Game On! 10 Unmissable Sports Experiences in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, a city on the move: the lifestyle of the Cariocas, as Rio's residents are known, is closely linked to sports, team spirit, and a love of nature. That's why we asked the Lufthansa Community for advice on a perfect active vacation in the Brazilian metropolis. Here are the top ten tips for team players and sports enthusiasts, from footvolley to fitness by the sea
1) Beach Volleyball: Hit, Bounce, and Smash on Leblon Beach
Volleyball is not just a sport in Rio de Janeiro, it’s a way of life. There are plenty of volleyball nets on Leblon Beach, and the sportsmen and women who play here always welcome new players. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you'll be quickly integrated into the game. If you get hungry from all the digging and hitting, head to the Celeiro restaurant, just a 15-minute walk from the beach. A huge salad buffet and a variety of healthy snacks await you – perfect for figure-conscious athletes and a treat with a clear conscience.
2) Basketball: Dribble and Shoot at the Aterro do Flamengo
Another great tip from the Lufthansa Community: Basketball is becoming increasingly popular in Rio. The best courts for streetball, the street version of the sport, can be found at the Aterro do Flamengo. This is where locals gather for fast-paced games that often last into the night. Even if you just come to watch, the dynamics and intensity of the games are exciting!
3) Altinha: Perform Magic with a Football on Ipanema Beach
If there's one sport that epitomizes Rio's beach culture, it's altinha, a mix of football juggling and spectacular freestyle moves. The goal? Keep the ball in the air with your feet, head, or chest, and pass it to each other without it touching the ground. The best altinha games can be found at Posto 9 in Ipanema. Want to play? Just ask! The Cariocas are always open to new players. By the way, the sunset over the ocean is the perfect backdrop for a game.
4) Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas: Row against a Dreamy Backdrop
For a team sports experience with a postcard view, try rowing on Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. The beautiful lagoon, which stretches between the neighborhoods of Ipanema, Leblon, and Jardim Botânico, was the venue for the rowing competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics. The view of the statue of Christ the Redeemer and the surrounding green hills is simply fantastic. Alone or in a team, you will never forget the feeling of gliding over the water.
5) Fitness: Steel Your Body in the Open Air
The body cult and fitness are part of Rio's lifestyle, and there are free outdoor gyms everywhere. The most popular ones are at Praia de Ipanema and Aterro do Flamengo. A big plus: a great view of turquoise waters while you lift weights or do cardio. If you want to do something good for your body, get a freshly squeezed drink at one of Rio's many juice bars, the sucos. Favorites include tropical fruits like passion fruit, papaya, and pineapple, as well as local superfoods like açai and guarana.
6) Try Footvolley at the Aterro do Flamengo
Have you heard of footvolley? This mix of football and volleyball was invented in Rio and is a must for sports fans. At the Aterro do Flamengo – the huge recreational area right on the water and a Lufthansa fan favorite – you can either watch the pros or get active yourself. The rules are the same as for beach volleyball, but instead of hands and arms, you can only use your feet, legs, chest, and head – and a lot of skill!
7) Watch Surfers – or Get on a Board – at Arpoador
Surfers are a tight-knit community, and surfing is simply part of Rio's sports culture. The best place? Arpoador Beach, where locals gather in the mornings and evenings to catch the perfect waves.
8) Maracanã Stadium: Experience the Magic of Football
Cheering on a game at the Maracanã Stadium is an absolute must when visiting Rio, according to our community! The place where the German national team won the 2014 World Cup is one of the most famous football temples in the world. The chants of the fans, the samba rhythms, and the joyful atmosphere will give you goosebumps. If there’s no match, book a stadium tour and walk in the footsteps of legends such as Pele and Zico.
9) Shop for Cool Vintage Jerseys
The Liga Retrô store in Ipanema offers wearable sports history. It's the perfect place to browse for casual vintage jerseys. You'll find the jerseys of many national teams, local and international clubs, as well as those from other sports like American football and basketball. You can be sure to find a souvenir or gift for your sports-crazy loved ones back home.
10) Relive Olympic Flair on the Boulevard Olímpico
There is no better place to soak up the spirit of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio than on the Boulevard Olímpico, which was transformed for that event. Particularly impressive are the giant murals, including one of the largest in the world: Eduardo Kobra painted a 170-meter-long wall depicting representatives of indigenous peoples from all five inhabited continents. If you are already on the corner and want to exercise your mind as well, visit the Museu do Amanhã Science Museum, located on a pier right on the boulevard.
Ready to discover the world?
Book a flight and write your own story. Our travel tips will make it unforgettable.