On an average day, Rio de Janeiro is intoxicating. But when the Olympic Games and the rest of the world descend on the city in August, the sensory overload will rise exponentially. Here are a few tips to conquering it all.
Nab More Tickets
Authorized booths will be set up around town to sell leftovers (you may make it to judo after all!), but for last-minute passes to U.S. events, hit up reseller CoSport.
Where to Watch
Several public parks and beaches like the new port district will have big screens with live feeds and free entry. Bar Bukowski, in beachfront Botafogo, will host Olympic-themed nights.
Leave Early
Buses and the subway reach Olympic Park, but the most comfortable transport will be Uber or private car services from companies like C. J. Executive. Stadiums may be up to a half hour on foot from private car drop-off points, so give yourself some time.
Still See the Sights
Don’t skip tourist attractions because of the crowds (yes, you should visit Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer). Outfitters like Matueté can secure you access and help you beat the lines.
What to Pack
While it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, temperatures in Rio in August can easily reach the 90-degree mark, and then there’s the occasional torrent of rain that gets unleashed on the city this time of the year. So it’s wise to pack thin layers—including one of those waterproof parkas from the likes of the North Face and Patagonia—and sunscreen, of course.
Pick up an Olympic Card
During the Games, getting to other sites around the city could be tricky thanks to the added traffic, which is already a challenge when there isn’t a massive event happening. The best option is to take on the city’s public transportation system. It might be a good idea to purchase the Olympic Card, a special pass for unlimited travel on buses, subways, and more (the light rail and ferries are not included). The card—for one day, three days, and seven days—can be purchased at various subway stops, at the airport, at Bus Rapid Transit locations, and online.
Party with the Danish and the Portuguese
Most countries participating in this year’s Olympic Games are erecting their own “houses” all over the city. Each is organizing fun activities and events—from DJ sessions to food stands to viewing parties. The U.S. house is not open to the public, but many others are, including the Danish House, which is a beach pavilion right in Ipanema, and Portugal’s ship, expected to welcome 10,000 visitors every day.
Don't forget the app
English is widely spoken in Rio, especially in the major tourist haunts and well-known restaurants. But if you decide to venture off the beaten path for a meal or two, you may come across dining rooms where a few words of Portuguese could go a long way. Download Menu for Tourist, a Brazil-based app that translates the menus of countless Rio eateries and bars into several languages including English. This way, you won’t accidentally order a bowl of moqueca if you’re really craving feijoada.
Check the website
During the Olympics, the Cidade Maravilhosa (or Marvelous City, as Rio is nicknamed) will host more than just sporting events. It will be full of parties, concerts, and more. Visit Rio, the official tourism website, will be updated every day to keep travelers informed of what else is going on in the city.