Travel Guide of Rio de Janeiro in Brasil by Influencers and Travelers

Rio de Janeiro, or simply Rio, is anchor to the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area and the second-most populous municipality in Brazil and the sixth-most populous in the Americas.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Rio de Janeiro

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Sugarloaf Mountain

   6 km away

Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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2 - Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, created by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, in collaboration with French engineer Albert Caquot.

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3 - Sightseeing | Rio de Janeiro

   8 km away

Amazing experience! Going up by motorbike taxi and learning more about the history with a local guide. Having a view of the Morro Dois Irmãos trail and learning a little more about the Vidigal Favela

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4 - Corcovado

Corcovado, which means "hunchback" in Portuguese, is a mountain in central Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a 710-metre granite peak located in the Tijuca Forest, a national park.

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5 - Arpoador

   9 km away

Arpoador is a region located on the southern zone of the city Rio de Janeiro, in a small peninsula between Ipanema and Copacabana. Part of its territory belongs to the neighbourhood of Ipanema, and part to Copacabana.

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6 - Morning | Maracanã Stadium

   6 km away

World Cup finals, the Olympics, Pelé's 1,000th career goal; Rio's Maracanã Stadium has seen its fair share of historic sporting moments over the years. Explore this temple of footballing legend, with a self-guided walking tour behind the scenes of Brazil's biggest and most iconic stadium. Following in the footsteps of soccer superstars, this self-guided wander will bring you from the success-scented dressing rooms to the museum, players' tunnel, the press room, pitchside, and more.

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7 - Flamengo Park

Flamengo Park, also known as Aterro do Flamengo, Eduardo Gomes Park, and Aterro do Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, is the largest public park and recreation area within the city of Rio de Janeiro, in eastern Brazil.

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8 - Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow is a science museum in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was designed by Spanish neofuturistic architect Santiago Calatrava, and built next to the waterfront at Pier Maua.

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9 - Snorkeling | Rio de Janeiro

   8 km away

Explore the stunning beaches of Arraial do Cabo, known as the "Brazilian Caribbean," on a catamaran tour. Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, guided by a bilingual expert.

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10 - Niterói

   6 km away

Niterói is a municipality of the state of Rio de Janeiro in the southeast region of Brazil. It lies across Guanabara Bay facing the city of Rio de Janeiro and forms part of the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Area.

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11 - Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

   7 km away

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is a lagoon in the district of Lagoa in the Zona Sul area of Rio de Janeiro. The lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing sea water to enter by a canal along the edge of a park locally known as Jardim de Alah.

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12 - Trekking | Rio de Janeiro

   8 km away

Discover the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain of Rio de Janeiro on a guided hiking and climbing tour. Enjoy the amazing view after the little sweaty adventure. No climbing experience needed.

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13 - Copacabana

   7 km away

Copacabana is a bairro located in the South Zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is known for its 4 km balneario beach, which is one of the most famous in the world.

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14 - Niterói Contemporary Art Museum

   8 km away

The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum is situated in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is one of the city’s main landmarks. It was completed in 1996.

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15 - Hiking | Rio de Janeiro

   8 km away

Discover the tranquility of Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden, where exotic plants and serene landscapes create the perfect escape from the city.

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16 - Two Brother Cliff - Municipal Natural Park

   11 km away
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17 - Pedra da Gávea

   12 km away

Pedra da Gávea is a monolithic mountain in Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Composed of granite and gneiss, its elevation is 844 metres, making it one of the highest mountains in the world that ends directly in the ocean.

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18 - Penha

   13 km away
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19 - Guanabara Bay

   14 km away

Guanabara Bay is an oceanic bay located in Southeast Brazil in the state of Rio de Janeiro. On its western shore lie the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias, and on its eastern shore the cities of Niterói and São Gonçalo.

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20 - Nilópolis

   28 km away

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21 - Recreio dos Bandeirantes

   30 km away

Recreio dos Bandeirantes is both the name of a beach and neighborhood in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a recent development, with no skyscrapers, and the area also contains jungles atop rocky cliffs and hills.

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22 - Bangu

   30 km away

Bangu is a neighborhood in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a middle-class neighborhood. It is located in the western area of the city being one of the most populated districts, with 244,518 inhabitants [1] distributed in an area of 4570.69 ha.

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23 - Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

   44 km away
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24 - Museu Imperial

   44 km away
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25 - Catedral de Petrópolis

   45 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Rio de Janeiro from Influencers

20 pictures of Rio de Janeiro from Luciano Ribas, Elizeu Dias, Krys Amon and other travelers

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Why should you visit Rio de Janeiro ?

Travel to Rio de Janeiro if you like:

  🏖️ Headland     🌲 Forest     ⛰️ Mountain     🌆 Skyline     🏖️ Beach     🏖️ Bay  

How to visit Rio de Janeiro ?

Why traveling there?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and adventure. The city offers iconic attractions such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Additionally, Rio's rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, and mouthwatering cuisine make it an irresistible destination.

How to get there?

The easiest way to get to Rio de Janeiro is by flying into Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG). Several airlines offer direct flights from major cities in the United States, Europe, and South America. Once in Rio, you can use public transportation, taxis, or ridesharing apps to get around the city.

What to book in advance?

To make the most of your trip, it's advisable to book a few key experiences in advance. These can include a guided tour to the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, a favela tour, and tickets to any specific events or shows you'd like to attend, such as a samba performance or a football match at Maracanã Stadium.

What are the costs?

