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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Rio

Corcovado & Sugarloaf City Tour

★ 4.5

$$$

Rocinha & Vila Canoas

Favela Tour – Marcelo Armstrong

Why it matters: Marcelo Armstrong pioneered favela tourism in Rio in 1992, and roughly a quarter of every tour’s price still goes to fund two community schools with no government support – Para Ti and Saci Sabe Tudo – which teach local kids computer skills, English, music and capoeira. The three-hour minivan-and-walking tour (departing 9am and 2pm from hotel pickups) moves through Rocinha, Latin America’s largest favela, and the smaller community of Vila Canoas, stopping at a handcraft center, a hillside viewpoint over the city, and one of the schools it funds. Book directly through the operator’s own site or WhatsApp rather than a generic reseller, and bring small bills for the handcraft stalls.

Rocinha

Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

★ 4.8

Tijuca

Tijuca Rainforest Hike

★ 4.8

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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.