Rio de Janeiro City Guide by Regis St. Louis is a 248-page travel guide, meant to give travelers an overview of Rio from the perspective of a native. Part of the guide's appeal is its realism as St. Louis tells travelers the ins and outs of his city. It is more than an book that tells you where to go and how, but it gives readers a look into Brazilian culture.
Learn, for example about Brazilian music, literature, theater, and visual art. Of course, readers who know Rio for its exotic Carnival can learn about the history of Carnaval, and the reason behind the celebration. An added bonus, the guidebook contains a Carnaval Party Planner with events listed in the weeks before Carnval and events listed during and after Carnaval. Visitors who would like to participate in Carnaval on a more formal basis, can learn how they can join in by learning to dance the Samba through a Samba school, St. Louis wrote, and participating in a Sambodromo parade.
No one would want to visit Rio without relaxing on Rio's beaches. In addition to relishing in Carnaval, relaxing on Itacoatiara beach is probably something that anyone would want to do in their lifetime. A way from the crowds, this relaxing on the powdery white sands, and eating a plate-load of fish on this beach may be paradise.
Rio Intinerary Builder
Visitors who prefer review the guide and choose favorites among the listings will appreciate the included itinerary builder. Three or four choices of sights, dining and nightlife are presented on a chart for areas throughout Rio. Tourists can simply choose what they would like to see from the listings and build a day-long itinerary. Use the included maps to travel in the communities.
Rio's Neighborhoods
Stray from the tourist areas and become immersed in the city by visiting Rio's neighborhoods. Ipaanema and Leblon, a neighborhood where the wealthy live near the beach sounds like the ideal place to visit or live. In all of the neighborhood descriptions, St. Louis locates banks, shopping areas, restaurants, sports, and nightlife on a coded map. Walking tours for shopping and pub crawling were included in the Leblon guide. Other communities have similar tours.
Top Picks in Rio
Tourists who would like to sample the best of the best can use the Top Picks guide in the back of the book to locate the best crafts, bargain buying, fashion and music in shopping can browse the guide. Other top picks include the best eating, sleeping, sports activities, excursions, nightlife, and arts.
Why Read This Rio de Janeiro Guide?
It is clear that St. Louis knows his topic and is presenting first-hand information from an experienced local. This guidebook as the feel of an insider's guide instead of a guide. However, the information is not written over the heads of the average tourist. The instructions appear to be easy to follow.
Title: Rio De Janeiro City Guide
Publisher: Lonely Planet, 2008
Author: Regis St. Louis
ISBN: 978-1-74104-867-4
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