In February, inDrive launched a new service in Brazil – you can now use our app to book bus tickets for 5000+ routes across the country! To celebrate, we spoke to inDrive team members for an insider’s take on what to see, do, (and eat!) when visiting their cities.
Gabriel West, inDrive’s Ride Hailing Country Lead for Brazil, has spent most of his life in Rio de Janeiro, so we thought he’d be a great person to give recommendations for visiting the city (and we were right!).
Here’s what he had to say:
How long have you lived in Rio deJaneiro?
Pretty much my whole life. I spent a couple of years in London, but I had to come back—Rio just pulls you back in.
Getting around: If I’m in a rush, I take the car. Otherwise, I prefer biking or walking, especially near the beach or Lagoa.
What do you like most about the city? The mix of nature and city life. Not many places in the world have mountains, beaches, and a massive city all in the same spot. Plus, the people here have an energy that’s hard to find anywhere else.
And what do you like least? Traffic, for sure. Also, the city could be better organized in some ways, but that’s part of the chaos that makes it unique.
Where (and what) to eat: I’m a big fan of churrascarias—Mocellin is one of the best if you’re up for an all-you-can-eat meat feast. Braseiro da Gávea is another top pick, with a more laid-back vibe, amazing picanha, and cold beers.
If you’re visiting Rio, you have to try feijoada. It’s a hearty bean stew with different cuts of pork, served with rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and collard greens. A classic Brazilian dish. It is also worth noting that Brazil has amazing and fresh fruit, and Rio has many Suquerias (which are juice spots). You can have freshly made juice with a wide option of fruits, not to mention smoothies and açai. Absolutely amazing.
Favorite natural spots: Praia da Joatinga is a hidden gem—not as crowded as the more famous beaches, and the view is unreal. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is also a great place to bike, run, or just chill with friends.
I’m all about live music, so Circo Voador is my go-to. It’s an iconic spot right next to Arcos da Lapa and has hosted some amazing shows over the years. Another must is attending a football match in Maracanã! Definitely make sure it’s a Flamengo match, as inDrive is one of their official sponsors.
If you can time your visit around Carnival, do it. The energy is insane – huge parades at the Sambadrome, street parties (blocos) all over the city, and just nonstop fun. Plan ahead, book accommodations early, and be ready to embrace the energy and the crowds!
What to do with 48 hours in Rio: Definitely visit Christ the Redeemer for a great top view of the city and one of the seven wonders of the world. Try one of the many beaches that we have for a swim and to enjoy the warm weather and sunlight.
If you have time, go to a Flamengo match, the energy and the crowd is absolutely insane, unlike any other sporting event.
Mureta da Urca has a great setting for watching the sunset, with great options of bars and restaurants.
Also, make sure to go to a Feira, which is similar to a pop-up open air market, filled with fresh fruit and produce. Brazil has amazing fruit, make sure to try as many as possible!
Tips for visitors:
Be mindful of your stuff, especially walking around with your phone in your hand the whole time. Rio is amazing, but like any big city, petty theft can happen.
Learning a few words in Portuguese will get you far, even if it’s just “obrigado” (thank you) or “uma cerveja, por favor” (one beer, please).
Last but not least, just embrace the city! Cariocas (people from Rio) are super friendly and love a good time, so go with the flow and enjoy the city like a local!
