The 'good stuff' of Rio within reach
Apps help visitors and residents make the most of the host city of the Games
British diver Tom Daley wouldn’t put down his phone even at the competition venue at London 2012 (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Events schedule, tickets for attractions, transport map, a list of top restaurants, hotel reservations, cameras and so on. That well-known folder full of scraps of paper that used to be carried around by tourists has been substituted by the mobile phone. However, despite the practicality offered by technology, it can still be difficult to navigate the mass of available apps and find one that can guarantee an incredible experience at your destination.
If you are already making plans to visit the Cidade Maravilhosa next year, we have chosen a few apps that will help you see the best of the host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Green Passport
Developed through a partnership between Rio 2016 and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the app suggests ecological routes in the state of Rio de Janeiro, as well as tips for making business and leisure trips more environmentally friendly. Prior to the staging of the Games, the app will be updated with tips on how to make the most of the city in a sustainable way during competitions.
Rio Official Guide
Developed by Rio City Hall, the app offers a complete programme of events that are taking place in the city, as well as tips on walking tours, restaurants, accommodation and transport in the city.
JiTT
Just in Time Tourist is an app known around the globe for its tourist tips in great cities such as New York, Paris, London and, of course, Rio de Janeiro. One of its major conveniences is allowing users to create their own itineraries based on their location and their time allowance.
Rio de Janeiro Guide
Based on the best “points” selected from the book Rio for Partiers, the app gathers tips for first-timers in town, with suggestions on what to see, eat and enjoy in the Cidade Maravilhosa. The app includes tools such as a transport map, party guide and hotel search engine.
Vizubox
If you don’t want to fall into a tourist trap, how about checking out the attendance at bars and clubs in Rio beforehand? The app has real-time updates on what is happening at different points across the city, such as beaches, bars, restaurants and squares.
