Rio de Janeiro State, south-east Brazil · Brazil
A city squeezed between granite peaks and golden beaches, with a statue of Christ above it all, samba in the streets and a way of life that revolves around the sea.
Rio de Janeiro was founded by the Portuguese in 1565, and it grew rich on the gold, sugar and coffee trades. It was the capital of Portugal's empire for a time in the early 19th century, and then of Brazil until 1960, when the capital moved to Brasília. It is still the country's cultural heart, and the world's image of Brazil.
Its setting is extraordinary. Steep granite mountains, cloaked in rainforest, rise directly from the sea, dividing the city into neighbourhoods separated by tunnels and beaches. The great sights are among the most photographed anywhere: the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, and the crescent of Copacabana. UNESCO inscribed the city's landscapes 'between the mountain and the sea' in 2012.
Rio is also a city of contrasts, with rich neighbourhoods and favelas built on the hillsides, and crime is a real concern. But its culture, from samba and bossa nova to football and Carnival, is irresistible, and its people, the cariocas, are famously friendly and relaxed.
Why visit
Rio is one of the most beautiful and lively cities in the world, and the first stop for most visitors to Brazil.
Mountains, beaches and a rainforest within the city limits.
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf are among the world's great views.
Copacabana and Ipanema are social spaces, with sport, drinks and people-watching.
Samba in Lapa, bossa nova bars, and street parties throughout the year.
Maracanã stadium and the samba schools bring the city's passions to life.
Main attractions
Rio's sights are spread out, so group them by area and plan around the weather.
A 30-metre Art Deco statue on the summit of Corcovado, 710 metres above the city, completed in 1931. Reach it by the historic rack railway through the Tijuca forest, or by van.
Tip Go early, and check the cloud cover first.
A 396-metre granite peak at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, reached by two cable-car stages. The views at sunset, with the city lit up, are famous.
Tip Go about an hour before sunset.
Two of the world's most famous beaches. Copacabana is a long, lively curve of sand and mosaic pavement, and Ipanema is more elegant, with Arpoador Rock at its end, a favourite sunset spot.
Tip Keep only what you need on the beach, and use kiosks for drinks.
A staircase covered in tiles from around the world, created by the Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, beside the Lapa Arches, the centre of the city's music and nightlife.
Tip Visit the steps in the morning, and Lapa at night with a group.
A hilltop neighbourhood of old mansions, artists' studios and cafés, reached by a historic yellow tram or by taxi.
Tip Go by app taxi, and walk in daylight.
One of the world's largest urban rainforests, with waterfalls, viewpoints and trails, replanted in the 19th century after coffee planting.
Tip Hire a guide or join a tour.
The legendary stadium that hosted the 1950 and 2014 World Cup finals, and is the home of several football clubs. Tours run on non-match days.
Tip Watch a match if you can.
Things to do
Rio is best enjoyed by mixing sights, beaches and evenings out.
Locals applaud as the sun sets behind the Two Brothers mountains.
Tip Arrive early for a spot.
Trails lead up to Morro Dois Irmãos and Pedra da Gávea.
Tip Go with a guide, in daylight.
Live samba and choro in bars and clubs.
Tip Go with a group, and use ride-hailing apps.
A match at the Maracanã is a memorable experience of drums, songs and flags.
Tip Book through a reputable tour.
A green retreat with palms, orchids and monkeys.
Tip Go in the morning.
A responsible guided walk by a resident shows the community, its culture and challenges.
Tip Choose a community-led operator.
Local food
Rio's food is casual and beach-centred, with local specialities such as feijoada and street snacks.
Black bean stew with pork, served with rice and collard greens, traditionally on Saturdays.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants in Lapa and Santa Teresa.
Grilled cheese (queijo coalho), shrimp skewers, fresh coconut water and mate, sold by vendors.
Where to try it Copacabana and Ipanema.
Fried pastries and chicken croquettes, sold in botecos and bakeries.
Where to try it Corner bars.
Cachaça, lime and sugar, the national cocktail.
Where to try it Beach kiosks and bars.
Cold, thick purple bowls with granola and banana.
Where to try it Juice bars across the city.
Accommodation
Choose Ipanema or Copacabana for the beach, Santa Teresa for atmosphere, or Botafogo for value.
Transport
Rio is Brazil's second-largest international gateway.
Use the metro and ride-hailing apps, and avoid walking at night.
When to go
Rio is hot and humid in summer, and mild and drier in winter. Carnival, in February or March, is the peak.
Hot and humid, with storms. Carnival and New Year, with high prices.
Warm and less humid, with lower prices.
Mild and dry, with clear views.
Warm and sunny, with fewer crowds.
Worth planning around: Carnival and New Year if you want low prices and quiet.
Itinerary
The icons, the beaches, the culture and a day in nature.
Christ and the bay.
Sun and sea.
Green Rio.
Museums and stadium.
Travel tips
Rio rewards awareness and common sense.
FAQ
Three or four days for the main sights and beaches.
It has serious street crime, but millions visit safely. Take precautions, use apps, stay in well-known areas and avoid isolated places.
In February or March, before Lent. The dates change each year.
April to October is drier and cooler.
Yes, but currents can be strong, and water quality varies. Swim near lifeguards.
Yes. They give different views, and both are highlights.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Rio de Janeiro, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Costa Verde, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
A UNESCO-listed colonial town on a bay, with cobbled streets, cachaça distilleries and schooner trips, plus the traffic-free island of Ilha Grande with jungle trails and beaches.
Don't miss A schooner cruise around the bay, with swims off deserted islands and cachaça in hand.
Explore Destination — Paraty and Ilha GrandeSão Paulo State, south-east Brazil, Brazil
Brazil's financial and cultural capital: Avenida Paulista and MASP, Ibirapuera Park, the Municipal Market, Beco do Batman, Liberdade and a spectacular food and nightlife scene.
Don't miss A mortadella sandwich in the Mercado Municipal, followed by an evening among the murals of Vila Madalena.
Explore Destination — São PauloParaná, on the border with Argentina, Brazil
One of the world's great waterfalls: a UNESCO-listed complex of cascades on the Iguazu River, seen from panoramic Brazilian walkways and the closer, more varied Argentine trails.
Don't miss Standing on the platform above the Devil's Throat, wrapped in mist and rainbows as the river plunges into the abyss.
Explore Destination — Iguazu FallsBahia, north-east Brazil, Brazil
A UNESCO-listed colonial city on a bay, with the Pelourinho, the Elevador Lacerda, Afro-Brazilian traditions, capoeira, candomblé, beaches and unique Bahian food.
Don't miss Night falling over the Pelourinho, with drums echoing off the pastel facades and baianas selling acarajé.
Explore Destination — SalvadorRead next
Practical
Most packing advice is a list of things. This is the opposite: the small number of decisions that determine whether your luggage helps or hinders, organised by the kind of trip you are actually taking.
Budgeting
Most travel budgets fail for the same reason: they estimate the flight and the hotel accurately and then guess at everything else. This is a per-day breakdown for the five countries in this guide at three levels of comfort, plus the costs people consistently forget — tourist tax, ZTL fines, resort fees, tipping and the price of a coffee sitting down.
Advertisement
