Traveling to Rio during the 2016 Olympics. A Short Guide

Are you planning of attending Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games? You want to be where the excitement is and where all the high class clientele like to spend their free time? Then you will find this article with tips and tricks very useful for your future journey!

As a high class companion you know that you always need to be where all the interesting and famous people like to spend their time and money and where else could you find them if not in Rio de Janeiro, the capital of the 2016 Olympics.

So, start packing and planning your time in Rio. Do not worry about arriving there late, there are still plenty of days remaining till 21 of August, the final day of the trials.

Traveling to Rio, step by step!

First of all, you need to check if your passport is valid and see if you need a visa in order to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games. The best way to find out about the visa is by consulting your country’s diplomatic representation.

Next step is to check for accommodation because the city may be a little crowded because of the Olympics. But, keep in mind that the hotel capacity in Rio has doubled over the last six years, so you should find a nice place to check in. Choose a venue with a central location, this way you don’t have to worry about returning at the hotel at a late hour and you will also find yourself in the middle of things.

Try Sofitel Hotels, Windsor Leme, Windsor Florida, Ibis Copacabana, Arosa, Caesar Park Hotels, Da Lapa Design Hotel or Ritz Plaza.

In order to get in touch with the crème de la crème of Rio’s highlife, you have to be present in all the exclusive locations. Here are some of the play grounds of the rich and famous, in Rio de Janeiro, during the Olympics.

Here are some of our suggestions, of places to hang out:

Tereze restaurant is an exclusive venue, situated on a charming hillside, that will offer you an unforgettable dining experience. Go there at sunset and have a drink on the terrace. You will be amazed and in love with the view.

Adress: Tereze Restaurant at Hotel Santa Teresa

Azumi is a gorgeous, authentic Japanese restaurant in Copacabana, that serves an award-winning sushi.  So try to go at least once there and you will fall in love with the food and why not, with the company that you’ll find there.

Adress: Azumi Restaurant, 127 Rua Ministro Viveiros de Castro

Le Pré Catalan has the award-winning chef Roland Villard at the helm. Even though it is located in Sofitel, we are not talking about a classic hotel restaurant. It’s French inspired, Brazilian menu will impress even the toughest critique and if you want to impress your date with your cuisine knowledge then go for the wild mushroom and foie gras stuffed rigatoni.

Adress: Le Pré Catalan Restaurant, Sofitel Hotel

USEFUL CONTACTS

• FEDERAL POLICE – 194
• MILITARY POLICE – 190
• FIRE BRIGADE – 193 POLICE BATTALION FOR TOURIST AREAS (BPTUR) - (21) 2332-7928 / 2332-7937
• SEA RESCUE – (21) 2332-2062 / 2332-2057
• TOM JOBIM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (RIOgaleão) – (21) 3398-5050 ; Address: Av. Vinte de Janeiro, s/nº - Ilha do Governador

Other Useful Information

• Police stations and hospitals are open 24 hours a day.
• Most malls open at 10am and close at 10pm from Monday to Saturday, opening at 3pm on Sundays and public holidays.
• Banks are open for service from 10am to 4pm. ATMs operate until 10pm.
• The voltage in Rio de Janeiro is 110V. The sockets in most hotels are also suitable for 220V devices.
• In Brazil it is illegal to smoke in indoor public spaces, even under awnings or marquees.
• Tipping: in restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is automatically added to the bill but payment is not mandatory.