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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

No city has a setting more beautiful than Rio, nor a population more devoted to the enjoyment of life. Locals (cariocas) call Rio simply ‘A Cidade Maravilhosa’ (The Marvellous City), and are too transfixed by its beauty – and their own – to do anything other than enjoy themselves, staying up late to party and rising early in the golden morning light to swim or surf in the cool ocean. It’s the ultimate destination for healthy hedonists – hang glide, surf or hike by day and party all night.

Beyond the beach, though, there is culture here too if you know where to look – some great art and architecture, some interesting museums and the notorious favelas; for nature lovers, the city is surrounded by hummingbird-filled rainforest.

The biggest draw of all though is, of course, Rio’s world-famous Carnival – like a pilgrimage to Mecca, everyone should see it at least once.

Orientation

This city of late 20th-century tower blocks and favelas (slums) is cradled in a landscape of steep and heavily forested coastal mountains.

O Centro, on Guananbara Bay, is the financial heart of downtown Rio, with some beautiful historic buildings and a newly refurbished museum district.

Immediately north are the famous Maracana and Sambodromo stadiums and a new World Heritage Site – where carnival samba was born.

The chic residential and main tourist hubs are the Atlantic Ocean beaches and suburbs of Copacabana and Ipanema/Leblon, immediately to the south. Overlooking them is Corcovado Mountain, crowned by the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Tours, tickets & transfers

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch

Rio de Janeiro

Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch
Enjoy full-day tour in Rio de Janeiro visiting all the must-see attractions in one-single day: Christ The Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain (option with and without ticket included), Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, Sambadrome, and Metropolitan Cathedral. Lunch at Brazilian steakhouse (option with and without lunch included. Drinks are not included). You will also get hotel pickup and drop-off and be accompanied by a professional tour guide.

Price: $83

Min age: 0

Rating 4.76 / 5 [2271 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

Rio de Janeiro

Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included
Make the most of your time in Rio in an 8-hour city tour to discover its most iconic attractions enjoying the company of a local guide and a small group of max 15 people. Following pick-ups at some hotels in the south and downtown of Rio, tourists are taken for a lively day filled with popular attractions. The itinerary contemplates Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Maracanã Stadium, Selarón staircase, historical downtown, Sugar Loaf and Corcovado mountains along with the Christ the Redeemer and other sights. Discover the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood, home to a collection of local boutiques and galleries.  Enjoy fast-track entry with the tickets and break for lunch at a nice all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. (All Inclusive) The tour follows a set itinerary attracting people from all ages, backgrounds and nationalities seeking to discover the beauties of the marvelous city in the company of an expert guide escorting and providing tour explanations

Price: $146

Min age: 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [1311 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

The Best of Rio in a Full Day Tour - Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Selaron and more

Rio de Janeiro

The Best of Rio in a Full Day Tour - Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Selaron and more
Come with us to enjoy your day during this hassle free guided tour in Rio de Janeiro and have perfect presentation of the most famous attractions in the city. While our tour guide and driver organize everything you can take your time to simply relax and have some fun.Take fabulous pictures of the Christ the Redeemer Statue before the crowds, take the cable car to the Sugar Loaf to have the best views of the city and see the landmarks at Downtown area like Maracanã (outside only), the Sambadrome area, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Sao Bento Monastery and to close the perfect day, spend some time at the Selarón Stairs. And don't worry, you will also learn a lot about all the attractions visited as our guides are the best ones to explain everything about them.

Price: $94

Min age: 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [685 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

A day in Rio - Full City Tour

Rio de Janeiro

A day in Rio - Full City Tour
We selected the main tourist spots in Rio de Janeiro to be visited in a unique and dynamic itinerary, with comfort and safety. In addition, we offer the accompaniment of a local guide that maximizes the experience of our tourists telling the curiosities and historical facts of the city. We work with the best tourism professionals and excellent suppliers, so that we can provide an exclusive experience to our customers.

Price: R470

Min age: 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [637 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Rio de Janeiro Day Trip - All Inclusive - By Ok Rio Tour

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Day Trip - All Inclusive - By Ok Rio Tour
The most classic ride of all! With outings every day, rain or shine, and last approximately 8 hours, you will be able to know the most iconic attractions of Rio de Janeiro: Cristo Redentor, Sugar Loaf, Selarón Staircase, Metropolitan Cathedral, Maracanã (panoramic), Sambódromo and much more between one point and another. Included: transportation, guide, tickets of the Sugar Loaf and the Christ and lunch with barbecue.

Price: $120

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [539 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Travel advice

When to go

Most tourists in Rio are Brazilian, and Carnival (February-March) and Christmas/New Year are the busiest times. They’re great periods for nightlife but crowded and expensive – hotel prices can more than double and it’s often rainy.

The wettest months are November to March, with frequent downpours and cold fronts. July is the coolest month, with temperatures in the low 20s. April to June and August to October are the best months for the beach.

Getting there and away

Many visitors arriving by air will have an airport pick-up arranged via their hotel, but taxis are plentiful too. Always take a designated airport taxi (these are bookable in the terminal building) as they’re safer and many of the drivers speak some English.

Getting around

Get around Rio by taxi or metro. Taxis should always be taken from designated taxi ranks or booked via your hotel; unlicensed street taxis can be unsafe. The metro is not extensive but does serve many of the areas you’re likely to visit – Ipanema, Copacabana, the Sambodromo (carnival arena) and the city centre.

Don’t even think of driving in Rio: it’s easy to get lost and potentially dangerous if you stray into the wrong area.

Where to stay

The contiguous neighbourhoods of Ipanema and upscale Leblon are the best choice for first-time visitors and beach lovers. They’re relatively safe and have decent restaurants. Copacabana is similar but a little more down-at-heel, with water that’s usually too dirty for swimming, but some first class hotels.

Where to eat or drink

Ipanema and Leblon are the chicest suburbs and beaches, and therefore not surprisingly boast the majority of the best restaurants and cafés. Lagoa and Jardim Botânico, with a handful of upmarket restaurants and bars, lie behind them at the feet of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado. Copacabana has seen better days, and hotels aside, has few top dining options.

Cariocas who like to samba head to Lapa on Fridays and Saturdays where there are streets lined with small samba and chorinho (Brazilian ragtime) clubs and boteco bars.

Where to shop

Rio is not a great shopping destination. Items are pricey and there’s little herethat you can’t find in Europe or the US. Ipanema, Leblon and the Fashion Mall in São Conrado are best for men’s and women’s labels, accessories, jewellery and music.

Santa Teresa has a few quirky shops selling art and crafts. The city centre is best for low-end fashion. Rio has few markets, but the Feira Hippie is worth a browse.

Health & Safety

Robbery is fairly common in Rio, so never carry more than you’re prepared to lose. Sensible precautions can significantly reduce the risk: dress down, leave expensive jewellery at home, keep cameras in bags when you’re not using them and never resist a thief as they’re usually armed. Be very careful where you use your credit card (even ATMs), and put spend limits on it before you come.

Stick to the main thoroughfares, avoid beaches at night, and whatever you do, don’t walk into the local favelas (slums) without a guide.

Take a phrase book or translation app as few locals speak anything other than Portuguese, including taxis drivers and waiters. A lot of restaurants have menus with no translation.