Copacabana Countdown: My NYE 2025 in Rio
I Absolutely LOVED Brazil! We went to bring in 2025, and it was everything I hoped for and more. I only visited Rio de Janeiro this time, but I’m already dreaming of going back and visiting São Paulo!
Where to Stay in Rio:
Janeiro Hotel
If you love a clean, minimalist aesthetic with a touch of luxury, this is the spot. This hotel quickly became one of my favorites. Get the frozen grapes with yogurt (trust me, so good) everything was perfect. For a hotel to be a 10/10 in my book, it needs to have great water pressure—and this one definitely passed the test.For a hotel to be a 10/10 in my book, it needs to have great water pressure, and Janerio definitely passed the test. The rooftop pool is stunning, though it’s tiny, so be sure to get your spot early in the morning. Recap
Hotel Fasano I really enjoyed the pool and the food here. It’s definitely a solid choice. That said, I still find myself preferring the Janerio Hotel for its overall atmosphere and experience. Recap
Helicopter tour over Christ the Redeemer
It’s an unforgettable experience, but be cautious when choosing a company. Ours took off despite heavy clouds, and we couldn’t see the statue. Even worse, they misled the group after us about the weather and the view. Be sure to research the company’s weather policies carefully to avoid disappointment.
Sugarloaf Mountain Take the cable car at sunset for stunning views—but definitely buy skip-the-line tickets in advance on sites like Viator. We waited hours in line, and by the time we got to the top, it was nearly closing. Learn from our mistakes haha.
Escadaria Selarón We went at 7:30am thinking no one would be there. It was packed! The perfect photo op. Go all the way to the top.
Restaurants
Ocyá Insanely good! However, the service was terrible and just a heads up no one spoke English.
Braseiro da Gávea Brazillian steakhouse. SO good. The fillet was perfect and literally huge! We went back three times.
Copacabana Palace We didn’t make it this time but the Sunday brunch was on my list! I’ve heard nothing but great reviews.
Brazil is known for its delicious chocolate and the unique way it pairs chocolate with fresh, tropical fruits. If you want to try some or bring some home as souvenirs I recommend Kopenhagen & Dengo.
For the ladies if you like Farm Rio and Havainas Brazil is the best place to stock up because its around 50% cheaper than buying in the U.S.
Beach
The beach is where it’s really at! I personally prefer Ipanema over Copacabana, but you should definitely experience both. I lived for the beach life there! With so many options for bikinis, drinks, and food, it’s impossible not to have a great time.
At first, I thought the Brazil-logo merch was kind of cliche... but I caved and bought one. You’ll find them anywhere and everywhere and they grew on me!
As for food, don’t miss the venders on the beach—fresh corn, and I absolutely loved queijo coalho (grilled cheese) drizzled with honey.
You’ve got to try an açaí bowl while you’re in Brazil. It actually originated right here in the Amazon region. It might not be my personal favorite, but it’s definitely worth tasting. And keep an eye out for vendors carrying big silver tins—inside is chá gelado, a refreshing iced tea that’s perfect for the beach heat.
Of course, the national drink is the caipirinha, and I had some of the best ones ever right there on the sand.
Christ the Redeemer
This was our second Wonder of the World. I highly recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before opening—especially in the morning, as we witnessed a priest blessing the crowd with holy water. It was such a beautiful experience. Find the recap here
It was impossible to put the camera down. My man was such a trooper. I know he was secretly thrilled when the trip ended… no more surprise photoshoots every five minutes. Everything was just that picturesque — how could I not?
