The Best Travel Guide to Rio de Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro

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South America Brazil Rio de Janeiro

Overview

Rio de Janeiro The guide was updated: 2024-09-14

Rio de Janeiro — the city’s name alone conjures up images of pristine beaches, lush forests, and thrilling celebrations. Sitting on top of the Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer watches over the two-faced party capital of Latin America, split between a bustling urban landscape and an outstanding natural environment. Rio is a city like no other, known worldwide for its magnificent New Year firework display on Copacabana beach, its explosive carnival, its joyful people, and its exquisite multicultural cuisine.

Facts

Population:	Metro area: 13.5 million (2021)
Currency:	Brazilian Real R$ = 100 centavos
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Firefighters: 193 Ambulance: 192 Police: 190 Hospital de Ipanema: +55 21 3111 2334 Hospital Copa D'Or: +55 21 2545 3600
Newspapers:	O Globo — oglobo.globo.com Jornal do Brasil — www.jb.com.br O Dia — www.odia.ig.com.br
Opening hours:	Most shops and offices are generally open from 9am to 6pm during weekdays and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Some of the main shopping centres stay open until 10pm during the week and from 1pm to 9pm on Sundays: BarraShopping is one of them. Tourist areas are home to many small shops which often stay open longer. In case of late-night hunger, corner shops are scattered everywhere in Rio and open 24/7. Banks are open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays.
Tourist information:	RioTur Avenida Princesa Isabel, 183, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat & Sun 9am–5pm +55 21 2298 7890 Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau Rua Guilhermina Guinle, 272, 3rd floor, Rio de Janeiro Mon–Fri 9am–6pm +55 21 2266 9750

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Section in Rio de Janeiro

Visiting Rio feels like coming home. A home that looks different than usual, but where everyone can reunite with a part of themselves they didn't know existed. Among the myriad of activities available, the places to be discovered and the people to meet, the throbbing Rio de Janeiro is able to satisfy everyone's needs and hopes, inadvertently providing a tailor-made experience.

Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer

Standing on top of Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above sea level, Christ the Redeemer overlooks the metropolis below with outstretched arms. The statue named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, embraces the whole city, welcomes and protects, yet appears to keep a watchful eye on locals and visitors. Venture up through the Tijuca Rain Forest to the top of the mountain for a closer look and be rewarded by fabulous views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema, the Maracanã Stadium, and the Serra do Órgãos mountain range. You can hike up to the statue or comfortably reach it by way of a twenty-minute tram/car ride.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

Timidly emerging from the waters of Guanabara Bay, this 395 meters tall, egg-shaped mountain is one of the tourists' favourite destinations in Rio de Janeiro. Check the weather forecast to be sure of going on a clear day, and venture up to the top of the mountain to enjoy an astonishing 360-degree view including that of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the pristine beaches, the cityscape and the surrounding natural environment. The easiest and fastest way to reach the top of the mountain is by cable car but climbing is always an option.

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Held seven weeks before Easter, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a five-day extravaganza of bright colours, energy, and samba music. From Friday to Ash Wednesday, the town comes to life and becomes the scene of breathtaking shows, samba school exhibitions, and parades of floats. The Carnival is an ode to the happiness and joy of living, an unforgettable experience that brings together locals and tourists alike. Come and join the dancing crowds in the streets! If you want to experience these spectacular festivities, be sure to book hotels and flights with good time since they run out extremely fast and often come at high prices.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Admire Rio's flora and fauna in the botanical garden which sits right next to the Tijuca National Park, naturally attracting different animal species to settle. If you check their schedule, you can participate in night strolls through the park or listen to an educational lecture in the green.

Museu do Amanhã

Museu do Amanhã

Translated to English, The Museum of Tomorrow is an exhibition that combines science and art and shows its visitor, among other things, the future developments mankind will face in biodiversity, technology, climate change and growing population. Launched in 2015, this place is a great way to explore the unknown in an interactive way.

Monastery of São Bento

Monastery of São Bento

A rather unremarkable facade hides a rare abundance of gems: opulent and gilded carvings from the 17th-century Baroque and Rococo styles embellish the interior, in addition to two magnificent statues of the Saints Benedict and Scholastica and an ornate high altar.

