no. 01
15 Places to Visit in Rio de Janeiro
Christ, Sugarloaf, and the thirteen other places in Rio worth your time — in the order we'd actually do them.
long-form, once a month-ish
The Journal.
no. 02
Is the Favela Safe? The Honest Answer for Vidigal & Rocinha
What the crime statistics actually say, what we've seen in 115+ stays, and the practical rules that matter.
no. 03
Why Vidigal Beats Copacabana and Ipanema for Airbnbs With a View
A side-by-side comparison of the three most popular Rio neighborhoods for foreigners — on view, value, and vibe.
no. 04
The History of Vidigal — From Settlement to Bohemian Icon
A century of Vidigal in one read: migration, growth, conflict, pacification, and the cultural flowering of the 2010s.
no. 05
Concerts and Events in Vidigal — A Decade of Name-Drops
Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, David Guetta, the Rolling Stones' aftershow. The full list of who performed in the neighborhood.
no. 06
The Celebrities Who've Stayed or Filmed in Vidigal
From David Beckham's house to Kim Kardashian's shoot to the Pope's 2013 visit — the A-list chronology of Vidigal.
no. 07
How Many Airbnbs Are in Vidigal? (And What They Actually Offer)
An honest count, a price ladder from R$120 to R$1,800 per night, and what you get at each tier.
no. 08
Getting Around Vidigal — Moto-taxis, Buses, and the Four-Minute Walk
Every way to move around Vidigal and the surrounding neighborhoods, with prices, pros, and gotchas.
no. 09
The Dois Irmãos Trail — History, Nature, and the Best View in Rio
A 533-meter mountain, a 45-minute climb, a 360-degree view. Everything you need to know about hiking Dois Irmãos.
no. 10
Favela Rocinha — Everything You Need to Know
Brazil's largest favela, right next to Vidigal. History, geography, safety, tourism, and when to visit.
no. 11
Rocinha vs. Vidigal — Rio's Two Most Famous Favelas Compared
Size, safety, Airbnb options, cultural feel, and price — the definitive comparison between the two neighborhoods.
no. 12
Vidigal Beach — The Locals' Favorite Four Minutes from the Apartment
Smaller, quieter, and better than Leblon for a morning swim. A complete guide to the beach at the base of the hill.
no. 13
The Vidigal Restaurant Guide — 10+ Spots Worth Your Time
Bar da Laje, La Mar, Casa Alto, the nameless açaí place. Full pricing, reservations, and what to order.
no. 14
Vidigal Stores and Services — Pharmacies, Barbers, ATMs, Repair Shops
Every shop, service, ATM, pharmacy, salon, and electronic-repair spot you might need during a week-long stay.
no. 15
Vidigal Community — Arts, Theater, and the Cultural Fabric of the Hill
Nós do Morro, Casa Alto, the murals, the social projects. What makes Vidigal culturally distinct — and who keeps it that way.