Vidigal, the Favela That's Rio's Newest Up-and-Coming Neighborhood

Vidigal clings to the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) hillside, the two egg-shaped hills that can be seen at the far end of Leblon, located between two of Rio’s wealthiest neighborhoods, São Conrado and Leblon.

Vidigal was once one of the most dangerous favelas in Rio, notorious for its high levels of violence and presence of powerful drug lords. However, the Brazilian police force was ordered to crack down on criminality in Rio, and Vidigal was one of the first favelas to be successfully “pacified.” Unlike shaky attempts in other local favelas, Vidigal flourished under its new peaceful status and gradually became an attraction for tourists looking to understand what a Brazilian favela was like.

Nowadays, it can be considered more of a community with typical favela architecture than a stereotypical “shanty town” and is enjoying its growing hipster culture.

Vidigal is becoming the hottest spot in Rio for travelers looking for an alternative experience in the city. Once considered off-the-beaten-track, Vidigal is nowadays a well-trodden path among backpackers, and bars have sprung up to accommodate them. Regardless of this fact, it is still an altogether different vibe than any other region in the city, and the nightlife here has its own unique edge.

For food, head to Restaurante Sabor Carioca, a small, colorful restaurant that serves some of the best Brazilian food in the area – expect hearty portions of rice, beans and tender meat. For cocktails with an unforgettable view, try Bar da Laje. Its hilltop location provides broad views over the coastline and the city that can be admired from the comfort of a spacious terrace while sipping on a smooth cocktail.

For the after-party, go to Alto Vidigal which has popular all-night parties with reggae or funk being the favorite music choices, though sometimes international DJs also play sessions here. The sunsets from Vidigal are spectacular, but don’t miss the sunrise from Alto Vidigal.

Don’t be scared to get to know Vidigal better – the friendly locals and safe environment should be enough to make you feel welcome.

One of the most common reasons for visiting Vidigal is to do the Dois Irmãos hike. The base of the hike is at the high point of the Vidigal community, so you will need to get a van or motor-taxi to the top to reach the entrance. From there, the hike is about 40 minutes to the peak, with several viewpoints along the way where you can stop, rest and appreciate the views. From the top, enjoy the sweeping vista over Ipanema, São Conrado Beach and Rocinha favela. It’s one of the best views in Rio.

Another great thing to do is to visit Vidigal Beach. Mostly enjoyed by locals, the small beach remains hidden off the main road, and you need to go down the winding stairway by the Sheraton Hotel to get there.

Keep an eye out for the vibrant street art. Whole walls are free canvases for talented Rio artists who use Vidigal as a creative outlet. Marcelo Ment’s artwork featuring a woman with a flower in her colorful hair, is a particular highlight.

Additional reporting by Leon Beckenham.