The Beaches of Rio de Janeiro

The Beaches of Rio de Janeiro

The State of Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its many breathtaking beaches. Copacabana is probably Rio’s most famous beach: located in the vibrant neighbourhood of the same name, it is almost 6 km long, home of the New Year celebrations and the official venue of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Tourists meet here all year round to play sports, sunbathe, and dance till morning. Other beaches close to the centre of the city are Ipanema and Leblon, both crowded with cafés, bars, and restaurants, while the beaches of Barra da Tijuca, Prainha, and Grumari are great for surfing and water sports enthusiasts. Nearby Búzios, a former fishing village, offers many spots to practice surfing, volleyball, scuba diving, and windsurfing. Located in a small peninsular area, the village is fringed by many beautiful beaches, such as Geribá, Enseada de Manguinhos, Armação, Praia dos Ossos, Azeda, and Ferradura. Approaching Rio from Búzios, you will find Arraial do Cabo, the perfect place for an unforgettable scuba diving experience through crystal-clear waters and rock formations teeming with tropical fish.

Escadaria Selarón

Escadaria Selarón

Considered a must-see in Rio de Janeiro, the Escadaria Selarón is not an ordinary staircase, but rather the life's work of a Chilean painter named Jorge Selarón, his odd obsession and his romantic homage to the city that adopted him. The 'Escadaria' is made up of 250 steps and over 2000 tiles: stretch your legs and get ready to climb an astonishing cascade of colours.

Samba Schools

Samba Schools

Get a peek behind the scenes of Rio's Carnival on a lively cultural tour. Explore the Carnival Factory and learn how the parade's famous floats and costumes are produced. Listen to commentary on the history of samba and carnival, then visit the dressing rooms to try on some costumes and take some photos. Welcome drinks of caipirinhas, the Brazilian national drink, and a samba class complete the whole carnival experience.

Mirante Dona Marta

Mirante Dona Marta

This popular lookout point offers a beautiful view over the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Given its proximity to the city, many photographers prefer to shoot from here rather than climb to the top of Corcovado. The two places, however, are very close and easy to visit on the same day.

Hang Gliding over Rio de Janeiro

Hang Gliding over Rio de Janeiro

Hang gliding really is one of the best experiences the city has to offer. Take a flight from one of the many hills surrounding Rio de Janeiro and glide smoothly through the gentle Brazilian wind. There are different companies offering hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro, and even if the place of departure may change, all routes fly over the most important sights and attractions of the city.

AquaRio

AquaRio

Being the largest aquarium in South America, AquaRio holds up to 8000 animals of 350 different species in their tanks. Stroll through tunnels amidst the marine animals to admire the colourful fish and corals. An exciting experience not only for families but also for anyone with an interest in wildlife.

Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues

Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues

In its first 15 years of life, this outdoor festival has established itself as one of the most important events in the country, featuring some of the best performers in the world. Held in the city of Rio das Ostras, surrounded by golden sandy beaches, green hills and crystal-clear waters, the event offers 4 days of high-quality music.

Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve

Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve

The Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve is located southwest of Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro’s largest island, in Angra Dos Reis Bay. The reserve, established in 1990, features extraordinary unspoiled nature, and many animal species and is home to the ancient caiçaras fishing community.

Favelas

Favelas

The favelas are Brazil's gloomily famous shanty towns. Once a shelter for war veterans and freedmen, they have now become the symbol of social and economic inequalities in the country. A guided tour of these communities represents a unique opportunity to understand the locals' living conditions, their challenges and their daily struggles. If you have the chance, visit the famous favela named Rocinha to discover a whole different side of Rio de Janeiro. Visits are only recommended as part of a supervised guided tour and may be unsafe to do on one's own.

Municipal Theater

Municipal Theater

The twentieth-century Teatro Municipal magnificently overlooks Praça Floriano, contrasting against neighbouring modern skyscrapers with its splendid facade. The theatre is a symbol of architectural renovation promoted by the early 1900s republican regime and is inspired by Paris of that period. Its luxurious interiors are decorated with statues, paintings, and frescoes. You can attend one of the many shows or book a guided visit.

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