Rio de Janeiro

Mountain-backed beaches, samba, a giant Christ and carnival spirit

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Rio de Janeiro is set between mountains and the sea, its beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema framed by the peaks of Sugarloaf and Corcovado with its arms-wide Christ the Redeemer. Add samba, botecos and carnival and few cities feel so alive. Our local picks run from the beaches to feijoada and caipirinhas. Filter by category and budget below to plan your visit.

Rio de Janeiro at a glance

Ideal stay: 3 to 4 days
Best time to visit: May to October
Highlights: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf and the beaches
Where to stay: beachfront Ipanema or Copacabana, or historic Santa Teresa
Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
Getting around: the metro plus taxis and ride-hailing

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

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Santa Teresa

Hotel Santa Teresa

★ 4.5

$$$

Ipanema

Ipanema Beach

★ 4.8

Maracana

Maracana Stadium

★ 4.9

Porto Maravilha

Museu do Amanha

★ 4.6

Lapa

Refettorio Gastromotiva

Why it matters: opened in 2016 during the Rio Olympics by the NGO Gastromotiva (founded 2006 by chef David Hertz) in partnership with Massimo Bottura’s Food for Soul, this restaurant-school rescues surplus ingredients and trains young cooks from vulnerable communities while serving vulnerable Rio residents each evening. At lunch, Monday to Friday, the same kitchen opens to the public with a set menu – starter, main, dessert, drink – designed by rotating guest chefs. Order the daily set menu (there’s no a la carte) and go early since seating is limited. It is one of the few places in Rio where your meal directly funds culinary training and food-waste reduction.

★ 4.7

Rocinha

Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

★ 4.8

Andaraí

Samba do Trabalhador

Urca

Sugarloaf Cable Car

★ 4.6

Tijuca

Tijuca Rainforest Hike

★ 4.8

Copacabana

Windsor Excelsior

★ 4.3

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Rio de Janeiro travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?

Three to four days covers the beaches, Sugarloaf and Corcovado, the historic centre and a samba night, with time to relax.

Where is the best area to stay in Rio de Janeiro?

Ipanema and Leblon are the smartest beach neighbourhoods; Copacabana is livelier, while Santa Teresa is bohemian and hilly.

What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?

Browse the local picks above, from Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf to Ipanema beach, the Selaron Steps and a night of samba in Lapa.

What is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

The cooler, drier months from May to October are most comfortable; carnival in February or March is the wildest and busiest time.