small collection of artworks, in an elevated position with stunning views.
Inclusartiz Cultural Center, Saude
Also a patron of the arts' project, this historic house hosts art exhibitions and events in a beautiful setting. Very respected in the Brazilian art world.
Left: Tinko Czetwertynski. Right: Shutterstock.
Where to Eat
Casa Nossa, Santa Teresa
A French-owned taverna where you can have a drink and enjoy some samba.
Aprazível, Santa Teresa
Serves delicious, organic Brazilian food in an outdoor treehouse-like setting, under dried palm leaves, looking out over Rio and a beautiful stretch of Guanabara Bay.
Otoque, Humaita
Rio’s new, and already highly appreciated, fusion restaurant from chef Alberto Landgraf.
Sushi Leblon, Leblon
Brazil boasts the biggest Japanese community outisde Japan, so sushi is practically a national dish. Book at Sushi Leblon to try their seared foie gras sushi and get a glimpse of Rio’s gilded young (and not so young)’s flirty antics.
A modernist house in the Gavea hills; Tinko Czetwertynski.
Where to Shop
Pinga, Ipanema
A São Paulo classic that recently opened in Rio. You'll find some of the best up-and-coming local designers, curated by Gabriella Pachoal and Catharina Tamborindeguy
Ju Gastin, Ipanema
Inspired by brazilian heritage and craftsmanship, Ju Gastin creates beautiful handcrafted objects and furniture.
Saturday Antique Market, Lapa
A sprawling market on the first Saturday of every month where you can find real gems among the hundreds of stalls.
You can follow Tinko's Brazilian adventures on Instagram, and see more of his work via his website, Beirut Love.
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