TripAdvisor Reveals What’s Hot in Brazil

With the FIFA World Cup just days away, TripAdvisor has revealed the best rated accommodation, restaurants and attractions in the cities that will play host to the much-anticipated football matches, based on the millions of reviews and opinions submitted by travellers around the world.

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is known for its friendly locals, bohemian atmosphere and vibrant local food scene:

Where to stay: Ideally located near the city’s main sights, Quality Hotel Afonso Pena (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 367 reviews) provides accommodation that makes you feel like you’re in a home away from home. If you’re looking for group accommodation, try the La em Casa Hostel-Pousada (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 47 reviews) and enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer.

Where to eat: A meat lover? Then La Victoria (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 85 reviews) is the place for you. Inspired by the grills of Montevideo and Buenos Aires, the restaurant is famous for its roast meat.

What to do: Memorial Minas Gerais (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 345 reviews) showcases the rich history and traditions of the local Minas Gerais region.

Brasilia

The nation’s capital, Brasilia is built on tropical savannah and is home to many world-renowned architectural sights:

Where to stay: Royal Tulip Brasilia Alvorada (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 533 reviews) is a huge hotel situated beside Paranoá Lake. Alternatively, for those on a budget, you can stay at Hostel 7 (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 41 reviews).

Where to eat: Trio Gastronomia Cozinha de Autor (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 66 reviews) offers contemporary fine dining in the heart of the city.

What to do: For lovers of the arts, Banco do Brasil Cultural Centre (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 621 reviews) is the place to go in Brasilia.

Cuiaba

Famed for being so hot that you can even fry eggs on the pavement, Cuiaba is the gateway to the tropical wetlands at Pantanal and Chapada dos Guimarães national park:

Where to stay: Gran Odara Hotel (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 174 reviews) is well-equipped with a cocktail bar, sauna and a gym. For a more modest option, Pousada Ecoverde (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 50 reviews) is a homely hostel with a 24 hour reception.

Where to eat: Mahalo (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 175 reviews) has a reputation for excellent regional cuisine that comes with a fantastic ambiance.

What to do: If you’re craving for a slice of history, elaborate architecture and a respite from the heat, visit Our Lady of Rosario and Sao Benedito Church (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 60 reviews) to be blown away.

Curitiba

Situated in the south of the country, Curitiba has forged a growing reputation as a cultural, as well as economic, centre:

Where to stay: Situated in the city centre, Four Points By Sheraton (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 429 reviews) is a Travellers’ Choice Hotels winner which is highly rated for its customer service. If you’re travelling in a group, Motter Home Curitiba Hostel (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 187 reviews) makes a great option as it has rooms for up to eight people and a giant lounge area shared with other guests.

Where to eat: Italian restaurant Barolo (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 689 reviews) is consistently popular among the locals for its fine variety of wine, tasty pasta and generous portions – a great option if you have company.

What to do: Opened in 1991 and inspired by a crystal palace in London, the Jardim Botanico de Curitiba (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 3,481 reviews) is known throughout Brazil for its colourful flowers, ponds, paths and art nouveau greenhouse.

Fortaleza

Beaches are the top draw in Fortaleza, which was recently named among the world’s top ten Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise award winners:

Where to stay: For accommodation within easy distance of the beach, consider Hotel Gran Marquise (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 770 reviews). Alternatively, for budget comfort, Hotel Pousada Villa Marina (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 19 reviews) offers some of the best value rooms in the city.

Where to eat: If you are looking for a feast, Coco Bambu Frutos Do Mar (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 1,317 reviews) offers fresh seafood from the Atlantic that is blended with local flavours and a great seaside view.

What to do: Take a scenic drive through the labyrinths at Morro Branco (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 1,720 reviews) and explore its multiple canyons that boast multi-colour sands.

Manaus

Surrounded by rainforest, Manaus is located in the heart of the Amazon at the point where the Negro and Solimões rivers meet:

Where to stay: If you prefer a familiar hotel chain, you can stay at Holiday Inn Manaus (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 239 reviews) or opt for Big Hostel Brasil (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 112 reviews) if you’re travelling in a large group on a budget.

Where to eat: Boasting a comfortable and cosy atmosphere, Banzeiro (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 530 reviews) excels in traditional Brazilian cuisine that is infused with a unique touch of French flavour.

What to do: The Teatro Amazonas (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 1,490 reviews) was named one of Brazil’s top ten landmarks in the 2013 Travellers’ Choice Attractions awards. The magnificent theatre, crowned with a tiled mosaic dome in the colours of the Brazilian flag, features operas and other artistic performances.

