Here’s our latest interview with a tour guide or certified local as we seek to learn from some of the top experts from the places we love.
If you are a certified tour guide and would like to be considered for an interview, drop me a note at: uliketotravel@gmail.com and we can chat about specifics.
My questions are in bold and the responses follow below. Please excuse us if you see a mistake in grammar, we are travel bloggers not English writers. 😉
What’s your name and how old are you?
Answer: Marcello Sobrinho, three decades and a bit more.
Do you have kids? If so, how old are they?
Answer: No sir.
Where are you originally from and what city do you currently live?
Answer: Originally from Rio de Janeiro, have lived in Miami for the last 10 years.
How long have you been a tour guide?
Answer: Not a tour guide but a passionate traveler.
Why did you want to become a tour guide?
Answer: Not a tour guide at this time.
Let’s get to the exciting stuff. Why should anyone visit the city?
Answer: Rio de Janeiro is one of the most incredible cities in the world. From natural beauty, hospitality, things to do and food, Rio de Janeiro has everything for most travelers.
Is the city safe? What areas are not safe?
Answer: For most part yes, you want to stay in Leblon and Ipanema areas (south zone of Rio). That’s the safest areas of Rio. Obviously, the country has suffered social and political issues that unfortunately made some parts of Rio unsafe. Nevertheless, this is not a reason to not visit Rio.
What’s the weather like?
Answer: Warm and humid in the Summer (December – March). Very comfortable other parts of the year.
What languages are spoken in the area? Is English spoken?
Answer: Brazilian Portuguese. English is spoken in some touristic areas of Rio. Please note, Brazilians are extremely friendly and will help you with any help you need. However, if you don’t even speak spanish, I would suggest getting a guide for 1-2 days to help get the best of the culture during the day.
Is US Dollar widely accepted?
Answer: Not at all, only Brazilian reais. Around $1 equals to 3 Reais as we speak.
What are the best areas or districts to stay in the city?
Answer: Leblon number 1, followed by Ipanema (south zones of Rio).
What’re your top 3 hotels and why?
Answer: Not chosen because of the best amenities, but chosen for the best location. Sol Ipanema Hotel, Hotel Fasano, Sofitel. It is also advised to look for Airbnbs in Ipanema and Leblon.
How does one get around the city? Taxi, Uber, similar apps, ATVs?
Answer: Uber works, taxis, Easy and 99 taxi apps. If you are using taxis, ask for the meter to be on and/or an approximate of the cost once you jump in.
Can you highlight the MUST see sight? Minimum of 5, feel free to share as many as you would like.
Answer: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Ipanema/Leblon/Copacabana beaches (next to each other), Santa Teresa bars and restaurants, Pedra da Gavea (Gavea Rock), Museu do Amanha (Museum of Tomorrow), Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro Zoological Garden, Lapa, and many others.
Christ the Redeemer Tips:
– Take the train to the top
– Elevator or 220 steps to the top
– 75 Reais ticket or $20
– No need to rent a cab outside
What’s the best place to take a photo?
Answer: You have to take a picture at the Christ the Redeemer.
What about the top 3 restaurants?
Answer: Restaurants with view (frutos do mar means seafood):
– Prodigy hotel restaurant & Xian restaurant (at the rooftop of Santos Dumont Airport shopping Bossa nova 5to floor, beautiful Corcovado view)
Bar Urca (Urca)
– Seafood dishes (camarao means shrimp): Camarao moranga, bacalhau ze do pipo (cod), calderada frutos do mar, pastel camarao, bolinho bacalhau.
Terra Brasilis (Urca, view)
Aprazivel (Santa Teresa)
Rei do bacalhau (Tijuca, order Cod Zé do Pipo)
Restaurant/Bar:
Bar Urca (urca, Seafood)
Belmonte (Copacana, leblon)
Terra Brasilis (Urca, nice view)
Braseiro da Gavea (best Picanha meat)
Jobi (Leblon, drinks & appetizers)
Rei do Bacalhau (Tijuca, order Cod Zé do Pipo)
Degrau (Leblon, traditional amazing food)
Confeitaria Colombo (breakfast brunch, Copacabana)
Aprazivel (Santa Teresa)
Na Pressao (barra da tijuca)
Cervantes (Copacabana, great sandwiches, filet mignon)
Adega Perola (Copacabana, Restaurant Portuguese, many appetizers)
What‘s the one thing you MUST eat in the city?
Answer: Acai bowls, bakeries pastries, seafood is to die for.
Any rooftop bars or restaurants that you recommend?
Answer:
Restaurants with view (frutos do mar means seafood):
– Prodigy hotel restaurant & Xian restaurant (at the rooftop of Santos Dumont Airport shopping Bossa nova 5to floor, beautiful Corcovado view)
Bar Urca (Urca)
– Seafood dishes (camarao means shrimp): Camarao moranga, bacalhau ze do pipo (cod), calderada frutos do mar, pastel camarao, bolinho bacalhau.
Terra Brasilis (Urca, view)
Aprazivel (Santa Teresa)
Rei do bacalhau (Tijuca, order Cod Zé do Pipo)
Can you recommend the best shopping areas? Best shopping mall?
Answer: Shopping Rio Sul (south zone, Botafogo area), Barra Shopping (Barra da Tijuca), and Shopping Leblon,
What about food markets?
Answer: Food is great everywhere, enjoy the restaurant recommendations here and bakeries all over the city.
Breakfast/Brunch/Bakeries:
– Confeitaria Colombo (breakfast brunch)
– Many amazing bakeries everywhere, look for the busy ones
Juices/Acai/Sandwiches:
– Bibi Sucos
– BB lanches (Leblon)
– Balada Mix (Leblon)
Do you recommend any tours outside the city? Islands? Boat Tours?
Answer: If you have extra days, you may want to visit the town of Buzios (2 hours 30 min from Rio). If you are a surfer, the city of Saquarema has some of the best waves in Brazil.
Where should one go at night? Any bar/nightlife areas or districts you recommend?
Answer: Nightclub (Noitada in Portuguese). Bars around Leblon and Ipanema, Lapa area (Bar da Bud, Bar 40 graus), Barra da Tijuca area, Cafe de la musique. Please check local listings because bars and nightlife changes constantly in Rio.
Barzinho/Bars (more layback):
– Barzinhos Gavea Area
– Botequim Imperial (leblon)
– Bracarense (leblon)
– Jobi (leblon)
Rua Ataulfo de Paiva (Ipanema/Leblon):
Many restaurants, shopping & bars
Are Casinos allowed? Blackjack tables?
Answer: No casinos are allowed.
Any last advice for people visiting the city?
Answer: Wise Advice:
- Uber or Easy Taxi App
- Don’t wear watches or fancy clothing
- Don’t carry a lot of cash
- Go hungry, food to die for
- Rio is amazing, you will never forget the culture
How can people learn more about you? Feel free to share your phone, email and contact info below.
Answer: Always at www.youliketotravel.com. 🙂
Thanks for your time! Your insights will help the next traveler.
Be Jetting & Buy Experiences!
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