About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular cities on earth. Framed by dramatic granite peaks, lush Atlantic Forest, and a string of world-famous beaches, the city pulses with samba rhythms and a carnival spirit that never truly ends. From the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado to the golden sands of Copacabana and Ipanema, every corner of Rio rewards the curious traveller.
Planning your Rio de Janeiro trip?
Top attractions like Christ the Redeemer book out days in advance.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
Top Attractions in Rio de Janeiro
The 30-metre Art Deco statue atop Corcovado mountain is Rio's defining symbol — and the views from the summit over Guanabara Bay…
Two cable car rides take you to the summit of this iconic granite plug rising from the entrance to Guanabara Bay. Sunset is the pr…
These legendary beaches are destinations in themselves. Ipanema is the style-conscious choice; Copacabana is wider, more democrati…
Santa Teresa is a hillside bohemian enclave of colonial mansions, art studios, and charming restaurants connected to the city by t…
Best Neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro
The most desirable addresses in Rio — beachfront or one block back, excellent restaurants and nightlife, and extremely safe by Rio standards. The top choice for first-time visitors.
The historic hotel strip with the Art Deco Copacabana Palace. Excellent transport links. Slightly older demographic and more tourists, but genuinely atmospheric and well-connected.
Hillside neighbourhood of colonial mansions and boutique guesthouses. Beautiful, characterful, and much cooler than the beach areas — but hilly streets and limited taxis are a consideration.
Where young Cariocas actually live — great independent restaurants, bars, and cafés, a 15-minute metro ride from Ipanema. Excellent value and increasingly popular with savvy travellers.
Best Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro
Warm and sunny with lower humidity. Carnival typically falls in February–March just before this window. Hote…
Brazilian summer — hot, humid, and festive. Carnival (Feb–March) is an extraordinary spectacle but accommo…
Spring in Rio — temperatures rising, lower prices than peak, and the beaches quieter. A good alternative to …
Rio's "winter" is mild (17–24°C) — still beach weather by most standards. Quietest and cheapest time to v…
Top Tours in Rio de Janeiro
SightseeingCulturalBest Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
LuxuryBelmond Copacabana Palace
The Copacabana Palace is Rio's most legendary hotel, a gleaming white Art Deco palace that has grace...
BoutiqueSanta Teresa Hotel RJ — MGallery
A legendary bohemian retreat set in a restored 1850s mansion on the hillside cobblestones of Santa T...
BoutiqueYoo2 Rio de Janeiro
A design-forward boutique hotel in the hip Botafogo neighbourhood — the neighbourhood where young ...