Tips
how to get there, where to stay & what to do
We want our wedding and your stay in Brazil to be an unforgettable experience, so you can have fun and celebrate this special moment with the most important people in our lives.
That’s why we’ve lovingly put together this guide for you. Here, you’ll find suggestions for accommodations, restaurants, excursions, and practical tips.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Arrival
Stays
What to do
Where else to go
Arrival
TRANSPORTATION
The closest airports to Niterói are Galeão Airport (GIG) and Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), both located in Rio de Janeiro. From there, it’s easy to reach Niterói: just cross the Rio-Niterói Bridge by car (about 30 minutes without traffic).
We recommend taking a taxi from a licensed cooperative, such as Transcoopass, Cootramo, or Aerocoop, which have booths near the airport exits. It will be slightly more expensive than an Uber, but safer and more comfortable for those traveling with luggage. Avoid accepting any offers between the arrival area and the airport exit.
MONEY
The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). It’s advisable to bring US dollars or euros and exchange them at reliable currency exchange offices - avoid the airport agencies. While credit cards are widely accepted in urban businesses, it’s helpful to have some cash on hand for exceptional situations. Be mindful of exchange rates and avoid exchanging money with street vendors or unlicensed agents at the airport.
In Brazil, tipping practices differ from those in other countries. In restaurants, bars, and cafés, a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill. This charge is optional but widely accepted as standard. It’s not common to tip beyond this amount. In taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving a small change is appreciated but not obligatory.
PHONE
If you’re traveling from abroad, an excellent option to stay connected in Brazil is using an e-SIM. With an e-SIM, you can activate a local or international data plan without needing a physical SIM card, making the process more convenient.
Benefits of an e-SIM:
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Easy activation: You can set up your e-SIM even before your trip.
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Lower costs: Local data plans are usually cheaper than international roaming.
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Reliable connection: Perfect for accessing maps, transportation apps, and staying in touch with other guests.
How to set it up:
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Check if your smartphone is e-SIM compatible (most recent models are).
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Look for local providers in Brazil, such as Claro, Vivo, or TIM, which offer e-SIM options.
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Consider global alternatives like Airalo or Holafly, which allow you to activate data plans before your trip.
Stays
You can stay in either Niterói or Rio de Janeiro, depending on your other plans. We suggest spending at least the wedding weekend in Niterói for the convenience of being closer to your accommodation after the party and also to explore the city and its beautiful beaches. As a smaller and less touristy city, hotel and Airbnb prices in Niterói are likely to be lower than those in Rio.
Niterói
Both the religious ceremony and the reception will take place in the Icaraí neighborhood, making it the most convenient area to stay. Icaraí is a lively neighborhood with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars, and it’s easy to get around on foot. Another nearby neighborhood is Ingá.
The neighborhoods with the best beaches, though farther from the event venues and the city's commercial center, are Itacoatiara and Camboinhas. In these areas, we recommend renting a house or Airbnb close to the beach.
Hotel suggestions
Rio de Janeiro
We recommend staying in one of the neighborhoods in Rio's South Zone, especially Ipanema, Copacabana, or Botafogo.
Ipanema and Copacabana boast the city’s most beautiful beaches, with Ipanema, in particular, offering a vibrant nightlife.
Botafogo, on the other hand, is less touristy but has the liveliest nightlife, with more affordable accommodation on average.
Hotel suggestions
> Windsor Martinique (Copacabana)
> Pestana, Rio Atlântica (Copacabana)
> Arena Copa Hotel (Copacabana)
> Windsor Excelsior (Copacabana)
> Atlantis Copacabana (entre Copacabana e Ipanema)
> Yoo2 (Botafogo)
What to do
We know that planning your first trip to a new country can be overwhelming, so here's our recommendation of an excellent guide for private tours of Rio.
Magali, a long-time friend of Luana's mother, is an accredited tour guide and fluent in Portuguese, English and Italian. You can contact her via Whatsapp (+55 21 99369-4999) or her Instagram.
You can also find on this section our selection of activities, restaurants and bars in both Rio and Niterói.
ACTIVITIES
RESTAURANTS
BARS & NIGHTLIFE
BEAUTY SALON & BARBERSHOP
Activities
Rio de Janeiro and Niterói offer an incredible range of activities that showcase their natural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant energy. From iconic landmarks like the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) and the futuristic Museu do Amanhã in Rio to the beautiful Praia de Itacoatiara in Niterói, there’s something for every type of traveler.
> Niterói
↑
> Rio de Janeiro
↑
Restaurants
Brazilian cuisine is a rich blend of indigenous, African, and European influences, resulting in a diverse culinary landscape. Staples like feijoada (a hearty black bean stew with pork), pão de queijo (cheese bread), and moqueca (a flavorful seafood stew) showcase regional ingredients and flavors.
Alongside traditional dishes, Brazilians have a deep appreciation for international cuisines, with Japanese and Italian food being among the most beloved, thanks to significant immigration from these countries in the 20th century. Sushi bars and pizzerias are immensely popular, often incorporating local twists like tropical fruits or Brazilian cheeses, reflecting the country’s flair for fusion and creativity.
