If you’ve been to Rio de Janeiro…

[Forgottenmyphone]

Did you feel unsafe at all? How did you get around? Did you do much walking? I’d really like to go as a solo trip but all the crime stats are putting me off.

Yes, I’ve been. It does have a bad rep but we wandered about without a problem. Stick to the main roads, it’s always busy along Copa and Ipanema beaches even in the evening. If you need to use your phone, step into a shop entrance or something, don’t walk along the road with it in your hand. For the sights, we just booked day trips on Viator so we were accompanied to get to places, cheap and easier than using public transport.
Rio is one of these cites that has a very distinct vibe to it, definitely worth going.

It was a long time ago but at breakfast in the hotel there was a man at the next table negotiating on buying prostitutes and signs up saying extra overnight guests weren't allowed in the hotel. We asked hotel were it was safe to walk and they named one street. We took a couple of guided tours which felt very safe. Went on to Parity which felt very safe in comparison and beautiful. Then went back to Rio at end of trip for flight back and stayed in another hotel where there was a favela near and could hear gunshots. Someone at our hotel restaurant asked about them and they said gunshots were normal for the favela on Saturday nights. There used to be trips to stay in a favela and it was said local drug dealers were given money so these visits were peaceful so didn't do that tour. If you go would ask at the hotel for advice. Buzios is also supposed to be nice. It may well have changed but I would not have wanted to stay there solo, also got hassled by a married man in the hotel.

Completely different but went to Borneo with just my daughter (Sepilok/ Kinabatagan and that felt very safe). Costa Rica felt safe in but wasn't on a road trip there.

I went in 2003 and had a couple of nights on my own at the end of the tour. Was fine. I went to Ipanema/Coco cabana beaches with a plastic bag ,(instead of rucksack) and a few dollars and had no problems, used the metro, wandered around and went out after dark, which I hadn't planned to do. Hotel was in a residential area which felt pretty safe.
I was surprised how safe I felt given the severe cautions in guide books.

I stayed in Leblon, it felt safe, I did a mixture of walking, taxis and one organised tour.

Went about 15 years ago. Was pretty worried but once there felt completely safe. Just took normal precautions.
Is there a particular reason you are going to Rio, OP? I have to say I didn't think much of it. It might have been me but I didn't rate it at all. Others might love it though.

I loved it, cities near sea and mountains are my favourite destinations.

Thanks for all your comments and tips. I’m attracted to it because I love cities with a beach, a very vibrant, distinct culture and nearby hiking. I would definitely do the hiking with a tour.

My friend was killed in Rio 12ish years ago. Home invasion gone wrong.

He was staying with another couple at their waterfront property, his friends. The couple went clubbing one evening, my friend was tired, so stayed in.

There was a break-in, they attacked him. He fought back, but there were three of them and they were armed. They killed him. He was 30 years old.

Obviously, it can happen anywhere. But Rio never appealed to me before that, and certainly far less afterwards.

I did a hiking tour booked on Viator and was picked up at the hotel in a jeep.
I stayed in Rio for five nights and then flew to Iguassa and stayed on the Argentine side for five nights.

I went along me about 10 years ago. I walked a lot and used the metro a couple of times. Spent a lot of day time doing things ony own bit for the evenings generally found a group from the hotel to tag along with.
Never felt particularly unsafe, I have been other places where I felt more at risk.

I went two years ago with DS who was 6 and it was fine. The normal stuff about not flashing money around, step into a shop to use phones etc. we got the metro after the football at the Maracana and it was fine too.

Have been a few times and had no issues. Just be sensible and it really helps to have a bit of basic Portuguese.

@Forgottenmyphone We stayed at a hotel on Copacabana. Totally safe. A good hotel will tell you where not to go. Favellas on your own for a start. Some areas at night. Do what you are told and get a guide if you can or join a tour.