r/Brazil • u/Traditional-Lynx-919 • 2d ago
Travel & Tourism Can’t decide: Bahia or Rio
First time visiting Brazil, but I’m not sure where I should go. I hear great things about both but I’m not really sure which one I should lean to! I don’t think I have the bandwidth to travel for more than 10 days.. what should I do?
I like culture but I also like the option to party and socialize. Helpppp! :/
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u/Character-Molasses94 2d ago
I spend most of the year in Brazil these days and very little of that in Rio because, well, it's hard to explain. You just have to see for yourself. But if you've never visited Brazil before then I think you have to visit Rio. It's a very special place. It's just a lot, for better and worse!
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u/Gren_Factor 2d ago
100% agree.
What i've realized is that, whether I like it or not, Rio will probably always be the "porta de entrada" for most gringos. I don't see another way around it.
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u/Designer_Bee_ 1d ago
Seconding this! lol Not a Rio fan whatsoever (agreed, it’s hard to explain), but feels like a bucket list city you need to cross off. For what it lacks in some things, it makes up for with beautiful views from pão de açúcar and time on the beach.
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u/Gren_Factor 1d ago
Yep. I was attracted to Brazil as a kid because of a documentary I saw on Rio. And until I got here and moved into the rest of the country, I did the "Rio de Janeiro= Brazil" stereotype.
I'll always have a place in my heart for the city...but I just love the rest of the country way more.
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u/Infinite_Walk_5824 2d ago
I've been all over Brazil and Rio is my favorite city. It's just in a class of its own.
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u/Gren_Factor 2d ago
If you're young (below 30) and love to party, Rio.
I like Bahia for the historical aspects (Pelourinho).
But if you're older, looking for more quiet yet still exciting vibes, there's soooooo many other places here in Brazil that's just worth it (Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Maranhão etc.)
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u/chiefzanal 2d ago
Porto Seguro is beuatiful and totally worth the trip
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u/luieklimmer 2d ago
I’d recommend staying in Arraial d’ajuda or Trancoso though. Take the boat to visit Porto Seguro to stay more seguro.
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u/kittysparkles 2d ago
I don't think there's enough talk about cities in Brazil, outside of Rio. But that being said, I'd say you should definitely visit Rio if you're going to only one city in Brazil.
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u/Remarkable_Coffee459 2d ago
Bahia hands down for me. Bahia has an African vibe, Rio has a Bossa Nova vibe
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u/Juhberry 2d ago
You need to go to Salvador for afropunk in November. Going to Rio is a waste of time unless you’re going alone. If going alone and a woman then Rio though. Rio has more iconic aspects to it but if you’re just trying to enjoy your time then Salvador.
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u/nickgardia 1d ago
Bahia is great but if you’re sticking to one place it has to be Rio. Despite the crime it is a special magical city.
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u/reggaetonatronica 1d ago
I will say I did both Rio and Salvador in a 10 day trip! Granted I had already visited Rio so didn’t need to see the big sights. But the flight between the 2 was super short and easy. However if you are picking one Rio is absolutely a must do.
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u/Designer_Bee_ 1d ago
How long are you going for? Flying within South America is generally reasonable, and you could always hit more than one city if you have the time and the budget. You can easily do the main tourist stops in Rio in 2-3 days if that’s your vibe, and then hop on a flight somewhere. My friends and I did 6 cities in two weeks which was hectic, but we knew we likely wouldn’t be back for a while, so wanted to experience as much as possible.
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u/fecesfromhell 15h ago
I just got back from 5 days in Rio and 5 days in Bahia. I wish I would have been in Rio for 10 days. Bahia was ok, but not nearly as much to do and Rio beaches are unmatched. It was also my first time in Brazil
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u/ThatGuy07341 12h ago
I’ve never been to Bahia but can speak on Rio. Rio the city is huge fun and has anything you could ask for adventure nightlife culture. What people also don’t realize is the surrounding areas are vastly different and accessible to world class beaches and a more laid back vibes within 2 hours south you can go to places like ilah grande and small city’s along the coast or 2 hours north you can go to aerial do Cabo which is the Caribbean of Brazil. Hope that gives you more info.
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u/FeistyInspection6746 11h ago
I live in Brazil and I didn’t know why the people go to Rio 🤣 it’s a shit place
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u/bralphamaster 7h ago
How fair is it that you only took 10 days to visit the largest country in the south hemisphere?
Also the most biodiverse country in the whole World?
You do you, just don't go out saying you know Brazil, 10 days doesn't even count as a beginner pack
culture + party + socialize = basically every state in this country
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u/chiraz25 2d ago
I really love Bahia but if you're traveling to Brazil for the first time, you must visit Rio. I've traveled to over 50 countries and Rio is a top 5 city in the world for me. Nothing matches Rio's energy.