With its glorious coastline, dramatic mountains and urban rainforest, Rio de Janeiro is a city that hits you between the eyes with its natural beauty. But there’s plenty to discover here that isn’t instantly self-evident. From lively neighbourhood bars and an intricate beach culture to sculptural gardens and concrete modernist buildings, there is a lot more to Rio than bronzed bodies on Ipanema Beach. Get to grips with the basics When asked about safety in the city, any local will be quick to say that you should be fine – as long as you are esperto (“street-smart”). The city’s beaches are broken down into sections according to numbered postos (“posts”), each of which offers a different atmosphere. The most important meal is lunch and it does not necessarily end with the arrival of the bill. Put aside at least two hours on weekdays and be prepared on weekends: it can be a day-long event. Brazilians are known to be quite touchy-feely. Just extending your hand with no extra touching comes across as a little frio (“cold”) to most Cariocas.

Rio is extremely informal but don’t mistake casualness for lack of style. pesce per sushi onlineThe majority of venues will have no problem if you turn up in T-shirt, shorts and Havaianas. how to get sushi coinsRio gets very hot and humid so always opt for lighter fabrics.sushi kit buy online Hospitality at its finestbuy japanese rice cooker uk The Fasano’s location is second to none but only about half of the rooms have a sea view, so be sure to ask. There are three Deluxe Ocean-Front Suites and these are easily the best. The Fasano’s other assets include a rooftop infinity pool. Belmond Copacabana Palace, Copacabana

The most sophisticated address in Rio has ushered the rich and famous across its marble threshold since it opened in 1923. The Palace’s rooms are a masterclass in simple grandeur. Mama Ruisa, Santa Teresa Owner Jean Michel Ruis prides himself on giving each guest a unique experience; he can recommend a personalised itinerary for your visit. Local resident of Rio Thank you (for women) Thank you (for men) Smart bites and top stops When hotelier Rogério Fasano opened Gero in 2002 he raised the gastronomic bar for the whole city. The menu is heavy on classic Italian staples such as lamb shanks and veal ravioli; our top pick is the saffron risotto with ossobuco. Aconchego Carioca, Praça da Bandeira This relaxed pub-style restaurant serves food that is typical of Brazil’s northeast. If you need a break from Rio’s carnivorous leanings this is a good option. Japanese with a twist The sleek dining room has specialties such as sushi de agulhão branco (butterfish and fried quail egg nigiri with truffle oil) and tuna tartare, all served on crockery by São Paulo-based Japanese potters Hideko Honma and Kimi Nii.

Sample some lesser-known Amazonian fruits such as the lychee-like graviola, the bitter orange acerola fruit or the purple açaí, which some say tastes like a mix of berries and chocolate. Bar dos Descasados, Santa Teresa Tucked beneath the stunning Santa Teresa Hotel, this bar is a wonderful spot for a sundowner or two. The large arches open out onto one of the best views in Rio, over the rooftops of Santa Teresa to Guanabara Bay. Global sportswear brand Osklen was founded in 1989 and the first Rio shop opened two years later. The flagship store offers high-end casualwear while Osklen Praia, a short walk away, hosts a range of T-shirts and shorts. Brothers David and Simão Azulay made Blue Man into a success story during the 1970s by adding their vibrant prints to pieces such as a tie-side bikini and sungas: the swimming shorts favoured by fashionable men throughout Brazil. Poeira (“dust”) is the creation of Portuguese entrepreneur Mónica Penaguião;

this homeware shops hold a mix of international designs as well as its own-brand furniture, rugs and cushions. Toca do Vinícius, Ipanema Carlos Alberto Afonso, now in his sixties, set up this record shop dedicated to bossa nova in 1993 and originally named it Toca da Bossa Nova (Den of Bossa Nova). What's your email address? What's your phone number? Where would you like to go? When would you like to go? I have read the terms and conditions View full product » The latest restaurant from the crack team behind Sushi Leblon and Zuka, this two-story bistro serves organic dishes in a clean, bright space on the trendy (and foody) Rua Dias Ferreira. Stop by on a late Saturday afternoon to watch the beautiful people. For those wanting a change from the formidable fare along Rua Dias Ferreira, Celeiro is the place. Specializing in organic salads via buffet style, pay-by-weight ordering, this casual eatery is full of healthy choices. And their mint lemonade is damn good on a hot day.

Rio’s answer to Nobu. A clear favorite of the chic and celebrated, this upscale Japanese restaurant offers great sushi, sashimi, and specialties like grilled namorado and sea urchin ceviche. Book in advance or prepare to queue up. Finding an ice cold beer in Rio is harder than you’d expect, so remember this address. Jobi has been Leblon’s go-to botequim since the ’50s. The bar itself isn’t much to look at, but there are plenty of pretty patrons crowding the place, especially on weekends. Great bar snacks (the empanadas are outstanding) and memorable nights are Jobi hallmarks. It’s a local spot but you won’t be a stranger for long. This lighthearted Japanese restaurant takes its sushi seriously. Headband-clad chefs masterfully prepare delectable dishes using traditional Japanese techniques. Perched in the mountains above Rio, this open air, tree house-style restaurant will have you repeating one phrase: pass the pao de queijo! Aprazível’s combination of fresh food, panoramic views, and quality service is worth the trek.

Dedicated to small portions and superior cocktails, Venga is consistently packed with young locals at dinnertime. It was the first tapas restaurant to arrive in Rio, and many consider it the best. Zazá Bistrô serves Thai and Brazilian fusion dishes in an art-filled converted house. There are three quirky dining areas: an outside terrace, inside on the ground floor, and (our personal favorite) upstairs where guests dine on Moroccan pillows by flickering candlelight. The food, service, and scene never disappoint the lunch crowd. Scope out Ipanema socialites from an outdoor terrace while filling up on enormous salads, pastas, and other bistro fare. The Fasano group owns it but this Italian restaurant is one-of-a-kind in Rio. The menu benefits from four generations worth of experience. The excellent service is hard not to notice. Our recommendation: the tiramisu. Punto Divino serves the best thin-crust pizza in town. Sit inside for the live-music performances or outside to watch the action in the town square.