> Niterói
↑
> Rio de Janeiro
↑
Bars & Nightlife
Brazil's bar culture is a vibrant and cherished social tradition, centered around casual bars known as botecos or botequins. These establishments are known for their laid-back atmosphere, cold beer, and small, flavorful dishes called petiscos — perfect for sharing with friends. Why do you think Alex loves Brazil so much? ;)
Popular petiscos include aipim frito (crispy fried cassava), coxinha (chicken croquettes), and bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish fritters). Botecos are more than just places to eat and drink; they’re hubs of conversation, laughter, and connection, embodying Brazil’s warm and social spirit.
Looking to party or watch Samba live? We'll be sharing ideas of specific events for you to attend closer to the wedding date.
> Niterói
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Good areas to bar hop in: Rua Nóbrega (start at Boteco Confraria) & Praia de São Francisco (start at +1 Bar)
> Rio de Janeiro
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Good areas to bar hop in: Rua Arnaldo Quintela (Botafogo), Rua Dias Ferreira (Leblon) & Baixo Gávea
Beauty Salon / Barbershop
> Niterói
↑
← Ask for Luizão and say you're Alex's friend :)
Where else to go
In case you haven't already noticed, Brazil is a huge country and there is no shortage of amazing destinations to explore. Here are some of our suggestions:
Accessible by car from Rio/Niterói
Paraty is a coastal historic town. Its old churches, cobbled streets and nearby forests, waterfalls, islands and emerald-green sea attract lots of tourists interested in mixing cultural tourism and more natural settings.
~ It could be visited in combination with Ilha Grande
How long to stay: 3 days
Travel from Rio: 4:30h drive
Once a tiny fishermen’s town, Búzios has become one of Brazil’s most popular beach resorts while maintaining its authentic charm and stunning beaches.
~ We recommend heading to Arraial do Cabo for a day and going on a pre-booked boat tour
How long to stay: 3 days
Travel from Rio: 3:30h drive
Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto was the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil’s golden age in the 18th century. Its Baroque churches, bridges and fountains remain as a testimony to its past prosperity.
~ According to Luana, the state of Minas Gerais has the best food ;)
How long to stay: 4 days
Travel from Rio: 5-hour drive
Also known as the Imperial City, Petrópolis is a charming mountain town that combines classical sceneries of Europe and the tropical nature of Brazil.
How long to stay: day-trip
Travel from Rio: 1h30 drive
lha Grande is one of Brazil’s most beautiful islands. It's surrounded by pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and an array of wildlife. It also boasts many hiking trails to explore.
How long to stay: 3 days
Travel from Rio: 3h30 drive + 1h30 ferry ride
By plane from Rio
The oldest city in Brazil, Salvador is known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture and a tropical coastline. The Pelourinho neighborhood is its historic heart, with cobblestone alleys opening onto large squares, colorful buildings and baroque churches.
How long to stay: 2-3 days
Travel from Rio: 2-hour direct flight to SSA
The Iguazú Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world, have visitors spellbound. Nestled between two national parks and the countries of Brazil and Argentina, this chain of hundreds of cascading waterfalls is an incredible spectacle.
How long to stay: 3-4 days
Travel from Rio: 3-hour direct flight to IGU
A paradise for those who practice adventure and ecotourism activities, Bonito (literally "beautiful" in Portuguese) brings together a diversity of natural attractions such as rivers with crystal clear waters, rich wildlife, caves, sinkholes, waterfalls, and other elements that form lush and unique settings.
How long to stay: 4-5 days
Travel from Rio: 2-hour flight to Campo Grande (CGR) + 3–4h drive
Porto de Galinhas is a paradisiacal beach region known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. It offers a wide range of activities, such as raft trips, diving to explore the natural pools and observe colorful marine life, as well as the famous buggy rides.
How long to stay: 3-5 days
Travel from Rio: 3-hour flight to Recife (REC) + 1-hour drive
Jalapão is a true paradise that offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, lush wildlife, and a rich and vibrant culture. But beyond the waterfalls and winding rivers, you will be amazed by the numerous fervedouros, small wells formed by crystal-clear springs, scattered throughout the region.
How long to stay: 4-6 days
Travel from Rio: 2h30 flight to Palmas (PMW) + 4-5h drive
The Amazon Rainforest offers unparalleled opportunities to explore its incredible biodiversity. Visitors can embark on river cruises, guided jungle treks, and wildlife safaris to encounter unique species like pink river dolphins, toucans, and sloths, all while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of local communities.
How long to stay: 4 days
Travel from Rio: 4-hour direct flight to Manaus (MAO)
The Lençóis Maranhenses are a paradise of white dunes and crystal-clear lagoons. Visitors can explore dune trails, boat rides through rivers and mangroves, and experience the rich local culture.
How long to stay: 4 days
Travel from Rio: 3-hour flight to São Luis (SLZ) + 4-hour drive to Barreirinhas