Places / South America / Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Visited in February 2016
At a glance
- Country
- Brazil
- Region
- Rio de Janeiro
- Population
- 6.2 million
- Best time to go
- December to March, or May to October for drier weather
- Main airport
- Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG)
- Coordinates
- 22.93°S, 43.20°W
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Few cities have a setting like Rio: granite peaks rising out of the rainforest, golden beaches and one of the world's biggest parties at Carnival.
Life here happens outdoors, on the sand at Copacabana and Ipanema, on hiking trails through the Tijuca Forest and at street parties in Lapa.
Things to see
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Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de Christ the Redeemer
The famous statue on Corcovado, reached by cog train through the forest. Go early before cloud rolls in.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de Sugarloaf Mountain
Two cable cars to the top for sunset over the bay.
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Photo: Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0 Escadaria Selarón
Colourful tiled steps between Lapa and Santa Teresa.
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Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de Museum of Tomorrow
A science museum in a striking building on the revitalised waterfront.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de Maracanã Stadium
Tour the legendary football stadium, or see a match.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: bisonlux, CC BY 2.0 Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
Join the locals for volleyball, coconuts and the sunset from Arpoador rock.
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Photo: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil, CC BY 3.0 br Carnival
Watch the samba parade at the Sambadrome or join the free street parties (blocos).
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Photo: Boaventuravinicius, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hike Two Brothers (Dois Irmãos)
A short hike with views over Ipanema. Go with a local guide.
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Photo: Mike Peel, CC BY-SA 4.0 Lapa nightlife
Samba bars under the old aqueduct arches.
Where to stay
Ipanema
Upmarket beach neighbourhood with good restaurants and a safer feel.
Hotels in IpanemaCopacabana
The famous beach, with hotels at every price.
Hotels in CopacabanaLeblon
Quieter and more exclusive, next to Ipanema.
Hotels in LeblonSanta Teresa
Bohemian hilltop area with boutique guesthouses and views.
Hotels in Santa Teresa
Getting around
The Metro links the beaches with the centre, and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Keep valuables out of sight, take only what you need to the beach, and use taxis rather than walking at night.
Galeão International is about 30 to 50 minutes from the beaches by car. Domestic flights use Santos Dumont airport in the centre.
When to go
December to March is hot summer, with Carnival in February or early March. May to October is drier and cooler, good for hiking and sightseeing. Rain can come at any time of year.
Plan your trip to Rio de Janeiro
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.