Rio de Janeiro is one of the most exciting cities we’ve ever visited - but it can come with surprises that catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.
In this guide, we share 14 things not to do in Rio de Janeiro based on our real experiences - from common tourist traps and local scams to cultural misunderstandings and smart planning tips.
14 Things Not to Do in Rio de Janeiro
1. Avoid overpaying for beach chairs and umbrellas
At Ipanema, Copacabana, and Praia Vermelha, we paid around $6 USD per day for two chairs and an umbrella. Some vendors tried quoting up to $12 USD, so don’t be shy to bargain. We had no problem getting the lower rate as English speakers.
Also, keep an eye on your bar tab - between rounds of caipirinhas and coconut water, it’s easy to lose track.
2. Avoid skipping the favelas altogether
We visited two favelas in Rio and they ended up being some of the most meaningful experiences of our trip. We came away with a deeper understanding of how these communities operate.
The first was Rocinha, the largest favela in Brazil. We joined an excellent walking tour led by a local resident, which gave us a real insight into daily life there.Cameras were welcome, and everyone we met along the way was incredibly friendly. One highlight was visiting a school where the kids performed music for us.
We also spent an incredible night at The Maze, a cliffside jazz bar with panoramic views and live music that rivals any club we've been to.
They typically host a jazz party on the second Saturday of the month, and it’s 100% worth the effort to get there.
3. Avoid being confused when people suddenly start clapping on the beach
The first time it happened, we thought a celebrity or respected politician had just shown up - but it turns out it’s a brilliant local system for reuniting lost children with their parents.
If a child gets separated, someone will lift them onto their shoulders and walk along the beach while everyone nearby claps to draw attention. It helps the parents locate them quickly by following the sound.
Boy were we confused by that one.
4. Avoid buying Sugarloaf Mountain gondola tickets on arrival
Like many attractions in Rio, tickets are cheaper if you buy them online in advance. Skip the lines, save a few reals, and head straight up for those iconic views.
While you’re in the area, make time for a visit to Praia Vermelha, just a three-minute walk away. It’s a small, scenic beach at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.
🚡 You can easily purchase cable car tickets for Sugarloaf Mountain with GetYourGuide. We like how you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.5. Avoid taking regular marked taxis - use Uber instead
Uber in Rio is super reliable and way more affordable. One day we tried taking a taxi and quickly realised the fare was going to be about four times the price of an Uber.
We jumped out a quarter of the way home and called an Uber instead - it was still cheaper than finishing the ride in the cab.
Bonus: Ubers are air-conditioned.
6. Avoid the Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo De Chao
It might be a famous name, but dining here felt identical to the Fogo de Chãos we've been to in the U.S. and Canada. We also realized we’re not fans of the “guess what cut of meat this is” game.
For the same price, treat yourself to a proper Brazilian steak - cooked exactly how you want - at CT Boucherie. It’s a far more satisfying
7. Avoid buying the colourful drinks sold on trays at the beach
They might look tempting - colourful, icy, and served in fun cups - but be warned: some are made with undistinguishable alcohol and have a sickly sweet, chemical taste.
We made the mistake once, and locals nearby quickly told us, “don’t drink that.” Stick to caipirinhas made fresh at the beach bars or a classic coconut water instead.
8. Avoid wearing all black
I love a chic all-black outfit, however, you'll stick out like a sore thumb in the colourful city of Rio De Janeiro!
9. Avoid showing up at the Christ the Redeemer tram station without a ticket
Buy your ticket online in advance - it’s cheaper and lets you skip the long queue.
No need to print it either - just show it on your phone. Once you're up top, don’t rush back down.
The restaurant is surprisingly satisfying and well-priced. Grab a massive quarter slice of watermelon or try the Frango Cubano (Cuban-style chicken) to make the most of your visit.
You can easily purchase tickets for the cog train with GetYourGuide. We like how you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.10. Avoid carrying big cameras, flashy jewellery, or luxury bags around the city
Rio does have a reputation for quick snatch-and-grab thefts, usually carried out by opportunists. A good rule of thumb: only bring what you truly need- like some cash and your phone.
On beach days, we left our phones at home and didn’t miss them. For tourist sites, my small crossbody purse and backpack were totally fine - we had no issues. Just keep things low-key and stay aware of your surroundings.
11. Avoid bringing anything valuable to the beach
One scam to watch out for is the “beach cleaner” who slowly drifts by with a broom or bag, pretending to tidy up - until you look away, and poof, your stuff’s gone.
The best move? Stay at a hotel or Airbnb close to the beach so you can head down with just some cash.
That said, Rio beach culture is super friendly. We had locals ask us twice to watch their things while they went for a swim.
12. Avoid thinking Rio is a dangerous city where you need to watch your back 24/7
It’s a place where you need to travel smartly, but not in fear. Rio has its safety concerns, but it’s not the chaotic danger zone some headlines make it out to be. Just make sure to do your homework on the neighbourhoods that are safe.
We actually felt more on edge in Naples, Italy than we ever did in Rio. It’s a vibrant, welcoming city, and if you take the usual precautions, you’ll likely have an amazing time.
13. Avoid thinking you can breeze through Rio's international airport
They weren’t exaggerating in that airline email - you really do need to arrive three hours early for an international flight.
The check-in and bag drop process is painfully slow, with long, sluggish lines that seem to move at a glacial pace.
There’s something oddly inefficient about the whole setup, so don’t cut it close. Give yourself plenty of time to avoid the stress.
14. Avoid relying on cafes in Rio for remote work- they’re not laptop-friendly
Rio might be a paradise for beach lovers, but it’s not ideal for setting up your laptop at a cafe. We couldn’t find a proper laptop-friendly spot - most had unreliable Wi-Fi or were just too loud.
Surprisingly, Starbucks was our best bet, but even that came with a two-hour Wi-Fi limit per purchase. Luckily, our Airbnb had excellent internet. If you’re hoping to work remotely, be sure to book a place with fast and reliable wifi.
We hope these 14 things not to do in Rio De Janiero were helpful!
🎥 See what it was like in our Rio vlog.
Get started on planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro
- 🏖️ Classic sights: see our list of the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Rio
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🚆 Cog Train: Reserve your train ticket to see Christ the Redeemer
- 🚡 Cable Car: Reserve your cable car ticket for Sugarloaf Mountain
- 🛫 Flights: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however)
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Check out our other Rio de Janeiro travel guides:
- 9 Unique Things to Do in Rio
- 7 Most Instagrammable Places in Rio
- 9 Top Bars for Live Music & Socializing
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