City guideBrazil

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro travel guide · South America

ContinentSouth AmericaLanguagePortugueseCurrencyBRLLocal specialtyFeijoadaFree to read

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's second largest city, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes where mountains meet the sea, its vibrant beach culture, and its legendary Carnival. Home to iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio's 'Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea' is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city famously hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup final and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

01

Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro

junejulyaugustseptember

Rio's winter months offer milder temperatures around 19–26°C with less rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the intense heat and humidity of summer.

02

What to see in Rio de Janeiro

01monument

Cristo Redentor

The iconic 30-metre Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ atop Corcovado Peak at 704 metres, offering panoramic views of Rio and one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.

Paid entryAbout 120 minculturehistorynature & outdoors
02viewpoint

Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)

Brazil's top landmark featuring a two-stage aerial tramway to the summit at 395 metres, offering spectacular views of Rio's harbour, beaches and skyline, especially stunning at sunset.

Paid entryAbout 150 minnature & outdoorscultureadventure
03beach

Praia de Copacabana

One of the world's most famous beaches, stretching 4 km along Rio's South Zone, known for its lively atmosphere, iconic black-and-white mosaic promenade and vibrant beach culture.

FreeAbout 180 minrelaxationculturenature & outdoors
04beach

Praia de Ipanema

Rio's most fashionable beach, immortalised by the bossa nova song 'The Girl from Ipanema', beloved for its beautiful scenery, lively beach culture and stunning sunsets.

FreeAbout 180 minrelaxationculturenature & outdoors
05other

Estádio do Maracanã

One of the world's most legendary football stadiums, located in the North Zone, which hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory

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04

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Corcovado Rack Railway

tourPaid entryAbout 60 min

A scenic funicular train ride from Cosme Velho up through the Tijuca Forest to the Cristo Redentor statue at the summit of Corcovado Peak, offering stunning views along the way.

Sugarloaf Cable Car

tourPaid entryAbout 90 min

A two-stage aerial tramway ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of Rio's harbour, beaches and surrounding mountains.

05

Where to go near Rio de Janeiro

Niterói

Ferry 20min

Rio's neighbouring city across Guanabara Bay, easily accessible by ferry and known for its contemporary art museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer and beautiful ocean views.

Ilha Grande

Ferry 80min

A stunning island off the Costa Verde coast with no cars, pristine beaches, lush Atlantic Forest and excellent snorkelling, reachable by ferry from Rio.

Paraty

A beautifully preserved colonial town on the Costa Verde with cobblestone streets, colourful colonial architecture, surrounding rainforest and access to secluded beaches.

Angra dos Reis

Ferry 80min

A coastal city surrounded by over 300 islands and crystal-clear waters, popular for boat trips, diving and beach hopping along the Costa Verde.

São Paulo

Brazil's largest city and economic capital, offering world-class museums, restaurants, nightlife and cultural diversity, well connected to Rio by air and bus.

Mangaratiba

Ferry 80min

A quiet coastal town on the Costa Verde serving as a departure point for ferries to Ilha Grande, with calm beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

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