You’re in Rio this weekend, now what?

Rock in Rio has been bringing A-list bands and artists from across the world to Rio de Janeiro for the past 30 years, and 2017 won’t be any different. Last weekend, Maroon 5 and Justin Timberlake performed along with dozens of international and local artists across 6 stages. The festival grounds are located close to the mythical Copacabana beach, and organizers have renamed to location as Cidade do Rock – “the city of Rock”.

You can check out our recap of the first weekend here.

 

What to do when in Rio

The city of Rio de Janeiro is used to hosting massive events: they recently hosted the FIFA world cup and the Olympic Games. The famous Rio Carnaval, a yearly tradition that dates back to 1723, is considered to be the largest festival in the world, bringing two million people a day out into the streets to dance Samba. Rock in Rio’s first weekend was a major success, so expect the second weekend to be just as fun.

For those who haven’t had a chance to attend yet, it’s not too late! The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith are scheduled to perform at Rock In Rio next weekend, and tickets are still up for sale!

The residents of Rio de Janeiro, known as the Cariocas in Brazil, will be sure to greet you with energy and excitement, so when you are not singing along with your favourite band, make sure you check out Rio’s golden shores and its urban jungle spread across mountaintops. At night, head to Lapa, the city’s main party district, and get a taste of the best samba clubs.

 

Brazil beyond Rio: Sao Paolo, Florianopolis and more

That being said, no trip to Brazil is complete with just a visit to Rio de Janeiro. Being the largest country on the South American continent, there’s something for everyone here. Once you’re done with Rio’s festival, you should definitely take the opportunity to explore Brazil.

Domestic flights in Brazil can get pretty expensive, and if you’re a traveller on a budget who tends to make spontaneous decisions on your travels, air travel might not be the best way to go.

Fortunately, Brazil has a modern, safe, and efficient intercity bus network. A last-minute bus to Sao Paolo from Rio takes a little under six hours, and will cost you around US$30. The best part is it’s flexibility! The fare is fully refundable, in case you want to spend an extra day with the Brazilian beauty you met dancing the night before.

If strong coffee and world-class soccer are your thing, you can’t miss out on Sao Paolo, the most populous city in the southern hemisphere. With its cosmopolitan feel, and over 20,000 cafes and restaurants, this is a foodie’s paradise. Check out Sao Paolo’s best reviewed restaurants here if you need some inspiration, but don’t be afraid to give the cheap street food a shot.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Florianopolis, known for its lagoons, beaches and waterfalls, will take your breath away. You can get to this piece of paradise by hopping on a bus. From Sao Paolo, it will take you around 12 hours to get there, and if you take a minute to find the best deal, you can snatch your seat for around 40 bucks!

Don’t spend your precious time in Brazil lining up at the bus station to try to find a decent bus for a bargain, the best deals are online! Busbud displays the cheapest options for you in a super-clear format, in the language and currency of your choice. You can also pay with any credit card or even PayPal, right from your phone and computer. If you’ve had one too many Caipirinhas at Rock in Rio, this option will save you a major headache at the bus station.

 

Busbud, the best way to book bus tickets.