The sweet life in Copacabana

Renan and Gary can't get enough of Rio's warm weather, miles-long beaches and green landscapes. This Brazilian-American couple are proud to share the wonders of Rio de Janeiro with the global gay community. Follow their tips to have the best time in this Brazilian mecca. Explore the world. Discover your pride!

How gay-friendly is Rio? 

Over the last few years Rio has become a major destination for gay travelers, partly because Ipanema Beach is rated as one of the top gay beaches worldwide. Also, gay marriage has been legal in Brazil for about five years and the country has become much more gay-friendly.

Sounds good! So, what’s gay life like in Rio?  

Living as a gay couple in Ipanema is great. We're free to walk around holding hands and the gay beach is a three-minute walk from our apartment. Going to the gym here feels like you’re in San Francisco or New York City because 90% of the clientele is gay!

The best gay events that take place in Rio? 

I prefer New Year's Eve in Rio over the infamous Carnaval, but both events are huge and crazy. New Year's brings a lot of international gay tourists and everyone dresses in white and walks to Copacabana Beach. There's an amazing fireworks show with 4 million local residents and tourists.

We have 48 hours in Rio: what can’t we miss?  

The must-sees would be the Christ Statue, Sugar Loaf and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.  

Favorite gay place to grab a bite to eat? 

We enjoy local spots here in Ipanema, like our favorite Italian place called La Cantina. If you want a great Brazilian steak house, you must go to Fogo de Chao overlooking the bay and Sugar Loaf.

© Flickr/VaqueroFrancis

A gay place for brunch on weekends?  

Copacabana Palace for brunch, without any second thoughts. 

Best gay place for a cheap beer or happy hour?  

The best place to hang out in the day is at any gay kiosk on the beach with a chair and an umbrella. Our favorite kiosk is Vania e Junior.

It's party time! What are the best gay clubs?  

Rio has on of the largest gay clubs in the world and it only opens on Saturday night. It’s called The Week. You can dance the night away with 3,000 hot, shirtless Brazilian men.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in Rio?  

We enjoy going to watch the sunset in Arpoador, which is at the edge of Ipanema Beach.

Colonial district in Rio de Janeiro © Flickr/Ricardo Luengo

Any parks or other places to chill-out?   

Grab a bike from the local kiosk and ride around the Lagoa (Rio Lake).

Finally, where can we get the best view of Rio de Janeiro?  

You can get the best view with a small hike up the Two Brothers (Dois Irmãos) mountain. It’s a 45-minute hike but you’ll enjoy the best panorama on the city! ●

Want to know more about Rio de Janeiro? Check out our City Guide and read other Local Tips from misterb&b hosts in the area!

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