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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The city of Rio de Janeiro, with its evocative name, brings to mind golden sand beaches populated by sun-kissed bodies by day and the passion of the samba by night. Many people consider this to be the most beautiful city setting in the world, and UNESCO cited "the staggeringly beautiful location for one of the world's biggest cities" in naming Rio a World Heritage Site .

View over Rio de Janeiro to Christ the Redeemer from Sugarloaf

The best way to appreciate Rio is to rush headlong into the experiences and attractions with passion and gusto. Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Copacabana, and Ipanema are the top places to start but there are many must-see places. When you're done touring the sites, hit the beach, and then head out in the evening for first-class dining, to see a football game, or to enjoy the nightlife.

Discover the best this city offers with our list of the top attractions in Rio de Janeiro.

See also: Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

1. Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)

2. sugarloaf, 3. copacabana, 5. carnaval (carnival), 6. escadaria selarón (selaraón steps), 7. jardim botânico (botanical garden), 8. prainha beach (little beach), 9. maracanã, 10. são bento, 11. tijuca national park, 12. são francisco da penitência, 13. teatro municipal (municipal theater), 14. quinta da boa vista, 15. nossa senhora do carmo and monte do carmo, 16. ilha fiscal, 17. catedral de são sebastião, 18. take a boat trip to ilha de paquetá, 19. day trip to petrópolis, where to stay in rio de janeiro for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to rio de janeiro, map of tourist attractions in rio de janeiro, rio de janeiro, brazil - climate chart.

Looking up from the base of Christ the Redeemer

Towering over the city with its welcoming arms, the Christ the Redeemer statue is the iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and it's something you must visit while you're here. Set atop 709 meter-high Corcovado Mountain , this monument has been watching over the city for nearly 100 years.

Views from the deck below the 30-meter-high monument out over the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains are incredible on a clear day.

For the famous shot of yourself in front of the statue, walk about halfway down the stairs to the lower deck and shoot backward towards the statue.

View over Rio de Janeiro and Sugar Loaf from Christ the Redeemer

Visiting Christ the Redeemer isn't all about views and selfies, the ride up to the top on the incline railway is half the fun. Ascending through the lush jungle, the steep ride to the top takes about 20 minutes and provides beautiful views.

Visiting Christ the Redeemer is one of the most popular things to do in Rio de Janeiro, with over 800,000 people visiting annually. Be prepared for crowds at the top. To avoid long queues for the train, book your tickets in advance online and select a time. Another option for getting to the top is taking a van ride, which is cheaper but far less scenic and enjoyable.

Christ the Redeemer on the mountain top

The best time to visit is early in the day, as the statue can become foggy as the day progresses.

Note: The former restaurant at the top is permanently closed; the only food and drink option is a small snack bar, although there are plenty of places to buy souvenirs!

Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)

It's hard to imagine a more perfectly placed mountain than Sugarloaf. Just slightly offshore from mainland Rio de Janeiro, this towering monolith provides sweeping views of the city and across to Christ the Redeemer. At the top, you'll find multiple viewing platforms, most of which are protected from the punishing equatorial sun. Views also extend to Rio's famed harbor with the Ponte Pres. Costa e Silva bridge in the foreground and back towards Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer.

The view from Sugarloaf over the city and Copacabana Beach

The ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is via a scenic two-stage cable car ride. Don't be distracted by the first stopping area with its shopping mall; the best views are from the top. As you exit the first station, just keep walking to your left and you'll eventually find the second station. The ride up from here is stunning, keep an eye out below for mountain climbers ascending the sheer face of the mountain.

As with Christ the Redeemer, lines can be long, so book your tickets in advance . You can book for specific days but not times. The best option, if you don't mind paying a little more, is to buy the VIP ticket which allows you to skip the lines on the way up and down (surprisingly you need to show your ticket to get down). This is an excellent investment!

The attraction is also known as Pão de açúcar when searching for the drop-off point using UBER .

The gondola at Sugarloaf

This 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand is synonymous with Rio de Janeiro. Packed with people on warm summer weekends and throughout the Christmas holidays, it's a lively and fun scene and the beach where people from all walks of life come for sun, surf, and fun. The beach is wide, so be prepared for a significant walk to the water's edge.

The water is refreshingly cool and the waves can be surprisingly large depending on the day. Rio does a good job of keeping people on the beach safe, don't be surprised if you see a red helicopter doing water rescues if the surf is up. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented for a reasonable fee from organized beach service operators, who also provide cold drinks and meals. They also provide free showers.

Copacabana Beach in the morning

Back from the beach is a wide walkway with black and white stones arranged in a decorative pattern. Here, you'll also find beachside restaurants and, in the evening, vendors selling all manner of handicrafts and souvenirs. At the far northern end of the beach are restaurants, many with live music, clustered under the large headland. Be sure to plan to come here in the early evening. It is an excellent spot to enjoy the sunset with expansive views of the beach.

If you can tear yourself from your towel, the early 18 th century Fort Copacabana and Military Museum at the south end of the beach is worth a look.

Note: The mood on Copacabana Beach varies. It's generally very family-oriented on weekends and holidays during the day. Night on the beach can be rowdy at times, especially on holidays in the late evening. Normal weekdays are much quieter.

Copacabana Beach at night

Address: Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, Rio de Janeiro

Rio Copacabana map - Tourist attractions

Continuing on westward from Copacabana's four-kilometer strand, the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon are separated by the Jardim de Alá Canal, which drains the lagoon, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Along the seafront promenade are large hotels, sidewalk cafés, and restaurants.

These two districts, although best known for their beaches (one of which was made world-famous by the song The Girl from Ipanema ) have a lively cultural life, with art galleries, cinemas, and an avant-garde theater. Praça de Quental in Leblon is the scene of an antiques market every Sunday, and Praca General Osorio hosts the Sunday Feira de Artesanato de Ipanema featuring crafts, music, art, and local foods.

Carnaval (Carnival)

Carnaval is the biggest event of the year on the city's calendar. The festival brings a riot of color and endless action to the streets of Rio each February (sometimes late January, depending on the year). Some visitors plan their entire trip to Brazil around Carnival, and if you are going to attend, you need to do some serious advanced planning.

The celebrations begin shortly after New Year, but the splendor and extravagance reaches its spectacular climax in the four days before Ash Wednesday, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators to its street parades, samba parties, and shows. Other Brazilian cities celebrate Carnaval; it is also a major tourist event in Bahia and Recife, but Rio's is the most lavish.

The most spectacular events are the parades of the samba schools, which are held in a unique venue designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The Sambódromo is a long parade route lined by stadium-style boxes designed so that up to 90,000 spectators can watch the parades of brilliantly costumed dancers as they compete. The parade route is 700 meters long and 13 meters wide. It was first used in 1984 and updated as a venue for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Address: Rua Marquês de Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro

Official site: www.sambadrome.com

Escadaria Selarón

A fun distraction when visiting Rio is the Selaraón Steps. Colorful stairs wind their way up a steep incline, each decorated with an assortment of tiles.

Work on the stairs began in 1983 by Jorge Selearón, who collected tile castoffs and affixed them to the dilapidated staircase running outside his home. Until his suspicious death in 2013, the somewhat eccentric artist kept adding, replacing, and repairing the tiles on stairs in the colors of the Brazilian flag and the tiles on the edges of the staircase in red.

Tiles on the Escadaria Selarón

The stairs are exceptionally photogenic and attract large crowds during the day. If you want to get the iconic shot with the staircase name, those tiles are near the bottom of the 125-meter-high staircase. Be sure to walk to the top of the stairs to get a feel for the amount of work Selearón put into this monument.

Small restaurants on shops selling cold beverages line the stairs. A good stop is a small restaurant at the top; it has a shady patio, a bit of a breeze, decent food, is well-priced, and provides good views of the stairs and a bit of downtown Rio.

The area around the stairs is a bit gritty (some call it Bohemian), I wouldn't recommend venturing too far away from the stairs, and I wouldn't come here at night.

Escadaria Selarón

If you've had enough of the urban beat of Rio de Janeiro and crave a bit of nature, take a trip over to the Botanical Gardens. The wide trails under the canopy of green are well-maintained and provide an oasis of calm and a pleasant change from the concrete jungle nearby.

A highlight is Aleia Barbosa Rodrigues, a wonderful wide walkway lined on both sides by towering Royal Palm trees with the famous Fountain of the Muses in the middle. Near the fountain is a giant Kapok tree.

Author Michael Law at the Jardim Botânico

The gardens are a UNESCO World Biosphere site and are home to over 8,000 species of plant life. Trails are well marked in English and be sure to follow the signs to both the Orchidarium, an iron-and-glass greenhouse built in the 1930s, and the Japanese Gardens.

Note that an admission fee is charged to enter and at the time of writing only cash was accepted.

A waterfall at the Jardim Botânico

Address: R. Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro

Prainha Beach (Little Beach)

If you have visited the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema and still crave more, but at the same time are looking for something a bit different, take the 20-kilometer jaunt down to Prainha. Where the rainforest meets the ocean, this beach is more natural than the ones in the heart of Rio.

Golden sands and large round boulders are lapped by the sea, and finding your own patch of sand to soak up the sun is never an issue. If you like to surf, this is the place to do it. Nice right and left breaks provide consistent rides in May, then flatten out until September.

Maracanã

A must-see for football (soccer) fans when a game is scheduled, Brazil's largest stadium was home to the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. It was completely renovated for the FIFA World Cup 2014 and holds more than 78,000 fans.

The stadium is used for matches between Rio's major football clubs, the Flamengo, Botafogo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama, as well as for concerts. The brief tour would be of interest to avid fans, but others should give it a miss.

The shore of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas , near Copacabana and Ipanema, where many other Olympic events took place, is lined by parks and sports clubs, and its waters are popular for regattas and other water sports.

Address: Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, Rio de Janeiro

São Bento

On the hill just above the harbor are the church and monastery of São Bento, one of the finest Benedictine complexes in Brazil. The original 1617 church was without aisles until it was enlarged in the second half of the 17th century by the addition of eight side chapels. The finest artists of the Benedictine order were involved in decorating the interior.

The exuberant carving that covers the walls and ceiling was mainly the work of a monk named Domingos da Conceição, who was also responsible for the figures of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica on the high altar.

The choir chapel has silver work by Mestre Valentim and 14 paintings by Ricardo do Pilar, a monk who was the foremost Benedictine painter of colonial Brazil. His masterpiece, Senhor dos Martírios (Christ of the Passion), is in the sacristy of the monastery.

Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park protects the Tijuca Forest and several viewpoints overlooking the city, and surrounds Cristo Redentor , the giant-sized statue of Christ on Corcovado. To explore the park, you can leave the train up to Corcovado at a midpoint and follow the road through the forest.

The 3,300-hectare Tijuca Forest, one of the world's largest forests within a city , was planted in the late 1850s on land that had been destroyed by coffee plantations, to safeguard the springs that supplied Rio de Janeiro's water. Most of the trees are native species and provide habitat for Capuchin monkeys, quatis (Brazilian raccoon), colorful toucans, hawks, brilliant blue butterflies, and many other species of wildlife, which you may spot while exploring its trails and roads.

Near the station of the Corcovado railway is Largo do Boticário , one of Rio's most picturesque squares, surrounded by colonial-style houses. From the pagoda-style pavilion at Morro da Vista Chinesa, 380 meters above the shore, are views of the Municipal Park, the Botanic Garden, and a long stretch of the south coast.

There are more views from Mirante Dona Marta, a viewpoint on a spur of rock above Botafogo Bay. Several waterfalls drop from the forest springs, including the 30-meter Cascatinha Taunay .

Set in extensive gardens near the park is the Museu do Açude , with the valuable porcelain collections of the West India Company; old views of Rio de Janeiro by Brazilian and foreign artists; and azulejos, traditional Portuguese tiles from the 17th through 19th centuries.

São Francisco da Penitência

The Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência is divided into three sections with separate entrances, and the simple façade of this church belies the riches within. The interior, which was begun in 1657 and completed in 1773, is a riot of gilded wood carving.

Among those who contributed to the decoration of the interior were Manuel and Francisco Xavier de Brito, two leading Portuguese sculptors and woodcarvers. They had very similar styles, known as Brito, using decorative forms that influenced Aleijadinho and other masters of Brazilian Baroque.

The ceiling of the choir has the earliest trompe-l'oeil painting in Brazil, completed in 1736, the work of Caetano da Costa Coelho, who later painted the ceiling of the nave in the same style.

Address: Rua da Carioca, Rio de Janeiro

Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater)

The grand Municipal Theater, built in the early 20th century, was inspired by the Paris Opera of Charles Garnier, and its interior is even more ornate and luxurious than the dramatic towered façade. Important highlights to see are the sculptures by Henrique Bernardelli and paintings by Rodolfo Amoedo and Eliseu Visconti, as well as the drop curtain, the proscenium frieze, and the ceilings.

Guided tours, some in English, are available or, better yet, attend a classical concert or ballet performance here.

Address: Praça Floriano, Rio de Janeiro

Quinta da Boa Vista

The gardens, villas, and imperial palaces of São Cristóvão are now public parks and museums, the foremost of which is Quinta da Boa Vista. From 1808 to 1889, the palace was the residence of the royal and the imperial family and was later altered and rebuilt as the Palácio de São Cristóvão. It houses the National Museum , which has the largest zoological, botanical, ethnographic, and archaeology collections in the country, totaling more than a million items.

In the expansive park are gardens with lakes, woodlands, and caves, which you can reach via a miniature railway. Also inside the park is a zoo with more than 2,000 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles from Brazil and around the world.

Address: São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro

Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Monte do Carmo

The parish church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo was the Capela Real (Royal Chapel) from 1808 to 1889 and the cathedral until the modern one replaced it in 1976. Connected to it by a passage is a second Carmelite church, Monte do Carmo, begun in 1755.

Highlights are its Baroque façade, stone doorway, and the white and gold carving by Mestre Valentim in the Chapel of the Novitiate. The 1761 former cathedral is richly decorated with carving and has a silver high altar. In a side street is the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Cabo da Boa Esperança (Our Lady of the Cape of Good Hope), the last surviving street oratory in the city.

Address: Rua 1 de Maráo (off Rua do Ouvidor), Rio de Janeiro

Ilha Fiscal

This neo-Gothic castle in Rio de Janeiro's harbor was built in 1889 and used for many years as a customs inspection building. Today this architectural gem, complete with turrets and towers, is open to the public.

Inside Ilha Fiscal, you'll find smooth hardwood floors with mosaic patterns throughout, while impressive stained-glass windows glow in Rio's tropical sun. As you wander around, take a stroll through the museum that showcases Brazilian naval history.

Access to the island is generally by boat , which passes some spectacular scenery along the way including colonial architecture on Ilha das Cobras and the skyline of downtown Rio. The ride is about 20 minutes .

Prior to departure, you are welcome to wander around and check out some military hardware including a helicopter, tank, and a submarine which you can go inside. Buying tickets can be done in person but it's best to purchase them in advance online at the official website where you can select the date and time of your tour.

Catedral de São Sebastião

Architect Edgar Fonseca, who designed Rio's Catedral de São Sebastião, took his inspiration from Mayan pyramids, interpreting their soaring forms in a modern context. Built between 1964 and 1979 and often referred to as the New Cathedral to distinguish it from its immediate predecessor, Nossa Senhora do Carmo, the church seats 5,000 in its 96-meter interior. Four stained glass windows rise 64 meters from the floor to light the interior with brilliantly colored natural light. At night, the church is lit from within, a bright beacon in the central skyline.

If you are visiting the Selaraón Steps, the church is visible from the restaurant at the top of the staircase, just look off to your left.

Address: Av. Chile 245, Rio de Janeiro

Ilha de Paquetá

The island of Paquetá, with an area of a little more than a square kilometer, lies in Guanabara Bay, an hour's boat trip from Praça 15 de Novembro . It became a fashionable resort in the early 1800s, when Portuguese Emperor Dom João VI spent his summers here (the colony of Brazil became the seat of the Portuguese Empire in 1808, when Napoleon's armies occupied Portugal).

Solar del Rey, a palace in which Dom João VI frequently stayed, is among the interesting old buildings, which also include the 1698 chapel of São Roque and the house of José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva, father of Brazilian independence. No cars invade the peace of the island, but you can explore it on foot, by rented bicycle, or in a horse-drawn carriage. Palms line the island's beaches, where you'll find impromptu food stands grilling fresh fish.

Petrópolis

Petrópolis, 68 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro, sits high in a forested valley of the Serra dos Órgãos and was chosen by King Pedro II of Brazil as his summer home. Aristocrats quickly followed, building their own summer palaces and villas and making Petrópolis an elegant upper-class resort.

It was later a favorite of artists and intellectuals and a popular tourist destination for its beautiful buildings and pleasant year-round climate. Today, the former Summer Palace is the Imperial Museum , filled with memorabilia from the days of the Brazilian Empire. Also worth seeing are the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcântara , the Crystal Palace, and the house of aviation pioneer Santos-Dumont.

Rio de Janeiro stretches between the bay and mountains, its attractions so spread out that there is no neighborhood convenient to more than a few of them. Fortunately, Rio's Metro system is fast and efficient, so the best hotels for tourists are in the safe beach neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema, amid restaurants and shops and handy to Metro access. Another option is Botafogo, a residential area adjacent to Copacabana, near the cable car to Sugarloaf. Here are some highly-rated hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Luxury Hotels :

  • Featuring a scenic rooftop pool, Miramar Hotel by Windsor is right on Copacabana beach, where sun chairs and umbrellas are available for guests; it's a short walk from Ipanema.
  • Belmond Copacabana Palace is an icon of Copacabana's reputation for sophistication and glamor, a place where film stars and royalty have basked in Old World elegance.
  • The rooftop pool at JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro overlooks Copacabana Beach (umbrellas and chairs are reserved for guests) and there is a spa and fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • A block off the beach, the friendly Ipanema Inn offers personal service in the midst of Ipanema's vibrant dining and arts scene.
  • On a quiet street in the heart of Copacabana, Hotel Sesc Copacabana is a block from the beach and surrounded by restaurants and shops.
  • Also a block off the beach, Windsor Palace Hotel has a small rooftop pool, a large breakfast buffet, and a free airport shuttle.

Budget Hotels:

  • Ibis Copacabana Posto 5 is a few blocks off the beach and near the Metro station, with plenty of dining options nearby.
  • Close to the Metro in residential Botafogo, one stop from Copacabana, Ibis Rio de Janeiro Botafogo is near the Sugarloaf cable car.
  • So is Mercure Botafogo Mourisco , whose higher rooms have a view of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado.
  • Day Tour: On an eight-hour Full Day Complete Tour of Rio de Janeiro, you'll get a good overview of the city, with stops to visit the major highlights, including Copacabana beach, the Tijuca Forest, Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Escadaria Selarón, and the Baroque São Bento Monastery. Also included in the tour is the cable car ride to Sugarloaf and lunch at a steakhouse.
  • Corcovado and Sugarloaf Tour: See Rio from the two most prominent points in the city on the Corcovado Mountain, Christ Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain Day Tour . This full day of Rio's most famous landmarks includes a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and travel by van or cog train through the Tijuca Rainforest to the Christ the Redeemer statue.
  • Jeep Tour: Explore the immense National Park on the slopes of Corcovado on a Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep Tour from Rio de Janeiro. As you ride through the rainforest in an open-top Jeep, you'll have a four-hour eco-tour, with a hike to observe butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and birds. Stop to see the Cachoeira dos Macacos (Waterfall of the Monkeys) and for panoramic views from Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) as you learn about the flora of the Mata Atlântica from your guide.

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What is the best way to get there?

The main airport that serves Rio de Janeiro is the Rio de Janeiro-Antonio Carlos Jobim/Galeão International Airport, known simply as Galeão International Airport.

The Rodoviaria Rio Novo station is the main bus terminal in Rio de Janeiro and hosts the majority of long-distance buses.

If arriving in Rio by car, you’ll likely come from the BR116, which is the highway that connects the city with Sao Paulo.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting from Brazil overseas, see if you need a visa using this website .

When is the best time to visit?

December to March: Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and March, when the weather is optimum for exploring the city’s beaches. Additionally, the summer months deliver two of the city’s best celebrations: New Year’s Eve, when crowds cram onto Copacabana Beach for a 15-minute fireworks display, and the world-renowned Carnaval, during which the spirit of samba overtakes the city.

For more information on Rio de Janeiro’s weather and when to go, check out some tips here .

Rio’s metro spans three air-conditioned lines. Line 1 goes from Ipanema-General Osório to Uruguai; Line 2 travels from Botafogo to Pavuna, passing Maracanã football stadium en route; Line 3 travels between Ipanema-General Osório and the eastern end of Barra da Tijuca at Jardim Oceânico. You can purchase a rechargeable card at any of the metro stations. Find out more here .

Taxis and rideshare

Apps such as Uber and Cabify are the main rideshare operators in Rio. Most of the public cabs are metered and are readily available and therefore easy to hail from the street.

Rio’s BRS (Bus Rapid System) overlaps the metro and covers popular city zones such as Ipanema, Leblon, Barra, and Copacabana.

Are there local customs I should know?

  • Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
  • Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
  • Rio Othon Palace Hotel
  • Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
  • Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
  • Restaurante Marius Degustare
  • Oro Restaurante
  • Marine Resto
  • Churrascaria Palace
  • Churrasqueira Rio
  • Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car
  • Ipanema Beach
  • Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer
  • Copacabana Beach
  • Botanical Garden
  • Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch
  • Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included
  • 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande
  • The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill
  • Rio's Hidden Gems: Tijuca Park Falls & Caves Trail

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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

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With its white sandy beaches, soaring mountains and picturesque harbor, it’s no wonder that Rio de Janeiro is known as the “cidade maravilhosa”, or marvelous city. Facing the South Atlantic coast, the second-largest city in Brazil is blessed with one of the most beautiful natural settings for a metropolis in the world.

The dazzling landscape is just one of the reasons that visitors flock to Rio. During carnival season, the streets fill with music and ornately costumed dancers, attracting revelers from all over the globe. At any time of year, visitors won’t want to miss the top tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro.

15. Lapa Arches

Lapa Arches

The Carioca Aqueduct was built in the mid 18th century as a way to supply Rio de Janeiro with fresh drinking water from the Carioca River. One of the features of the aqueduct was a segment that consisted of two stories of huge arches.

Though, the Carioca Aqueduct was shut down at the end of the 19th century, the arches remained. In 1896, it was decided to use the top of the arches to carry a tram that connected the city center to the neighborhood of Santa Teresa.

Although the tram did shut down briefly in 2011 due to an accident, it is still in operation today, albeit with limited service. Presently, the arches are a popular meeting spot for locals, especially at night, when the area comes alive with street vendors, music and dancing.

14. Theatro Municipal

Theatro Municipal

Located in the city center, the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro — or Municipal Theater — is Rio’s main opera house. First built at the beginning of the 20th century, this is a gorgeous neoclassical building that boasts gilded mirrors, marble columns and green onyx staircases.

Many consider this building, which was inspired by the Paris Opera of Charles Garnier, to be one of the most beautiful in the country. If you have a chance, try to catch a performance at the Theatro Municipal. But even if you don’t have time or can’t get tickets to see a show in this building, make sure to enjoy a guided tour of this lavish theater.

13. Prainha Beach

Prainha Beach

If you’re searching for a peaceful stretch of sand near Rio de Janeiro, then head over to Prainha Beach. This is a half-moon shaped beach that is bordered by jungle-covered hills. In comparison to Copacabana or Ipanema, Prainha Beach is relatively uncrowded, especially on weekends.

This beach boasts clear waters, clean sands, excellent waves and is very popular with surfers. However, the ocean here is known for its strong undertow. So only strong swimmers or surfers should attempt to swim in these waters. There is a small open-air restaurant overlooking the beach as well as a few kiosks on the sand where you can also purchase some snacks and drinks.

12. Barra da Tijuca Beach

Barra da Tijuca Beach

This beautiful beach, which is the longest in Rio de Janeiro, boasts clean white sand and tends to be less crowded and attracts fewer tourists than Ipanema and Copacabana. Barra da Tijuca Beach is, in fact, where the locals choose to go when they head to the beach.

Its waters are also said to be cleaner than those two more famous beaches. Barra da Tijuca tends to attract active beach goers, so you’ll find many surfers, kite surfers and body surfers here. The area surrounding Barra da Tijuca Beach is also the youngest in Rio, having been developed approximately 30 years ago.

It boasts a large mall, the Barra Shopping Mall, which has more than 700 stores and restaurants. This neighborhood has earned a reputation as being the place where the young and affluent choose to live.

11. Parque Lage

Parque Lage

This beautiful public park is located at the foot of the Corcovado. Surrounded by rainforest, it boasts walking paths, gardens and even a small aquarium in a tranquil setting. It is also the site of a stunning palazzo that once belonged to a famous Italian opera singer, Gabriella Besanzoni, and her husband.

Today, this mansion houses the Escola de Artes Visuais, which is an art school that hosts free art exhibitions. Parque Lage also contains a cafe and offers a view of the famed Christ the Redeemer statue off in the distance.

There is a trail that goes from the park to the statue, but it does have some moderate to difficult sections. For safety reasons, it’s also recommended that you only hike this trail with a local tour group or with a large group. There is no admission fee to visit this park.

10. Lagoa Neighborhood

Lagoa Neighborhood

The Lagoa area is not only the most exclusive neighborhood in the affluent Zona Sul district but is the third-most expensive neighborhood in all of South America. It is also home to a large lagoon known as the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

The four-mile path encircling the lagoon is a favorite spot for joggers and cyclists. Open-air cafés and restaurants along the shore offer stunning views of the lagoon and the beaches beyond.

9. Maracana Stadium

Maracana Stadium

Football (or soccer) is by far the most important sport in Brazil and the Maracanã Stadium is one of Rio’s most important landmarks. Once the world’s highest capacity football venue, it was able to hold nearly 200,000 people when it opened in 1950.

In modern times, the capacity has been reduced because of safety considerations, and the introduction of seating for all fans. It was partially rebuilt in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and is currently able to seat 80,000 spectators making it the largest stadium in South America.

8. Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park

One of the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca National Park covers a huge area of a mostly mountainous landscape. Visitors can hike to Rio’s highest peak, the Pico da Tijuca, to enjoy expansive views of Guanabara Bay and the city below.

Nearly destroyed in the early 1800s by encroaching coffee plantations, much of the forest was replanted by hand in the latter half of the century with as many as nine million trees. Attractions include the Mayrink Chapel, which has murals painted by the famed Brazilian neo-realism painter Cândido Portinari, and the tumbling 100-foot Cascatinha Waterfall.

