It’s not the first time that Botafogo has appeared on the list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. And lo and behold, the effervescent neighborhood in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro has once again been featured in Time Out magazine’s ranking among the 39 coolest neighborhoods in the world!
But what to do in Botafogo? From cafés to charming mansions, including street cinemas and lively bars, here are 8 unmissable things to do in Botafogo.
Brunch at Dainer’s
Nothing like a hearty breakfast before exploring the streets of the neighborhood, right? That’s why we recommend starting the day at Dainer, a super charming American-style eatery that serves brunch all day long!
Enjoy the pancakes, waffles and more and don’t forget to take the classic photo of the mirrored globe on the bathroom ceiling!
📌Rua Real Grandeza, 193
Visit Casa Firjan
The historic mansion built by the Guinle family is open to the public and offers exhibitions, guided tours, courses, events and various other activities throughout the year.
Admission is free and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Outside, there’s a unit of Empório Jardim, a delicious bistro that has won the best in Rio award more than 10 times!
📌Rua Guilhermina Guinle, 211
Cycling along Enseada de Botafogo
The Enseada de Botafogo has one of the most emblematic and beautiful views in Rio de Janeiro! So we highly recommend a bike ride along the waterfront on a sunny day!
And the good news is: if you feel like taking a dip in the sea, go for it! Historically known for being unsuitable, Botafogo Beach has been free for swimming since May of this year.
Lunch at Sult
The Botafogo neighborhood has several delicious restaurants, but if you have to choose just one, go without fear to Sult!
With a contemporary, stripped-down yet chic vibe, Sult combines Italian cuisine with very Brazilian ingredients like no other.
📌Rua Fernandes Guimarães, 77
Spend some time at Livraria da Travessa
Livraria da Travessa occupies an old townhouse in the neighborhood and is close to the subway station. That’s why it’s worth popping in to spend some time in between.
As well as a great selection of books and publications, Livraria da Travessa in Botafogo has space for CDs, LPs and movies!
📌Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 97
Catch a movie at Estação
You can also take advantage of your visit to Livraria da Travessa to catch a movie at Cinema Estação. There are even two in the neighborhood, right next to each other!
As well as being one of the few street cinemas in Rio, the Grupo Estação cinemas offer films of different genres, from the most popular to the lesser-known. What’s more, there are fun events such as look-alike contest and marathons at dawn!
Order a pizza at Ferro e Farinha
Guess where one of the addresses of the pizzeria in Rio is located? on the list of the best in the world? That’s right, in Botafogo!
Ferro e Farinha has different units in Rio, but the one in Botafogo was the first in the city. Led by chef Sei Shiroma, the pizzas are made with thin,naturally fermented dough and the toppings are impeccable!
📌Rua Arnaldo Quintela, 23
Drinking good drinks at Botica
You can’t end this tour of Botafogo without a few good drinks, right? Then check out this tip!
Right next to Sult, Bar Botica is one of the coolest bars in Rio and is always very busy. There, a reinterpretation of the classics of Rio’s botecos and signature drinks that are worth all the hype!
📌Rua Fernandes Guimarães, 30