Cultural Heritage of Rio: bars, restaurants and boats move R$ 269 million per year

Second survey of Prefeitura do Rio, through Riotur, of the Secretariats for Economic Development (SMDE) and Government Coordination (SMCG) and the Rio World Heritage Institute (IRPH), the 52 bars, restaurants and boats that are part of the Circuit of Botequins, recognized as Cultural Heritage Carioca, move R $ 268.9 million per year and attract about 2.9 million customers. This means R$ 22.4 million busy and 242.1 thousand customers per month.

On average, 24% of customers are visitors from other cities or countries. Among foreigners, Argentina leads the list of nationalities that most frequent the Bohemian spaces of Rio. The average ticket is R$ 78.94. In all, the 52 establishments employ around 1,2 thousand workers, an average of 23.4 professionals per establishment.

Over the year, approximately 3.5 million chopps and 435.9 thousand drinks are consumed in the circuit stores — a monthly average of 289.1 thousand chopps and 36.3 thousand drinks. Among the most cited dishes and snacks, meats and barbecues appear in the leadership, representing 42.2% of the total.

On average, the boats, bars and restaurants of the Circuit de Botequins have 73 years of existence, with an average year of foundation in 1953.

Series ‘Patrimonies of Rio’ launches special episode on the New Market São José

To celebrate a historic location in Rio’s South Zone, Riotur, through its digital series ‘River Heritages’, launches a special episode dedicated to the New São José Market, by Laranjeiras. The launch date is 21 September (second), as a celebration of 1 year of the reopening of the establishment.

Inaugurated as a popular market in 1944, the space became an important meeting point in the neighborhood and was recognized as Cultural Heritage Carioca in 1994. After remaining closed for seven years, it was completely restored by the Prefeitura do Rio and reopened on September 21, 2025, starting a new phase as a gastronomic and cultural hub.

The Rio Heritage series, from Riotur in partnership with IRPH, presents stories, characters and traditions of establishments recognized as Rio cultural heritage. The project, launched in 2025 and which is in its second season, values these spaces as part of the identity of the city and the experience of those who live or visit Rio. The episodes are available on Youtube Riotur.