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Rio de Janeiro
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • South America

Rio de Janeiro

The Marvellous City - mountains plunging into the sea, golden beaches, samba rhythm and Christ the Redeemer watching over it all.

#Beaches#Mountains#Samba#Carnival#NatureCouplesFriendsSolo TravelBeachAdventure
7 Attractions
5 Restaurants
5 Hotels
1 Itineraries

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Quick facts

Best time to visit

December to March is hot, sunny beach season and the time of Carnival and New Year, but also the most crowded and expensive. May to October brings milder, drier, very pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing and hiking, with fewer crowds. Rio is a year-round city, but afternoon storms are common in summer.

Daily budget
$140
Time zone
GMT-3 (BRT)
Language
Portuguese
Currency
BRL (Brazilian Real (BRL))
Emergency
190 / 192
Power
Type C & N · 127V

About Rio de Janeiro

Few cities have a setting as dramatic as Rio de Janeiro. Forest-clad granite peaks rise straight out of the Atlantic, the open arms of Christ the Redeemer crown the skyline, and world-famous beaches curve between the mountains and the sea. Wedged between Sugarloaf and the surf, this is a city that lives outdoors, where the rhythm of samba, the roar of football and the easy carioca spirit set the pace. The icons live up to their billing: the cable car to Sugarloaf, the cog train to the Christ statue through the Tijuca rainforest, and the sweeping sands of Copacabana and Ipanema where the whole city comes to play. But Rio is also colour and culture - the mosaic Selaron Steps, the bohemian hills of Santa Teresa, the nightlife of Lapa and the greatest street party on earth at Carnival. Come between December and March for hot beach weather and Carnival energy, or the milder, drier months of May to October for comfortable sightseeing. Keep your street smarts, embrace the beach culture, and let Rio's joy be contagious.

Photo Gallery

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Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

7
Christ the RedeemerReligious

Christ the Redeemer

The 38-metre art deco statue of Christ atop Corcovado mountain, arms outstretched over the city - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

2-3 hours From BRL entry (approx USD 20)4.8(300,000)
Sugarloaf MountainNature

Sugarloaf Mountain

A pair of glass cable cars rise to the granite summit of Pao de Acucar for jaw-dropping 360-degree views over the bay and beaches.

2-3 hours Cable car from USD 254.8(180,000)
Copacabana BeachBeach

Copacabana Beach

A 4km sweep of golden sand and crashing surf backed by the famous wave-patterned promenade, beach kiosks and non-stop city life.

Half day Free4.6(200,000)
Ipanema BeachBeach

Ipanema Beach

Rio's most stylish beach, immortalised in song, with golden sand, great people-watching and a spectacular sunset over the Two Brothers peaks.

Half day Free4.7(160,000)
Selaron StepsCulture

Selaron Steps

A dazzling staircase of 215 steps covered in colourful tiles from around the world, the life's work of artist Jorge Selaron, near lively Lapa.

30-45 min Free4.6(90,000)
Tijuca National ParkNature

Tijuca National Park

One of the world's largest urban rainforests, with waterfalls, hiking trails and viewpoints like the Vista Chinesa over the city.

Half day Free4.6(55,000)
Maracana StadiumEntertainment

Maracana Stadium

Brazil's legendary temple of football, host of two World Cup finals - catch a match for the deafening atmosphere or take a stadium tour.

1.5-2 hours Tour from USD 154.6(70,000)

Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro

5
Confeitaria Colombo

Confeitaria Colombo

Cafe / Brazilian $$4.6(30,000)

A breathtaking Belle Epoque cafe of mirrors and stained glass since 1894, perfect for coffee, pastries and a step back in time.

Aprazivel

Aprazivel

Brazilian / Contemporary $$$4.6(15,000)

A garden restaurant in the hills of Santa Teresa with sweeping bay views and refined contemporary Brazilian cooking.

Fogo de Chao

Fogo de Chao

Brazilian / Churrascaria $$$4.6(25,000)

A polished all-you-can-eat churrascaria where gauchos carve endless cuts of grilled meat tableside. Come very hungry.

Cervantes

Cervantes

Sandwiches / Late Night $4.5(18,000)

A Copacabana institution since 1955 famous for towering meat-and-pineapple sandwiches, a beloved post-night-out ritual.

Garota de Ipanema

Garota de Ipanema

Brazilian / Botequim $$4.3(20,000)

The bar where The Girl from Ipanema was written, a classic botequim for cold chopp beer, picanha and weekend feijoada.

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

5
Belmond Copacabana Palace

Belmond Copacabana Palace

Luxury $$$$4.8(7,000)

Rio's grande dame since 1923, an art deco landmark facing Copacabana beach with a famous pool, spa and impeccable service.

Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Luxury $$$$4.7(4,500)

A sleek, design-forward luxury hotel on Ipanema beachfront with a celebrated rooftop pool and bar overlooking the sea.

Arpoador Inn

Arpoador Inn

Mid-Range $$$4.4(3,000)

A simple, well-located hotel right on Arpoador beach between Ipanema and Copacabana, famous for its sunset rock nearby.

Books Hostel

Books Hostel

Hostel $4.3(4,000)

A famously social, art-filled hostel in the heart of Lapa, known for its rooftop parties and easy access to Rio nightlife.

Selina Lapa Rio

Selina Lapa Rio

Boutique $$4.2(3,500)

A vibrant flashpacker hotel in nightlife-central Lapa, with a pool, co-working space and a lively mix of rooms and dorms.

Rio de Janeiro Itineraries

1
4-day trip

Classic 4 Days in Rio de Janeiro

easy USD 500 - 900

A loop through Rio's icons - Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf and the great beaches - with the colour of Santa Teresa, Lapa and the Tijuca forest.

View day-by-day plan

Rio de Janeiro Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights$400 - $1,100$400 - $1,100$400 - $1,100
Accommodation$25/night$90/night$350/night
Food$18/day$40/day-
Activities$30/day$30/day$30/day
Local Transport$8/day$8/day$8/day
Daily Average$60$140$420

Local currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)

Rio de Janeiro Travel FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.

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