Rio de Janeiro

Travel Guide
Photo provided by PhotoJoy

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide Video

Celebrate Brazilian culture in the city where the samba was born and enjoy the stunning natural wonders right at its doorstep.

Located on the southeast coast of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is a city blessed with a spectacular geography that merges white-sand beaches with rain forest-covered mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the opportunities to connect with nature, but there are also plenty of attractions for culture buffs. As a former capital of Brazil, Rio is rich with history and modern culture, ensuring an enjoyable trip regardless of whether you prefer state parks or samba. Catch the sunrise on either the upscale Ipanema Beach on the southeastern coast or the nearby playful Copacabana Beach. Before sunset, make your way to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar). Take a cable-car ride to the top for a remarkable view including beaches, forests and other landmarks. Make time for a trip to Corcovado, home of the statue Christ the Redeemer, known locally as Cristo Redentor. Beat the crowds by arriving early as this free “New Seven Wonders of the World” attraction is on every traveler’s itinerary. You’ll understand why when you see the impressive views surrounding this statue, which was erected in 1931. Corcovado is in the Tijuca National Park, the perfect place to connect with nature. Conservationists replanted much of the park in the late 1800s after substantial deforestation. This destination is now a lush home to more than 100 native animal species, making it the largest urban forest in the world. Amenities along the trails include restaurants and restrooms. Soccer fans won’t want to miss a match at the famous Maracanã Stadium. If you can’t catch a game, stop at the sports museum inside the stadium to see memorabilia, photographs and uniforms of Brazil’s greatest football players. Enjoy Rio’s vibrant nightlife as you listen to local music and watch samba dancers. While bar hopping, be cautious when traveling on foot. Leave valuables in your hotel room and either avoid crowds or travel within a small group including locals. The city is easy to navigate by bus during the day, but it’s best to avoid using this form of transport at night.

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
Default Image

Barra da Tijuca

4/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach and Barra Shopping 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. Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 €30 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
€30
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,834 reviews)
"Awsome"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

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 €53 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
€53
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Todo bien, cerca de la playa y de la estacion del metro copacabana"

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2024

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlantico Business Centro
Hotel Atlantico Business Centro
3.5 out of 5
Rua Senador Dantas, 25, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is €27 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
€27
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,519 reviews)
"Great service"

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2024

Hotel Atlantico Business Centro
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.
Ferlho Suites Rio Centro
Ferlho Suites Rio Centro
3.5 out of 5
8923 Estr. dos Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Olympic Park and Recreio dos Bandeirantes ...
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
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 an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Christ the Redeemer ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Excellent place!"

Reviewed on 4 Sep 2024

360 Rio Santos Dumont
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 air conditioning. Popular attractions Copacabana Beach and Ipanema ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (21 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

Things to do

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

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

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

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

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

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

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

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