Ways to Visit Rio on the Cheap

Ways to visit Rio on the cheap

ChampionTraveler.com claims The average price of a 7-day trip to Rio de Janeiro is $1,812 for a solo traveler, $3,254 for a couple, and $6,101 for a family of 4. Rio de Janeiro hotels range from $13 to $257 per night with an average of $52, while most vacation rentals will cost $130 to $530 per night for the entire home.

Despite that, Rio de Janeiro is the destination on everyone’s lips. Between hosting the World Cup and the Olympics in 2016, the city is poised to welcome an onslaught of new visitors – and prices are sure to jump accordingly.

However, it’s still possible to enjoy the stunning city on the cheap. Below, we recommend different travel hacks that’ll ensure you can see the best of Rio without going broke.



Copacabana

1) Opt for budget accommodation

Instead of indulging in that luxurious, multi-star spot, opt to stay in one of Rio’s many hostels. Along with comfortable accommodation, a number of them offer great views and breakfast.

Copacabana hostels in particular provide the perfect blend of paradisiacal beach surroundings and low prices.

Floresta de Tijuca

Visit the city’s free attractions

Given its gorgeous surroundings and tropical climate, Rio offers abundant opportunities for outdoor exploring. Take the opportunity to trek around the city’s beaches and green spaces without paying a single real.

The Parque de Flamengo, Floresta de Tijuca, and the Lagoa are all free to visit. For those seeking a spot of air conditioning, most of Rio’s museums also offer one free access day each week.



© Adam Jones

3) Take public transport

Taxis in the Cidade Maravilhosa are definitely not budget-friendly. Luckily for those looking to get around, Rio offers well-organised and well-priced bus networks that’ll take you all over the city.

The Metro is another inexpensive and air-conditioned option.



4) Order dinner by the kilo

Rio offers a number of quirky “weigh it yourself” restaurants that let diners fill up plates with buffet fare before having each portion individually priced. In addition to the cheap prices, the food is local – and delicious.



5) Avoid paying steep entry fees to clubs

Everyone wants a taste of Rio’s infamous nightlife, and the Lapa neighbourhood is at the centre of the going-out scene. Don’t bother with expensive nightclubs, though – between cheap drinks from street vendors and outdoor samba parties, there’s no need.



6) Be always on the lookout for free Wi-Fi

Internet cafes and hotels with paid Internet access can eat away at your budget. Opt to book a hotel or hostel with free Wi-Fi, or keep an eye out for cafes, restaurants, and other laptop-friendly destinations.

7) Get the best possible exchange rate

Savvy travellers know to skip the cash-exchange kiosks in the airport, which take off a hefty percentage. Shop around and order in advance before you leave home.

Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Argentina and winner of the Revi 2021 Reader Award. You can find him at any of hundreds of sidewalk cafes and hire him through Fiverr, join the quarter-million who follow him on Twitter or contact him at [email protected]