Couple’s guide: planning a romantic getaway in Rio

No matter what time of year it is, planning a romantic getaway in Rio with your partner is always a great option to spend a lovely time, isn’t it? Whether as a vacation destination, a romantic weekend or even honeymoon, Rio de Janeiro is a city that attracts many lovers who are looking for some unforgettable experiences.

Planning a romantic trip to Rio is not only a fantastic way to fall even more in love with your partner, but also to fall in love with The Marvelous City!

At Rede Rio, we know that for sure, after all, no matter the time of year it is, our hotels always receive several visits from couples searching for romantic places to go in Rio de Janeiro. We are frequently asked for restaurant recommendations, romantic tours near downtown Rio or tourist attractions.

Given this, we decided to prepare this special article. Our intention is to offer a guide for all kinds of couples who want to visit the city. Therefore, we selected the best options for you according to two simple criteria: 1) free (or affordable) romantic places and tours, and 2) romantic places with easy access or located in downtown Rio. Believe us, there are many options!

No matter what kind of couple you are, our city has tourist attractions and some breathtaking views for all tastes – from traditional to alternative ones.

Check our list out and start planning that romantic getway in Rio! You don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day to celebrate love!

Couple’s guide to downtown Rio

If you follow Rede Rio’s blog, you may remember that we have already published an article with 5 romantic places in Rio, and we have also shared some of the most unforgettable tours in downtown Rio. Now, we are going to increased that list with our favorite tours in, or close to, downtown Rio. Check it out:

Romantic outdoors activities

Hanging Garden of Valongo

A must see in downtown Rio, excellent to visit in mornings or afternoons, is the Hanging Garden of Valongo.  This space was designed in 1906 by the landscaper Luis Rey. It has green areas, classic statues and archeological pieces that say a lot about Rio’s history. The best part: it is very close to Pompeu Rio Hotel.

Address: Rua Camerino, s/n – Saúde.

How much does it cost: nothing.

Gardens of Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro (MAM)

An excellent option for a special picnic is the MAM’s gardens. The whole area was designed by the landscaper Burle Marx, and it certainly is a good place to take beautiful photographs with your partner. Tip: the space usually gets full on weekends, so pay a visit during the week if you want to have more privacy.

Address: Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 – Parque do Flamengo.

How much does it cost: nothing.

Paris Square

This French inspired garden is located in the neighborhood of Glória, between downtown Rio and Zona Sul. It is a perfect place for a walk or jog or even to enjoy having a picnic in a sunny morning or afternoon. There, you will find a large lake, marble sculptures inspired by those that exist in the Palace of Versailles, and many ornaments that will make you feel in a true French film. Can you feel love is in the air?

Address: Praça Paris, s/n – Avenida Augusto Severo.

How much does it cost: nothing

Guanabara Bay Tour

An excellent option for couples is to embark on Laurindo Pitta or Escuna Nogueira da Gama and visit Ilhas das Cobras (Snake Island), Ilha Fiscal (Fiscal Island), Forte de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Fort) and the city of Niterói, as well as other tourist attractions. The tour is schedule beforehand, and is offered and guided by the Brazilian Navy.

Address: Rua Dom Manuel 15 – Praça XV – Centro.

How much it costs: R$ 30 (whole price) and R $ 15 (half price for students).

For more information on the seafront promenade, just visit the website of Brazilian Navy.

Cultural Tours for Couples

Mauá Square

Praça Mauá (Mauá Square) is one of the favorite places for lovers who are looking for a good cultural itinerary.

Before an abandoned area, the 25,000 square meters of Praça Mauá was revitalized and now some incredible projects – such as the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) and Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) (Rio Art Museum (MAR)) –  take place there. Let’s not forget that one of Rio’s greatest views  – Guanabara Bay – is there too. To get around you can take VLT (Light Rails Vehicle), which connects the region to the Rio’s financial center. All Rede Rio’s hotels are close to this area, called Porto Maravilha.

Address: Praça Mauá, s/n.

How much it costs: if you buy the combo MAR (Museum of Art of Rio) + Museum of Tomorrow, tickets cost R$ 16,00 (whole price); and R $ 8.00 (half price for students). Visits are free on Tuesdays.

Bhering Old Factory

For art lovers, the Distrito Bhering (Bhering District) is an incredible romantic option, also located in the Porto Maravilha region. Today, Bhering Old Factory has studios, ateliers, thrift shops, design and architecture offices, and a bistro! However, visits are only allowed to the public on the first Saturday of every month, from 12 p.m. to 8:00 pm.

Address: Rua Orestes, 28 – Santo Cristo

How much does it cost: nothing.

Walking in downtown Rio

Downtown Rio hides several interesting places apart from offices and commercial buildings. Walking in company of your loved ones will surely lead to incredible discoveries about Brazil’s and Rio de Janeiro’s history. Enjoy a full day to go on this romantic walking and be prepared to be amazed!

Address: Rio’s Centro.

How much does it cost: nothing.

Other cultural attraction tips

If your romantic travel plan involves making a complete cultural itinerary in dowtown Rio, also see other tips in this article that addresses the cultural attractions of The Marvelous City.

Romantic Night

Historical Churches in downtown Rio

Rio has several churches and cathedrals that are worth the visit, not only to please the most religious couples, but also to architecture lovers. Most of them have decoration details capable of surprising anyone. During the day, these churches are beautiful, but at night they are truly heavenly. Book at least one Sunday night to visit one of them. Here’s the list of churches we’ve selected:

1. Catedral Presbiteriana do Rio (Presbyterian Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro)

Address: Rua Silva Jardim, 23 – Centro.

2. Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé (Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro)

Address: Rua Sete de Setembro, 14 – Centro.

3. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Church of Our Lady of Candelaria)

Address: Praça Pio X – Centro

4. Igreja de São José (Saint Josephs Church)

Address: Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, height of Rua São José – Centro

5. Mosteiro de São Bento (Igreja Nossa Senhora Monserrate) (Monastery of São Bento)

Address: Rua Dom Gerardo, 40 – Centro

6. Igreja de São Francisco da Penitência (Church of St. Francis of Penance)

Address: Largo da Carioca, 5 – Centro

7.Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião (Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian)

Address: Av. Chile, 245 – Centro

Pedra do Sal, Rua do Ouvidor and Arcos da Lapa

For couples who enjoy go out at night, Lapa, Pedra do Sal and Rua do Ouvidor are not to be missed – and also very close to Rede Rio’s hotels. Pedra do Sal has live samba music on Mondays and Fridays. Lapa offers many options for all styles (not only bars and restaurants, but also parties and shows) as well as Rua do Ouvidor. Look for the day schedule to plan your visit.

Address Pedra do Sal: Rua Argemiro Bulcão – Saúde

Hours of Operation: Mondays and Fridays, from 8 p.m.

Romantic hotels in downtown Rio

Finding the perfect hotel for a romantic trip is as important as planning each of the tours. Therefore keep in mind that a hotel in downtown Rio can be the best option to enjoy the best that the city can offer, without spending much and without wasting much time to go to places you want to visit.

Besides easy access to romantic options that we listed, staying in a hotel in downtown Rio guarantees free passage to any place of the city, including Christ the Redeemer, Arcos da Lapa, Escadaria Selarón and much more.

For those wishing a romantic weekend, Rede Rio Hotéis offers a special package. You can check this and other packages on our site. Make a reservation at one of our hotels to enjoy the best of love in Rio!