Find the Best Things to Do in Jardim Botanico
By Lucy Bryson
Rio de Janeiro Local Expert
About Jardim Botanico
Photo courtesy of Lucy Bryson
Leafy, tranquil, sedate...these are not words commonly associated with Rio de Janeiro, but all apply to the scenic upper-class residential neighborhood of Jardim Botanico.
Most famous for the verdant Botanical Gardens after which the bairro is named, Jardim Botanico is also home to many excellent restaurants.
See & Do
Jardim Botanico should be the destination of choice for anyone looking for a break from the sticky heat and frenetic pace of Rio´s beaches and downtown. The famous Botanical Gardens offer the opportunity for visitors to take things down a pace and spend a few hours strolling under the shade of towering Imperial Palms, admiring the fascinating flora and fauna - keep an eye out for monkeys, parrots, toucans and brightly colored butterflies.
Eat
Jardim Botanico is one of Rio´s more upscale residential neighborhoods, and as such there are plenty of options here for wealthy ´ladies who lunch´and business people. The famous Botanical Gardens make it a hot spot for tourists, too, so there is a real mix of diners at local hot spots such as 66 Bistro - a good option for anyone looking for sophisticated French cuisine at prices that won´t have you weeping into your Moules Marineire.
Stay
Jardim Botanico is very much a residential area, and the towering hotels that dominate the beach front are notable by their absence. Indeed, finding lodgings in Jardim Botanico itself is no easy task. Luckily for those who want to base themselves in this bucolic part of the city, there are several chic boutique hotels to be found in nearby Gavea, with La Maison Boutique being our pick of the bunch.