7. Lapa Neighborhood

Lapa Neighborhood

Located in the downtown section of Rio known as “Centro”, the Lapa neighborhood was once the city’s red-light district. Today, the area is known for its vibrant nightlife. Lined with samba and choro bars, the music and dancing spills out into the street on weekend nights.

Most of the neighborhood’s architecture dates back to the 1800s, providing a scenic backdrop to all the festivities. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends and cariocas to sample local cuisine and to sip caipirinha, the national cocktail made with sugarcane hard liquor and lime. Escadaria Selarón, a set of famous steps connects both the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

6. Santa Teresa Neighborhood

Santa Teresa Neighborhood

Perched on a hill overlooking the city’s harbor, the Santa Teresa neighborhood invites visitors to step back in time and experience the faded elegance of Rio’s

The region escaped development until 1896, when an aqueduct was built that linked the neighborhood to the city. The district was a haven for artists, musicians and writers in the 20th century, and although trendy clubs and boutiques have since overtaken the neighborhood, it still retains a friendly artist-colony vibe.

The city’s last remaining streetcar, the Santa Teresa Tram, used to be a popular tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro but was closed after a serious accident on the line.

5. Jardim Botanico

Jardim Botanico

Located to the west of the Lagoa neighborhood, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botanico, houses more than 8,000 species of plants. Built in the early 1800s, the garden features many mature specimens, including avenues of towering palm trees.

Visitors flock to the park to view the 600 species of orchids. The garden includes a number of monuments, fountains and features, including a Japanese garden, a pond filled with water lilies and the new Museu do Meio Ambiente, which displays exhibits that focus on the environment.

4. Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

Rising 400 meters (1,300 feet) above the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf mountain is a monolith of quartz and granite that visitors can crest via a glass-walled cable car known as a “bondinho” or “teleférico.”

The cable car departs every 20 minutes from the base of Babilônia hill and climbs to the top of the Morro da Urca hill. From there, visitors can take a second cable car up to the mountain’s summit.

Ipanema

The beach made famous in the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema” in the 1960s remains one of Rio’s most popular tourist spots today. A long, arcing expanse of soft white sand and rolling waves, Ipanema routinely reaches the top of the “Best Beaches in the World” lists year after year. The beach is bordered by a well-organized grid of shops, cafés and restaurants as well as an array of art galleries, theaters and clubs.

Located in the upscale South Zone, or “Zona Sul”, Ipanema lies between the beaches of Copacabana and Leblon. Posts or “postos” mark off the beach into sections, and different types of people tend to congregate in each area. Families favor the section between posts 11 and 12 while the area near post 9 attracts dedicated sunbathers and free-wheeling artists.

2. Copacabana

Copacabana

Separated from Ipanema to the west by surfer-favored Arpoador beach, Copacabana has a more active vibe than its equally famous neighbor. Rio locals, called “cariocas,” always seem to have a game of soccer or volleyball in play, and vendors vociferously hawk their drinks and snacks from the kiosks that line the beach.

Fort Copacabana, a military base with a wartime museum that is open to the public, stands at one end of the beach. On the length of beach fronting the fort, fishermen offer up their morning catch for sale.

Visitors and cariocas alike love to stroll along the promenade that borders the 4 km (2.5 mile) long beach. Originally built in the 1930s, the walkway features a wave-like design laid out in black and white stones. Inland from the promenade are closely-packed multistoried hotels and apartments.

1. Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer

Perched atop the 710 meter (2,330 feet) high peak of Corcovado Peak, the statue of “Cristo Redentor” stands with arms outstretched, gazing serenely out over the city. Construction of the statue began in 1922 during the heyday of the Art Deco movement, and the concrete and soapstone statue is considered the largest statue designed in the genre in the world.

Most visitors take a vertical cog train to reach the base of the summit. From there, visitors to the monument once had to climb hundreds of steps to reach the top. Today, elevators and escalators are available to shorten the trip.

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Reader interactions.

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December 13, 2015 at 10:44 am

For the most gorgeous views of Rio take a water taxi or lumbering “barca” (ferryboat) across the bay and head to the Niemeyer museum and adjacent beaches. Lots of places to eat on the city’s beaches! But…always keep in mind not to flaunt your camera/phone/jewelry/etc.

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October 28, 2014 at 12:24 am

Lovely Rio, just lovely! A week there would be too short for me. I’d aim for at least 10 days! Among my favourites are the colourful stairs, the botanical garden…

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July 16, 2014 at 3:13 am

Ya..Its very nice place in Rio for tourist. Also I suggest to visit at Avenida Atlantica. This is a seaside avenue and one of the best places for a stroll. Every street offers something different. Rio beaches are top tourist attraction in the city.

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Must-see attractions in Rio de Janeiro

The sunset with Christ The Redeemer on the Corcovado Hill viewed from Paineiras Road at Tijuca Forest with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

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Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

The 19 best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Feel the pulse of this thrilling, culturally-rich city with our list of the very best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro lives up to its reputation, don’t you worry. The Miraculous City is a melting pot of football, samba, carnival, beaches , gigantic statues of Jesus Christ, and all the rest. The food is deliciou , and the parties go all night long. Rio isn’t for the half-hearted. What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro? We’ve compiled the best of the best below, taking in everything from gorgeous hikes to rambunctious street antics, with plenty in between. The Miraculous City? That feels like something of an understatement to us.

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Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Museum of Tomorrow

1.  Museum of Tomorrow

What is it?  One of the 2016 Olympics’ most successful legacies, this groundbreaking science museum poses the big questions about the future inside an extraordinary neo-futurist building.

Why go?  Covering everything from geology to human nervous systems to smart cities, this is as far from a dusty, dry old museum as it gets. Immersive exhibits make powerful arguments for sustainability. Seemingly floating above the regenerated port zone, even the architecture is eco: it is powered by solar panels and cooled by water from the bay.

Christ the Redeemer

2.  Christ the Redeemer

What is it?  You’ll catch glimpses of this 98-feet-tall figure all around Rio, but don’t miss out on ascending Mount Corcovado to admire the iconic statue up close.

Why go?  Standing at the base of this concrete colossus, it is hard to know what to gawp at first: the feat of engineering by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa or the bird’s eye view of the city sprawling below. Reach the site via a scenic tram ride from Cosme Velho.

Jardim Botânico

3.  Jardim Botânico

What is it?  Not all of Rio’s natural wonders are at soaring heights – these 140-hectare gardens are a haven for over 9,000 different plant species, created by Brazil’s Prince Regent in 1808.

Why go?  It’s the perfect paradise to chill out in after Rio’s more frenetic, hedonistic times. Among the soaring imperial palm trees, delicate orchids, and Amazonian lily ponds, resident marsupials provide entertainment. Keep your eyes peeled for toucans, tortoises, and sloths, too.

Feira Livre da Glória

4.  Feira Livre da Glória

What is it?  Gloria’s vibrant Sunday morning market is a magnet for diehard foodies.

Why go?  Off the tourist trail, this is the place to sample fresh Brazilian produce, from exotic fruits ( jabuticaba, anyone? ) to fish to artisanal cachaça, the national spirit. Feeling worse for wear after Saturday night? The classic market breakfast of  pastels  – hot pastries stuffed with meat, cheese, or heart of palm – and a shot of pure sugarcane juice is like manna from heaven.

Copacabana Beach

5.  Copacabana Beach

What is it?  This world-famous, 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand is  the  place for fun in the sun.

Why go?  You were hardly going to visit the home of Havaianas without hitting the beach at some point, were you? Sun-worshipping locals flock here to play beach volleyball or football, top up their enviable tans and catch some waves. Mobile vendors of everything from grilled cheese to sardines to caipirinhas provide sustenance while you’re a beach bum.

Sugarloaf Mountain

6.  Sugarloaf Mountain

What is it?  Here’s the money shot: this tree-covered natural dome rising 1,299 ft above the harbor is one of Rio’s most recognizable symbols.

Why go?  The ascent by cable car goes in two stages – first to neighboring Urca Hill, then another steep journey up to Sugarloaf – while the jaw-dropping panoramas of beaches, skyscrapers and hills unfold beneath you. Glorious at any time of day, there’s something extra magical about being there for sunset, as the city lights flicker into life.

Parque Lage

7.  Parque Lage

What is it?  A rambling 19th-century estate turned public park at the foot of Corcovado mountain.

Why go?  Music fans may recognize this opulent mansion, with its exotic jungle and mountain backdrop, from the Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams video for ‘Beautiful’. Caves, a hidden aquarium, free art exhibitions (the palace is now an art school), and palm-shaded pathways await discovery. Feeling adventurous? Follow the hiking trail all the way up to the Cristo.

Museum of Modern Art (MAM)

8.  Museum of Modern Art (MAM)

What is it?  Poised on the edge of Guanabara Bay, MAM is a temple to art from the 20th and the 21st centuries.

Why go?  Despite a devastating fire in 1978, the museum’s permanent collection still dazzles – you’ll come across paintings by international modern masters Pollock and Miró, as well as leading Brazilian artists Tarsila Amaral and Hélio Oiticica. The modernist gardens by Roberto Burle Marx and dynamic temporary exhibitions add to the edifying experience.

Bip Bip

9.  Bip Bip

What is it?  A tiny, eccentric Copacabana bar renowned for its live music.

Why go?  If you want silver service and a polite babble of conversation, keep on walking. But to hear authentic bossa nova (Brazil’s ‘new wave’ music style, born in the 1950s) or samba among a carioca crowd, grab a beer from the self-serve fridge and jostle into a good spot for a memorable evening. A local band occupies the main table while photos of musical legends adorn the walls.

Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Reading Room)

10.  Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Reading Room)

What is it?  This little-known library in Rio’s city center is a bookworm’s paradise, home to a vast array of Portuguese literature.

Why go?  The collection is the biggest outside Portugal; even if you can’t read a word of it, the sight of three levels of rare manuscripts and leather-bound novels lining ornately-carved shelves is pretty spectacular. Constructed in the 1880s, its stained-glass skylight and dramatic chandelier would be at home in a cathedral – the library’s façade was even based on a Lisbon monastery.

Pedra do Sal

11.  Pedra do Sal

What is it?  Historically known as 'Little Africa', this is the best area for immersing in Rio’s vibrant musical heritage.

Why go?  You’re walking (or, most likely, swaying) through the birthplace of samba, created by the slave community that once lived here. Live bands draw crowds of music lovers from near and far – especially for the free Monday and Friday night street parties. Cheap caipirinha stalls and colorful street art add to the carnival vibe.

Casa das Canoas

12.  Casa das Canoas

What is it?  The former home of iconic Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, who designed the building in 1951.

Why go?  Resplendent after recent renovations, the building’s curvaceous white contours, slender steel columns, and glass walls are textbook Niemeyer – this is the man who said he “deliberately disregarded the right angle.” While he’s responsible for dozens of iconic public buildings around Brazil, there’s something special about seeing the place he created for his family.

Bar do Gomez

13.  Bar do Gomez

What is it?  A quintessential neighborhood bar on the picturesque, cobbled streets of Santa Teresa.

Why go?  Take your pick from over sixty types of cachaça or a cold draught beer as you settle down to soak up the laidback atmosphere of this former Spanish grocery. It’s now a century old but as charming as ever. Salt cod fritters drizzled with the house hot sauce, or heartier meat dishes, sustain through languid afternoon drinking sessions.

Mangueira’s Palacio de Samba

14.  Mangueira’s Palacio de Samba

What is it?  One of Rio’s oldest samba schools, with 19 parade prizes under its spangled belt.

Why go?  Preparing for the world’s greatest party is a year-round operation, so get a taste of the carnival magic even when visiting Rio outside the annual Ash Wednesday celebrations. The school opens its doors for regular evening performances and runs behind-the-scenes tours of its practice halls and workshops, where the dance routines are drilled, and parade floats constructed.

Largo do Boticário

15.  Largo do Boticário

What is it?  Tucked away in Cosme Velho, this square of colorful neocolonial houses is a photogenic, fascinating time-warp.

Why go?  Visiting  Largo do Boticário  100 years ago, you’d have found glittering parties for the city’s artistic and political elite; a scene in the 007 movie  Moonraker  was shot here. The square later fell on hard times, its grand buildings abandoned and reclaimed by rainforest foliage. Wander through what’s effectively an open-air museum and visit restored properties like number 32, now home to an art gallery.

Carretão Ipanema

16.  Carretão Ipanema

What is it?  A bustling, hugely popular barbecue restaurant for an all-you-can-eat feast.

Why go?  Everyone (okay, maybe not vegans) should sample an authentic churrascaria, aka grilled meat restaurant, while in Rio – they’re a staple of the Carioca food scene. Let the skewer-wielding waiters carve you all manner of grilled meats, and dig into a buffet heaped with salads and sides.

Metropolitan Cathedral

17.  Metropolitan Cathedral

What is it?  Designed by architect Edgar Fonseca and built through the 1960s-70s, this may well be the wackiest church you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Why go?  If Mayans and aliens collaborated on a building, it would probably look something like Rio’s vast Metropolitan Cathedral. Step inside this angular, technicolor pyramid to admire the soaring stained-glass windows, honeycomb walls and bronze plaques. Visit for Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. to get the full experience.

Aprazível

18.  Aprazível

What is it?  Fine dining with a mesmerizing view, this family-run hilltop restaurant comes up trumps.

Why go?  Dine in quirky thatched huts while the palms sway and city lights twinkle below. The food matches the setting, hopping around traditional recipes from Brazil’s regions and paired with fruity craft cocktails or house-brewed beer. Leave plenty of time to wander Santa Teresa’s steep cobblestone streets before diner – it’s one of Rio’s prettiest quarters.

Ilha Fiscal

19.  Ilha Fiscal

What is it?  A neo-gothic palace perched on a tiny island out in Guanabara Bay.

Why go?  Once upon a time, this was the managerial home of Rio’s port operations; fast-forward 100 years, and it has been repurposed as a cultural museum. Take a guided tour of the grand lounges and fairytale-like tower for a fascinating slice of city history and a fresh perspective of Rio’s dramatic bay, Sugarloaf, and Christ the Redeemer.

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Rio de Janeiro   Travel Guide

tourism rio de janeiro

Courtesy of Anna Gibiskys | Getty Images

tourism rio de janeiro

Why Go To Rio de Janeiro

Known as the  Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), this glimmering Brazilian metropolis has certainly earned its title. Resting at the mouth of a bay harbor, the city is lined with white-sand beaches and surrounded by staggered green mountains covered in a lush tropical forest, Rio de Janeiro boasts dramatic views from nearly every angle. From the slopes of Corcovado Mountain, you'll admire the striking 124-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer , who overlooks Rio's pristine beaches. And from the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema , you'll marvel over the picture-perfect backdrop that has charmed Cariocas  (native Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro) and visitors alike for more than 500 years.

But there's much more to Rio than scenic vistas, tropical forests and cerulean seas. Here, diversity, exuberance and a laid-back attitude dominate the city's character. Stroll along Avenida Atlântica in Copa, and you'll find a city brimming with bikini-clad beachgoers. The city is also known for its love of sport. From Maracanã Stadium (home of the 2014 World Cup finals and the 2016 Olympic Games) to beach volley at Flamengo Park (known as Aterro do Flamengo ), the city is alive with activity. At night, you'll hear the energizing beats of samba pulsating through the city streets in Lapa . And if you visit in February — just in time for Carnival — you'll witness Brazil's vibrant parades and heaving blocos (street parties) that draw revelers from across the globe. 

Note: Rio de Janeiro isn't without its share of problems, although most violent crime occurs on the outskirts of the tourist areas. In general, low-income urban areas, known as favelas , should be avoided due to gang-related violence. However, Vidigal, a favela near to Rio's affluent neighborhood Leblon, is a popular tourist spot and is widely considered safe (you will have to go through Vidigal to reach the entrance to the very popular Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) hike, which dozens of tourists do daily, often without a guide). Visitors should consult the U.S. Department of State's website for the most up-to-date travel advisories.

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Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

  • # 1 in Christ the Redeemer
  • # 2 in Tijuca National Park
  • # 3 in Jardim Botânico

tourism rio de janeiro

Popular Tours

Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch

Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch

(2269 reviews)

from $ 83.00

The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

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from $ 84.50

Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

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Rio de Janeiro Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Rio is between December and March, when the weather is warm and sunny enough to hit the beaches, although there may be quick but heavy downpours in the evenings. The city's seductive samba beat and incredible panoramic views last year-round, but arrive in February to experience Carnival. This five-day festival leading up to Fat Tuesday brings tens of thousands of visitors and locals to the streets for parades and parties. Finding an affordable place to stay during Carnival can be difficult; you should consider booking your  hotel  and flight up to a year in advance. Between January and March, daytime temperatures can sometimes surpass 90 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer more moderate conditions, visit during autumn (April and May) or spring (October and November), when temps fall back to the 70s and low 80s during the day and the 60s at night.

Weather in Rio de Janeiro

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Using ATMs Most ATMs accept international credit and debit cards. Most ATMs in banks, supermarkets and shopping malls are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on holidays and Sundays, ATMs close at 8 p.m. Airports and some gas stations and hotels have 24/7 ATMs. If you use cash, make sure you have small bills (ideally less than 50 reais) to make getting change easier.

Cards are accepted Contactless payments are available throughout Rio. When paying by card you need to specify if it's debit or credit; sometimes, a debit card will only work when processed in the card machine as a credit card. American Express may not always be accepted.

Uber is popular Although public transport will get you to all corners of Rio, Uber is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of getting around. It usually works out much cheaper than a taxi and you can get Uber from Rio's airport via the app.

How to Save Money in Rio de Janeiro

Grub by the pound Rio de Janeiro is full of buffet-style restaurants that charge by the kilo. Look for signs that say "por kilo" and then pile your plate – it's a great way to try a selection of typically Brazilian foods, too.

Visit Samba do Trabalhador Although Lapa is known as the vibrant neighborhood  for nights out, enjoy an inexpensive evening out at Samba do Trabalhador, a popular event venue among locals for live music every Monday.

Bed down at a pousada Hotel prices are notoriously expensive in the city, especially in beachside neighborhoods. To stay within budget, search for pousadas — the bed-and-breakfasts of Brazil that often include a morning meal in their rates.

Get outside Rio is famous for its dazzling hikes and the tropical Atlantic Forest that carpets the city's mountainous skyline. Best of all, entry into the forest is free. Hikes in Tijuca Forest  are well sign-posted and tend to be well-trekked, making most of them safe to go without a guide for a cheap day out.

Culture & Customs

Cariocas  (native Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro) are known for their easy-going demeanor. Friendly, hospitable and always up for a celebration,  Cariocas  relish eating late, dancing late and dressing up in glittery costumes for Carnival — Rio's most riotous and colorful party.

Portuguese is Brazil's official language. While there are some English speakers near tourist attractions, it's helpful to bring a Portuguese phrasebook. We also recommend writing down the addresses of attractions you want to visit for taxi drivers.

You'll fit in by wearing shorts, T-shirts or a vest top and cover-ups or dresses while walking along the beaches. The classic string bikini is the typical attire on the beaches, but there's no need to feel shy – Rio celebrates all body types and there's zero judgment. Being topless is strictly prohibited on the beach, except for one designated nudist beach called Praia de Abricó. Dress code is usually casual in restaurants and along the main streets in the Zona Sul district. However, it's not unusual to spot lavishly dressed locals rummaging through clothing racks in São Conrado Fashion Mall's high-end stores or in top-end restaurants and bars in neighborhoods Leblon and Jardim Botânico .

 As far as tipping goes, it is considered polite to add gratuity; however, most restaurants already include a 10% service charge on the bill. Most restaurants accept credit cards.

The real (BRL) is Brazil's official currency. The favorable exchange rate makes this South American city affordable for U.S. travelers. Check what the current exchange rate is before you go.

What to Eat

Rio de Janeiro is a culinary paradise. Its food scene reflects the city's diverse culture and demographics, blending Indigenous, Portuguese, African and immigrant influences with a mix of traditional and new to create a unique gastronomic experience.

To start your day and finish off your meals like a local, drink an espresso sweetened with heaps of sugar. A must-have dish is feijoada , the iconic black bean stew infused with pork, sausage, and herbs. Modern versions cater to vegetarians, replacing the meat with hearty root vegetables. Seafood lovers will love moqueca , a fragrant fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, a staple of Bahian cuisine with a distinct African flair. 

A popular dining experience is the all-you-can-eat meat option, called rodízio , where you can indulge in an endless stream of skewered meats. Must-tries include picanha , a prime cut of beef, and chicken hearts, which feature at every Brazilian barbecue.

Truly Brazilian street food includes pastels (deep-fried pastries that can be savory or sweet) served with ice-cold sugarcane juice;  coxinhas , deep-fried dough filled with shredded chicken; and pão de queijo , cheese bread made with cassava. On the beach, sip iced tea ( mate ) and lemonade paired with the airy crunch of Globo cassava-based biscuits. 

Brigadeiro , chocolate truffles rolled in sprinkles, or a bowl of açaí mixed with your choice of toppings will satisfy a sweet tooth. Don't forget to wash your food down with a classic Brazilian beer served extra cold or a caipirinha, a potent yet refreshing cocktail made with sugarcane liquor ( cachaça ), lime and sugar and poured over heaps of ice.

The tourist area – known as Zona Sul (the South Zone) – is generally safe, although exercise caution when walking around at night, especially downtown (Centro), Santa Teresa and Lapa . In all areas of Rio, remain vigilant with valuables due to pickpocketing, and keep in mind that some tourists have been involved in armed robberies (in these cases, always hand over your belongings). Carnival street parties can be a hotspot for petty theft, so keep your possessions zipped away in a secure belt bag and leave at least one backup bank card at your accommodation. Although rare, robberies have been reported on the city's hiking trails, so consider going with a reputable guide (such as Hike in Rio) or in a group, especially during the week when the hikes are quieter.

Favelas are misunderstood places, and some are perfectly safe to visit (such as Vidigal), or with a guide, such as Rocinha. That being said, most favelas are not tourist-friendly and are best avoided. If you do visit one, be respectful at all times, especially when taking photos (after all, these are people's homes), and avoid straying off the main road. Visit the U.S. Department of State's website for more details.

Getting Around Rio de Janeiro

The best way to get around Rio is by foot, subway or taxi or Uber. Major attractions – such as  Lapa , Santa Teresa  and other popular sites – can easily be reached by Uber or a taxi, which are not difficult to hail on the city's main streets. The beaches are easy to reach on foot and a cycle path follows the coastline from the neighborhood Glória to Leblon. For a hassle-free means of transportation from Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG), you'll want to get an Uber or taxi. The subway is another affordable and safe way to get around the most popular neighborhoods in the South Zone. City buses are also convenient, but unfamiliar riders can be thrown off by the non-English-speaking bus drivers. Renting a car isn't the best mode of transportation around the city, as traffic is heavy and the roads are packed with disorienting street signs and pedestrians.  

Entry & Exit Requirements

United States citizens must bring a valid passport and will be granted a visa upon entry, although these rules will change on Jan. 10, 2024, when U.S. citizens will be required to obtain a visa from the Brazilian Embassy or closest Consulate before entering Brazil. A standard visa enables visitors to stay in Brazil for 90 days, which can be extended to 180 days. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State's website .

Most of the beaches in the city offer spectacular views of the famous mountains. 

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Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

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The citizens of the fourteen-million-strong city of Rio de Janeiro call it the Cidade Marvilhosa – and there can’t be much argument about that. Although riven by inequality, Rio has great style. Its international renown is bolstered by a series of symbols that rank as some of the greatest landmarks in the world: the Corcovado mountain supporting the great statue of Christ the Redeemer; the rounded incline of the Sugar Loaf mountain, standing at the entrance to the bay; and the famous sweeps of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, probably the most notable lengths of sand on the planet. It’s a setting enhanced annually by the frenetic sensuality of Carnaval, an explosive celebration that – for many people – sums up Rio and its citizens, the cariocas. The major downside in a city given over to conspicuous consumption is the rapacious development that has engulfed Rio. As the rural poor, escaping drought and poverty in other regions of Brazil, swell Rio’s population, the city has been squeezed like a toothpaste tube between mountains and sea, pushing its human contents ever further out along the coast. Over the decades, much of the city’s rich architectural heritage has been whittled away, along with the destruction of much of its natural environment.

Rio de Janeiro state

Inland: north to the mountains, the best time to visit rio de janeiro, staying safe in rio de janeiro, rio de janeiro food and drink, rio de janeiro nightlife and entertainment, shopping in rio de janeiro, the background, carnaval rehearsals.

Sitting on the southern shore of the magnificent Guanabara Bay, Rio has, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most stunning settings in the world. Extending for 20km along an alluvial strip, between an azure sea and forest-clad mountains, the city’s streets and buildings have been moulded around the foothills of the mountain range that provides its backdrop, while out in the bay there are many rocky islands fringed with white sand. The aerial views over Rio are breathtaking, and even the concrete skyscrapers that dominate the city’s skyline add to the attraction. As the former capital of Brazil and now its second largest city, Rio has a remarkable architectural heritage, some of the country’s best museums and galleries, superb restaurants and a vibrant nightlife – in addition to its legendary beaches. With so much to see and do, Rio can easily occupy a week and you may well find it difficult to drag yourself away.

The state of Rio de Janeiro, surrounding the city, is a fairly recent phenomenon, established in 1975 as a result of the amalgamation of Guanabara state and Rio city, the former federal capital. Fairly small by Brazilian standards, the state is both beautiful and accessible, with easy trips either northeast along the Costa do Sol or southwest along the Costa Verde, taking in unspoilt beaches, washed by a relatively unpolluted ocean. Inland routes make a welcome change from the sands, especially the trip to Petrópolis , a nineteenth-century mountain retreat for Rio’s rich.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Brazil, created by local experts

Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

9 days  / from 2042 USD

Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

Blissful Brazil

10 days  / from 1700 USD

Blissful Brazil

Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

10 days  / from 2683 USD

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.

Extraordinary Brazil - Paraty & Iguaçu

8 days  / from 1370 USD

Extraordinary Brazil - Paraty & Iguaçu

Combine adventure and nature in Paraty with the stunning Iguaçu waterfalls. Your trip starts in the colonial town Paraty, Costa Verde's main attraction. Jeep rides, beaches, and a lot of culture are part of the program. Afterwards, fly to Foz do Iguaçu and see the falls from both Argentina & Brazil.

Jaguars in North Pantanal

7 days  / from 2950 USD

Jaguars in North Pantanal

Spend a week in a lodge in North Pantanal with boat tours, walking trails, horseback riding and an unforgettable Jaguar expedition. Experienced wildlife guides are available in the lodge to explain more of the fascinating fauna and flora around you.

