Rio de Janeiro
Rio is built between granite peaks, rainforest and a chain of beaches, so the landscape is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Beach neighbourhoods, the hills and the old centre each work differently, and the cable car and cog railway handle the viewpoints. Four days covers the main peaks, two beaches and a samba night.
How long to stay
May to October for drier, cooler weather; February or March for Carnival.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Rio de Janeiro yet
Is Rio de Janeiro right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Rio de Janeiro is known for.
Great for
- Nightlife
- Nature
Less of a focus
- History & culture
- Food
- Family
- Couples
- Solo
Build your Rio de Janeiro trip
Top things to do
Christ the Redeemer
Entrance R$122 · VerifiedRio de Janeiro
The 30-metre Art Deco statue of 1931 on Corcovado, reached by cog railway or van, looking over the bay and the city. The statue was designed by Paul Landowski and engineered by Heitor da Silva Costa, and it sits inside Tijuca National Park. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Copacabana Beach
Free entry · Paid extras availableRio de Janeiro
A four-kilometre crescent of sand with a mosaic promenade, lifeguard posts that mark distinct social zones, and kiosks along its length. The 4 km crescent beach is lined by a promenade whose wave-pattern pavement was designed by Roberto Burle Marx. It hosts one of the world's largest New Year's Eve celebrations.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Entrance R$160 · VerifiedRio de Janeiro
A 396-metre granite monolith at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, climbed in two cable car stages with a sunset view over the city. The granite peak rises about 396 metres at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. A two-stage cable car, opened in 1912, climbs via Morro da Urca to the summit.
Tijuca National Park
Free entry · VerifiedRio de Janeiro
A large urban rainforest replanted in the nineteenth century, with waterfalls, trails and viewpoints above the city.
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Popular activities
Samba night in Lapa
Live samba in the bars and street parties under the Lapa arches.