Situated on the southeast coast of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in the country and offers a unique blend of urban style and natural wonders. The former capital’s streets, beaches and rainforest-covered mountains attract tourists from across the globe.
Most travellers to Rio take a trip to Corcovado, situated in Tijuca National Park. The mountain is home to Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Early risers are usually able to get some fantastic pictures in before the crowds begin to arrive. For a different perspective of the statue, head to nearby Sugarloaf Mountain and take a trip on the cable car, taking in the panoramic views of the rainforest, city and beaches below.
Those seeking culture won’t be disappointed, with Rio’s Portuguese, English and French influenced architecture featuring beautiful 16th century churches and graceful 19th century palaces. Rio also boasts the Biblioteca Nacional – the seventh largest library in the world.
Rio de Janeiro is also the ultimate party destination. Many carnival-goers believe that there is no better place to join in the annual Brazilian festivities than in Rio. The city comes alive with samba beats, extravagant costumes and vibrant parades. The carnival usually takes place in February and is a five day celebration that ends the day before Lent begins. If you can’t make it to Brazil for the carnival, why not spray champagne with the 2.5 million revellers that see in the New Year on Copacabana Beach?
Spend a day relaxing on the adjacent upmarket Ipanema Beach. Visitors can sit back with a chilled caipirinha or a fresh coconut and watch Brazil’s most beautiful parading up and down the white sands. More active travellers may decide to get involved with a game of footvolley – a Brazilian blend of football and volleyball that is played on the beaches of Rio every day.
Rio is warm all year round, with the hottest months between December and March. This is usually the time with the most rainfall too. The city has good transport links, with buses, taxis and the metro transporting travellers around the city.
Visit Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana
Copacabana Beach and Bairro Peixoto are top sights in Copacabana, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station to see more sights in the area.
Barra da Tijuca
If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach and Barra Shopping Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.
Ipanema
Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.
Rio de Janeiro Centro
You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Leblon
Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.
Botafogo
Botafogo is a destination travellers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.
Reviewed on 23 Sep. 2024
Reviewed on 19 Oct. 2024
Reviewed on 19 Oct. 2024
Reviewed on 4 Sep. 2024
Reviewed on 20 Mar. 2024
Popular places to visit
Copacabana Beach
More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.
Ipanema Beach
Join Brazil’s rich and famous for a day at Rio’s most stylish beach.
Christ the Redeemer
Gaze out over panoramic views of Rio from the site of Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach, a popular beach in Rio de Janeiro. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Maracanã Stadium
To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.
Flamengo Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Flamengo Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Take in the art scene and sunsets in the area.
Activities
Rio de Janeiro: Sightseeing Helicopter Flight
Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour
Soccer Match in Rio de Janeiro - Guided with transportation
From Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo Tour with Lunch
Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba
Reviews of Rio de Janeiro
5/5 - Excellent
Everyone should experience Carnival in Rio, AMAZING
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing city - a must see. We went during carnaval time and what we didn't realise that lots of places are closed so some of the museums and cathedrals that we wanted to visit were closed.
4/5 - Good
Amazing natural beauty. some of the buffet which we had were great as well. You do feel a bit unsafe because of the loud noise and lack of clothing/type of people in some cases especially at night
5/5 - Excellent
My favourite city in the world
5/5 - Excellent
Fantastic city, thanks
5/5 - Excellent
I would recommend doing paragliding with Daniel at Rio Eleven Tandem Paragliding https://www.querovoar.net/ he was very professional & it was amazing, one of the best things I have done