Pure Wildlife - North Pantanal & Amazonia

10 days  / from 2700 USD

Pure Wildlife - North Pantanal & Amazonia

Discover the world's largest continental flood area - the Pantanal, one of the richest places in biodiversity. Continue your wildlife trip to the Amazon River. Your lodges throughout the trip are located right in nature, with easy access to lodge trails around.

Brazilian Folk Art: Immersion in the Ceramic Valley

6 days  / from 3533 USD

Brazilian Folk Art: Immersion in the Ceramic Valley

This is an unforgettable and intense journey of learning, exchanging and discovering alongside a cultural mediator and the ceramics’ masters the empowerment of the communities. Campo Buriti is a small community with 700 inhabitants where women make the famous clay dolls.

An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay

14 days  / from 1933 USD

An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay

A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.

Luxury Holidays in South America

14 days  / from 7500 USD

Luxury Holidays in South America

Experience the best of Argentina and Brazil in luxury. From vibrant Buenos Aires to breathtaking Argentinian Falls, stunning Bariloche, and untamed Patagonia. Conclude in Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches before immersing in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo.

Secrets and Spices of the Amazon

5 days  / from 2813 USD

Secrets and Spices of the Amazon

Have you ever imagined tasting the delights of Amazonian cuisine? Uncover the secrets and spices of this unique region that has yet to be discovered by the world and go on a journey that aims at bringing about positive impacts.

Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu

12 days  / from 2500 USD

Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu

A mesmerizing journey through Brazil and Argentina, starting with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro. Explore the pristine paradise of Ilha Grande, then step back in time in the colonial gem of Paraty. Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.

Iguazu - from Brazil and Argentina

3 days  / from 590 USD

Iguazu - from Brazil and Argentina

Imagine two nights in this breathtaking destination, coupled with an exhilarating full-day excursion to witness the majestic Iguazu Falls, both in Argentina and Brazil. Experience the power of nature up close, with private services ensuring an intimate and personalized journey.

North Pantanal in 5 Days

5 days  / from 1920 USD

North Pantanal in 5 Days

Spend the first night in Cuiaba before heading to the Pantanal. Over the next two days, indulge in exciting daily activities, ranging from boat trips to horseback riding and hikes. All lodges include breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It’s easy to get out of Rio city, something you’ll probably want to do at some stage during your stay. The easiest trips are by ferry just across the bay to the Ilha de Paquetá – a car-free zone popular with locals – or to Niterói , whose Museu de Arte Contemporânea has become an essential sight for visitors to Rio. After that, the choice is a simple one: either head east along the Costa do Sol to Cabo Frio and Búzios, or west along the Costa Verde to Ilha Grande and Paraty ; both coasts offer endless good beaches and little holiday towns, developed to varying degrees. Or strike off inland to Petrópolis and Teresópolis, where the mountainous interior provides a welcome, cool relief from the frenetic goings-on back in Rio.

Inter-urban buses fanning out to all points in the state make getting out of the city easy. If you plan on renting a car, this is as good a state as any to brave the traffic: the coasts are an easy drive from the city and stopping off at more remote beaches is simple; additionally, having your own wheels would let you get to grips with the extraordinary scenery up in the mountains.

Ilha de Paquetá

The ILHA DE PAQUETÁ is an island of one square kilometre in the north of Guanabara Bay, an easy day-trip that is very popular with cariocas at weekends. It was first occupied by the Portuguese in 1565 and later was a favourite resort of Dom João VI, who had the São Roque chapel built here in 1810. Nowadays, the island is almost entirely given over to tourism. About two thousand people live here, but at weekends that number is multiplied several times by visitors from the city, here for the tranquillity – the only motor vehicle allowed is an ambulance – and the beaches, which, sadly, are now heavily polluted. Still, the island makes a pleasant day’s excursion – with colonial-style buildings that retain a certain shabby charm – and the trip is an attraction in itself: if possible, time your return to catch the sunset over the city as you sail back. Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the crowds, or come in August for the wildly celebrated Festival de São Roque.

Excellent bus services from Rio de Janeiro make the interior of the state easily accessible, and its mountainous wooded landscape and relatively cool climate are a pleasant contrast to the coastal heat. There’s not a great deal in the way of historical interest, but the scenic beauty of the countryside, studded with small towns still bearing their colonial heritage, is an attraction in itself.

Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos

One of Brazil’s most beautiful mountain regions, the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos straddles an area of highland Atlantic rainforest between Petrópolis and Teresópolis. The main features of the park are dramatic rock formations that resemble rows of organ pipes (hence the range’s name), dominated by the towering Dedo de Deus (“God’s Finger”) peak. There are tremendous walking possibilities in the park, with the favourite peaks for those with mountain-goat tendencies being the Agulha do Diablo (2050m) and the Pedra do Sino (2263m); the latter has a path leading to the summit, a relatively easy three-hour trip (take refreshments). There are some campsites but no equipment for rent, so you’ll need to come prepared.

Approaching from Petrópolis, take one of the frequent buses to Corrêas (30min; R$3) and change to a #616 “Pinheiral” bus (hourly; 35min; R$3), which will leave you near the park entrance.

Coffee country

To many people, coffee and Rio de Janeiro are synonymous, a legacy of the nineteenth century when Brazil completely dominated the trade. But Rio’s coffee boom was actually short-lived, getting under way in the 1820s and collapsing suddenly in 1888 as a consequence of the abolition of slavery, on which plantation owners were completely dependent. Many of the more resourceful farmers migrated south to São Paulo to take advantage of Italian and other immigrant labour and the availability of fertile, well-watered land. Furthermore, single-crop farming on the hilly terrain of the Paraiba Valley had resulted in serious levels of soil erosion, while the felling of the forest to plant coffee bushes altered the climate, causing draught. The “coffee barons” either abandoned their fazendas (plantations) or looked for other uses of their land. Dairy farming was eventually found to work, and today almost all the land is given over to cattle grazing – the area, some 200km west of Petrópolis, is a peaceful backwater, with the evidence of the coffee boom most clearly apparent in the fazenda houses that are left standing in various states of repair.

With a few days and, ideally, a car, a visit to the Paraiba Valley can be fascinating. The area can be reached in two hours from Rio, and is a convenient stop-off if travelling between Petrópolis and Paraty, or other points on the coast. A particularly attractive place to make for is Rio das Flores, a sleepy little place dotted with grand fazenda houses, some right alongside the approach road to town, others hidden from view off side-roads. The tourist information office at Rua Cesar Nillares 120 can usually help with visiting these houses, and you can even stay in one, the Fazenda Santo Antônio, set amidst beautiful gardens some 22km southeast of town. The six guest rooms are either in the impeccably preserved casa grande, or plantation house, that dates back to 1842, or in the former senzala, or slave quarters, and there’s a pool and horses to ride. The helpful English-speaking owner and his wife can make arrangements for visits to neighbouring properties: the slightly run-down look of Fazenda Campos Eliseos, established in 1847, contrasts greatly with the beautifully preserved Fazenda Santa Justa, the detail of the period decor of the casa grande seemingly leaping from the pages of a coffee-table book.

The best time to visit both city and state, at least as far as the climate goes, is between May and August, when the region is cooled by trade winds, the temperature remains at around 22–32°C and the sky tends to be clear. Between December and March (the rainy season), it’s more humid, with the temperature hovering around 40°C; but even then it’s rarely as oppressive as it is in northern Brazil, and there’s a chance of blue sky for at least part of the day.

Although it sometimes seems that one half of Rio is constantly being robbed by the other, don’t let paranoia ruin your stay. It’s true that there is quite a lot of petty theft in Rio – pockets are picked and bags and cameras swiped – but use a little common sense and you’re unlikely to encounter problems. Most of the real violence affecting Rio is drug related and concentrated in the favelas. In addition, there are certain areas that should be avoided.

In Centro, contrary to popular belief, Sunday is not the best time to stroll around – the streets are usually empty, which means you can be more easily identified, stalked and robbed. The area around Praça Mauá, just to the north of Centro, should be avoided after nightfall, and even during the day care should be taken. In the Zona Sul’s Parque do Flamengo it’s also inadvisable to wander unaccompanied after nightfall. Similarly, tourists who choose to walk between Cosme Velho and the Corcovado have been subject to robbery and assault – both of which can be best avoided by taking the train. Copacabana ’s record has improved since the authorities started to floodlight the beach at night, but it’s still not a good idea to remain on the sand after sunset.

Much of historical Rio is concentrated in Centro, with pockets of interest, too, in the neighbouring Saúde and Lapa quarters of the city. You’ll find you can tour the centre fairly easily on foot, but bear in mind that lots of the old historical squares, streets and buildings disappeared in the twentieth century under a torrent of redevelopment, and fighting your way through the traffic – the reason many of the streets were widened in the first place – can be quite a daunting prospect.

From Rio’s Bay of Guanabara to the Bay of Sepetiba, to the west, there are approximately 90km of sandy beaches, including one of the world’s most famous – Copacabana. Rio’s identity is closely linked to its beaches, which shape the social life of all the city’s inhabitants, who use them for recreation and inspiration. For many, they provide a source of livelihood, and a sizeable service industry has developed around them, providing for the needs of those who regard the beach as a social environment.

On the beach

Rio’s beaches may attract hordes of tourists but they’re first and foremost the preserve of cariocas. Rich or poor, old or young, everybody descends on the beaches throughout the week, treating them simply as city parks. The beaches are divided into informal segments, each identified by postos (marker posts) assigned a number. In Copacabana and Ipanema in particular, gay men, families, beach-sport aficionados and even intellectuals claim specific segments, and it won’t take you long to identify a stretch of sand where you’ll feel comfortable.

Beach fashion

Looking good is important on Rio’s beaches, and you’ll come across some pretty snappy seaside threads. Fashions change regularly, though, so if you’re really desperate to make your mark you should buy your swimsuits in Rio. Keep in mind that although women may wear the skimpiest of bikinis, going topless is completely unacceptable.

Beach sports

Maintaining an even tan and tight musculature is the principal occupation for most of Rio’s beachgoers. Joggers swarm up and down the pavements, bronzed types flex their muscles on parallel bars located at intervals along the beaches, and beach football on Copacabana is as strong a tradition as legend would have it. There’s lots of volleyball, too, as well as the ubiquitous batball, a kind of table tennis with a heavy ball, and without the table.

A lot of people make their living by plying food – sweets, nuts, ice cream – and beach equipment along the seashore, while dotted along the sand are makeshift canopies from which you can buy cold drinks. Like bars, most of these have a regular clientele and deliver a very efficient service. Coconut milk, côco verde, is sold everywhere, and is a brilliant hangover cure.

Staying safe

The water off many of the beaches can be dangerous. The seabed falls sharply away, the waves are strong, and currents can pull you down the beach. Mark your spot well before entering the water, or you’ll find yourself emerging from a paddle twenty or thirty metres from where you started – which, when the beaches are packed at weekends, can cause considerable problems when it comes to relocating your towel. Copacabana is particularly dangerous, even for strong swimmers. However, the beaches are well served by lifeguards, whose posts are marked by a white flag with a red cross; a red flag indicates that bathing is prohibited. Constant surveillance of the beachfronts from helicopters and support boats means that, if you do get into trouble, help should arrive quickly.

Pollution is another problem to bear in mind. Although much has been done in recent years to clean up Guanabara Bay, it is still not safe to swim in the water from Flamengo or Botafogo beaches. While the water beyond the bay at Copacabana and Ipanema is usually clean, there are times when it – and the beaches themselves – aren’t, especially following a prolonged period of heavy summer rain, when the city’s strained drainage system overflows with raw sewage.

Natural dangers aside, the beaches hold other unwelcome surprises. Giving your passport, money and valuables the chance of a suntan, rather than leaving them in the hotel safe, is madness. Take only the clothes and money you’ll need – it’s quite acceptable to use public transport while dressed for the beach.

Hang-gliding above Rio

For a bird’s-eye view of Rio’s beaches and forest, take off with an experienced pilot on a tandem hang-glider flight from the Pedra Bonita ramp on the western edge of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, 520m above the beach at São Conrado. Depending on conditions, flights last between ten and thirty minutes, flying alongside the mountains and over the forest and ocean before landing on the beach at São Conrado.

The most experienced operator, Just Fly , offers flights daily when weather permits, which includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.

Rio’s favelas

In a low-wage economy, and with minimal social services, life is extremely difficult for the majority of Brazilians. During the last forty years, the rural poor have descended upon urban centres in search of a livelihood – often unable to find accommodation, or pay rent, they have established shantytowns, or favelas, on any available empty space, which in Rio usually means the slopes of the hills around which the city has grown.

Favelas start off as huddles of cardboard boxes and plastic sheeting, and slowly expand and transform: metal sheeting and bricks provide more solid shelters of often two or more storeys. Clinging to the sides of Rio’s hills, and glistening in the sun, they can from a distance appear not unlike a medieval Spanish hamlet, perched secure atop a mountain. It is, however, a spurious beauty. The favelas are creations of need, and their inhabitants are engaged in an immense daily struggle for survival, worsened by the prospect of landslides caused by heavy rains, which could tear their dwellings from their tenuous hold on precipitous inclines.

Life for some of Rio’s favela dwellers is slowly changing for the better, however. Bound together by their shared poverty and exclusion from effective citizenship, the favelados display a great resourcefulness and cooperative strength. Self-help initiatives – some of which are based around the escolas de samba that are mainly favela-based – have emerged, and the authorities are finally recognizing the legitimacy of favelas by promoting favela-bairro projects aimed at fully integrating them into city life. Private enterprise, too, is taking an interest as it becomes alert to the fact that the quarter of the city’s population that live in favelas represents a vast, untapped market.

Favela tours

Wandering into a favela does not, as many middle-class cariocas would have you believe, guarantee being robbed or murdered. Law and order is essentially in the hands of highly organized drugs gangs, but it’s simply not in their interest to create trouble for visitors, as this would only attract the attention of the police who normally stay clear of favelas. Alone, you’re liable to get lost and, as in any isolated spot, may run into opportunistic thieves, but if accompanied by a favela resident you’ll be perfectly safe and received with friendly curiosity. For the majority of people, however, the best option is to take a tour, with the most insightful and longest-established run by Marcelo Armstrong. Marcelo, who speaks excellent English, is widely known and respected in the favelas that are visited and has made a point of getting community approval. It is strongly advised to make your own arrangements with Marcelo rather than through a travel agent or hotel front desk, where you may end up with an inferior tour and be charged too much – some operators treat the favelas rather as they might an African game park, ferrying groups in open-topped camouflaged jeeps. But if you’re worried about voyeurism, you shouldn’t be: residents want outsiders to understand that favelas are not in fact terrifying and lawless ghettos, but inhabited by people as decent as anywhere else, eager to improve the local quality of life.

Marcelo’s highly responsible tours usually take in two favelas: Roçinha, Rio’s largest, with around 200,000 inhabitants, and Vila Canoas, much smaller, with some 3000 residents. Twice a day, tourists are picked up from their hotels or pre-arranged spots in the Zona Sul for the two-hour tour, which stops at lookout points, a day-care centre, a bar and other places of interest. Marcelo offers a fascinating commentary, pointing out the achievements of favelas and their inhabitants without romanticizing their lives. For more information, check out www.favelatour.com.br .

Instituto Moreira Salles

The Instituto Moreira Salles is one of Rio’s most beautiful private cultural centres. Located in the former home of the Moreira Salles family (the owners of Unibanco, one of the country’s most important banks), the house, built in 1951, is one of the finest examples of modernist residential architecture in Brazil. Designed by the Brazilian architect Olavo Redig de Campos – with gardens landscaped by Roberto Burle Marx, who also contributed a tile mural alongside the terrace, the building has been open to the public since 1999. Important exhibitions of nineteenth- and twentieth-century painting and photography are staged and there’s a tearoom that serves light lunches, cakes and ice creams, and a good, but expensive, high tea. It’s a good half-hour walk to the Instituto from the Jockey Club; alternatively, you can take bus #170 from Centro (Av. Rio Branco), Botafogo, Humaitá or Jardim Botânico, or #174 from Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca and Alta da Boa Vista

When the Portuguese arrived, the area that is now the city of Rio was covered by dense green tropical forest. As the city grew, the trees were felled and the timber used in construction or for charcoal. However, if you look up from the streets of Zona Sul today, the mountains running southwest from the Corcovado are still covered with exuberant forest, the periphery of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, which covers an area of approximately 120 square kilometres.

In the seventeenth century, the forests of Tijuca were cut down for their valuable hardwood and the trees replaced by sugar cane and, later, coffee plantations and small-scale agriculture. In the early nineteenth century, the city authorities became alarmed by a shortage of pure water and by landslides from the Tijuca slopes, and in 1857, a reafforestation project was initiated: by 1870, over 100,000 trees had been planted and the forest was reborn. Most of the seeds and cuttings that were planted were native to the region, and today the park serves as a remarkable example of the potential for the regeneration of the Mata Atlântica.

Following on from the success of the forest, fauna have gradually been reintroduced to the extent that it is once again the home of insects and reptiles, ocelots, howler monkeys, agoutis, three-toed sloths and other animals. Most successful of all has been the return of birdlife, making Tijuca a paradise for birdwatchers. At the same time, however, overstretched park rangers have been struggling to keep residents of the eight neighbouring favelas from hunting wildlife for food or for trade.

As one of the world’s most exotic tourist resorts and with (for Brazil) a relatively large middle-class population, Rio is well served by restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines – from traditional Brazilian to French and Japanese. In general, eating out in Rio is not cheap – and can, in fact, be very expensive – but there’s no shortage of low-priced places to grab a lunchtime meal, or just a snack and a drink. Cariocas generally dine late, and restaurants don’t start to fill up until after 9pm. Last orders are usually taken around midnight, but there are some places where you can get a meal well after 2am.

The best way to find out what’s on and where in Rio is to consult Caderno B, a separate section of the Jornal do Brasil, which lists cinema, arts events and concerts; O Globo, too, details sporting and cultural goings-on in the city. Veja, Brazil’s answer to Newsweek, includes a weekly Rio supplement with news of local events; the magazine reaches the newsstands on Sunday. Regardless, you should never find yourself stuck: there’s no end of things to do come nightfall in a city whose name is synonymous with Carnaval, samba and jazz.

If you’re expecting Rio’s gay nightlife to rival San Francisco’s or Sydney’s, you may well be disappointed. In general, nightlife is pretty integrated, with gay men, lesbians and heterosexuals tending to share the same venues; apart from transvestites who hang out on street corners and are visible during Carnaval, the scene is unexpectedly discreet.

A good starting-point for an evening out is Rua Visconde Silva in Botafogo, which is lined with gay- and lesbian-oriented cafés, bars and restaurants that are liveliest on Friday and Saturday nights. The classic introduction to Rio’s more traditional male gay society is Le Ball, a bar in the Travessa Cristiano Lacorte, just off Rua Miguel Lemos, at the Ipanema end of Copacabana. Opposite this, the Teatro Brigitte Blair hosts a gay transvestite show from around 10pm. Also in Copacabana, the bar and nightclub Inc (formerly called Encontros), at Praça Serzedelo Correia 15, next to Rua Siquera Campos, is open nightly and very popular, although mainly with tourists.

In Lapa, at Rua Mem de Sá 25, behind a pink facade under the Aqueduto da Carioca, the Cabaré Casanova is Rio’s oldest and most interesting gay bar. In business since 1929, the Casanova features drag shows, lambada and samba music, with large ceiling fans to cool down the frenetic dancers. The most popular gay nightclub is undoubtedly Le Boy at Rua Raul Pompéia 102 in Copacabana, towards Ipanema. Based in a former cinema, this huge club is open nightly apart from Mondays and features dancefloors, drag shows and much more besides.

The strip of beach between Rua Farme de Amoedo and Rua Teixeira do Melo in Ipanema is the best-known daytime gay meeting-point. For Ipanema’s post-beach gay crowd, there’s Bofetada, a bar and café at Rua Farme de Amoedo 87. The beach area in front of the Copacabana Palace Hotel is also frequented by gay bathers, and the café next door, Maxims, is a fun gay place to hang out. Nearby on Avenida Atlântica at the junction with Rua Siqueira Campos, is the Gay Kiosk Rainbow, a summertime information point for gay visitors – ask about circuit parties, usually held in Centro.

For information about Rio’s gay balls, see the carnival in Rio de Janiero page . If it’s tours highlighting Rio’s gay history you’re after, Carlos Roquette, a rather dapper former federal judge turned tour guide, can help you to explore. Useful websites on gay and lesbian Rio include www.riogayguide.com and www.riogaylife.com , while www.arco-iris.org.br offers more political and campaigning insights, but the website is only in Portuguese.

It’s not hard to find things to buy in Rio, but it’s surprisingly difficult to find much that’s distinctively Brazilian. Throughout the city are shops geared to tourists (most of which sell a similar line in semi precious stones, mounted piranha fish and T-shirts), but the best shopping area is undoubtedly Ipanema, with a wealth of boutiques lining Rua Visconde de Pirajá and its side streets. Books and CDs make good purchases – sales assistants in music stores are usually delighted to offer recommendations and you’ll be able to listen before you buy. Of Rio’s markets, the so-called Hippie Market in Ipanema has nowadays become very touristy; much better is the Babilônia Feira Hype in Gávea, the Mercado das Pulgas at Largo dos Guimarães in Ipanema, or the Feira de Antiguidades at Praça Santos. For arts, crafts and food from Brazil’s Northeast, there’s nowhere better than the Feira Nordestina in the Zona Norte.

Top image © Marcos Amend/Shutterstock

Carnaval is celebrated in every Brazilian city, but Rio’s party is the biggest and flashiest of them all. From the Friday before Ash Wednesday to the following Thursday, the city shuts up shop and throws itself into the world’s most famous manifestation of unbridled hedonism. Carnaval’s greatest quality is that it has never become stale, thanks to its status as the most important celebration on the Brazilian calendar, easily outstripping either Christmas or Easter. In a city riven by poverty, Carnaval represents a moment of freedom and release, when the aspirations of cariocas can be expressed in music and song. And at the end of the very intense long weekend, there’s a brief collective hangover before attention turns to preparing for the following year’s event.

The origins of Carnaval in Rio can be traced back to a fifteenth-century tradition of Easter revelry in the Azores that caught on in Portugal and was exported to Brazil. Anarchy reigned in the streets for four days and nights, the festivities often so riotous that they were formally abolished in 1843 – this edict was ignored, however, allowing street celebrations to stand out as the most accessible and widely enjoyed feature of Carnaval ever since. In the mid-nineteenth century, masquerade balls were first held by members of the social elite, while processions, with carriages decorated in allegorical themes, also made an appearance, thus marking the ascendancy of the procession over the general street melee. Rio’s masses, who were denied admission to the balls, had their own music – jongo – and they reinforced the tradition of street celebration by organizing in Zé Pereira bands, named after the Portuguese tambor that provided the basic musical beat. The organizational structure behind today’s samba schools (escolas da samba) is partly a legacy of those bands sponsored by migrant Bahian port workers in the 1870s – theirs was a more disciplined approach to the Carnaval procession: marching to stringed and wind instruments, using costumes and appointing people to coordinate different aspects of the parade.

Music written specifically for Carnaval emerged in the early twentieth century, by composers such as Chiquinho Gonzaga, who wrote the first recorded samba piece in 1917 (Pelo Telefone), and Mauro de Almeida e Donga. In the 1930s, recordings began to spread the music of Rio’s Carnaval, and competition between different samba schools became institutionalized: in 1932, the Estação Primeira Mangueira school won the first prize for its performance in the Carnaval parade. The format has remained virtually unchanged since, except for the emergence in the mid-1960s of the blocos or bandas: street processions by the residents of various bairros, who eschew style, discipline and prizes and give themselves up to the most traditional element of Carnaval – street revelry, of which even the principal Carnaval procession in the Sambódromo is technically a part.

Rio’s street celebrations centre on the evening processions that fill Avenida Rio Branco (metrô to Largo do Carioca or Cinelândia). Be prepared for the crowds and beware of pickpockets: even though the revellers are generally high-spirited and good-hearted, you should keep any cash you take with you in hard-to-reach places (like your shoes), wear only light clothes and leave your valuables locked up at the hotel.

Most of what’s good takes place along Avenida Rio Branco. The processions include samba schools (though not the best); Clubes de Frevo, whose loudspeaker-laden floats blast out the frenetic dance music typical of the Recife Carnaval; and the Blocos de Empolgacão, including the Bafo da Onça and Cacique de Ramos clubs, between which exists a tremendous rivalry. There are also rancho bands playing a traditional carioca carnival music that predates samba.

Samba schools

The samba schools, each representing a different neighbourhood or social club, are divided into three leagues that vie for top ranking following the annual Carnaval parades. Division 1 (the top league) schools play in the Sambódromo, Division 2 on Avenida Rio Branco and Division 3 on Avenida 28 de Setembro, near the Maracanã.

Preparations start in the year preceding Carnaval, as each school mobilizes thousands of supporters to create the various parts of their display. A theme is chosen, music written and costumes created, while the dances are choreographed by the carnavelesco, the school’s director. By December, rehearsals have begun and, in time for Christmas, the sambas are recorded and released to record stores.

The main procession of Division 1 schools – the Desfile – takes place on the Sunday and Monday nights of Carnaval week in the purpose-built Sambódromo, further along the avenue beyond the train station; the concrete structure is 1.7km long and can accommodate 90,000 spectators. The various samba schools – involving some 50,000 people – take part in a spectacular piece of theatre: no simple parade, but a competition between schools attempting to gain points from their presentation, which is a mix of song, story, dress, dance and rhythm. The schools pass through the Passarela da Samba, the Sambódromo’s parade ground, and the judges allocate points according to a number of criteria. Each school must parade for between 85 and 95 minutes, no more and no less.

Regardless of the theme adopted by an individual samba school, all include certain basic elements within their performances. The bateria, the percussion section, has to sustain the cadence that drives the school’s song and dance; the samba enredo is the music, the enredo the accompanying story or lyric. The harmonia refers to the degree of synchronicity between the bateria and the dance by the thousands of passistas (samba dancers); the dancers are conducted by the pastoras, who lead by example. The evolução refers to the quality of the dance, and the choreography is marked on its spontaneity, the skill of the pastoras and the excitement that the display generates. The costumes, too, are judged on their originality; their colours are always the traditional ones adopted by each school. The carros alegóricos (no more than 10m high and 8m wide) are the gigantic, richly decorated floats, which carry some of the Figuras de Destaque (“prominent figures”), amongst them the Porta-Bandeira (“flag bearer”) – a woman who carries the school’s symbol, a potentially big point-scorer. The Mestre-Sala is the dance master, also an important symbolic figure, whose ability to sustain the rhythm of his dancers is of paramount importance. The Comissão da Frente, traditionally a school’s “board of directors”, marches at the head of the procession, a role often filled these days by invited TV stars or sports teams. The bulk of the procession behind is formed by the alas, the wings or blocks consisting of hundreds of costumed individuals each linked to a part of the school’s theme.

