Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Copacabana Beach which includes mist or fog, a sandy beach and a sunset

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide Video

Enjoy spectacular scenery by day and an electric atmosphere at night in Brazil’s most vibrant city.

Situated on the southeast coast of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in the country and offers a unique blend of urban style and natural wonders. The former capital’s streets, beaches and rainforest-covered mountains attract tourists from across the globe.

Most travellers to Rio take a trip to Corcovado, situated in Tijuca National Park. The mountain is home to Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Early risers are usually able to get some fantastic pictures in before the crowds begin to arrive. For a different perspective of the statue, head to nearby Sugarloaf Mountain and take a trip on the cable car, taking in the panoramic views of the rainforest, city and beaches below.

Those seeking culture won’t be disappointed, with Rio’s Portuguese, English and French influenced architecture featuring beautiful 16th century churches and graceful 19th century palaces. Rio also boasts the Biblioteca Nacional – the seventh largest library in the world.

Rio de Janeiro is also the ultimate party destination. Many carnival-goers believe that there is no better place to join in the annual Brazilian festivities than in Rio. The city comes alive with samba beats, extravagant costumes and vibrant parades. The carnival usually takes place in February and is a five day celebration that ends the day before Lent begins. If you can’t make it to Brazil for the carnival, why not spray champagne with the 2.5 million revellers that see in the New Year on Copacabana Beach?

Spend a day relaxing on the adjacent upmarket Ipanema Beach. Visitors can sit back with a chilled caipirinha or a fresh coconut and watch Brazil’s most beautiful parading up and down the white sands. More active travellers may decide to get involved with a game of footvolley – a Brazilian blend of football and volleyball that is played on the beaches of Rio every day.

Rio is warm all year round, with the hottest months between December and March. This is usually the time with the most rainfall too. The city has good transport links, with buses, taxis and the metro transporting travellers around the city.

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana

Copacabana

4/5(169 area reviews)

Copacabana Beach and Bairro Peixoto are top sights in Copacabana, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station to see more sights in the area.

Copacabana
Barra da Tijuca featuring a beach as well as a large group of people

Barra da Tijuca

4/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.

Barra da Tijuca
Ipanema featuring markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.

Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Centro

4/5(19 area reviews)

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Rio de Janeiro Centro
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Leblon

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.

Leblon
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Botafogo

4/5(6 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travellers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.

Botafogo
Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hotel Atlântico Prime
4 out of 5
Rua do Resende 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is ₹2,676 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
₹2,676
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean rooms in their ...
7/10 Good! (1,190 reviews)
"Boutique hotel close to the harbour and walking distance to dining areas and a few sightseeing spots"

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2023

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlântico Rio
3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is ₹4,540 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹4,540
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and room service. Popular attractions Ipanema Beach and Copacabana ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Close to beach area .easy to find way around. Very good breakfast. Nice and cool reception area. Good aircon in room."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica 1702, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹40,391 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹40,391
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"it is a great place to stay. The only disappointment we had throughout the stay was the lack of proper AC in the gala party organized for the carnival. Hard to understand why they would not invest in some additional equipment for such a great & expensive event."

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2024

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
360 Rio Santos Dumont
360 Rio Santos Dumont
3 out of 5
R. Sen. Dantas, 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Melhor não há 😘😘😘
"Incrivelmente maravilhoso,lugar aconchegante,limpinho com um ar de casa mesmo. Equipado com utensílios domésticos para facilitar a nossa estadia. Espero um dia poder voltar e aproveitar do conforto do apartamento. De 0 a 10,eu dou 1000 para o local. Muito obg por me proporcionar lindos momentos na ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2024

360 Rio Santos Dumont
Ferlho Suites Rio Centro
Ferlho Suites Rio Centro
3 out of 5
8923 Estr. dos Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Parque dos Atletas and Olympic Park are ...
8/10 Very Good! (4 reviews)
Agradável.
"Foi muito agradável. Local tranquilo .Hotel limpo , café maravilhoso. Tudo funcionando. O que deixou um pouco a desejar foi a comunicação no local. Como pedir papel higiênico e demorou tanto que fomos embora. O demais. Foi ótimo."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2023

Ferlho Suites Rio Centro
Copacabana Best Spot
Copacabana Best Spot
3 out of 5
Av. Atlântica 3196, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and a kitchen. Popular attractions Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"I rate this property as average because in all honesty, it's not shown as it really looks in real life, you'll be staying at the oldest building in the area, even though you're in the best area for beaches and restaurants, consider that you'll get what you're paying for. We had a misunderstanding ..."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Copacabana Best Spot
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Rio de Janeiro

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
93
" "5 - Excellent 57.407407407407405%
4 - Good
56
" "4 - Good 34.5679012345679%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 5.555555555555555%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.8518518518518519%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.6172839506172839%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

A pleasure to visit Rio at any time of the year. This visit coincided with carnival, making it extra special as it is the Greatest Show on Earth, yet known to so few.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

my visit weather was poor raining everyday none stop so it was impossible to make the most out of the trip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Feb 2020

Was worried about the safety issue at first, but we felt safe throughout. Didn't wear any jewellery just as a precaution. There are lots of police everywhere.

5/5 - Excellent

Tagg
28 Feb 2020

We love Rio & it’s people, would love to comeback again.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
27 Feb 2020

I felt unsafe the whole time we were there. Someone attempted to pick pocket me and someone else staying in our hotel got stabbed. My wife was followed to and from a cash machine by a group of girls who were warned away by an onlooker from the UK.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
26 Feb 2020

We went before and during carnival which was good as some trips stop during carnival. The trip to Buzios town and boat trip was great although a long drive away it was good to see more of the coast

Cities near Rio de Janeiro