If you ever in Rio de Janeiro... here are the top 30 things to do in the "Marvelous City"

Rio de Janeiro is a incredible city in Brazil where I had the honor to grown up. I have to say that I keep questioning myself why I am not there and I definitely have plans to move back! Rio certainly deserves the nickname "Marvelous City" - and you will witness yourself when you go visit! Please see below tips written by my bff.

#1: Go up to the statue of Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
#2: Watch the sunset from the beach, a great suggestion: Ipanema Beach
#3: Great hiking at 'Pedra da Gávea'. You should go at least up to the summit, which is Rio's most spectacular viewpoint. It is recommended to hike up to the top of the mountain in case you are in great shape
#4: Go to Baixo Gávea to grab a 'chopp', a local's draft beer. This location is a bohemian quarter frequented by locals. You will also find great bars in Leblon.
#5: Chill at 'Praia do Pepe' located in Barra da Tijuca. You will have the most unbelievable coconut water and eat the famous “O Globo” biscuits
#6: Sophisticated nightlife at 'Bar do Copa', a nightclub beautifully designed by Graham Viney. It is located inside the most famous hotel in Rio called Copacabana Palace. It is a 86 years old hotel known for hosting stars such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Roberts
#7: Dinner at french restaurant 'Le Pré Catelan' renowned as one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by Hotel World Magazine. Not only the food is excellent but this spot also offers stupendous vies of Copacabana beach. Restaurant is located by the beach inside of Sofitel hotel
#8: Rent a pedal boat at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
#9: Go for a run around the lagoon 'Rodrigo de Freitas' (about 7,5 km/ 4.66 miles)
#10: Watch a soocer game at 'Maracanã'
#11:If you like Japanese food, enjoy a delightful dinnerf at 'Sushi Leblon' located in the street 'Dias Ferreira'
#12:S Go to a Music event hosted at the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain (known as Pão de Açúcar). When you go up to the 'Morro da Urca' you will enjoy the music, the ride by cable cars and the views!
#13: Check out 'Santa Teresa' artistic neighborhood. Go for a 20 minutes tram ride up to Largos das Neves. The ride crosses the old 'Arcos da Lapa' aqueduct and goes to the picturesque streets of the neighborhood. For a delightful brazilian meal go to the restaurant “Aprasível”
#14: Enjoy an unforgettable samba evening at Lapa. If you don't like samba, make sure you check others bars in this neighborhood where you will find every single type of music style you can imagine!
#15: Spend the day at the famous Ipanema Beach. Make sure you order a delicious açaí in one of the many juice stores in the neighborhood
#16: Have lunch at no Porcão Rio’s located at the Aterro do Flamengo. It is a all you can eat steakhouse with beautiful views and excellent service
#17: On the summer go for a weekend in Búzios...
#18: Or Angra dos Reis;
#19: On the winter time, make sure to visit a charming little village called Itaipava
#20: Back in Rio you can stay at a very cool hotel called 'Hotel Fasano' - designed by Philippe Starck
#21: Is you are looking for a massage ritual check the 'H. Stern Spa', they only use products from the french brand L’Occitane
#22: Visit the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens)
#23: Get amazed by the views from Pedra Bonita. If you dare... go hang gliding where you get to see many of the main city attractions and you land at the sandy beach of Sao Conrado
#24: Visit the charming Joatinga beach
#25: Make sure to watch a ballet show at the Teatro Municipal, an opera house located in Downtown Rio. The beautiful building was inspired by the Paris Opera designed by Charles Garnier
#26: Visit the Sambódromo, designed by famous local architect Oscar Niemeyer
#27: If in carnaval season check out a Samba School rehearsal
#28: For surfers lovers you must visit Prainha beach
#29: Have a breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo; an elegant Victorian-inspired tearoom built in 1894
#30: If you have local friends have them take you to a 'Baile Funk'. For safety reasons do not attempt to go as your gringo self!

To be honest I haven't done some of those activities... maybe on August when I go visit my family! 

Isn't beautiful? 

^_^