In addition to a parade, every school has an Ala das Baianas – a procession of hundreds of women dressed in the flowing white costumes and African-style headdresses typical of Salvador – in remembrance of the debt owed to the Bahian emigrants, who introduced many of the traditions of the Rio Carnaval procession.

The parade of schools starts at 7.30pm, with eight Division 1 schools performing on each of the two nights, and goes on until noon the following day. Two stands (7 & 9) in the Sambódromo are reserved for foreign visitors and seats cost over R$150 per night. Though much more expensive than other areas, the seats here are more comfortable and have good catering facilities. Other sections of the Sambódromo cost from R$15 to R$60 and there are three seating options: the high stands (arquibancadas), lower stands (geral) and ringside seats (cadeiras de pista) – the last being the best, consisting of a table, four chairs and full bar service.

Unless you have a very tough backside, you will find sitting through a ten-hour show an intolerable test of endurance. Most people don’t turn up until 11pm, by which time the show is well under way and hotting up considerably. Tickets are available from the organizers online or at premium prices from travel agents in Rio. Book well in advance, or try local travel agents who often have tickets available for a modest commission.

In whatever bairro you’re staying there will probably be a bloco or banda – a small samba school that doesn’t enter an official parade – organized by the local residents; ask about them in your hotel. These schools offer a hint of what Carnaval was like before it became regulated and commercialized. Starting in mid-afternoon, they’ll continue well into the small hours, the popular ones accumulating thousands of followers as they wend their way through the neighbourhood. They all have a regular starting-point, some have set routes, others wander freely; but they’re easy to follow – there’s always time to have a beer and catch up later.

Some of the best blocos are: the Banda da Glória, which sets off from near the Estação Glória metrô station; the Banda da Ipanema (the first to be formed, in 1965), which gathers behind Praça General Osório in Ipanema; the Banda da Vergonha do Posto 6, starting in Rua Francisco Sá in Copacabana; and the Carmelitas de Santa Teresa, which gathers in the bairro of the same name. There are dozens of others, including several in each bairro of the Zona Sul, each providing a mix of music, movement and none-too-serious cross-dressing – a tradition during Carnaval in which even the most macho of men indulge.

Carnaval balls

It’s the Carnaval balls (bailes) that really signal the start of the celebrations – warm-up sessions in clubs and hotels for rusty revellers, which are quite likely to get out of hand as inhibitions give way to a rampant eroticism. The balls start late, normally after 10pm, and the continual samba beat supplied by live bands drives the festivities into the new day. At most of the balls, fantasia (fancy dress) is the order of the day, with elaborate costumes brightening the already hectic proceedings; don’t worry if you haven’t got one, though – just dress reasonably smartly.

You’ll often have to pay an awful lot to get into these affairs, as some of the more fashionable ones attract the rich and famous. There’s none grander than the Magic Ball held at the Copacabana Palace Hotel drawing the elite from across the world. For the privilege of joining in, expect to pay well over R$1000 – black tie or an extravagant costume is obligatory. If you’ve got the silly costume but a little less money, other lavish balls worth checking out include the Pão de Açúcar, on the Friday before Carnaval, halfway up the famous landmark – spectacular views, exotic company, but well over R$200 a head and very snobby. The Hawaiian Ball, hosted by the Rio Yacht Club, opens the season on the Friday of the week before Carnaval: it takes place around the club’s swimming pool, amid lavish decorations, and is popular and expensive (about R$150); tickets are available from the Yacht Club, on Avenida Pasteur, a few hundred metres before the Sugar Loaf mountain cable-car terminus. On the same Friday, other big parties take place, with the Baile de Champagne and the Baile Vermelho e Preto being amongst the most important. The latter (the “Red and Black Ball”) has developed a particular reputation as a no-holds-barred affair. Named after the colours of Rio’s favourite football team, Flamengo, it’s a media event with TV cameras scanning the crowds for famous faces – exhibitionism is an inadequate term for the immodest goings-on. In Leblon, the Monte Libano (t 21/3239-0032 for details) hosts a number of “last days of Rome” festivities – the Baile das Gatas, Baile Fio Dental, even Bum Bum Night – sexually charged exercises all, though safe to attend and reasonable at around R$50 a ticket. In recent years, the Rio Scala club at Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco 292, Leblon, has become an important centre for balls, each night of Carnaval hosting a different school of samba. To reserve a table (R$300), go to the box office at least five days before the event. To stand, you can simply show up on the night.

There are a number of gay balls, too, which attract an international audience. The Grande Gala G is an institution, usually held in the Help disco on Copacabana’s Avenida Atlântica. Another is the Baile dos Enxutos, hosted by the Hotel Itália on Praça Tiradentes, Centro.

If you can’t make Carnaval, give the shows put on for tourists in the Zona Sul a miss and get a taste of the samba schools at the ensaios (rehearsals) below. They take place at weekends from August to February: phone to confirm times and days. After New Year, Saturday nights are packed solid with tourists and prices triple. Instead, go to one on a midweek evening or, better still, on Sunday afternoon when there’s no entrance fee and locals predominate.

Most of the schools are in distant bairros, often in, or on the edge of, a favela, but there’s no need to go accompanied by a guide. It’s easy, safe and not too expensive to take a taxi there and back (there are always plenty waiting to take people home). Of the schools, Mangueira is certainly the most famous; it has a devoted following, a great atmosphere and includes children and old people amongst its dancers. The gay-friendly Salgueiro has a more white, middle-class fanbase.

The Cidade do Samba, a purpose-built arena and studio complex in Centro, is an even easier way of observing Carnaval preparations. All the Division 1 schools are represented here and their daily musical and dance demonstrations are produced for the public.

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Rio de Janeiro

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  • 1 Districts
  • 2.1 History
  • 2.2 Climate
  • 2.3 Visitor information
  • 3.1.1 Public transport from the airports of Rio
  • 3.1.2 Taxis
  • 3.1.3 Money
  • 3.1.4 Destinations
  • 3.2 By train
  • 3.4 By boat
  • 4.1 By boat
  • 4.2 By light rails/tram
  • 4.3 By cable car
  • 4.5 By Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
  • 4.6 By subway
  • 4.7 By SuperVia suburban trains
  • 4.8 By taxi
  • 4.9 By e-hailing
  • 4.10 By car
  • 4.11 By bicycle
  • 5.1 Beaches
  • 5.3 Buildings
  • 5.4 Museums
  • 6.1 Carnaval
  • 6.3 New Year's Eve celebrations
  • 6.4 Gay Travel
  • 6.5 Hang gliding and paragliding
  • 6.6 Hiking and Trekking
  • 6.7 Panoramic flights
  • 6.8 Favela (Shantytown) tours
  • 6.9 Out of town trips
  • 10.3 Samba clubs
  • 10.4 Clubbing
  • 12 Stay healthy
  • 13 Stay safe
  • 14.1 Consulates General
  • 15.1 Grande Rio
  • 15.2 On the southeastern coast of Rio State
  • 15.3 In the northwest
  • 15.4 In the north
  • 15.5 In the west

Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil , on the South Atlantic coast. Rio is famous for its breathtaking landscape, its laid-back beach culture and its annual carnival. The "Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea" has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list .

The harbour of Rio de Janeiro is comprised of a unique entry from the ocean that makes it appear as the mouth of a river. Additionally, the harbor is surrounded by spectacular geographic features including Sugarloaf mountain at 395 meters (1,296 feet), Corcovado Peak at 704 meters (2,310 feet), and the hills of Tijuca at 1,021 meters (3,350 feet). These features work together to collectively make the harbor one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World .

Rio de Janeiro hosted many of the 2014 FIFA World Cup games, including the final. It also hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, becoming the first South American city to host the Summer Olympics.

Districts [ edit ]

Map

Understand [ edit ]

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It is a common mistake to think of Rio as Brazil 's capital, a distinction it lost on April 21, 1960 when Brasilia became the capital. Beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema , the Christ The Redeemer ( Cristo Redentor ) statue, the stadium of Maracanã and Sugarloaf Mountain ( Pão de Açúcar ) are all well-known sights of what the inhabitants call the "marvelous city" ( cidade maravilhosa ), and are also among the first images to pop up in travelers´ minds, along with the Carnaval celebration.

The South Zone holds most of Rio's landmarks and world-famous beaches, in an area of only 43.87 square kilometres (16.94 sq mi). Many of them are within walking distance of each other (for instance, the Sugarloaf lies about 8 km (5.0 mi) from Copacabana beach). Most hotels and hostels are located in this part of the city, which is compressed between the Tijuca Range ( Maciço da Tijuca ) and the sea. There are important places in other regions as well, such as Maracanã stadium in the North Zone and the many fascinating buildings in the centre.

Sadly, most people also know Rio for its violence and crime, especially related to drugs. And social problems, as slums or favelas , areas of poor-quality housing and living; these slums are usually located on the city's many mountain slopes, juxtaposed with middle-class neighbourhoods.

History [ edit ]

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Rio was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese as a fortification against French privateers who trafficked wood and goods from Brazil. Piracy played a major role in the city's history, and there are still colonial fortresses to be visited (check below). The Portuguese fought the French for nearly 10 years, both sides having rival native tribes as allies. For the next two centuries it was an unimportant outpost of the Portuguese Empire, until gold, diamonds, and ore were found in Minas Gerais in 1720. Then, as the nearest port, Rio became the port for these minerals and replaced Salvador as the main city in the colony in 1763. When Napoleon invaded Portugal, the Royal Family moved to Brazil and made Rio capital of the Kingdom (so it was the only city outside Europe to be capital of a European country). When Brazil became independent in 1822, it adopted Monarchy as its form of government (with Emperors Pedro I and Pedro II). Many historians and Brazilians from other places say cariocas are nostalgic of the Royal and Imperial times, which is reflected in many place names and shop names. In 2009, the city won their bid to host the games of the XXXI Olympics in the summer of 2016. This was the fifth bid by the city, whose 1936, 1940, 2004, and 2012 bids lost.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate of the city of Rio de Janeiro is tropical with a hot, humid and sometimes rainy summer and a mild and dry winter. In December and January, the heat and humidity are usually constant, reaching up to 40°C (104°F), However, it rains less in Rio de Janeiro than in other cities in the Southeast (for example, São Paulo) and the rains are usually sudden and rapid, giving a welcoming relief from the sizzling afternoon temperatures. During winter in the southern hemisphere, temperatures in Rio are usually milder. In these months rainfall decreases, and average temperatures are typically 19°C (66°F) to maximums of 25°C (77°F).

Visitor information [ edit ]

  • Riotur website

Get in [ edit ]

Rio is one of the country's major transportation hubs, second only to São Paulo.

By plane [ edit ]

Metropolitan area airport code for the two airports of the city is unsurprisingly RIO  IATA .

If the flight connections to Rio don't suit you, you can check flights to the airports of São Paulo , Belo Horizonte , Campinas or Vitoria . From there you can take an intercity bus to Rio.

Public transport from the airports of Rio [ edit ]

From Galeão (GIG) two bus lines operated by Real [dead link] depart from right outside the arrival section. Buses are air-conditioned and comfy, with ample luggage space. They run roughly every 30 minutes from 5:30AM to 10PM.

  • Bus line 2018 Aeroporto Internacional do RJ/Alvorada (Via Orla da Zona Sul) runs between both airports, the main bus terminal and further along the beachfront of Botafogo , Copacabana , Ipanema and Leblon , and has its terminus at the Alvorada terminal near Barra Shopping in Barra da Tijuca . The full run takes at least 60 minutes, often double that. Tickets are R$16 (Dec 2016).
  • Bus line 2918 Aeroporto Internacional do RJ/Alvorada (Via Linha Amarela) runs to the Alvorada bus terminal, via Jacarapaguá (the best spot for taxis) from Galeão airport along the Linha Amarela in as little as 35 minutes, traffic allowing.

For a slightly cheaper option, go ahead as follows. From the airport , take BRT (Bus Rapid Transport System) (R$3.60, RioCard (R$3) needed, but can be used on Metro as well) to Vicente de Carvalho and transfer to the metro. The BRT does not go into the center, but north around Rio towards Alvorada Bus Terminal and Terminal Jardim Oceãnico. From Alvorada they connect to other BRT to Santa Cruz and Campo Grande west. The BRT also connects to the commuter rail system in Madureira. If you head to the airport , you need to take BRT bus #30 semi direto to Galeão , from Vicente de Carvalho . The bus goes every 30 min or so, from the middle doors of the 100 m long bus stop. Allow 1.5 hr for the trip between center and airport, especially if you do it the first time. Connect to Vicente de Carvalho using metro line 2 (R$4.30). Between metro and BRT at Vicente de Carvalho , walk the white footpath. At the airport, you get off at Terminal 2, when all people get off.

Taxis [ edit ]

There are two types of taxis . As you leave Customs you will see booths of different companies offering their services. These are considerably more expensive than the standard yellow taxis that are to be found outside the terminal building but the quality of the cars is generally better. These taxis can often charge double the price of those ordinary taxis from the rank around 100 metres from the arrivals exit. It is possible to reserve airport transfers.

Money [ edit ]

Money change facilities are limited and high commissions are charged. Slightly better rates can be obtained, illegally, at the taxi booths but they may want you to use their cabs before changing money for you. In any event, don't change more than you have to as much better rates are available downtown.

Destinations [ edit ]

From Europe, LATAM Airlines offers direct flights from Paris (daily), London and Frankfurt (both three times a week). Air France flies twice a day from Paris, British Airways three times a week from London, TAP twice a day from Lisbon and on Fridays and Sundays to Porto , Lufthansa four days a week from Frankfurt, KLM four days a week from Amsterdam and Iberia daily from Madrid . From Africa, Taag connects Rio to Luanda four times a week, and from Asia, Emirates has a daily non-stop flight to Dubai , where is possible to continue to many Asian destinations (also, from Rio this flight continues to Buenos Aires ).

From North America, there are non-stop flights to Rio de Janeiro from Charlotte , New York City and Miami with either American Airlines or LATAM Airlines, Washington, D.C. and Houston with United Airlines, Dallas with American Airlines, and Atlanta with Delta Air Lines. Travellers from elsewhere in the region have to make a stop in the aforementioned U.S. cities or in São Paulo to get to Rio.

Gol, LATAM , Emirates, Aerolíneas Argentinas and other carriers connect Rio de Janeiro to Argentina ( Buenos Aires and Cordoba ), Venezuela ( Caracas ), Paraguay ( Asuncion ), Uruguay ( Montevideo ) and Chile ( Santiago ). Avianca and Copa Airlines connect Rio with Bogotá , Lima and Panama City , respectively, offering onward connections to Central America or other South American cities. LATAM and Aerolineas Argentinas offer connections from their respective hubs to Australia and New Zealand .

By train [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

By bus [ edit ]

  • -22.9021 -43.556 5 Rodoviário de Campo Grande Bus station ( Terminal Rodoviário de Campo Grande ), Rua Aurélio de Figueiredo, Campo Grande, Zone Norte ( BRT TransOeste terminated here. ). Buses to/from Duque de Caxias, Nova Iguaçu, Itaguaí, Mangaratiba, Niterói and São Gonçalo cities.  

Several companies offer bus passes from Rio to the rest of the country. The Green Toad Bus also offer bus tickets online for buses from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande , Paraty , São Paulo , Florianopolis , Campo Grande , Foz do Iguacu and some other destinations in Brazil. They have bus passes to take you to other countries as well.

By boat [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

Ferries ( barcas ) connect neighbouring Niterói to Rio de Janeiro and arrive at Praça XV (see down), in the city centre.

By car [ edit ]

Rio is connected by many roads to neighboring cities and states, but access can be confusing as there are insufficient traffic signs or indications of how to get downtown.

The main interstate highways passing through Rio are:

  • BR-116 , which connects the city to the southern region of Brazil. Also known as Rodovia Presidente Dutra
  • BR-101 , which leads to the north and northwest, and
  • BR-040 , which will take you in the central and western areas.

Get around [ edit ]

Rio de Janeiro possesses an extensive and complex, highly multi-modal public transportation system, adapted to the city's unique topography - large areas covered by mountains surrounded by pockets of densely populated flat lands. Among the public transportation modes, there is subway, heavy rail, light rail, bus rapid transit, local buses, microbuses, cable cars and ferry boats.

The city uses a prepaid transport SmartCard, the RioCard Bilhete Único Carioca , which costs R$3.00 (refundable) and gives access to nearly all available public transportation (mostly excluding tourist rides), also offering discounts if the user takes more than one transportation within a 2-hr time period and stays within the Rio de Janeiro municipality. Cards can be returned with getting the money on it back. This can be a good way to get cash off credit cards that have a minimum cash withdrawal of like €50, but in case you only need another R$40 before leaving the country.

Unfortunately, the RioCard cannot be returned at the airport.

It is very convenient to get a Bilhete Único if you plan to use public transport on a regular basis during your stay in Rio, as it saves you the hassle of constantly figuring out which type of integration ticket to buy. If you stick to subway, heavy rail, bus rapid transit and local buses (not including executive buses), a public transport trip using the Bilhete Único shall cost between US$1-2.

By light rails/tram [ edit ]

  • Santa Teresa Tram, Centro
  • Corcovado Rack Railway, Zona Sul
  • The VLT ("Veículo Leve sobre Trilhos", Portuguese for "light rail vehicle") connects Rodoviária Novo Rio, Santos Dumont Airport, Praça XV ferry station, Central do Brasil train station, and a couple of subway stations. Can only be paid with a Bilhete Único card (R$ 3,80; each person must have a separate card), which can be bought in any stop but not within the vehicle. The ticket must be validated immediately after entering the vehicle, otherwise a R$ 170 fine will be levied.

By cable car [ edit ]

  • Sugarloaf Cable Car ( Zona Sul )

Buses are still the cheapest and most convenient way to get around the South Zone (Zona Sul) of the city due to the high number and frequency of lines running through the area. For the adventurous or budget traveller, it is worth asking your hotel or hostel employees how to navigate the system or which routes to take to arrive at specific locations. However, you should be mindful of questionable characters and your belongings. By night buses are more scarce, and most lines will usually not be running by the time the bars and clubs are full. Buses start at R$4.05 (May 2020); buses with air conditioning charge higher fares. The fare is paid in cash to a controller or the driver inside the bus, by passing through a roulette. There are no tickets, and try to have change/small bills. Some residents and students have a digital pass card. Keep an eye out for pickpockets when the bus is crowded, and don't be surprised if your driver goes a little faster and brakes a little more suddenly than you'd like. Except for minibuses, buses now have two doors: passengers get in through the front door and get off through the back (it was otherwise until 2001-2002).

Some bus stops in the South Zone are equipped with a shelter and a bench, but sometimes, far from tourist areas, they are less obvious and have no signs at all - you might have to ask. As a general rule in most parts of Brazil, buses stop only when you hail them, by extending the arm. If you don't hail and there are no passengers waiting to get off, the bus simply won't stop. The same can be said if you are on the bus wanting to get off at a particular stop. You should know the surroundings or the name of the intersection of the area you are going, or inquire to the employee operating the roulette, so you can signal to the driver that you want to get off, or he may not stop! There are no schedules nor timetables, but there is an invaluable book called Ruas de Rio de Janeiro (The streets of Rio de Janeiro) that has maps of Rio and lists bus routes by bus line. Although it does not list the exact schedule of arrivals and departures, it lists the bus stops, and one an easily orient oneself and navigate the city using it. Usually, buses run no less infrequently than every 15 minutes. However, they can run just once an hour or more infrequently late at night or in remote areas of town.

There are a baffling 1000+ bus lines in Rio (including variants), covering nearly all of the city, operated by perhaps a dozen independent operations. (At least 6 operations ply the streets of Copacabana and Ipanema.) The website contains a catalog of the lines and offers the option to plan a bus trip, but little help when offline, a great alternative is the site, The site Bus Schedule , for offering a catalog with several constantly updated lines. Many lines differ only a few streets from each other in their itineraries, and some even have variants within the same line. Bus lines with a * or a letter mean that this bus has a variant. It means that there may be a bus with the same name, same number, same origin, even the same destination but with a completely different route. Lines are numbered according to the general route they serve:

  • beginning with 1 - South Zone/Downtown
  • beginning with 2 - North Zone/Downtown
  • beginning with 3 - West Zone/Downtown
  • beginning with 4 - North Zone/South Zone
  • beginning with 5 - within South Zone
  • beginning with 6 - North Zone/West Zone
  • beginning with 7 and 9 - within North Zone
  • beginning with 8 - within West Zone

Most popular lines for tourists are 583 and 584 (from Copacabana and Ipanema to Corcovado railway station), as well as 464 and 435 (from Copacabana to Maracanã). Buses 511 (Ataulfo de Paiva) and 512 (Bartholomeu Mitre) are also popular as they take you to Urca for the station to take the cable car up the Sugarloaf mountain. Typically bus drivers and controllers won't understand any foreign language. If you can't speak Portuguese at all, use a map. Trying to speak Spanish is usually not particularly useful.

By Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) [ edit ]

The BRT is a mass rapid transit system based on multiple-car buses running on exclusive lanes, inspired by similar systems in Curitiba , Bogota and Jakarta . There are three BRT lines:

  • TransCarioca: links the Galeão - Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport to the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood, also connecting with the Line 2 (Green) subway line that gives access to Zona Sul and the Centro . Useful for visitors who want to go from the Galeão airport to the touristic neighbourhoods (Barra and the beaches of Zona Sul) and are on a tight budget;
  • TransOeste: links the future Jardim Oceânico subway station (which shall be operating before the 2016 Olympics) to the extreme northwest of the municipality ( Santa Cruz and Campo Grande neighbourhoods ). Useful for visitors staying in Barra da Tijuca to move around in the area or to go to the Zona Sul or the Centro by connecting to the subway;
  • TransOlímpico: inaugurated during the 2016 Summer Olympics, it connects the Deodoro neighbourhood in Zona Norte to Barra da Tijuca , passing through several Olympic facilities. Basically useful to visitors to the Olympic events.

By subway [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

The Metrô Rio subway system is very useful for travel from Jardim Oceânico (in Barra da Tijuca ) to Downtown and beyond, passing through the Zona Sul beaches including Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana (the extension to Leblon and Barra da Tijuca shall be inaugurated before the 2016 Summer Olympics). It closes after midnight (24 hours during Carnaval). The air-conditioned subway is safe, clean, comfortable, and quick, and has much better signage than most transport in Rio, making the lives of foreign tourists easier. There are two main lines: Line   1   has service to Ipanema (General Osorio), the Saara district, and much of Downtown, as well as Tijuca. Line   2   stops at the zoo, Maracanã stadium, and Rio State University. The two lines are integrated between Central and Botafogo, so check the train's destination if you board within the integrated section for a destination in the Zona Norte. A one-way subway-only "unitário" ticket is R$4.60 (May 2020). The ticket window will give you a card that you insert in the turnstile; do not pull it out unless you've purchased a multi-trip or transfer pass. Rechargeable IC cards (minimum charge R$5, no deposit required) are also available and definitely worth getting if you'll be in town for a few days.

The Metrô company operates bus lines from some stations to nearby neighborhoods which are not served by the subway system. This is particularly helpful for places uphill such as Gávea, Laranjeiras, Grajaú and Usina. Since the city grew around the Tijuca Range mountains, these neighborhoods will never be served by the subway, but you now can take the integração (connection) minibuses. The company calls it Metrônibus and Metrô na Superfície (literally, Subway on Ground ), but actually they are ordinary buses in special routes for subway commuters. You can buy tickets for these - just ask for expresso (pronounced "eysh-PREH-sso", not "express-o") when buying a ticket, then keep it after crossing the roulette (prices range from R$ 2.80 to 4.40, depending on the transfer you want, as of Sep 2010). When you leave the subway, give the ticket to the bus driver (who shall be waiting in the bus stop just outside of the station). If you buy an ordinary ticket, you won't be able to get this bus for free - then it will cost a regular fee.

The last car of each train is marked for women-only with a pink window sticker, in order to avoid potential harassment in crowded trains. Some men, however, are not yet used to this separation, and many women, who are accustomed to hassle-free everyday travel in Rio's subway, also think the measure is unnecessary. Anyway, if you're a man, avoid getting into trouble with local security staff and stay off the pink-marked cars. The women-only policy for the wagon is valid only in the rush hour.

By SuperVia suburban trains [ edit ]

Eight lines operating. Five of them from Central station (see above). They can be useful exploring the northern and western suburbs and bairros (quarters).

By taxi [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

Simply use Uber or the 99Taxi app.

In the areas without subway, trams, SuperVia or BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) use a cab. All legal cabs are yellow with a blue stripe painted on the sides. Taxis not designed like this are special service cars (to the airport or bus stations) or illegal. Rio taxis are not too expensive on a kilometre basis, but distances can be quite considerable. A journey from Zona Sul to the Centro will cost around R$20, and from the airport to Copacabana is around R$50 for example. The car can usually hold four people. You can ask a cab for a city tour, and arrange a fixed price (may be around US$20). Major taxi companies include Central de Taxi, Ouro Taxi and Yellow Taxi.

After getting into the taxi, check to see if the taximeter has been started, it charges R$5.50 (July 2018) for the minimum ride, called bandeirada ), and R$2.50 per kilometer. If not, ask the taxi driver to do so. Some taxi drivers may wish to negotiate a fixed price in lieu of using the taximeter stating that they want to help you out and give you a cheaper fare. This is common for taxi drivers queued at tourist stops such as Pão de Açúcar and may be a confidence trick. Keep in mind that the taximeter may give you a better price. When in doubt, use the taximeter. You are the customer and you are in control. If the taxi driver will not comply, leave the taxi and find another.

You may be ripped off by some taxi drivers. If you have any doubt about drivers being completely honest, consider having your route mapped out on your smart phone with Google Maps and GPS turned on and ready to go before entering the taxi. By doing so, you can see if your taxi driver closely follows this ideal route. Remember that Avenida Atlântica switches traffic directions during the day, so Google Maps might get it wrong during the morning or evening hours on that road.

If you want to avoid being ripped off then it may be worth taking a 'radio-taxi', particularly when arriving at the airport. Radio Taxis are usually the blue, green, or white taxis and they do cost a little more than the typical yellow taxi. The advantage of a radio taxi is that you pay a fixed rate regardless of the time of day or if there's heavy traffic etc., this means that you do not risk the price increasing at the drivers discretion. To book in advance you can contact Cootramo Radio Taxi via their website https://www.cootramo.com.br/ [dead link] , or Rio Airport Transfer (English Speaking) via their website http://www.rioairporttransfer.com/

For those traveling to Rio for Carnaval it's worth using a company that allows you to book and pay in advance, and to try and pay as much in advance as possible as prices tend to increase a few weeks before Carnaval.

