As a seasoned traveler and having enjoyed this Marvelous City over 50 times during the past 18 years I just can't seem to get enough. I would have to say there is not another vacation spot that can compare, the people here are fantastic, though you do need to be careful of some areas and not to heed words of caution can ruin your trip. The beach is usually best for a tourist to align themselves with one of the Barraca's ( a tent where they sell refreshments & rent chairs & umbrellas). They'll keep a running tab for you and an eye on your things while you enjoy the ocean. Graet deals are a bus ride away in the central area of the city where there are many shops in a bazar type atmosphere, leather goods, guitars, craft supplies, shoes or almost anything you could want. It can be reasonably inexpensive to eat as there are many churrasco's ( bar B que all you can eat) or a por kilo restuarant where 2 can have lunch or dinner for less than 10 bucks american and the food is a good! A great side trip from Rio is a 2 hour flight to Foz do Iguacu, the waterfalls where a 5 day pakage can be taken for approximately $1000. US dollars with a 4 star hotel an a competent guide for seeing the the waterfalls and the huge dam that supplies a hugh amount of power to Brazil. Brazil can be all you need in a vacation you just need to know how to find what you like. If you need a guide it would be my pleasure to help you out.