Rio de Janeiro can be an affordable destination for travelers, but prices can vary depending on the season and the area you're staying in. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $50 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend upwards of $100 per day. Accommodation, food, and transportation are generally cheaper than in many European or North American cities.

What are the best things to do?

Some of the must-see attractions in Rio de Janeiro include:

1. Visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and taking in the panoramic views from the summit of Corcovado Mountain.
2. Exploring the stunning Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoying the cable car ride.
3. Relaxing on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
4. Discovering the colorful Selarón Steps and the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa.
5. Experiencing the vibrant nightlife and samba scene in the city.

Where to eat?

1. Confeitaria Colombo: A historic and elegant cafe, perfect for enjoying traditional Brazilian pastries and coffee.
2. Churrascaria Palace: A popular all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse, offering a variety of delicious grilled meats.
3. Aprazível: A charming restaurant located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, serving contemporary Brazilian cuisine with stunning views of the city.

Where to stay?

1. Belmond Copacabana Palace: A luxurious and iconic hotel located on Copacabana Beach, offering top-notch facilities and service.
2. Ipanema Inn: A mid-range, boutique hotel situated in the heart of Ipanema, just a short walk from the beach.
3. Discovery Hostel: A budget-friendly and highly rated option for travelers, located in the Gloria neighborhood, close to the city center.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, consider visiting the Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS), a cultural center in the Gávea neighborhood. The IMS is housed in a beautiful modernist building surrounded by lush gardens and offers a serene escape from the bustling city. The center hosts art exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural events, making it an ideal destination for art and culture enthusiasts.

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Rio, nicknamed the marvelous city

the city owes its reputation to its incredible splendor. Around the majestic Guanabara Bay, which the Portuguese explorers mistook for the mouth of a river (hence the name of the city, literally "River of January"), the city has developed wherever possible, in astonishing proximity to nature, which is omnipresent.

In front of another symbol of the city, the imposing Sugarloaf also called the guardian of the entrance to the bay.
From this point, the beaches open to the ocean begin, with familiar names: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Barra, ... meeting places of the Carioca people, and true temples dedicated to the cult of the body.

Main tourist places

• CORCOVADO
• SUGAR BREAD
• THE HISTORICAL CENTER OF RIO DE JANEIRO
• COPACABANA
• THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF RIO
• LAPA
• THE MARACANA STADIUM
• RODRIGO DE FREITAS LAGOON

Rio de Janeiro, A big city in South America

It is the largest city in Brazil behind Sao Paulo, world-famous for its carnival, its beaches as well as for its statue of Christ the Redeemer at the top of Mount Corcovado, and for its Tijuca forest, the largest urban forest in the world.
Located in the southeast of the country, it was the capital of Brazil between 1889 and 1960.

With its 6.1 million inhabitants in the city and more than 12 million in the urban area, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most important metropolises of the American continent.

The Rio Carnival is one of the most important tourist events

in the municipality of Rio and the most popular national holiday in Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro. It has become a true synonym for the celebration of Carnival in the country and even the world. It takes place every year during the 4 days before Ash Wednesday, which is the day that marks the beginning of Lent.

In 2018, Rio Carnival was held from February 9 to 14, in 2019 from March 2 to 9, in 2020 from February 21 to 26. The celebrations begin after the signal of the Rei Momo. On the occasion of Carnival, the mayor hands over the keys of the city, helping him to find his queen, a young girl chosen for her beauty and her experience in samba. She will rule the city during the three days of the carnival.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro

Where to go out at night in Rio de janeiro ?

• Lapa

Every night of the week you can go out in the Lapa neighborhood. On the program: dancing, samba, discos, and, of course, caipirinha sold for 5 reals by street vendors. In short, everything is done to have fun.

• The Centro

This is the business district of Rio de Janeiro. A lot of Cariocas work there and it is a party place on weeknights. If you want to go out, find out exactly where the event is taking place and take a cab there (same for the return trip to the hotel).

• Santa Teresa

This is our favorite place. Santa Teresa is a very nice neighborhood, a little bit "bobo", popular with the Cariocas themselves and animated in the evening. You will find bars and restaurants. One of them is our favorite restaurant, good and cheap: the Simplemente.

On the spot, in Santa Teresa, you will also find the famous Selaron stairs where many tourists take pictures.

How to organize your visit to Rio de Janeiro?

• Day Tour: Over eight hours A full day tour of Rio de Janeiro, you'll get a good overview of the city, with stops to visit the main highlights, including Copacabana Beach, Tijuca Forest, the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Escadaria Selarón and the Baroque Monastery of São Bento. The tour also includes a cable car ride to Sugarloaf and lunch at a steakhouse.

• Corcovado and Sugarloaf Tour: See Rio from the two most important points of the city on the Day of Mount Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Tour. This full-day tour of Rio's most famous landmarks includes a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf and a trip by van or cogwheel train.

• Jeep Tour: Explore the huge national park on the slopes of Corcovado on a jeep tour through the Tijuca Rainforest from Rio de Janeiro. Driving through the rainforest in an open-top jeep, you'll have a four-hour eco-tour, with a hike to see butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and birds. Stop to see the Cachoeira dos Macacos monkey cascade and for a panoramic view from Vista Chinese view while you learn more about the flora of the Mata Atlântica from your guide.

   Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

   More Travel spots to explore around Rio de Janeiro

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Rio de Janeiro

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Explore popular touristic places around Rio de Janeiro

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