Be aware that traffic jams in Rio can be terrible at times. A taxi ride from Ipanema to the bus terminal for instance can take an hour and a half if you get seriously stuck, so make sure you have margins in case you really can't afford to be late.

By e-hailing [ edit ]

Rio de Janeiro is covered by some e-hailing services, Uber being the largest of them. Notable e-hailing services in the city, are:

  • T81 (Brazilian service)
  • Easy (Brazilian service)
  • TeLevo (Brazilian service)

Traffic within some parts of Rio can be daunting, but a car may be the best way to reach distant beaches like Grumari, and that can be an extra adventure. Avoid rush-hour traffic jams in neighborhoods such as Copacabana, Botafogo, Laranjeiras, and Tijuca, where moms line up their cars to pick up their children after school. Buy a map, and have fun.

Rio has an interesting programme of traffic management. Between 7AM and 10AM on weekday mornings the traffic flow of one carriageway on the beachfront roads of Ipanema and Copacabana is reversed, i.e. all traffic on those roads flows in the same direction, towards the city. On Sundays the carriageway closest to the beach is closed to allow pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, skaters and others to exercise.

By bicycle [ edit ]

There are Itaú rental bicycle available in Rio: https://bikeitau.com.br (bookable by app).

See [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

Beaches [ edit ]

  • -22.83877 -43.25015 1 Ramos (in-bay) - inappropriate for bathing
  • -22.9287 -43.171 2 Flamengo (in-bay) - inappropriate for bathing
  • -22.9455 -43.1809 3 Botafogo (in-bay) - inappropriate for bathing
  • -22.948 -43.16316 4 Urca (in-bay) - usually inappropriate for bathing
  • -22.95544 -43.16471 5 Vermelha (in-bay) - sometimes inappropriate for bathing
  • -22.9642 -43.1693 6 Leme (oceanic)
  • -22.9707 -43.1818 7 Copacabana (oceanic)
  • -22.9887 -43.1925 8 Arpoador (oceanic)
  • -22.987 -43.213 9 Ipanema (oceanic)
  • -22.988 -43.2247 10 Leblon (oceanic)
  • -22.99901 -43.256 11 São Conrado (oceanic) - sometimes inappropriate for bathing
  • -23.0111 -43.3603 12 Barra da Tijuca (oceanic)
  • -23.0265 -43.46 13 Recreio dos Bandeirantes (oceanic)
  • -23.0352 -43.493 14 Macumba (oceanic)
  • -23.0409 -43.5055 15 Prainha (oceanic)
  • -23.0481 -43.5203 16 Grumari (oceanic)
  • -23.0481 -43.51286 17 Abricó (oceanic, nudist beach)

Abricó is the only official nudist beach in the city of Rio de Janeiro, it lies next to Grumari beach. Only accessible by car/taxi. A cheaper option is taking the bus numbered 360 (Recreio) that passes along Copacabana/Ipanema/Leblon, and from the end of the line (ponto final) take a cab.

It is also worth visiting the beaches in Paquetá , particularly:

  • Praia da Moreninha (on the Guanabara Bay, but often not clean enough for swimming)

Cariocas have a unique beach culture , with a code of customs which outlanders (even Brazilians from other cities) can misconstrue easily. Women may wear tiny string bikinis, but that does not mean they are trying to attract a man. Until the 1990s, men and boys wore speedos , but since then wearing Bermuda shorts or boardshorts has become more common, although speedos ("sungas" in Portuguese) seem to now be making a comeback. Jammers are less common but still accepted.

Waves in Rio vary from tiny and calm in the Guanabara bay beaches (Paquetá, Ramos, Flamengo, Botafogo, Urca) to high, surf-ideal waves in Recreio. In Leme, Copacabana, Arpoador, Ipanema, and Leblon, there's a popular way of "riding" the waves called pegar jacaré (pe-GAHR zha-kah-REH; literally, "to grab an alligator"). You wait for the wave to come behind you then swim on top of it until it crumbles next to the sand.

Commerce is common in Rio's beaches, with thousands of walking vendors selling everything from sun glasses to fried shrimp to cooling beverages (try mate com limão , a local ice tea mixed with lemonade, or suco de laranja com cenoura , orange and carrot juice). For food, there is also empada (baked flour pastry filled with meat or cheese) and sanduíche natural (cool sandwich with vegetables and mayo). Vendors typically shout out loud what they're selling, but they won't usually bother you unless you call them. All along the beaches there are also permanent vendors who will sell you a beer and also rent you a beach chair and an umbrella for a few Reais.

Leblon and Ipanema are the most cool beaches. The beaches in Barra and Recreio (Quebra-Mar, Pepê, Pontal, Prainha, Grumari) are the best and cleanest beaches, being the favorite among surfers, paragliders and nautical sports. São Conrado beach is a hang gliders paradise.

In the West Zone you can find some of the best beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Barra da Tijuca's beach is a 17 km (11 mi) sand line of clear waters. Surfers love it, and many people also. The sunset is beautiful, especially during the winter. The beach is relatively safe at night, although development of tourism by big hotels such as the Sheraton have brought with it the inevitable appearance of (discreet but ever present) prostitutes. As you go along you get to Recreio, which is even clearer, and much less crowded. Prainha is now very far away from the crowded Copacabana. Its perfect waves made it famous. It is also on a biological reserve, with restricted car parking spaces. Avoid the weekends and enjoy this between mountains-beauty of the nature on the week-days. There are many surfing schools all along the Barra beach that hold one and half hour surfing classes. The classes are fairly inexpensive and are mostly populated with locals. Some of the surf instructors do speak English.

Sights [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

Corcovado , the 710 m (2,330 ft) granite peak located in the Tijuca Forest in central Rio is known worldwide for the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue . The funicular train up costs R$62 (low season) or R$75 (high season) for a round trip up to Cristo Redentor, and it is definitely worth the view. The queue for the train, in Cosme Velho, can get rather long; you purchase a ticket for a particular departure time (that day only). The box office at the station does not sell same-day tickets. The trains run every 30 minutes. Try going when the morning coach parties have already passed through, i.e. when most tourists are having their lunch. Don't take the train too late in the day since late afternoon trains may be canceled if delays throughout the day build up. This is common over holiday weekends. Take a taxi to Cosme Velho, or take the Metro-Onibus Expresso combination (see above) from the Largo do Machado station. After dark, be aware that the steep descent down Corcovado in a shuttle can be dangerous since some less-professional park drivers choose to speed down the mountain to create a roller-coaster type effect and even turn the headlights off temporarily to thrill the passengers. If this occurs, passengers should tell the driver to stop by shouting "Pare!" (PAH-ree). Report any such conduct to a police officer at the base of the park before you descend to the base of the mountain by taxi. There's also a hiking trail that begins at Parque Lage and gets there (see Hiking and Trekking on the 'Do' section below).

Pão de Açúcar, the Sugarloaf Mountain (one taller, the other shorter), Brazil's top landmark, with a two-stage aerial tramway to the top; a definite must-see. There is also an unsigned trail leading to the second station. Ask locals for directions. The buses number 511, 512, 591 and 592 and the subway buses from Botafogo bring you to the base station. Do not make the mistake of thinking you have seen enough once you have seen the view from Cristo Redentor. Try Sugarloaf at sunset for a truly mind-blowing experience.

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a large lagoon in the middle of South Zone, with great views to Corcovado and Ipanema and Leblon beaches; you can jog or cycle all the way round; there are skating areas and you can hire little pedal-operated boats.

Maracanã the largest football stadium in South America and once the largest on Earth. It is in a state of disrepair following the Summer 2016 Olympics, and daily tours have been suspended. There is also a Soccer Museum inside it.

Streetcar of Santa Teresa , Brazil's only remaining metropolitan heritage streetcar.

tourism rio de janeiro

Jardim Botânico , the Botanical Garden, planted in the 1800s. It is both a park and a scientific laboratory contains a huge collection of plants from all over the world, not only tropical ones.

Parque Lage a small park containing some interesting plants and wildlife as well as strange concrete structures that will entertain the kids. The park is the beginning of a hiking trail Corcovado, through sub-tropical rain forest.

Parque do Flamengo , also known as Aterro do Flamengo is along the bay between Flamengo and Glória. 1.2 million square metres with broad walkways, Flamengo Beach, various monuments, and over 10,000 trees.

Buildings [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

  • Ilha Fiscal Palace (1889) - Located in the Guanabara Bay, next to the Navy Museum
  • Gloria Church (1739). Small but interesting church reached by a funicular. Nice views. (metro: Gloria)
  • Palácio Gustavo Capanema - Former ministry of culture, designed by French architect Le Corbusier; though small, it is regarded as an important pioneering in modern architecture (downtown).
  • Arcos da Lapa (1750) - Lapa Aqueduct, colonial structure that brought water from springs to downtown.
  • Catedral Metropolitana - a modern, cone-shaped cathedral, designed by Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca (in Lapa).
  • São Francisco da Penitência church (1773) - Colonial church.
  • Teatro Municipal (1909) - City Theater, inspired by the Paris Opéra House (in Cinelândia square).
  • Biblioteca Nacional (1910) - National Library (in Cinelândia square).
  • Câmara Municipal - The City Hall, hosts the city council (in Cinelândia square).
  • Palácio do Catete - The former presidential palace (1893-1960), now hosts a museum of recent history and nice gardens (in Catete).
  • Itamaraty - Former presidential palace (1889-1893) and foreign office; now hosts a museum of South American diplomacy, a library and the UN information offices in Brazil (in Downtown, next to the Central station).
  • Palácio Guanabara - Former palace of the Imperial Princess, now governor's office; eclectic architecture; not open to public (in Laranjeiras).
  • Art Deco . Rio is a major centre for the Art Deco style of architecture. Indeed, the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado is considered a classic example of Art Deco work. There are numerous buildings in Copacabana and elsewhere that employ this style.

Museums [ edit ]

There is no shortage of things to do on a rainy day. In addition to a wide range of museums, Rio has many cultural centres, which are run by banks and other organizations and usually host free exhibitions. Details of what is on can be found in the Segundo Caderno section of the daily O Globo newspaper, which provides more detail in a weekly Friday supplement. Also very useful is the Mapa das Artes Rio de Janeiro , which provides detailed bi-monthly listings as well as detailed maps of the city. This is free and can be picked up at most museums.

tourism rio de janeiro

Downtown you can find a number of museums. Museu Histórico Nacional is covers Brazilian history stretching from colonial to imperial times with a big collection of paintings and artifacts. The Museu Nacional de Belas Artes , Museum of Fine Arts in Cinelândia square includes large paintings from Academicist and Neoclassical Brazilian artists, as well as many copies of European sculptures. The second most important contemporary art museum in Brazil, after MASP is the * MAM - Museu de Arte Moderna . The Museu da Imagem e do Som (Image and Sound Museum) is the place to go for researchers about Brazilian film, radio, and broadcasting industry. Also downtown check out the Navy Museum or the Museu Chácara do Céu an important collection of South American modern art in Santa Tereza).

In the south zone, hosted in the former presidential Catete palace is the Museu da República , this museum hosts permanent exhibitions about recent Brazilian history (from 1889 on); one of main features is the room where president Getúlio Vargas shot himself in 1954. Also in Catete, Oi Futuro hosts a fine gallery with temporary exhibitions of digital art or art with interactive medias. Museu Carmen Miranda about this Brazilian actress and singer (the lady with pineapples-and-bananas hat), the national icon in the 1940s and 50s is in Flamengo. Museu do Índio is a small museum in Botafogo with a collection of Brazilian Indian ( povos indígenas ) photographs, paintings, artifacts and other craft. Very popular with local schoolchildren, but has much for adults as well. Museu Villa-Lobos is a modest collection about Brazil's most important composer.

In the North Zone, Museu Museu de Astronomia e Ciências Afins the Astronomy Museum in São Cristóvão has an observatory. Museu do Trem is a modest collection of 19th century engines, train cars and streetcars in Engenho de Dentro.

In the West Zone, Museu Casa do Pontal is an important collection of popular arts and crafts can be found in Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Museu Aeroespacial an Aerospace Museum located in Campo dos Afonsos.

Do [ edit ]

Carnaval [ edit ].

tourism rio de janeiro

Still the greatest reason for visiting Rio seems to be the Carnaval . This highly advertised party lasts for almost two weeks and it is well known for the escolas de samba (samba schools) that parade in Centro, on a gigantic structure called Sambódromo (Sambadrome). During Carnaval, Rio has much more to offer though, with the blocos de rua , that parade on the streets. There are now hundreds of these street "samba blocks", that parade almost in every neighborhood, especially in Centro and the South Zone, gathering thousands of people. Some are very famous, and there are few cariocas that have not heard of "Carmelitas", "Suvaco de Cristo", "Escravos da Mauá" or "Simpatia É Quase Amor".

The rest of the year, samba shows are popular with tourists, and are held at several venues like Plataforma and Scala . These are expensive and not really representative of Brazilian culture, they present a lot of almost naked women and bad musicians, a tourist trap (much like the real thing.) Much more interesting and genuine, though, are the night practice sessions held by the various samba schools in the months leading up to Carnaval. You will find only a small number of tourists here, and you will be served the best caipirinhas of your trip! These go on into the wee hours of the morning, with the fun really only starting at 1-2AM A good cab driver should be able to hook you up, and cabs will be available to take you back when you are samba-ed out. Salgueiro and Mangueira are good choices, as they are two of the larger samba schools, and are located relatively close to the tourist areas in a fairly safe area.

A change is afoot that may make this genuine experience a thing of the past (or more convenient, depending on your viewpoint) for all but the most savvy tourists. The local government built a complex of buildings ( Cidade do Samba [dead link] ) where many of the samba schools moved their practice halls and float-construction facilities from the gritty warehouses typically located in or near their home favelas. One can expect many more tourists, and shows made-up for the tourists as the tourist bureau milks this facility for all it's worth year-round.

  • Cidade do Samba .  

Here is a list of some of the samba schools:

  • Mangueira , Rua Visconde de Niterói, 1072, Mangueira , ☏ +55 21 3872-6786 , fax : +55 21 2567-4637 , [email protected] . Rehearsals every Saturday, 10PM .  
  • Salgueiro , Rua Silva Teles, 104, Andaraí , ☏ +55 21 2238-9258 , [email protected] . Rehearsals every Wednesday, 8PM .  

Music [ edit ]

Rio was the cradle of three of Brazil's most important musical genres: samba, choro, and bossa nova. There has been a boom of traditional samba and choro venues. A lot of them are in the downtown district of Lapa . There are good and cheap nightlife options, where you will see some of the best musicians of the country. Any of the city newspapers provide pointers to the best shows.

If you're not such an anthropological type of tourist, you can check out the same papers for tips on other kinds of music. Being a big city, Rio has big and small clubs that play almost every kind of music. The major mainstream clubs mostly play whatever's on the Radio - which is usually whatever's on the USA radios and MTV - but the underground scene has a lot to offer on Rock, EDM, Rap and such. The best way to find out about those are the flyers handed or left at hostels, cinema and theater lobbies, nightclub lines, etc.

New Year's Eve celebrations [ edit ]

Rio hosts the country's largest and most popular New Year's Eve celebrations. The huge fireworks display and music shows attract 2 million people to the sands of Copacabana beach every year. People dress in white for luck and toast the arrival of the new year. It's usual also to have some national and international concerts on the beach for free.

Gay Travel [ edit ]

Rio de Janeiro is the main destination for lesbian and gay travellers from all over Brazil and the rest of the world. The city has been chosen as the best lesbian and gay international destination in 2009, and the sexiest gay place in the world in 2010 and 2011.

Hang gliding and paragliding [ edit ]

The Hangliding and Paragliding flights have found in Rio de Janeiro, the ideal land for its high hills and favorable wind. Different from other places in the world, in Rio, the sport could be done in urban areas and landing on the beach! These conditions naturally attract many tourists who get the courage to enjoy a flight. And even the most inexperienced person can flight since there's no training or special gear needed.

Hiking and Trekking [ edit ]

Not surprisingly, a huge city that has an actual forest within its limits has lots to offer for hikers. It's always advisable to have a local with you when trekking in Rio ( Couchsurfing's Rio de Janeiro group usually organizes hikes around the city), as some treks are not very well-marked. Since the early 2000s there hasn't been any reports of violence/burglary on the city's trails (a problem in the 90s), but the rules on the Stay safe section apply as anywhere else in the city. Some of Rio's hiking trails include:

  • Parque Lage - Corcovado

The trek is fairly demanding and steep, and takes about 1h30/2h to complete, but yet very popular among locals - it's normal to see whole families doing it, as well as groups of friends and foreigners. Buy the "Metrô + Metrô Na Superfície" ticket and go to Botafogo . From there, take the metrô bus to the station Hospital da Lagoa , which is close to the Parque Lage . Ask the park's staff or look for signs that say "Trilha" to get to the start of the trail, just behind the ruins of an old house. From there you have two paths: going straight ahead leads to a waterfall that is usually full of families on the weekends (it's a good spot to stop on your way back if you go back the same way), and left leads straight to the main path of the trek. Along the way there are 3 waterfalls (just one you can actually bath in, though) and a small path where you have to hang on to a chain to pass through some rocks. Until this point you will be going up, but always surrounded by forest. The first views of the city will start after the chain (about 1h/1h30 in). Then you get to the train tracks, either follow the rail tracks or the road up to the Christ (another 15 minutes). Views from here on are breathtaking. To go back down, you can get a van or walk about half a mile down to the parking place.

This is a short and fairly easy hike, taking about 20/30' to complete, also very popular among locals, specially because you can go up for free then hitch a ride back on the cable car (after 7PM, it's free to return on it). The hike begins at Pista Cláudio Coutinho in Urca, and is very popular among the locals. If you ask the guards they'll point you to the start. It's uphill, but just the first five minutes are really steep and will need you to use your hands. From there on just keep to your left. There are amazing views of Urca and the Guanabara Bay during the final 20 minutes, some of which are angles you don't get from the vantage points above. The trek actually ends on top of Morro da Urca, the smallest of the two.

Panoramic flights [ edit ]

If you have the money the following operators give you panoramic flights in helicopters:

  • Riocopter - Helicopter Tour in Rio de Janeiro
  • Helipoint.Rio - Helicopter Tour in Rio de Janeiro

Favela (Shantytown) tours [ edit ]

A number of operators offer tours of Rocinha, the largest and safest Favela in Rio. Many tours are done by outside companies in safari-like buses, which can lead to awkward interactions with the locals. Try to go with someone who lives in Rocinha on a walking tour. It is also possible to arrange tours to other favelas, although Rocinha has a longer history of tourism and is one of the more developed favelas.

You may hear stories about people being invited by locals to visit their home in a favela. If you receive such an invitation do think carefully about it and perhaps ask around about the person that has invited you. Many of the favelas are rife with drugs and guns so think carefully about how much you trust the person that is inviting you. A search on the Internet may reveal some accounts of tours others have taken. A visit like this will obviously be more authentic than a book tour and could be the highlight of your visit to Rio; on the other hand you are taking a risk. Also consider that favelas are normal neighbourhoods in Rio and not a zoo.

Out of town trips [ edit ]

  • Praia do Abricó – 50 km in the west. The best public naturist beach around Rio, located in Grumari, right after Prainha. Facilities and telephone service are quite limited, so plan ahead.
  • Paquetá - Though not exactly outside of Rio, because it is an island and can only be reached by a 70 minutes ferry ride, this district of Rio makes an excellent (and inexpensive) day trip. The island is an car-free zone, so travel is limited to bicycles and electric golf carts. There's not a lot to do on this island, but the ferry ride is worth it.

Learn [ edit ]

For tourists there are many interesting things to learn. Why not take a rainy day in town to have samba (the national rhythm) classes or capoeira , a mix of dance and fighting created by the then enslaved African community. Is not as hard as outsiders may think, and it's original and fun.

If you are staying in Brazil for an extended time, major universities offer Portuguese courses for foreigners, usually for a very low price and with high educational standards.

  • Cultura Inglesa .  
  • Instituto Cervantes
  • Aliança Francesa
  • Instituto Nacional de Matemática Pura e Aplicada [dead link] (IMPA) - the National Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics. A centre with an international renown for scientific excellence and superb working conditions in Mathematics. You can take any course for free. The summer courses (Jan-Feb) are very popular and there is even the possibility of getting some modest funding for the summer.
  • Casa do Caminho Language Centre [dead link] - Learn Portuguese here with the profits going back into the Casa do Caminho

Buy [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

When shopping in street commerce, always bargain; this can lower prices considerably. Bargaining in stores and malls, though, is usually impolite. But naturally merchants won't bargain unless you ask, especially if you are clearly a tourist. To tourists, items can easily be overpriced by a factor of 20% especially in highly informal markets such as Saara or on the beach.

For trinkets, your best bet is the "hippie fair" in Praça General Osório in Ipanema every Sunday.

Great bargains can be had on Brazilian-made clothing, as well as some European imports. Most imported items, however, such as electronics, tend to be insanely expensive due to protective import duties. For example, you will find digital cameras sell for about twice what they sell for in Europe or the U.S.

Store managers in Rio often speak some English, as this gains employees an almost-automatic promotion. But "some" can be very little, so it is useful to learn at least some very basic Portuguese. Just knowing basic greetings, numbers, and how to ask directions and prices will get you at least a "B" for effort, and despite finding that store clerks may know more English than you Portuguese, it can still come in handy to know a bit of the language. Don't be afraid to resort to writing numbers, pictures, or resorting to pantomime. Shop assistants will often tap out prices for you on a calculator. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Brazil, with American Express to a significantly lower degree. But beware that many stores will accept either Visa or MasterCard, but not both! If you carry only one, look for the sign in the store window before attempting to buy.

A great choice of gift, since they do not take much space in the suitcase back home, are bikinis, a trademark from Rio for its quality and fashion style.

Shopping malls can be found all over town, with the cheaper ones in the Zona Norte like Shopping Tijuca and Shopping Iguatemi and popular upscale shopping malls concentrated in the Zona Sul like Shopping Rio Sul and Shopping Leblon and São Conrado Fashion Mall and BarraShopping in Zona Oeste .

Organic Food

Organic food arrived in the Brazilian supermarkets but if you want to support local small scale farmers you might consider the following fairs of Circuito Feiras Organicas Carioca :

Ipanema, Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz, from 7h to 13h

Tijuca, Praça Afonso Pena, from 7h to 13h | LEBLON, Praça Antero de Quental, from 7h to 13h

Bairro Peixoto, Praça Edmundo Bittencourt, from 8h to 13h | GLÓRIA, Rua do Russel, from 7h to 13h | JARDIM BOTÂNICO, Praça da Igreja São José da Lagoa, from 7h to 13h

Eat [ edit ]

In Rio de Janeiro you can probably find something to fit any craving. A good approach to local food is "comida a kilo" - buffet style restaurants where you pay by the weight of the food on your plate. An excellent place to go with your friend or even with your partner is the Fellini restaurant. Located in Leblon, the place has a "pay for what you eat" buffet, with really good and beautiful food. Great for all tastes, it has even Asian food on the menu. Another one is Ming Yue, Rue do Lavradio 106, near Lapa. Ming Ye offers a wide range of Chinese stir-fry and delicious sushi, as well as Brazilian dishes for cheaper prices.

Don't miss the most famous Brazilian dish, feijoada (fay-zho-AH-da), a black bean stew filled with big chunks of meat, like sausage, pork and beef. Along with the "feijoada", you also get some colorful side dishes that come with it, such as rice, cassava (roasted manioc), collard greens, fried pork rinds, and some orange slices, to sweeten things up a bit. This is bonafide, authentic carioca culinary excellence, almost worth the trip alone! Best while sipping down a "caipirinha".

For the hungry, nothing beats a good rodízio (all-you-can-eat service). These are available in numerous types, although the most well-known are the churrascaria , all-you-can-eat grilled meats. Marius , in Leme has arguably the best churrascaria in town. Carretão has a good and cheap(er) rodizio. At various restaurants around town, you can also find rodízio style dining featuring seafood, pizza, or various appetizer-style snacks. The defining element of rodízio is that unlike an all-you-can-eat buffet, the servers continuously bring skewers of various meats.

If you like meat but want an alternative to the rodizios, a good place to eat at is Filé de Ouro (Rua Jardim Botânico, 731, Jardim Botânico; ☏ +55 21 2259-2396 ; see Google Maps for directions). The place is simple and cozy. During the weekends there are usually big lines, but the steak is delicious. Try "Filé à Oswaldo Aranha", with toasted garlic.

Brazil has the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan , and sushi has become widely popular in Rio too. If you are a sashimi and sushi lover, you will find a great deal of options in Rio de Janeiro. If you are in Ipanema or nearby, a great tip is Benkei [dead link] , that has an "all you can eat" buffet, with high quality products, great environment and staff for nice prices.

As a former ex Portugal colony, Brasil has maintained many influences of this country on its culinary. Therefore, you will find great authentic Portuguese restaurants in Rio. A good option, from the localization to the ambiance, and naturally the food, is the CBF Restaurant , in the Tiradentes Square, a lovely area full of antique architecture.

In Ipanema, Zazá Bistrô [dead link] is a trendy, sexy and exotic place with great South Asian dishes. Good to go as a couple.

Because its huge coast, many Brazilian specialties are in the seafood area. They are very rich in shrimps, lobster, calamaris, shellfish, clams, mollusks and many other tasty fishes. So, once in this land, don't miss the opportunity to order those lovely dishes.

The highest recommendation for a decently priced superb meal is at Sobrenatural , that has the some of the freshest fish in Rio. Go on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, when they have live samba and chorinho music by renowned artists. Try their moqueca dishes. It is located at Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 432 Santa Teresa.

For sophisticated people who enjoy simple life, Via Sete is in the heart of Ipanema, on Garcia D'Ávila. This grill restaurant offers a great bang for the buck: from their veranda you get to people-watch pretty Brazilians. There you can enjoy tasty wraps and sandwiches.

Travellers with fatter pockets may also splash out a bit at the Dias Ferreira street in Leblon, Rio's up-and-coming restaurant row.

There are many places to get pizza and lots of restaurants also offer pasta.

Rio is also famous for its pastries and street food, heritage from Portuguese and old European culture. In most cafeterias ( lanchonete ; lun-sho-NETCH) you can have a pastel (pahs-TELL) or salgado (saw-GAH-do; local pastry). Typical pastries are coxinha (ko-SHEEN-ya; chicken nugget shaped like a chicken leg), and unique Rio's joelho (zho-EH-lyo; rolled dough filled with ham and cheese). Also try pão de queijo (pawn-deh-KAY-zho; cheese baked dough), typical from Minas Gerais but very common in Rio as well, and tapioca (typical from Bahia ), a kind of crepe made out of manioca flour.

