BR
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil’s most famous city, set between granite peaks, rainforest and long Atlantic beaches
Brazil’s most famous city, set between granite peaks, rainforest and long Atlantic beaches
The Art Deco statue, completed in 1931, stands on the 700m summit of Corcovado inside Tijuca National Park. Reach it by the cog train from Cosme Velho or by official vans.
Go early in the morning; the summit is often in cloud later in the day.
Photo: Thaismay, CC BY-SA 4.0
A two-stage cable car from Praia Vermelha climbs via Morro da Urca to the top of Sugarloaf, with views over the bay, Copacabana and Corcovado.
Sunset is the most popular (and busiest) time.
Photo: Gabriel Resende Veiga, CC BY-SA 4.0
Copacabana’s 4km curve and its wave-patterned promenade, and neighbouring Ipanema and Leblon, are the centre of Rio’s beach life. On Sundays part of the beachfront road closes to traffic.
Take only what you need to the beach.
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0
A staircase between Lapa and Santa Teresa covered in colourful tiles by the Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. Nearby Lapa is known for samba bars and the old aqueduct arches.
Photo: Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try feijoada (black bean and pork stew, traditionally on Saturdays), grilled meat at a churrascaria, pastel and fresh juices from juice bars.
Botequins (neighbourhood bars) serve cold beer and snacks; Botafogo, Leblon and Santa Teresa have good restaurant streets.
Galeão International Airport (GIG) is about 45 minutes from the beach districts by taxi or ride-hailing; Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), for domestic flights, is in the centre. The metro links Ipanema, Copacabana, Botafogo and the centre.
Citizens of the EU and the UK do not need a visa for a tourist stay. Since April 2025 citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need an e-visa, applied for online in advance. Stays are limited to 90 days per visit and 180 days in 12 months. Check current rules before you travel.
Rio is one of Brazil’s more expensive cities, especially for beachfront hotels. Brazil uses the real (R$). Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, and Pix (instant bank transfer) is very common.
Prices rise sharply over New Year and Carnival.
The big sights, beaches and old Rio.
Go up to Christ the Redeemer early, then explore Santa Teresa, the Selarón Steps and Lapa.
Spend the day in Ipanema and Copacabana and walk up to Arpoador for sunset.
See the historic centre and the Museum of Tomorrow, then take the Sugarloaf cable car in the late afternoon.
Visit the Botanical Garden and Tijuca National Park, or take a guided hike.
Phone snatching is the most common crime in big Brazilian cities. Keep your phone out of sight on the street and at the beach.
Use ride-hailing apps or official taxis, especially at night.
Beach vendors rent chairs and umbrellas; agree prices first.
Hike popular trails with a guide or in a group and check current local advice.
Quick answers for planning time in Rio de Janeiro.
EU and UK citizens do not for a tourist stay. Since April 2025 US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa, applied for online before travel.
Carnival takes place over the days before Ash Wednesday, usually in February and sometimes in early March.
By the cog train from Cosme Velho, by official vans, or on foot on a guided hike.
Petty theft, especially of phones, is common. Stay alert, avoid carrying valuables and follow local advice about which areas to avoid.
Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Botafogo are the most popular bases, with good metro links.
Offline maps are useful; Google Maps and Waze work well in cities.
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Portuguese is the language of Brazil; English is limited outside hotels and tours.
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Almost everyone in Brazil, from hotels to tour guides and restaurants, uses WhatsApp.
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Planning a wider trip? Our Brazil travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.