Whatever else you do, don't miss going up Corcovado on the small train. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is amazing in itself (whatever your own personal convictions may be), and the view of Rio is stunning. You just have to watch the weather, as the statue in invisible when there are low clouds!

Sugar Loaf Mountain is fun, another highly rated tourist spot. The cable car to get up there is regular and reliable.

It's cheesy, but take a trip to the "Garota da Ipanema," a corner bar/restaurant where the song "The Girl from Ipanema" was (apparently) written. Locals crowd this place to sample their signature dish, Picanha, sliced beef on a sizzling skillet with fries, rice, and a couple of other local accompaniments. It's fun and tasty, especially washed down with a few glasses of chopp (draft beer).${QuickSuggestions} Leave all your jewellery at home—seriously. Buy a cheap watch if you need one. Although we've never experienced problems, we know folks who have—they all had expensive stuff out on display! The less like a tourist you can look, the better. Shorts, skinny T-shirts, and flip-flops can get you in at most places. A good website:www.ipanema.com.${BestWay} Rail: Rio's Metro system is cheap, clean, and reliable—and surprisingly safe, too. We used local taxis, the yellow-and-blue ones. Try to get one with a name written on the sides in white; they belong to "groups" and are less likely to rip you off. Always make sure they start their meter!!

Driving yourself is dangerous. Not only do they drive like maniacs, but you can easily end up in a bad neighborhood.

The buses are cheap and plentiful—just take care at night. Never travel alone, especially for women. People walk everywhere!

From journal Living in Rio