For drinking, ask for guaraná (gwa-ra-NAH; soda made from the seed of an Amazon fruit, also available as a strong drink), mate (MAHTCH; sweet ice tea; not like Rio Grande do Sul or Argentina 's hot and sour mate ), água de coco (ah-gwa-djee-KOH-ku; natural coconut water) or caldo de cana (caw-do-djee-KAH-na; sugarcane juice). There is also a common fruit called açaí (ah-sah-EEH), with a dark-purple pulp out of which are made juices, and ice-creams. Typical cariocas eat it like cream in cups or glasses, mixed with granola , oats or other flakes. The best place for such drinks are one of a number of Rio's open juice bars. Very often, these are located on street corners and have long, curved bars offering you juices from pretty much every fruit you can imagine. The best option is a small chain of juice bars called "Big Bi's" . The juices are astounding value alongside their good selection of salgados and sandwiches. Their açaí is one of the best in terms of value and taste and the staff are excellent. On top of all this, if you leave a tip, you get a big " Obrigado " from all the staff. For the best Big Bi's experience, try the Tangerina ao Limão juice along with the famous Bauru sandwich. Finish it all off with an açaí to go. Perfect. Big Bi's has a few branches dotted around Copacabana and Ipanema, one of which is on the corner of Rua Santa Clara and Rua Barata Ribeiro in Copacabana. If you then cross the road of Rua Barata Ribeiro, you will land at an exquisite ice cream parlour.

There are many specialized "health food" shops that offer an incredible variety of rich meat and vegetable sandwiches, plus an awesome variety of fruit juices, many of them delicious and usually unknown by foreigners. Among them are graviola, fruta do conde, jaca, açaí, guaraná, pitomba, mango, coconut, orange, lemon, papaya, melon, etc. (they make it as you ask and all food is 100% organic and fresh. The meal is often prepared as you wait, so you can ask them to mix whatever fruit you want and create a customized mix if you like). You must try açaí and guaraná, Amazon fruits which are famous to be the strongest energizers and anti-oxidants of the world. They also offer Brazilian snacks (including many Italian and Oriental delicacies), and other simple but delicious things to eat. I never got enough of them! These shops usually are cheap and hang many fruits at the entrance or somewhere visible to display their quality.

Warning: look for clean places, as hygiene can be poor in many street shops.

If your palate is homesick for more familiar tastes, Rio has most of the fast-food chains found around the world (McDonald's, KFC, Domino's, Outback, Subway, Pizza Hut and Burger King). Bob's and Habib's are the biggest national fast food chains.

Many foods that in other countries are simply picked up in the hands and eaten, are either eaten with knife and fork (such as pizza) or are picked up by wrapping a napkin around the food so that it is not touched with the hands (such as sandwiches). You will undoubtedly notice napkin dispensers on the tables in most restaurants for this purpose.

After Hours

Leaving a club or a bar, late in the night? The best option is Cervantes in Prado Júnior Street, in Copacabana. It closes only with the sun raising. The menu is composed by big sandwiches, with whatever you want: ham, salami, cheese, tenderloin and so on, with one home special ingredient: a big pineapple slice. It's a tropical taste to the end of your night. Look out for the legendary "Penguin Waiter", who've been working there forever. You won't have a problem to find out who he is.

Drink [ edit ]

What [ edit ].

  • Botequim (pronounced 'boo-chi-KEEN') also well known as boteco - These quite unpretentious bars with simple appetizers and lots of ice-cold chope (draft beer) are everywhere and are almost inseparable from the carioca lifestyle. Try Bracarense ( 85, José Linhares street, Leblon ), one of the most traditional.
  • Juice bars - Of particular note for an often hot and muggy city are the refreshing juice bars, found on nearly every corner in the city. Choose from dozens of freshly squeezed fruit juices - mix two or three fruits together or simply try the freshly squeezed orange juice. For a delicious Brazilian special try the açaí , a smoothie made from a deep purple fruit from the Amazon.
  • Caipirinha , a drink made of cachaça (a Brazilian liquor made of sugarcane juice), lime, sugar and ice cubes.

Where [ edit ]

  • Kiosks along the boardwalk at Copacabana and Ipanema beach stay open all night.
  • Devassa . Nine locations in Rio (and one in São Paulo), including Leblon (Rua General San Martin 1241, +55 21 2540-6087) and Jardim Botânico (Av. Lineu de Paula Machado 696, 021-2294-2915). Well-crafted microbrews, a tropical take of English ale styles.  

Neighborhoods:

  • Lapa - A good bet for Thursdays, several bars and clubs, but the party is in the street. There you will find people dancing and playing Samba, Choro (soft rhythm with flutes and mandolin), Reggae and Hip Hop, as well as ballroom dancing ( gafieira ), but no Rock (except for some underground, which doesn't happen often or in the same place, but usually in some less known places of Lapa) or Pop music. While drinks are sold in the bars and clubs, vendors also roam the streets wearing coolers full of beer for even cheaper prices. It can also be a very exciting and packed place on Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure not to bring valuables, as there are a lot of pick-pockets operating in the area. Don't take it for the neighborhood with the same name in São Paulo , which is totally different.

Samba clubs [ edit ]

Being in Rio and not going to one of the countless samba live music bars, certainly you've missed a lot on your trip. In Lapa , the nightlife district of Rio, there are many nice bars with great atmosphere where locals go for dancing and meeting people. There are a couple of them in the Zona Sul as well. Most of these bars work with a kind of consumption card, which is handed to you when you enter. Everything you consume is marked on this card, and losing it means you'll have to pay a really high fee! So take good care of it.

Clubbing [ edit ]

For those who like to go clubbing, Rio has some good options. You'll be seeing lots of flyers and talk about "raves" Usually Rio's raves are devoted to trance, which is pretty popular, especially with the upper-class youngsters, though some electronic parties do have good djs and live acts from around the world. The night in Rio is pretty much divided between mainstream and underground.

Mainstream would be such "raves" and big electronic festivals, as well a nightclubs like Zax Club (Barra da Tijuca), Baronetti (Ipanema) and Boate Praia (Lagoa) that are devoted to pop, dance and variations of house and trance. Those are not, however, places you go for the music. They are usually packed with "patricinhas" (tanned, long soft-haired girls with gym-built bodies) and specially "pitboys" (upper/middle-class boys, known for having various degrees of martial arts training and a certain tendency for violence). Yes, fights are one of the major problems with the mainstream clubbing scene in Rio. It's also fairly expensive.

Though with far less options, the underground clubbing scene is more available and interesting than the mainstream. Most of the underground clubs are on Zona Sul and offer different parties for each day of the week. The underground club scene has a more diverse public, from goths to punks also with strong hedonistic tints. It's very gay-friendly and most of the parties and clubs have almost the same m/f proportion. It is also far cheaper than the mainstream clubs. Some good alternative clubs are Fosfobox (Copacabana), Dama de Ferro (Ipanema) and Casa da Matriz (Botafogo).

For a real "carioca" experience, try Mariuzinn Copacabana. Brazilian Funk and electronic music, with an eccentric crowd. It just finishes when the last dancer gives up. Which means early in the morning. It will be an unforgettable experience.

Sleep [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

In the Zona Sul , you will find Rio's fanciest and most popular hotels along the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, but there are lots of small, cheap, clean hotels around Flamengo and Catete. The street in front of the strip of tourist hotels in Copacabana can be seedy, due to both garishly-dressed tourists, and a few opportunistic locals ready to take advantage of them. The apart-hotels in Ipanema are a much more pleasant alternative, being both better appointed and in a nicer neighborhood with fewer tourists.

Accommodation in the lower Centro can be convenient for business travellers. The surrounding areas, however, are far from pleasant at night, being nearly deserted and lacking decent restaurants and leisure options. The central Santa Teresa neighbourhood, however, is quite departed from the city centre life and has plenty of pleasant bed and breakfasts and a significant nightlife.

Given Rio's rise as a fashionable destination with creative and fashion people, some hotels that cater to the design-conscious crowd have also been popping up at the most upscale neighborhoods. The city also has a large selection of apart-hotels , which provide apartment-style accommodations with kitchen facilities. Private condominium apartments can also be rented short-term at reasonable rates, and can be found on the internet. This is probably a preferable means of finding one of these than the notes that will be passed to you by anonymous persons on the street. These apartments generally have a one-week minimum, or two weeks during Carnaval or New Years holidays.

Accommodation in Rio is probably Brazil's most expensive . There is a relative shortage of hotel rooms on the cheaper range and booking in advance is recommended. Moreover, prices for most accommodation can more than triple during New Year's and Carnaval. Those are very busy periods and booking well in advance is recommended. Most hotels in tourist areas will only sell 4-day packages and charge in advance - even if you want to stay only for a couple of days during those events. Other than those, the busiest month is January - summer holidays in Brazil.

Motels, that you will see mainly on the outskirts of the city, are not motels in the North American sense. Rather, they are places you go with your lover for a few hours. One famous motel, overlooking the Sheraton in Leblon, was taken over by the US Secret Service when George Bush Sr stayed at the Sheraton. It is not recorded whether heart-shaped beds, mirrors on the ceiling and on-tap porno movies affected their work!

If hostel life is more your style, they are easy to find in Rio. The more expensive ones boast locations that are short walking distance to either Ipanema or Copacabana beach. However, if you prefer to stay in Lapa, Glória, Catete, and Botafogo, there are many other choices available. Hostelling has become increasingly popular in Brazil, and many of them are located at walking distance from hot spots. Beware, however, not to be taken to any fraudulent scheme - you might end up being robbed. Look for accredited places with Youth Hostelling International and similar franchises.

To experience Rio from another point of view, there's also the opportunity to stay in various hostels in one of the favelas. Due to presence of many police units (called Unidade de Polícia Pacificadora, UPP), it is reasonably safe to stay in some favelas. Ask your hosts about the actual situation, though. See for example Zona Norte for a stay in the Complexo do Alemão .

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Rio is vulnerable to epidemics of dengue fever , particularly during the late summer months of February and March. If an epidemic occurs, be sure to take the appropriate precautions by using insect repellant and, if you happen to be staying at a place with a balcony, make sure there is no standing water around.

As elsewhere in Brazil, some beaches in Rio are not suitable for bathing, and conditions can change from day to day. On the day of your visit, check the latest weekly bathing bulletin (in Portuguese, boletim de balneabilidade ) of the state's Environment Department (INEA). At the bottom of the page, there is a large ad for a mobile app called Partiu Praia Inea that provides you an up-to-date map of bathing conditions.

Use sunscreen, especially in your face and shoulders, to avoid having a bad experience with sunburns. Any common drug store sells a variety of sunscreen products, and even cocoa butter lip sticks, to avoid having little cuts after dry lips.

Here is a list of medical clinics and hospitals in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Hospital Copa D’Or - Address: Rua Figueiredo de Magalhães, 875 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22031-011 - Phone: +55 (21) 2545-3600
  • Hospital Rio Laranjeiras - Address: R. das Laranjeiras, 72 – Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22240-000 - Phone: +55 (21) 2555-2000
  • Hospital Israelita Albert Sabin - Address: Rua Professor Gabizo, 319 – Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20271-065 - Phone: +55 (21) 2176-8800
  • São Lucas Hospital-Copacabana - Address: Condomínio de Hemodinamica – Tv. Frederico Pamplona, 32 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22061-080 - Phone: +55 (21) 2545-4000
  • Hospital Samaritano Barra - Address: Av. Jorge Curi, 550 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22775-001 - Phone: +55 (21) 3263-1000
  • Ibogaina Rio de Janeiro - Address: R. Bom Pastor, 295 – Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20521-060 - Phone: +55 (21) 2159-2300
  • Hospital Unimed Rio - Address: Av. Ayrton Senna, 2550 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22775-003 - Phone: 0800 031 3861

Public Hospitals of the State of Rio de Janeiro

  • Hospital Estadual Getúlio Vargas - Address: Av. Lobo Júnior, 2293 – Penha Circular, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 21070-061 - Phone: +55 (21) 2334-7856
  • Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto - Address: Boulevard 28 de Setembro, 77 – Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20551-030 - Phone: +55 (21) 2868-8000

Stay safe [ edit ]

tourism rio de janeiro

Rio De Janeiro's reputation as a dangerous city was cemented internationally by the critically acclaimed movie Cidade de Deus — a reputation that's not entirely unwarranted, but most visitors to the city have a great time with no incidents.

Still, Rio can be dangerous . As a traveler, even if you don't leave the "Zona Sul" (which includes Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea, Jardim Botânico, Flamengo, Laranjeiras, Botafogo, Urca) or Western Suburbs (Barra, Recreio), you may experience a palpable tension over security.

Generally, tourists (also called "gringos," which is not derogatory but means "outsiders") and teenagers are considered "easy" targets for criminals. Day-to-day living has also been affected by this. For example, regular banks all have fortress style security doors and armed security men. Rio can be a dangerous city and it is wise to follow these rules even if they seem exaggerated.

In order to fully enjoy your trip the traveler should pay attention to simple things. Avoid the downtown area, especially Saara , after dark. Although downtown is a relatively safe place during the day, after-dark all the people who work there have already gone home. If you are going to a theater or a show, it's all right; but do not wander in those dark streets by night. Go to Ipanema beach, which is relatively safe at night as long as you don't stand out as an obvious tourist. In general, crowded areas with good lighting are safer, and you should avoid dark, empty places.

On Sunday, most shops are closed and their security guards are absent, so the neighbourhood Centro is not safe in the daytime. Also, even the bigger streets in Copacabana are less safe after dark so the beach walk is probably the best option.

Should you find yourself being mugged, the normal advice applies:

Don't resist or do anything to aggravate the muggers. Try not to stare in their faces as they might think you are memorizing their appearance. Eyes to the ground is probably your best bet. Let them take anything they want (keep your arms limp). Afterwards, leave the scene quickly but calmly (don't run in panic screaming for the police).

In the morning, especially before the police arrive, if you are walking or jogging on, Copacabana should be considered unsafe. Even with people around, joggers are popular targets for mugging. If you plan on jogging make sure not to wear anything that may tempt a mugger (watch, iPod etc.) and if you can, wait until after 10AM.

Don't walk along the banks of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (South Zone) after dark, you might get robbed.

When in downtown during the rush hour, be aware of pickpockets as in any other big city centre. The difference in Rio is that the pickpocket can often be a bit violent: one of them pushing you forward in the bus or to the ground in the street while another one takes your wallet and runs away. It's not that usual or as bad as it sounds, but try to avoid being in real danger by reacting strongly as these guys often operate in armed groups (2-5 people), some unnoticed by you.

tourism rio de janeiro

In the area around Copacabana beach (and maybe in the city centre), the tourist should be aware of a shoe shining scam. The tourist will be approached by a shoeshiner and to his astonishment discover a large, dirty blot on his shoes (which is actually shoe polish or mustard but looks like quite something else). The tourist is typically shown to a chair and has his shoes or sandals cleaned in the best manner. Only after this service is rendered, the outrageous price of somewhere around R$1000 or more is revealed. At this point, muscular friends of the shoeshiner typically appear to "oversee" the completion of the transaction.

The subway is very safe, so it is recommended to use it if you want to go from one place to another.

The suburban rail is generally not useful for tourists. If you do take it, note that trains may not come all that frequently, especially on weekends, and they tend to be filled with hawkers selling various cheap goods and sometimes evangelical preachers. Although the trains themselves are generally safe, a lot of the stations aren't, especially on the Belford Roxo (purple) line. Avoid photography on the suburban rail system.

Buses on the South Zone are fairly safe as well, but they can be quite crowded. Inside a bus, being mugged is always a threat: less so but still possible in the South and tourist zones. Don't use a phone while sat next to an open window since it can get snatched from your hand. Remember that Bus 174 movie. It happens so often that they don't even go to the news (only homicides or big cases where the police got involved such as this Bus 174 go to the news). In the subway, it is very unlikely though, which is one extra point to the subway!

Don't walk around with lots of money in your pocket. ATM's are everywhere (prefer the ones inside shopping centres) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted. But don't walk around without any money: you may need something to give to the bad guys in case you are mugged. Not having money to give a mugger can be dangerous as they may get angry and resort to violence. An excellent idea is to buy a "capanga" (literally meaning bodyguard), that is, a small frontal unisex pouch, normally used to carry your wallet, checks, money and car keys.

Avoid wearing jewelry or other signs of wealth (iPods, fancy cell phones/mobiles, digital cameras, etc.) if possible, at any time of the day, as these attract attention. Thieves have been known to run past targets and tear off necklaces, rings, and earrings without stopping. Earrings are particularly dangerous as tearing them off often harms the owner.

There are around 700 favelas in the city and some of them can potentially be unsafe in Rio: and there is always one near you (by a couple of miles or just a few yards). These are easily recognized by their expansive brick walls, and are often on a hillside. The slums grew from being impoverished neighborhoods. They were known for being ruled by drug lords prior to a concerted effort by the Unidade de Polícia Pacificadora. For the more adventurous, some favelas are amazingly huge, and a new experience for some—there are some travel agencies who take people on tours there. The tour operators have "safe-conduct pacts" with the local drug dealers. If you try to get a tour without using one of those agencies think carefully about whether your guide is reputable. Despite the pacifying efforts, most favelas do not have a permanent police presence, so there is often no recourse for a traveller who is ambushed by a drug baron's guards.

In Brazil, every state has two police forces: the Civil ( Polícia Civil ) and Military ( Polícia Militar ). Only the latter wear uniform (in Rio, it is navy blue). The city of Rio also has an unarmed Civil Guard, dressed in khaki. Policemen can usually be trusted, but corruption in Brazil is still rampant and a few officers may try to extort you or demand a little bribe. When this happens, it is usually very subtle, and the officer may typically say something about "some for the beer" ( cervejinha ). If you are not willing, refuse and ask for another officer. Don't ever try to bribe a policeman on your own—most of them are honest and you might end up in jail.

The local emergency dial number is 190 .

At night, especially after traffic has died down, you may hear what sounds like fireworks and explosions. This is not as menacing as it sounds, though it is still indicative of somebody up to no good. These are often firecrackers set-off as signals in the favelas. It might mean that a drug shipment has arrived and is in-transit or that the police are making a raid into the favela. It is a signal to gang operatives who act as lookouts and surrogate police to be extra-vigilant. However, real shoot-outs may occur, especially on weekends. If you are on the street and you hear a shooting, find shelter in the nearest shop or restaurant.

For your safety, cross at the crosswalks, not closer to the corner, and watch for cars regardless of traffic lights.

Carjacking can be a threat too, especially if you are outside the tourist areas and after dark. It is perfectly acceptable (even if not exactly legal) not to stop at the traffic lights if there is nobody else on the street and you feel it's okay to go (if there are no other cars). You will see even police doing this. Some major motorways such as Linha Amarela (Yellow Line: connects the west zone( Barra da Tijuca ) to the north zone - may be your way to Norte Shopping for example) and Linha Vermelha (Red Line - the main connection from the International Airport) are strongly avoided late at night. Both motorways are surrounded by favelas, so carjacking is usual and shoot-outs may occur between rival drug lords or between drug lords and the police. If you rent a car, be aware of all these issues. As a tourist, it may be better not to rent one anyway, as if you get lost and go to a bad neighbourhood (and again, there will always be one near you), you will most likely be in trouble.

If you want to go to a traditional escola de samba (samba school), Mangueira is a good place. This is close to a favela, so you should go with a guide accordingly. If you do have a trustful Brazilian friend that can take you, that's excellent. Ask the friend to take you to Maracanã as well to watch a football (soccer) match! Yet exercise great caution if you go by yourself especially if two of the local Rio teams are playing (Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, and Vasco). These matches can be very exciting but also very dangerous especially if between Flamengo and Botafogo or Vasco. If it looks like the team for which the fans around you are cheering is losing, it is wise to leave the stadium before the match ends. You don't want to be in the middle of a very angry bunch of football fans when they all cram out of the stadium.

Cope [ edit ]

The Rio Times is the only English language news publication dedicated to the English speaking foreign community living and traveling in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They have been publishing weekly online since March 2009, covering Rio Politics, Business, Real Estate, Sports, Entertainment, Travel, as well as offer Classifieds and a daily Rio Nightlife Guide.

  • Lavamaq's , Praia do Flamengo, 118 - Flamengo ( two blocks south of Metro Catete ), 21 2557–5965. Self-service laundry, R$25 wash and dry.

Consulates General [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ], grande rio [ edit ].

  • Niterói – 15 km from downtown . It has a wonderful unique view of Rio and an intriguing contemporary art museum, which looks like an UFO (designed by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer). Also, it has one of the state's most beautiful beaches, Itacoatiara, which can be reached by the bus # 38. From Rio to Niterói it's a short ferry ride or you go by bus.
  • São Gonçalo – 25 km from downtown. The biggest city of the Leste Metropolitano region, with the second largest population in the state .
  • Duque de Caxias – 20 km from downtown. The largest city of Baixada Fluminense , neighboring to the Rio de Janeiro's North Zone.
  • Maricá – 55 km from downtown. The last municipality on the sea coast of Grande Rio to the east. It has several lagoons and a single strip of sand that extends along almost the entire shoreline of the municipality.
  • Rio Bonito – 75 km from downtown. A peripheral municipality, with a small population and wide rural areas with lots of nature. It is the easternmost municipality in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Cachoeiras de Macacu – 90 km from downtown. Another peripheral municipality which has become an attraction for trekking, mountaineering, rappelling and other types of extreme sports and ecotourism. Part of the Três Picos State Park is in the municipality. There are dozens of waterfalls of extraordinary beauty. The bus company 1001 goes for around R$39 (Dec 2021), departing from the Rio's long-distance bus station ( Rodoviária Novo Rio ).
  • Guapimirim – 75 km from downtown. The most northeastern municipality in Baixada Fluminense, at the foot of the mountain range known as Serra dos Órgãos , a section of a longer mountain range called Serra do Mar .
  • Paracambi – 70 km from downtown by railway (80 km by road). The most northwestern municipality in Baixada Fluminense, at the foot of Serra das Araras , a more western section of Serra do Mar .
  • Itaguaí – 70 km from downtown. Another peripheral municipality, at the extreme west of the metropolitan agglomeration of Rio, in the coastal region bathed by the Sepetiba Bay.

On the southeastern coast of Rio State [ edit ]

  • Saquarema – 110 km. A predominantly tourist city with beautiful beaches, in the lakes region. It is known as "The national surfing capital". Further attractions are waterfalls, cascades, mountains and an archaeological site.
  • Búzios – 170 km. It's a small peninsula with several nice beaches, an abundance of night clubs and the lowest rainfall in the state of Rio. It's nickname is "Saint-Brazilian Tropez".
  • Cabo Frio – 170 km. A popular tourist destination. It's famous for its beautiful beaches with fine white sand and crystal clear waters.
  • Arraial do Cabo – 170 km. It's a small town near Búzios. Its beaches have the most beautiful turquoise waters of Rio de Janeiro state. Beaches like Forno and Prainhas do Atalaia are surrounded by virgin lush green coastal vegetation and have clear blue waters similar to the Caribbean ones.

In the northwest [ edit ]

  • Miguel Pereira – 120 km. It's famous for its exuberant nature, cool climate and tranquility, for those who want to escape the hussle of big cities. One of the most visited spots is Lake Javary, where you can ride a pedal boat and breathe the fresh mountain air. The intercity buses of Util have rides for around R$40 (Dec 2021).

In the north [ edit ]

  • Petrópolis – 70 km. In the mountains outside and a good place to cool down when Rio becomes too hot. It's known as an "Imperial City", the place chosen by Brazil's Royalty to spend the summer. There's a nice imperial museum. The city also hosts one of Brazil's first breweries which can be visited.
  • Serra dos Órgãos National Park , Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos — National park in the mountains.
  • Teresópolis — Another mountain town, near Petrópolis.

In the west [ edit ]

  • Ilha Grande – 180 km. It's noted for its scenic beauty, unspoilt tropical beaches, luxuriant vegetation and rugged landscape. You will enjoy hiking.

tourism rio de janeiro

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Practical Rio

Learn how to enjoy rio like a carioca.

Rio de Janeiro is a 10-million inhabited metropolis by the sea.  To help you out with some practical aspects of the daily life in the marvelous city, RIO.com has put at your fingertips a bunch of tips and useful information you might want to read before exploring the city.

Rio Beaches

The beaches of Rio you are most likely to explore during your visit to Rio are Leme , a quieter and more visited by families, Copacabana , mostly frequented by tourists, Ipanema , Leblon and Barra . The most popular beaches are Copacabana and Ipanema. But there are other beaches you should consider such as Recreio and Praia da Reserva . Learn about them all on our Rio Beaches Guide.

tourism rio de janeiro

Neighborhoods of Rio

The parts of Rio you will probably visit stretch along the Baia de Guanabara and Atlantic Ocean. Lapa , Flamengo , Santa Teresa and Downtown , right south from Central Rio, and Urca , Copacabana , Ipanema  and Leblon are some of the neighborhood set in this area. Read our Rio Neighborhoods section, learn about the most important neighborhoods, and do optimize your time, so you can get more of the best Rio has to offer.

While in Rio

Given Rio’s gifted landscape, with mountains, beaches, the lake and forests, cariocas and visitors are an active bunch. Ruled by the sun, Rio de Janeiro offers much more than the beaches, the Sugar Loaf and the Statue of the Christ . Jogging, hiking, cycling and other active sports can all be a big part of your time. But you can also learn how to strike the Brazilian rhythms with dancing classes, master the culinary with a Brazilian chef or even be initiated with the famous Capoeira or Surfing. 

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Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro with skyscrapers along the beach and mountains in the background

From the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the magnificent summit of Corcovado, topped with the legendary Wonder of the World Christ the Redeemer, Rio combines big natural attractions with a sprawling metropolis. Home to over 12 million people, it should come as no surprise that it’s one of the most popular destinations in the world.

Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Rio de Janeiro caters to every type of tourist and budget, popular with backpackers, Carnival revelers, and luxury vacationers alike. It’s an exciting city that has a lot to offer — so don’t rush your visit. There’s too much to see, especially when you factor in all those lazy days at the beach!

While petty theft and crime are a big concern here (you’ll want to avoid walking around alone at night), with a little vigilance you’ll be able to enjoy your time in this vibrant city without too much worry.

This travel guide to Rio de Janeiro can help you save money, stay safe, and ensure you have a wonderful visit.

