Everyone goes Copacabana and Ipanema but they're tourist circuses now. Want to see where cariocas actually spend weekends? Take metro to Barra da Tijuca.

45 minutes from Centro on linha 4 yellow line but beach is massive and way less crowded. Better waves for surfing too. Vibe more relaxed - families playing football, proper barbecues, people actually swimming instead of posing.

Recreio dos Bandeirantes even quieter. Both have better value beach bars than Zona Sul. Beer R$10-18 instead of R$15-20.