Rio de Janeiro might be my favorite city in the world. Read more about it here. If you’re lucky enough to be in Rio for a bit, I implore you to make time for Barra da Tijuca.
Barra is a completely different side of Rio and the beaches are way better – well, in fact it’s a different city. Rio is party central, Barra is real life. It’s modern, laid-back, and about 90% less crowded with foreign tourists. It’s full of new buildings and is where a lot of young, new-money Brazilians are moving.
Here’s how to spend a day in Barra da Tijuca, here are the highlights—everything I learned from being there myself, chatting with locals, and TikTok research.
Where to Brunch in Barra
- La Bicyclette – Café chain with good pastries, across from Hachiko
- Cafe da Ilha – There’s 2 dogs that work here to greet customers. Craft coffee and popular place.
- Figs & Co – Boutique bakery with European-style breads, pastries, and brunch plates in a mall.
- Rio Sucrée – Weekend brunch with breads, fruit, eggs, juices, and coffee
- Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro – Indulgent Sunday brunch with buffet stations and desserts
- Coffee People (Barra) – Wide-ranging brunch menu with Brazilian, French, and American options
- Kiva Café Lounge – Large cafe where people work inside of a mall. Very local work from home vibes.
Walk Through Barra
Jardim Oceânico
The most walkable and lively part of Barra, with low-rise buildings, cafés, and restaurants.
- Avenida Olegário Maciel: main street for dining and bars
- Rua Érico Veríssimo: quieter, tree-lined street with local shops
Avenida do Pepê
Short, lively connector between Jardim Oceânico and the beach. Bike path, surf schools, kiosks, and cafés
Barra Beachfront
Wide, open beach and promenade with far fewer crowds than central Rio. Start near Posto 2 or 3 for the best balance of energy and space
Península
Planned residential area offering a calm contrast. You can walk around the lagoons – there’s hella walking paths, and public art.
Best Beaches in Barra
- Praia do Pepê – Social, lively, and central
- Praia da Barra – Long stretches of sand and excellent waves
- Pier da Barra – Scenic and popular with surfers
- Praia dos Amores – Smaller and more tucked away
Where to Eat Dinner in Barra
These are the 3 places that came recommended to me from locals:
- Hansl Bar e Restaurante – Austrian restaurant known for fondue and views
- Naga – Chic, family-run Japanese restaurant further west
- Hachiko Barra – Japanese spot on Rua Érico Veríssimo
The Takeaway
Barra da Tijuca is a local place, modern and for the wealthy. It’s about long walks, good food, and easy beach access. Focus on walking around, the beach and one of the good restaurants. You’ll be thinking “ok life is good.”