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Rio de Janeiro

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Rio de Janeiro

The view of Rio de Janeiro from Sugarloaf Mountain with green mountains in the background and a cable car in the foreground

1. Celebrate Carnival

The Rio Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the world, with people coming together from all corners of the globe to see the parade, listen to samba music, dance in the streets, and party for days. The city comes alive as thousands of people celebrate in bright, exotic regalia. You can reserve your 2024 Carnival tickets in advance here (highly recommended – they sell out quickly)!

2. Climb Sugarloaf Mountain

The famous Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Its name dates to the 16th century (the height of Brazil’s sugarcane trade), named for its resemblance to a conical block of sugar. The mountain is 396 meters (1,300 feet) tall, and at its peak, the entire city unfolds below you with spectacular views of Ipanema and Guanabara Bay, especially at sunset or sunrise. The cable car to get there costs 150 BRL ( reserve online in advance to skip the often super long lines).

3. See Christ the Redeemer

The 30-meter (100-foot) high statue of Christ the Redeemer sits atop the Corcovado Mountain and can be seen from any point in Rio. From its vantage point, you can take in the mountains, the bay, and the entire cityscape from the favelas to the skyscrapers. It’s an incredible Wonder of the World! You can get there a few different ways: via cog train (that goes through the rainforest), shared vans that leave from designated points around the city, or by hiking the (quite steep) trail to the top (though for safety reasons, it’s not recommended to do the trail alone). You can reserve advance tickets for the train and statue here (155 BRL).

4. Hit the beaches

Ipanema and Copacabana are the two largest beaches, and they’re always jam-packed with people. Ipanema has more upscale restaurants and nightlife, while Copacabana has more things to do (like fishing, surfing, and beachside markets selling handicrafts and swimwear). For quieter spots, check out Barra de Tijuca Beach, Prainha Beach, or Leme Beach (at the further end of Copacabana Beach).

5. Watch a fútbol game

Other things to see and do in rio de janeiro, 1. visit the botanical gardens.

For a moment of calm, head to the city’s botanical gardens. Walk along the meandering paths and trails or take a free guided tour of the gardens. This place is home to over 8,000 plant species, designed in 1808 by order of the Prince Regent Dom João. Highlights include a lake filled with enormous Vitória Régia water lilies, an enclosed area with over 600 species of orchids, and a carnivorous greenhouse filled with Venus flytraps and pitcher plants. The gardens get super busy with families on the weekends, so come during the week. Admission is 67 BRL.

2. Wander the Rio de Janeiro Zoo

If your travels don’t include a trip to the Amazon, you can still experience Brazil’s indigenous animals at the Rio City Zoo. Over 1,300 animals from 350 species live here, including many rare and endangered native species such as harpy eagles, maned wolves, golden-headed lion tamarins, anteaters, and more. There’s also a particularly impressive reptile house and open aviary with macaws, toucans, and tropical birds flying freely around. Admission costs 47 BRL.

3. Learn the samba

You’ll hear samba music playing endlessly around Rio, especially during Carnival. Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places in Brazil to learn how to dance. Rio Samba Dancer is my favorite for its all-levels group classes, especially for the classes combined with social outings to samba clubs. Classes start from about 105 BRL.

4. Go to Paquetá Island

Paquetá Island in Guanabara Bay is a favorite with locals for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city center on weekends. The island is an hour-long ferry ride from Rio, and it’s made up of mainly beaches and quaint colonial towns. Transportation around the island is only by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carts. There’s not a lot to do here, but that’s kind of the point. The ferry costs 6.50 BRL one-way.

5. Ride the Santa Teresa tram

This tram has been running through the Santa Teresa neighborhood since 1877, making it the oldest electric railway in Latin America. It has always followed the same route from the city center, across the Lapa Arches, and passing by Ruinas Park overlooking Rio. The tram is open-sided, meaning you can lean out over the arches (a narrow former aqueduct) as you cross them – it’s a dizzying view! A return ticket on the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route is 20 BRL.

6. Visit the Selaron Stairway

Located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, this stairway has hundreds of steps all painted with more than 2,000 pieces of colorful tiles, mosaics, and mirrors. Starting in the early 1990s, artist Jorge Selarón began gathering contributions from artists in 60 different countries. He also visited antique shops and trash heaps to find pieces to add over time, working on the staircase’s construction for over 20 years until his death in 2013. It’s one of the most photogenic and popular sights in the city (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram) so don’t miss it!

7. Explore the Arcos da Lapa district

For those of you who love the nightlife, this is an awesome district to head out to on a Friday night. Bars, clubs, and food stalls dominate the area, and street parties run from the famous arches up Avenida Mem de Sá. For live music, go to Circo Voador, an open-air concert venue primarily featuring Brazilian bands and artists. If you want to experience the club scene, check out the three-story Rio Scenarium. If you’re not into partying at all, admire the photogenic Arcos de Lapa (Lapa Arches). These arches date back to the mid-18th century and were once used as aqueducts.

8. Visit Sitio Roberto Burle Marx

This home and World Heritage Site belongs to one of Brazil’s most celebrated landscape designers, Roberto Burle Marx. Begun in 1949 and developed over the course of over 40 years, this 100-acre property features over 3,500 tropical and subtropical plant species. Inside the Burle Marx House Museum is a huge collection of his personal artwork as well as a 17th-century Benedictine chapel. Tours cost 10 BRL and are available by appointment only.

9. Visit the São Bento Monastery

Built between 1617-1641, this colonial Baroque church is located on Morro de São Bentois (St. Benedict Hill) in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Although the exterior is simple, the inside is covered in gold decoration, wood carvings from Frei Domingos da Conceição and Alexandre Machado, and paintings from José de Oliveira Rosa. The monastery is still in operation today, and if you attend Sunday mass, you’ll get to hear some traditional Gregorian chanting. Just be sure to dress respectfully as it is a place of worship.

10. Hike in Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park is the largest urban rainforest in the world, stretching across 8,300 acres. Over 350 different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles make their home here, including howler monkeys, which only came back to the park recently after a 100-year hiatus. The Corcovado (Christo) hike through Parque Lage and to the top of Corcovado is a steep climb, but it’s shaded and only takes about three hours. Another scenic hike is to Tijuca Peak, starting in Rio’s North Zone and past waterfalls and dense rainforest. You’ll get views over Niteroi and Guanabara Bay, and it only takes about two hours to complete. Entrance to the park is free. This is a place where it’s really worth it to go with a tour though. You’ll not only have a more in-depth experience, learning history of the rainforest as well as how to recognize native flora and fauna, but get round-trip transportation to/from your accommodation as well. There are tons of tours available, from the popular jeep tours to full-day adventure hikes that go to lesser visited sections of the rainforest.

11. Go to the Ilha Fiscal

A little outside Rio’s city center is Ilha Fiscal, a Neo-Gothic castle on a secluded island in Guanabara Bay. It used to be a location for the Brazilian Custom Service but is now a work of architectural art, with mosaic floors, stained glass, and a traditional Ceremonial Room used by the Navy. You can only access the island by schooner and bus from the Naval Museum. Admission to the Naval Museum is free, while a return ticket to Ilha Fiscal is 42 BRL.

12. Visit the Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) is a science museum that focuses on ecology, sustainability, and the future of our planet. Ultra-sleek and modern, the Museum of Tomorrow has high-tech visuals and simulators that let you consider the world’s past, present, and future. Although it might sound depressing, it’s incredibly well-curated, and the whole experience is captivating. Admission is 30 BRL.

13.Take a walking tour

Walking tours are my favorite way to get my bearings in a new place. Free Walker Tours and Rio by Foot both offer free walking tours through a variety of different Rio neighborhoods, as well as paid tours such as food tours, pub crawls, and rainforest tours. If you’re taking a free tour, just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

14. Explore Rio by Bike

Because of Rio’s geography, stretching along the coast between the ocean and the mountainous rainforest, the city can take some time to get around. You can cover a lot of ground by biking along the beach and through different neighborhoods on the many kilometers of dedicated bike lanes in the city. You can either explore on your own or with a local guide on a tour with Rio by Bike .

  For more information on other cities in Brazil, check out these guides:

  • Fernando de Noronha Travel Guide
  • Florianopolis Travel Guide
  • Sao Paulo Travel Guide

Rio de Janeiro Travel Costs

Brightly colored mosaic-lined stairs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Hostel prices – Large dorm rooms with 8-10 beds start around 65-75 BRL per night. Dorm rooms with 4-6 beds are around 90-110 BRL per night. Standard twin or double private rooms cost 225-300 BRL per night for two people.

Free Wi-Fi is standard, and most hostels have a bar and outdoor patio with a BBQ. Free breakfast is usually included at hostels in Rio de Janeiro, and kitchen facilities are common too. Some hostels have a pool, coworking spaces, and bikes for rent.

If you book your bed well ahead of time for Carnival (at least six months), you’ll have more options. However, prices skyrocket — some of those dorms mentioned above increase to 200-300 BRL per night — during Carnival!

Budget hotel prices – A double room in a basic two-star hotel is around 150 BRL per night in the city center, including a private bathroom and balcony as well as free Wi-Fi. That price can nearly double in other places like Copacabana (the most popular place for tourists to stay).

A budget hotel with more amenities (free breakfast, a swimming pool, bar/restaurant) starts around 190 BRL per night for a double room.

Airbnb is another affordable option here. For a private room, expect to pay about 100-125 BRL per night, while you can find a comfortable home or apartment for about 275-350 BRL per night.

During Carnival time, private and hotel rooms can double in price and sell out fast.

Average cost of food – Brazilian cuisine – like the country itself – is a mix of many cultures, with European, Amerindian, African, and (more recently) Japanese influences. As such a large country, food varies per region, with seafood plentiful on the coastlines and Brazilian barbecue dominating plates in the south. Rice and beans are a staple throughout the country.

Common vegetables include tubers like cassava and yams, tomatoes, red peppers, okra, and more. Being a subtropical country, there’s a huge variety of fruits, with the most famous being the superfood açaí. Cupuaçu, mango, papaya, guava, orange, passion fruit, pineapple, are all commonly found in smoothies and fresh juices across the country.

Look for feijoada on the menu. It’s Brazil’s national dish, a meaty bean stew, traditionally eaten for Wednesday or Saturday lunch. Other popular dishes include moqueca (fish stew), polenta, vatapá (a stew of bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and peanuts), and farofa (toasted cassava flour, served as a side to feijoada ), among countless others.

Some popular street food snacks include pão de queijo (cheese bread rolls), acarajé (black-eyed pea and shrimp fritters), coxinha (chicken croquettes), and pastéis (savory fried pies with assorted fillings). In Rio, bolinhos de bacalhau (fried cod fritters) are especially popular due to the city’s coastal location.

Rio de Janeiro has lots of affordable food options, with street food like pastels, coxinha, and tapiocas costing 8-10 BRL each. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant serving typical Brazilian dishes costs about 20-40 BRL. An açaí (served pureed and frozen, with toppings you can choose from) from a street stand or takeaway spot is 15-20 BRL.

For fast food, a combo meal at McDonald’s or a takeaway meal from a Chinese restaurant both cost about 35 BRL.

A meal with two courses at a casual restaurant starts from 60 BRL, though prices at restaurants along the beach can go much higher, starting around 70-80 BRL for a dish. A three-course meal with a drink at a nicer restaurant is around 200 BRL.

A beer to go with your meal is around 7-10 BRL, while a cocktail starts at 20 BRL (though they can get upwards of 40 BRL in fancier places). In terms of non-alcoholic drinks, a cappuccino or fresh juice is 8-12 BRL.

One of the best ways to eat in Rio is to find a restaurant por kilo , which lets you pay for your meal by weight (so skip the super-thick steak). It generally costs around 70-90 BRL per kilo, with prices varying depending on the time of day and day of the week (nights and weekends are more expensive). Restaurante Temperarte near Copacabana is a great option for trying this.

Grocery shopping is very cheap, costing about 100-145 BRL per week for bread, meat, veggies, and other basics. You’ll just need to make sure you book accommodation with a kitchen.

Backpacking Rio de Janeiro Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Rio de Janeiro, expect to spend about 215 BRL per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, cooking some of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like enjoying the beach.

On a mid-range budget of about 470 BRL per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for all your meals at cheap local restaurants, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities like visiting the zoo and attending a soccer game.

On a “luxury” budget of about 825 BRL per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, take taxis everywhere, and enjoy all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

If you’re coming during Carnival time, expect prices for accommodations and activities to increase significantly (sometimes quadruple) — especially if you’re booking last minute.

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in BRL.

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Rio has lots of free activities and attractions to enjoy, like beaches and hiking trails. While food and accommodation aren’t cheap, there are ways to keep your costs down. Here are some ways to save money in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Eat por kilo – As with elsewhere in Brazil, restaurants that have you pay by the kilo for your food is a good deal. Look out for these cheap options.
  • Visit the market – If you’re staying at a hostel with kitchen facilities, it’s a good idea to stock up on food at the market and eat like the locals.
  • Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to meet locals and save money.
  • Go to free museum days – Almost all the museums in Rio have a free day to visit each week. Check their website for details!
  • Take a free walking tour – There are many excellent free walking tours in Rio, including Free Walker Tours and Rio By Foot. They’re the best way to see the main sights on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
  • Avoid Carnival time – As exciting as Carnival is, visiting Rio any other time of the year is just as magical and saves you lots of money.
  • Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a sprawling city. When you’re researching your hostel, make sure you find a neighborhood that fits your needs, whether you want to stay in the city center or somewhere near the beach. Otherwise, you’ll be spending a lot of money on taxis and sitting in the city’s terrible traffic. Here are my suggested places to stay:

  • Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro
  • Mango Tree Hostel Ipanema
  • CabanaCopa Hostel

For more suggestions, check out this post on the best hostels in Rio .

How to Get Around Rio de Janeiro

People walking down a palm tree-lined street with a yellow taxi going by along the beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Public Transportation – Rio’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) has quick and reliable routes in Copacabana, Barra, Ipanema, and Leblon. Fares cost from 3.80 BRL per trip. You’ll have to flag down a bus by waving at the driver. Otherwise, the Metrô Na Superfície shuttle passengers between metro stations, but they’re often very crowded. The bus is also not always the safest method of travel, so exercise caution here, and don’t use them at night.

Rio de Janeiro has three very efficient subway lines. Line 1 runs between Ipanema to the North Zone, while Line 2 runs between Botafogo and Pavuna (with Maracanã football stadium on the way). Line 3 runs between Ipanema and the Barra de Tijuca. You can get a prepaid card (called RioCard+Mais) at any kiosk for 4 BRL. A single metro ride costs 5 BRL.

For solo female travelers, note that there are women-only metro cars (marked in pink) during peak rush hours (6am-9am, 5-8pm, on weekdays).

The only remaining tram line in Rio is the famous Santa Teresa line, which runs from the tram station in Centro and travels across the Lapa Arches, Ruinas Park, and then turns around at Largo do Guimarães. A return ticket is 20 BRL.

Bicycle – Rio has tons of bike paths along its main beach areas. Unfortunately, only Brazilian citizens and residents with a CPF number can use the bike sharing system, though you can also rent bikes from a local shop for about 150 BRL per day to navigate the paths between Copacabana and Ipanema.

Ferry – You can take a ferry to visit several of Rio’s highlights, like Ilha Fiscal, Ilha de Paquetá, and Niterói. Ticket prices are generally 12-15 BRL round-trip.

Taxis – Taxis start at 6 BRL and cost an additional 2.65 BRL per kilometer. This rate increases to 3 BRL per kilometer at night and on Sundays. A ride around town generally costs 10-50 BRL. Use the 99 app (formerly 99Taxis) to get a safe, metered taxi.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Rio de Janeiro and usually costs around the same a taxi.

When to Go to Rio de Janeiro

December to March is when Rio is at its warmest and sunniest. There isn’t much rain during these months, and temperatures tend to be around 32°C (90°F) and higher each day.

Autumn (April-May) and spring (October-November) offer slightly cooler temperatures, usually in the mid-20s°C (low 80s°F). Although Rio is busy year-round, you’ll avoid a lot of peak tourism madness by visiting during these months.

During February’s Carnival, prices skyrocket, and accommodation sells out very quickly. You should consider booking your travel at least six months (and up to a year) before Carnival time to snag the best deals and places to stay.

How to Stay Safe in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has a lot of crime and is not the safest city in the world. Violent attacks can occur, however, your biggest concern here is petty crime — especially after nightfall around popular tourist destinations.

Don’t walk alone at night. Instead, take taxis. Have your accommodation call one for you so you can be sure you get a reputable driver.

When withdrawing money, make sure you go inside a bank so that you can put your cash away without the risk of getting robbed.

Don’t flash your valuables and always make sure your possessions are secure and out of reach (especially your phone and wallet).

Never accept drinks from strangers and don’t leave anything unattended at the beach.

Unless you’re on a guided tour, avoid the favelas. The favelas are where the highest rate of crime occurs in the city, and you shouldn’t be exploring there on your own.

Carjacking and break-ins are common so avoid renting a car here.

Solo female travelers will want to exercise caution here. Travel with groups where you can and avoid getting too far off the beaten path if you’re alone.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 190 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Brazil and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro

The 6 Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro

Is Brazil Safe to Visit?

Is Brazil Safe to Visit?

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Tourism Teacher

Tourism in Rio De Janeiro

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Tourism in Rio De Janeiro is big business, but what? And what are the most important things that we should know about tourism here? Read on to find out!

The geography of Rio De Janeiro 

Rio de janeiro’s tourism industry, key statistics about tourism in rio de janeiro , popular tourist attractions in rio de janeiro , popular types of tourism in rio de janeiro , economic impacts of tourism in rio de janeiro, social impacts of tourism in rio de janeiro , environmental impacts of tourism in rio de janeiro , crime and safety in rio de janeiro , faqs about tourism in rio de janeiro , to conclude- tourism in rio de janeiro.

Nestled between towering mountains and the vast Atlantic, Rio de Janeiro stands as a vibrant fusion of cultural dynamism and natural splendour. Renowned for its iconic landmarks, from the statue of Christ the Redeemer to the bustling Copacabana beach, this city represents the heart of Brazilian tourism. This article offers a succinct and comprehensive examination of Rio’s touristic highlights, appealing to both first-time visitors and experienced travellers.

Tourism in Rio De Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a city located in the southeastern region of Brazil, and it is the second most populous city in the country after São Paulo. The city is situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is known for its natural beauty, including its beaches, mountains, and forests.

The city is divided into several distinct regions, including the historic downtown area, known as Centro, which is home to many colonial-era buildings and landmarks such as the Municipal Theatre, the National Library, and the Candelária Church. Another notable region is the South Zone, which includes the famous beach neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, as well as the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, located atop the Corcovado mountain.

To the west of the city lies the Tijuca Forest, which is one of the largest urban forests in the world, and features a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest is also home to several attractions, including the Parque Lage, the Tijuca National Park, and the Vista Chinesa lookout point.

Rio de Janeiro is also known for its bay, Guanabara Bay, which is the largest bay in Brazil and features several islands, such as the Governor’s Island and the Paquetá Island. The bay is surrounded by mountains and provides a stunning backdrop for the city.

Overall, Rio de Janeiro’s geography is diverse and offers visitors a wide range of natural and cultural attractions to explore

Tourism in Rio De Janeiro

The tourism industry in Rio de Janeiro is a major contributor to the city’s economy, providing jobs and generating revenue for local businesses. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Brazil, and attracts millions of visitors each year from around the world.

Rio de Janeiro’s tourism industry is largely centered around its natural beauty, including its beaches, mountains, forests, and bay. The city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, are also major draws for tourists.

In addition to its natural attractions, Rio de Janeiro is also known for its vibrant culture, including its music, dance, and cuisine. The city is home to several museums, theaters, and festivals that celebrate Brazilian art and culture, and its nightlife is renowned for its energy and diversity.

The tourism industry in Rio de Janeiro is supported by a range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and transportation services. The city’s government has also invested in infrastructure and marketing campaigns to attract more visitors and improve the overall tourism experience.

Overall, the tourism industry in Rio de Janeiro plays a vital role in the city’s economy and cultural identity, and continues to evolve and expand to meet the needs and interests of travelers from around the world

Now that we know a little bit more about tourism in Rio De Janeiro, lets take a look at some of the key statistics about the tourism industry here:

  • Rio de Janeiro is the second most visited city in Brazil, after São Paulo.
  • In 2019, Rio de Janeiro received over 2.8 million international visitors.
  • Tourism contributes over 9% to the city’s GDP.
  • The city has over 1,000 hotels, with a total of more than 60,000 rooms.
  • The average length of stay for international visitors in Rio de Janeiro is 6.5 days.
  • In 2019, the city hosted over 2,200 events, including conferences, exhibitions, and festivals.
  • The top five source countries for international visitors to Rio de Janeiro are Argentina, the United States, Chile, France, and Uruguay.
  • The tourism industry in Rio de Janeiro employs over 300,000 people.
  • The most visited attractions in Rio de Janeiro are Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
  • In 2019, the tourism industry in Rio de Janeiro generated over $6 billion in revenue.

Rio de Janeiro is home to many popular tourist attractions, including:

  • Christ the Redeemer: This iconic statue stands at the top of Corcovado Mountain and offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
  • Sugarloaf Mountain: This granite peak rises 396 meters above Guanabara Bay and provides another excellent viewpoint of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Copacabana Beach: One of the world’s most famous beaches, Copacabana is known for its wide stretch of sand, lively atmosphere, and numerous bars and restaurants.
  • Ipanema Beach: Another popular beach, Ipanema is known for its upscale vibe and gorgeous views of the sunset.
  • Lapa Steps: Also known as the Selarón Steps, this colorful staircase was created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón and features over 2000 tiles from around the world.
  • Tijuca National Park: This urban park covers over 3,000 hectares and is home to many hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
  • Maracanã Stadium: One of the world’s largest football stadiums, Maracanã has hosted many historic matches and events.
  • Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden: This 140-hectare garden features over 6,000 species of plants and is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • The Museum of Tomorrow: This modern science museum explores the future of humanity and the planet through interactive exhibits and displays.
  • Samba City: This complex of warehouses is where Rio’s top samba schools create and store their costumes and floats for the annual Carnival parade. It is open for visitors year-round.

Tourism in Rio De Janeiro

There are many different types of tourism that occur in Rio De Janeiro. Here are some of the most common:

  • Beach tourism: Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, which attract visitors from around the world.
  • Cultural tourism: Rio de Janeiro is rich in history and culture, with many museums, galleries, and historic sites to explore.
  • Nature tourism: The city is home to many natural attractions, including Tijuca National Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the beautiful botanical gardens.
  • Sports tourism: Rio de Janeiro has a strong sporting culture and hosts major events such as the Rio Carnival, the Rio Open tennis tournament, and the Rio Half Marathon.
  • Adventure tourism: The city offers many opportunities for adventure tourism, such as hang gliding, rock climbing, and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
  • Food tourism: Brazilian cuisine is a fusion of different cultures, and Rio de Janeiro has a vibrant food scene, with many traditional and contemporary restaurants to explore.
  • Nightlife tourism: Rio de Janeiro is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues offering a range of entertainment options.
  • Shopping tourism: The city has many shopping options, from street markets and independent boutiques to large malls and luxury shopping centers.
  • Medical tourism: Brazil is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for medical tourism, and Rio de Janeiro has many excellent hospitals and clinics offering a range of medical treatments.
  • Ecotourism: With its many natural parks, beaches, and islands, Rio de Janeiro offers many opportunities for ecotourism, including birdwatching, whale watching, and exploring the Atlantic Forest ecosystem.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the economy of Rio de Janeiro, generating jobs and income for the city and the wider region. Here are some of the economic impacts of tourism in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Employment: The tourism industry is a major employer in Rio de Janeiro, creating jobs in a variety of sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, and entertainment.
  • Revenue: Tourism generates significant revenue for the city, through taxes, fees, and other charges on tourism-related activities and services.
  • Investment: Tourism attracts investment in infrastructure, including hotels, transportation, and other facilities, which supports economic growth and development.
  • Trade: Tourism generates trade opportunities, as visitors purchase local goods and services, supporting local businesses and industries.
  • Regional development: Tourism can support the development of regional economies, by providing a market for local products and services, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Economic diversification: Tourism can contribute to economic diversification, by creating new opportunities in sectors beyond traditional industries such as manufacturing and finance.
  • Foreign exchange: Tourism generates foreign exchange earnings, as visitors spend money in the local economy, which can help to strengthen the national economy and support currency stability.

Tourism plays an important role in the economy of Rio de Janeiro, contributing to employment, revenue, investment, and regional development, and supporting economic growth and diversification

Tourism in Rio De Janeiro

Tourism can have a range of social impacts on the city of Rio de Janeiro and its communities. Here are some of the social impacts of tourism in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Cultural exchange: Tourism in Rio De Janeiro can facilitate cultural exchange between visitors and local residents, providing opportunities for learning and understanding of different cultures.
  • Employment opportunities: Tourism can create employment opportunities for local residents, particularly in the hospitality and service sectors.
  • Poverty reduction: Tourism can contribute to poverty reduction, by creating jobs and generating income for local communities.
  • Infrastructure development: Tourism in Rio De Janeiro can support the development of infrastructure in local communities, by attracting investment in public facilities such as transportation, health care, and education.
  • Social tension: Tourism can sometimes cause social tension between visitors and local residents, particularly if there are cultural or economic differences between the two groups.
  • Gentrification: Tourism can contribute to gentrification, by increasing demand for housing and other amenities, and driving up prices, which can displace local residents.
  • Environmental degradation: Tourism can have negative environmental impacts, such as pollution and habitat destruction, which can impact the quality of life for local residents.

The social impacts of tourism in Rio de Janeiro are complex and varied, with both positive and negative effects on the city and its communities. It is important for tourism to be managed in a way that balances the economic benefits of the industry with the social and environmental impacts.

Tourism can have significant environmental impacts in Rio de Janeiro, particularly as the city is located in a region of high biodiversity and natural beauty. Here are some of the environmental impacts of tourism in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Habitat destruction: Tourism development can lead to the destruction of natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands, which can impact biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • Pollution: Tourism in Rio De Janeiro can contribute to pollution of air, water, and soil, particularly if there is inadequate waste management and sewage treatment infrastructure.
  • Resource depletion: Tourism can place pressure on natural resources, such as water and energy, particularly in areas of high demand such as hotels and resorts.
  • Climate change: Tourism in Rio De Janeiro can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through air and road transport, which can contribute to climate change and impact the environment.
  • Biodiversity loss: Tourism can contribute to biodiversity loss, through habitat destruction, fragmentation, and overexploitation of natural resources, such as wildlife and flora.
  • Natural hazards: Tourism can expose visitors and local residents to natural hazards, such as hurricanes and floods, particularly in coastal areas.