Natal

The city of Natal is perched on Brazil's Atlantic coast and is surrounded by Dune State Park, where you can ride in a buggy over 30 foot sand dunes:

Where to stay: Manary Praia Hotel (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 217 reviews) is a Travellers’ Choice Hotels award winner in the category of Small Hotels and is situated by Ponta Negra beach. Alternatively, you can rent a beach villa at Pousada Villa Simone (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 53 reviews).

Where to eat: Camaroes Restaurante (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 2,979 reviews) is a firm favourite with tourists who visit Natal and offers traditional seafood ranging from lobster to locally-sourced serigado.

What to do: Genipabu’s (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 3,682 reviews) combination of dunes and calm waters is a must – and you can even try the local dune sport of esquibunda while you’re there.

Porto Alegre

Hometown of footballer Ronaldinho and supermodel Gisele Bündchen, Porto Alegre is known for its distinctive multicultural vibe:

Where to stay: Deville Porto Alegre Aeroporto (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 345 reviews) is just 800 metres from the airport and only 15 minutes from downtown Porto Alegre, or you can also try the Porto Alegre Hostel Boutique (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 82 reviews) for a more affordable and chic option.

Where to eat: Xavier260 (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 66 reviews) is a beautiful small restaurant that is highly recommended for its unique Catalan cuisine that uses authentic Brazilian ingredients.

What to do: If you are a fan of science, technology or dinosaurs, the PUCRS Science and Technology Museum (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 694 reviews) is the place you want to be, with over 700 interactive displays and an impressive planetarium.

Recife

Brazil’s third largest city, Recife’s tropical temperatures and world renowned beaches have made it a popular draw among tourists:

Where to stay: Hotel Atlante Plaza (4 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 605 reviews) is located near the Boa Viagem Square and offers a marvelous view of the city. If you are travelling in a group, the Piratas da Praia Hostel-Albergue (4 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 69 reviews) offers good value rooms.

Where to eat: Located in one of the most traditional neighbourhoods of Recife, Leite (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 218 reviews) is Brazil’s oldest restaurant that offers a splash of history and grandeur.

What to do: Instituto Ricardo Brennand (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 1,354 reviews) placed second among Brazil’s museums in the 2013 Travellers’ Choice Attractions awards and has enough exhibits to occupy a full day’s visit.

Rio De Janeiro

Rated as one of the world’s best cities in the 2013 Travellers’ Choice Destinations awards, Rio de Janeiro is still the jewel of Brazil:

Where to stay: Miramar Hotel by Windsor (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 330 reviews) has a dedicated rooftop swimming pool, gym, sauna and bar enjoying views over the Copacabana beach. Alternatively, you can also try one of the four themed dorm rooms at the Discovery Hostel (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 115 reviews).

Where to eat: If you feel like treating yourself, Cachambeer (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 128 reviews) is the perfect place to eat and enjoy Brazilian cuisine as they have a good selection of food and beverages.

What to do: Take a trip up Sugar Loaf Mountain (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 10,075 reviews) for breathtaking 360 degree views of the city. Recognised as the hallmark of the city, it is surrounded by vegetation and legendary tales that is sure to captivate your mind.

Salvador

Also known as the Capital of Happiness, Salvador is known for its stunning northern beaches, dense tropical forests and traditional Brazilian cuisine:

Where to stay: AramYami Hotel (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 279 reviews) is located only five minutes from some of the best beaches in the city and is a Travellers’ Choice Hotels award winner in the category of Small Hotels and Best Service. Alternatively, Hospeda Salvador Family Hostel (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 38 reviews) is a great base for exploring the historic city centre.

Where to eat: Boi Preto Grill (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 379 reviews) is a Brazilian restaurant that is popular for its large sumptuous buffet selection. If you are famished and in need of a variety of mouth-watering delights, this is where you need to be.

What to do: Located in the historical centre of Salvador, the Sao Francisco Church and Covent (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 1,237 reviews) is one of the most spectacular churches in world that is richly adorned with gold on the inside.

Sao Paulo

The largest city in South America, Sao Paulo’s cuisine and culture is as multinational as its diverse population:

Where to stay: A Travellers' Choice Hotels award winner in two categories, Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 725 reviews) offers five-star luxury with a panoramic view of the city. Nahu Hostel (4.5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 26 reviews) on the other hand is a cheaper option that is close to the city’s main attractions.

Where to eat: Sarrasin (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 106 reviews) is a little restaurant that serves a fusion of Brazilian flavours with traditional French cuisine.

What to do: The Julio Prestes Cultural Centre – Sala Sao Paulo (5 out of 5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, 874 reviews) is home of the Symphony Orchestra of the State Sao Paulo and one of the most important houses of concerts and events in the country.