The environmental impacts of tourism in Rio de Janeiro can be significant and have long-term effects on the natural environment and local communities. It is important for tourism to be managed in a sustainable way, which takes into account the environmental impacts and seeks to minimize them through best practices and innovative solutions.

Rio de Janeiro has a reputation for high levels of crime, particularly violent crime. However, it is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly depending on the location and time of day. Here are some key points to consider regarding crime and safety in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Violent crime: Rio de Janeiro has a high level of violent crime, particularly in certain neighborhoods and favelas. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid high-risk areas.
  • Street crime: Street crime, such as theft and robbery, is common in tourist areas, particularly at night. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect their belongings.
  • Scams: Scams targeting tourists are common in Rio de Janeiro, particularly around popular attractions and areas with high tourist traffic. Visitors should be cautious of anyone offering unsolicited services or deals.
  • Transportation safety: Public transportation in Rio de Janeiro can be unsafe, particularly at night. Visitors should take licensed taxis or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
  • Beach safety: Rio de Janeiro’s beaches can be crowded and have strong currents. Visitors should only swim in designated areas and follow safety guidelines.
  • Police presence: There is a significant police presence in Rio de Janeiro, particularly in high-tourist areas. Visitors should cooperate with police and follow their instructions.
  • Emergency services: In case of an emergency, visitors can call the emergency number 190 for police, 192 for ambulance services, and 193 for the fire department.

Overall, visitors to Rio de Janeiro should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. By taking appropriate safety measures and being mindful of potential risks, visitors can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to this vibrant and culturally-rich city.

Tourism in Rio De Janeiro

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Rio De Janeiro, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:

What are the most popular tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro?

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro include Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Tijuca Forest, and the Sambadrome.

When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during the summer months from December to February when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

What is the local currency in Rio de Janeiro?

The local currency in Rio de Janeiro is the Brazilian Real (BRL).

Is Rio de Janeiro a safe city for tourists?

Rio de Janeiro can be safe for tourists as long as certain precautions are taken, such as avoiding certain areas at night, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of pickpocketing.

What is the main language spoken in Rio de Janeiro?

The main language spoken in Rio de Janeiro is Portuguese, but English and Spanish are also widely spoken in tourist areas.

Do I need a visa to visit Rio de Janeiro?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of some countries are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Brazil, while citizens of others can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

What is the transportation system like in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trains. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also widely available.

What is the nightlife like in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. The Lapa neighborhood is particularly famous for its lively nightlife.

What is the food like in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, with influences from African, European, and Indigenous cultures. Popular dishes include feijoada, churrasco, and seafood.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro offers many outdoor activities, including hiking in Tijuca Forest, surfing at the beaches, hang gliding over the city, and taking a boat tour of Guanabara Bay.

Rio de Janeiro, with its iconic landmarks and vibrant cultural landscape, is an integral epicentre of Brazilian tourism. As the city’s tourism dynamics evolve, a judicious balance between development and preservation is essential. Stakeholders and tourists alike are tasked with the responsibility of sustaining Rio’s rich heritage while accommodating modern growth.

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Ginga Tropical - Brazilian Samba and Folklore Show

Duration: 1.5 hours (approx.) Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

On this 1.5-hour live show, discover the Brazilian culture through dance at Leblon theatre, Rio de Janeiro. At the end of the show, you can dance, samba with the artists.

tourism rio de janeiro

Sugarloaf Cable Car Ticket

Duration: 2 hours (approx.) Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With this tour, ride the cable car at Praia Vermelha station and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains, the Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer; Guanabara Bay...

tourism rio de janeiro

The Best of Rio in a Full Day Tour

Duration: 8 hours (approx.) Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This is a full day tour of the city of Rio de Janeiro covering its most famous landmarks. Travel through Tijuca Forest with a professional guide. Head to the top of Corcovado, then ride a cable car to reach at Sugar Loaf Mountain...

tourism rio de janeiro

Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket

Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado) is Brazil's most iconic landmark and a trip to Rio is not complete without visiting it! Pre-purchase your skip the line admission ticket and jump on the next available train up to the statue.

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How To Spend 48 Hours & $480 On A Trip To Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

How To Spend 48 Hours & $480 On A Trip To Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Including Instagrammable views and beach club lounging.

On my last day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , I found out six different people changed their flights to stay just a little bit longer. I (somehow) stopped myself from doing the same — mostly because my credit card bill couldn’t take the hit of a flight change. But it was hard not to give in: Rio has beautiful views, iconic landmarks, and stunning beaches. Who wouldn’t want to stay for just one more night?

Rio embraces a see-it-all-do-it-all spirit that was as demanding as it was invigorating. Coming from the hustle of New York City, I didn’t think any place could tire me out, but Rio was a new kind of challenge. Everyone is so *busy*, but they’re more motivated by the prospect of living life to the fullest — not by working their way to the top (hi, NYC!).

With that in mind, if you have only 48 hours in Rio, you should adopt that same mentality. Even then, you still might want to extend your trip just one more day. For my time there, the Fairmont Rio hosted me, so they ensured I experienced the must-see sites, tried the best foods (and quite a few cocktails), and still had time to chill by the pool; an infinity pool that has unbelievable views, BTW.

Hannah Kerns in the infinity pool at the Fairmont in Rio.

Although it’s much easier to hit everything when a luxury hotel is hosting you, you can still visit the city on a budget. Here’s how to make a 48-hour trip to Rio one you’ll want to relive again and again:

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

3 p.m.: Arrive at Galeão International Airport

Although there are obviously benefits to taking a red-eye flight, I’d suggest getting into Rio around 3 in the afternoon to make it a bit easier to beat the jet lag. (Plus, an afternoon arrival means you shouldn’t have to wait to check in at your hotel.)

The ride from the airport to my accommodations in Copacabana took about an hour (the traffic was *real*). Once I finally got in my room, a post-flight shower was absolutely necessary, but I’d recommend not taking too long to refresh yourself — you won’t want to miss the sunset.

Uber to accommodations: ~$20

5 p.m.: Head to Sugarloaf Mountain for cocktails

Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Since the traffic in Rio is unavoidable, especially at rush hour, and you have to take two cable cars to get to the top of Sugarloaf, give yourself an hour or so to reach the peak.

Once you reach the top of the mountain, grab a table at Classico Beach Club Urca . The restaurant has some of the best views of Rio, especially as the sun goes down. It makes a great backdrop for a mini sunset photoshoot for Instagram.

Come for the views, but stay for the menu. The restaurant has a solid offering of fresh fish dishes that you may appreciate as an appetizer. If you drink alcohol, a caipirinha (the quintessential Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar) is a must-try.

Sugarloaf tickets: $30 ($50 to skip the line in VIP)

Food/drinks: $35

7:30 p.m.: Head back to Copacabana

After a long day of traveling, grabbing dinner closer to your accommodations is for the best IMHO. Marine Resto , the poolside restaurant at the Fairmont Rio, is a great choice for authentic Brazilian cuisine and an elevated vibe. It was one of my go-tos throughout my trip, and I’m still dreaming about the shrimp risotto.

You can’t go wrong with steak, either. (You are in Brazil, after all!) If you’re with a group, think about splitting the $140 blowtorched tomahawk for dinner and a show — they literally blowtorch it in front of you. Yes, it’s on the pricy side, but divvying it up two or three ways is sooo worth it.

Dinner: $40

DAY 1 TOTAL: $135

8:00 a.m.: check out christ the redeemer.

The area around the famed statue opens at 8:00 a.m., so it’s a good idea to head over there first thing in the morning. There are several different tours you can book (most cost around $40 and include bus transportation there and back), or your hotel might be able to set it up for you, depending on where you are staying.

Hannah Kerns at Christ the Redeemer

When you visit, check out the chapel in the bottom of the statue. While we were there, we were treated to a service, where they explained some of the monument’s history. Fun fact: In the original design, the Christ figure was holding a globe in one hand, but they eventually scrapped the idea because they thought people would think he was holding a soccer ball.

10:00 a.m.: Walk in Santa Teresa

The MGallery hotel in Santa Teresa has an incredible restaurant called Térèze , where we went for breakfast after Christ the Redeemer. There were so many food options to choose from, including fresh pineapple, mango, and pitaya. I highly recommend the pão de queijo, which is a Brazilian cheese bread.

Afterward, we walked around Santa Teresa. There are plenty of cute shops and cafés in this neighborhood. Plus, there is a ton of street art on buildings and even lamp posts to discover and admire. Keep walking until you get to the famous Selarón Steps, made by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.

Selaron's Stairs (Escadaria Selarón)

FYI, it gets very hot in Rio, especially during the city’s summer months (December-March), so you’ll definitely want to pack a bottle of water or two for the walk.

Breakfast: $25

1:00 p.m.: Enjoy a beach day

Copacabana Beach is famous for a reason. To enjoy it to its fullest, check out Fairmont’s Tropik beach club. You can eat and drink at the restaurant space there, and they have a set of beach chairs available for lounging.

Once you wrap up lunch, take a dip in the ocean, rent a paddle board ($10), or walk along the beach for some people-watching. There are plenty of coconut stands on the sand, and a fresh one is the perfect way to revive yourself in time for dinner (and recover from the caipirinhas from the night before).

A coconut at Copacabana beach

Note: If you do choose to have a day at Copacabana Beach, leave your valuables in your room or place them in lockers if your beach club offers them, as pickpocketing is an issue around this area in Rio .

If you’d prefer to hang out at a less touristy spot, check out Barra da Tijuca Beach. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Copacabana, so you’ll need to a lot more travel time (and Uber money).

Coconut: ~$5

6:00 p.m.: Shop and dine in Ipanema

Before you head to dinner, you’ll want to refresh at wherever you’re staying, then set out to Ipanema, another popular neighborhood nearby, for some shopping and dinner.

On a nice night, you could choose to take the 15-minute walk from Copacabana to Ipanema. (If that’s your vibe, it’s definitely best to walk with a group, keep your purse in front of you, and leave expensive items at your hotel, similarly to how you’d tackle your beach day.) You may be able watch the sunset from Ipanema Beach before heading into town.

tourism rio de janeiro

After the sun goes down, walk around Ipanema and check out the stores, including Havaianas , the iconically durable (and comfy!) flip-flop made in Brazil and worn by the likes of J.Lo, Kaia Gerber, and Kendall Jenner. FARM Rio is another popular Brazilian brand. With gorgeous designs full of bring colors, this is a great place to check out if you’re willing to spend a little more on souvenirs.

Later, head to Toto for dinner. It’s a reliable spot for high-quality food that isn’t too expensive, and the menu has some standout items like gyoza dumplings with rib meat and fresh pappardelle with ragu. Once you wrap up, grab a drink at a local bar like Etta Bar or Heilige Pocket Ipanema Rio de Janeiro. Then, Uber back to your lodging.

Shopping: $40

Dinner: $50

Drinks: $15

DAY 2 TOTAL: $225

9:00 a.m.: have breakfast at café 18 do forte.

For your last day in Rio, head to Café 18 do Forte in Copacabana for breakfast and beach views. Bring a friend and get the two-person deal ($15 per person), which includes food like bread, butter, eggs, bacon, yogurt, and granola. The deal includes two hot beverages like a cappuccino or macchiato.

11:00 a.m.: Check out the Hippie Fair Ipanema

The Hippie Fair Ipanema happens every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Head there next if you want to do some last-minute shopping. With artist stalls, food vendors, and plenty of souvenirs for sale, this market is a must-do before you leave Rio — particularly if you want to bring home gifts for people.

The market’s pretty affordable, too. A Brazil tank top (similar to this one from Edikted ) costs about $7, while a feather crown, perfect for channeling Carnaval, can cost anywhere between $25 to $50.

Shopping: $35

12:00 p.m.: Grab lunch at Sel d’Ipanema Beach Club

While in Ipanema, head to the beach for lunch at the Sel d’Ipanema Beach Club . Try any of the crudo dishes ($15), the guacamole ($11), or the chicken wings ($13). On the beach, nothing hits better than a bottle of Corona with lime ($4).

tourism rio de janeiro

Hang out by the shore as long as you can to soak up the sun, and then Uber back to the hotel to clean up, pack your things, and head to the airport.

3:00 p.m.: Head back to the airport

Give yourself plenty of time for the drive to the airport — expect traffic delays and intimidating security lines. It also might take a bit to navigate the Rio airport if you don’t know any Portuguese, so build some time into your schedule for confusion.

DAY 3 TOTAL: $120

Total: $480.

It’s honestly a bit surreal how much you can do in Rio for under $500 — and this itinerary still hits all of the must-sees. Of course, if you do want to extend your time in Rio a bit longer, you can have more chill time *and* fit in a few more activities. Soccer is huge in Rio (the city actually boasts the largest soccer stadium in the world), so make time to watch a game if you can.

A sunset cruise would also be well worth the Dramamine, and the views of Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer from the water are peak photography. (Rumor has it that’s how Taylor Swift took in the sites of Rio when she visited the city on her Eras Tour.)

tourism rio de janeiro

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International inbound tourism volume in Rio de Janeiro 2016-2021

The role of rio de janeiro in the brazilian tourism sector, accommodation industry in the state’s capital, number of international tourist arrivals in the state of rio de janeiro, brazil from 2016 to 2021 (in 1,000s).

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December 2022

Brazil, Central and South America

2016 to 2021

including tourist arrivals by air, land, and water

Data prior to 2019 was retrieved from previous reports. Figures were rounded.

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

  • Inbound tourism volume in Brazilian states 2021
  • Inbound tourism volume in Brazil 2010-2021
  • Share of total tourism contribution to GDP in Latin American countries 2022
  • Favorite international destinations in Brazil 2023

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  • Average trips by Brazilian travelers 2023, by economic level
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  • Domestic rail travelers in Brazil 2010-2021
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Global News

Pgfa highlight | prof. juliano saccomani brings uchicago portuguese students to rio de janeiro through virtual reality.

Prof. Juliano Saccomani takes footage of the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) in Rio de Janeiro

Professor Juliano Saccomani was born to an Italian-Brazilian family in São Paulo, Brazil. Having grown up around different languages and cultures, he decided to teach languages and culture professionally with the aim of helping students gain insights into the diverse realities around the world. He began teaching Portuguese and Spanish at the University of Chicago in 2020 and is the editor-in-chief of the UChicago magazine Revista Væranda . 

Professor Saccomani looks for ways to bring authentic experiences with language and culture into the classroom by means of online videos, podcasts, video games, etc. He is currently working on a project to develop virtual-reality-enabled materials to be used in Portuguese and Spanish classes at UChicago. 

Students in a classroom wearing VR headsets and pointing

With the support of the Provost's Global Faculty Awards in 2022-23, Professor Saccomani established an international network of language educators focused on incorporating VR into language learning and organized an academic summit held at University Federal Fluminense titled “Semana de Estudos Turismo e Educação,” in which professors, graduate students, and the general community were able to talk about topics such as ‘tourism’ and ‘education’ in a global city such Rio de Janeiro. He also conducted an initial round of content creation in Rio de Janeiro, capturing approximately 60 minutes of raw cultural 360-video material and pictures, which led to the development and approval of a new Portuguese language course to be offered at UChicago in Spring of 2025. (Read more about the project.)

Professor Saccomani received the Janel M. Mueller Award for Excellence in Pedagogy by the Division of the Humanities in 2023, and is currently working to develop new institutional partners in Spanish-speaking Latin America to extend similar support for Spanish language courses at UChicago.

Learn more about the Provost's Global Faculty Awards

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The Associated Press

Never mind the mess, Carnival kicks off in Rio de Janeiro with coronation of King Momo

R IO DE JANEIRO (AP) — To thunderous applause, Rio de Janeiro's mayor coronated King Momo on Friday, marking the beginning of the symbolic Carnival monarch's five-day reign over the revelry.

“I officially declare Carnival 2024 open!” King Momo said after Mayor Eduardo Paes bestowed upon him a gigantic, silver and gold key. Confetti flew in a hall of the Palace of the City in the Botafogo neighborhood where the ceremony took place.

Looking on were the usual suspects of Rio’s Carnival scene: revelers dressed as folkloric characters, jaguars and ‘bate-bolas’ – exuberant clowns in identical, elaborate outfits who travel in packs. Festivities will last through to Feb 14.

Nowhere to be seen were the troubles recently ailing the tropical city: a dengue outbreak that days ago prompted the decree of public health emergency; a federal decree to combat a rise in violence by militias and drug-traffickers. Indeed, Carnival is a chance for people to temporarily put aside their troubles.

“Carnival is everyone’s passion here,” said Marcio Perrotta, who was carrying on a stick a huge, fake ox’s head, its horns decorated with flowers. “I’m happy to be part of this moment, because in normal life things are very hard for everyone.”

Paes on Thursday issued a decree making the key ceremony an annual official event, obliging his successors to participate. In 2017, former Mayor Marcelo Crivella broke with tradition and did not hand over the key.

Momo, played this year by Caio Cesar Dutra, is charged with “presiding over Carnival festivities, participating in the parades and costume competitions, and promoting the joy of partygoers,” City Hall said in its official gazette on Friday.

Brazil’s tourism minister Celso Sabino, also present at the ceremony, said 49 million people across Brazil will take part in festivities, 6.5% more than last year.

Around 200,000 foreigners are set to pour into the country and many of them - scantily dressed and covered in glitter - will join the street parties that occupy and dominate public spaces across Rio, Sao Paulo and other cities.

On Friday morning, the Carmelitas street party was already underway in Rio's bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood.

Leonardo Xavier, 20, was kitted out as a blue-chested Smurf. “We needed a quick costume that we could make in the subway. I said – let’s go as Smurfs! Just buy the paint, paint yourself, white shorts, all done!”

For others, the highlight will be the samba schools’ parades in Rio’s Sambadrome, which was designed by modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated 40 years ago this year.

The samba schools spend much of the year preparing gigantic floats and churning out elaborate costumes to enact a parade before millions of spectators - both present and watching live on television. A set of judges dish out scores and decide on the champion of the fierce competition.

Parade themes have become increasingly political in recent years, according to Fatima Lima, a professor in the scenic arts department of the State University of Santa Catarina.

“Since 2016, the plots have dialogued with concrete Brazilian politics, criticizing both the state and society,” Lima said, pointing to a recent parade that told the story of Black city councilwoman Marielle Franco’s assassination. In 2020, samba school Sao Clemente depicted former president Jair Bolsonaro using satire. This year, a Black family’s fight for reparations will be showcased as demands for fuller atonement for slavery and its legacy rise.

Authorities will distribute repellent in the Sambadrome this year, as Brazil faces a surge in dengue cases. Earlier this week, Rio declared a public health emergency . At least four states — Acre, Minas Gerais and Goias, in addition to the Federal District – have done the same.

Dengue is not the only issue: crime tends to increase during Carnival. Rio state’s civil police will deploy an extra 3,300 officers and set up a temporary police station at the Sambadrome.

The city is already under a Guarantee of Law and Order decree, with federal troops deployed at ports and airports to impede the circulation of drugs after a surge in violence by militias and drug-traffickers.

The navy was monitoring arrivals in Rio’s downtown port on Jan. 31, an impact of the decree signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in November that expanded the armed forces’ activities. Tourists stepping off a cruise ship coming from Argentina were greeted by the sounds of samba and the soon-to-be-crowned King Momo — before having their bags scoured.

“We see pre-Carnival as a sensitive period because we end up having a high consumption (of drugs) during this time,” said Federal Police delegate Jackson Rosales, as sniffer dogs inspected tourists’ luggage.

There were also concerns about security during blocos once the sun has gone down. A reveler in Rio was stabbed at dusk in January, when pre-Carnival festivities were already underway. He received treatment at a nearby hospital and was later discharged.

In the days preceding the event, videos of Carnival experts’ top tips to enjoy the festivities flood social media. Oft-repeated recommendations include leaving cellphones behind, avoiding costumes that complicate toilet trips and staying away from exes.

Back in Botafogo, tourism minister Sabino wished everyone a Carnival “full of joy, lots of happiness, but also full of responsibility.”

“Long live Carnival!” he added.

Carnival King Momo, Caio Cesar Dutra, holds the keys of the city he received from Mayor Eduardo Paes at a ceremony that officially kicks off Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. 17 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Full Day in Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Maracana and Selaron with Lunch. (2256 reviews) from $ 83.00. The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill.

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    Rio de Janeiro is a thriving, multicultural city and this is especially evident in its distinct and unique neighborhoods. Here's our picks of the best. Read article. Day Trips. See the wilderness-backed beaches, ancient sites and smaller-scale cities of Rio de Janeiro state on these top day trips from Rio de Janeiro.

  3. 19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

    Address: Rua da Carioca, Rio de Janeiro. 13. Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater) Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater) The grand Municipal Theater, built in the early 20th century, was inspired by the Paris Opera of Charles Garnier, and its interior is even more ornate and luxurious than the dramatic towered façade.

  4. Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

    2023. 2. Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer. 65,662. Points of Interest & Landmarks. At the top of the wonderful city is the Cristo Redentor Sanctuary, the main postcard of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. The monument to Christ the Redeemer is the largest and most famous Art Deco sculpture in the world.

  5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    An urban metropolis with the back-tempo of a samba sway. With its plentiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and backdrop of samba and bossa nova rhythms, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro. Made famous in song, Ipanema Beach is still the place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the ...

  6. 15 Top Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro (+Map)

    12. Barra da Tijuca Beach. This beautiful beach, which is the longest in Rio de Janeiro, boasts clean white sand and tends to be less crowded and attracts fewer tourists than Ipanema and Copacabana. Barra da Tijuca Beach is, in fact, where the locals choose to go when they head to the beach.

  7. 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro • I Heart Brazil

    Hike the Dois Irmãos Hill for unique views of Rio. Seen from Ipanema Beach, Morro Dois Irmãos (English: Two Brothers Hill) is one of the city's postcards. This hill is an incredible place to visit in Rio de Janeiro because you have not only unmissable photo ops but also breathtaking views from the lookouts.

  8. Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

    Rio de Janeiro has embraced a serious lust for life with which the city's inhabitants celebrate their days, making it a dynamic place to visit, no matter how you like to spend your time.. While large-scale festivities such as Carnaval make Rio famous, there are countless occasions for revelry: Saturdays at Ipanema Beach, festas (parties) in Lapa, football at Maracanã, and impromptu rodas de ...

  9. Must-see attractions in Rio de Janeiro

    Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. Rio de Janeiro. Built in the Portuguese Manueline style in 1837, the gorgeous Portuguese Reading Room houses more than 350,000 works, many dating from the 16th, 17th and…

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    Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. 1. Museum of Tomorrow. What is it? One of the 2016 Olympics' most successful legacies, this groundbreaking science museum poses the big questions about the ...

  11. 18 Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro You Need to Visit

    16. Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea) Okay, this museum is technically not in the city, but in Niterói. Nevertheless, it is a must-see tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro State. Just across the Guanabara Bay, this UFO-shaped museum is 52ft (16m) tall and has a diameter of 164ft round (50m).

  12. Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

    Note: Rio de Janeiro isn't without its share of problems, although most violent crime occurs on the outskirts of the tourist areas. In general, low-income urban areas, known as favelas , should be ...

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    On it, you will also get to see the well-loved Metropolitan Cathedral and Copacabana Beach and cruise around downtown past some of the city's most spectacular landmarks like The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. 2. Visit the Selarón Steps. The Selaron Steps in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

  14. Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

    Rio de Janeiro state. It's easy to get out of Rio city, something you'll probably want to do at some stage during your stay. The easiest trips are by ferry just across the bay to the Ilha de Paquetá - a car-free zone popular with locals - or to Niterói, whose Museu de Arte Contemporânea has become an essential sight for visitors to Rio.. After that, the choice is a simple one ...

  15. Welcome

    Events calendar, tourist information, where to stay and where to eat in Rio de Janeiro. Visit.Rio! ... RIOTUR - CITY OF RIO DE JANEIRO TOURISM AUTHORITY. Presidente Ronnie Aguiar Costa. x. downloads. Send by email.

  16. Rio de Janeiro

    Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil, on the South Atlantic coast.Rio is famous for its breathtaking landscape, its laid-back beach culture and its annual carnival. The "Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea" has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.. The harbour of Rio de Janeiro is comprised of a unique entry from the ocean that makes it appear as the ...

  17. Tourist and Traveler's Guide to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    While in Rio. Given Rio's gifted landscape, with mountains, beaches, the lake and forests, cariocas and visitors are an active bunch. Ruled by the sun, Rio de Janeiro offers much more than the beaches, the Sugar Loaf and the Statue of the Christ. Jogging, hiking, cycling and other active sports can all be a big part of your time.

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    Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Rio de Janeiro caters to every type of tourist and budget, popular with backpackers, Carnival revelers, and luxury vacationers alike. It's an exciting city that has a lot to offer — so don't rush your visit. ... Rio de Janeiro has lots of affordable food options, with street food like pastels ...

  19. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

    2023. 2. Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer. 65,662. Points of Interest & Landmarks. At the top of the wonderful city is the Cristo Redentor Sanctuary, the main postcard of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. The monument to Christ the Redeemer is the largest and most famous Art Deco sculpture in the world.

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    Check out all the attractions seen in this video: https://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-rio-de-janeiro/With its white sandy beaches, soaring mounta...

  21. Tourism In Rio De Janeiro

    Tourism contributes over 9% to the city's GDP. The city has over 1,000 hotels, with a total of more than 60,000 rooms. The average length of stay for international visitors in Rio de Janeiro is 6.5 days. In 2019, the city hosted over 2,200 events, including conferences, exhibitions, and festivals.

  22. Visit Rio De Janeiro

    January 24, 2024. Rio de Janeiro is an iconic tourist destination that boasts beautiful weather, sandy white beaches, iconic city attractions and lush Brazilian nature. Whether you're driving or taking a flight, Christ the Redeemer is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Rio.

  23. 2 Days In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: A Weekend Itinerary On A Budget

    Once you wrap up, grab a drink at a local bar like Etta Bar or Heilige Pocket Ipanema Rio de Janeiro. Then, Uber back to your lodging. Shopping: $40. Dinner: $50. Drinks: $15. Uber: ~$5. DAY 2 ...

  24. International tourism in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    International inbound tourism volume in Rio de Janeiro 2016-2021 Published by Ana M. López, Apr 4, 2023 ...

  25. PGFA Highlight

    He also conducted an initial round of content creation in Rio de Janeiro, capturing approximately 60 minutes of raw cultural 360-video material and pictures, which led to the development and approval of a new Portuguese language course to be offered at UChicago in Spring of 2025. (Read more about the project.)

  26. Never mind the mess, Carnival kicks off in Rio de Janeiro with ...

    Carnival King Momo, Caio Cesar Dutra, center right, receives the keys of the city from Mayor Eduardo Paes at a ceremony that officially kicks off Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 9 ...