Rio de Janeiro may not be the capital or the largest city in Brazil, but it is one of the most exciting places in the world. With a chaotic bustle that is not for the faint-hearted, it is nevertheless becoming increasingly accessible thanks to infrastructural improvements made for the World Cup and the Olympic Games. The iconic sights of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer keep a watchful eye over this spirited city, where you’ll be spoilt for choice with activities to pursue. The world famous beaches at Ipanema and Copacabana provide a chance to experience the city’s party atmosphere amongst a diverse –and beautiful – international crowd. Meanwhile, the narrow streets of the Santa Teresa district is a shopping and dining hotspot with an artistic flair, and offers fabulous views of the city. If you want to see the city in full flow, visit during February or March and take in the exciting Rio Carnival, where thousands of people take to the streets in decorative costumes and samba the night away.
What you’ll love most about Rio de Janeiro
- Samba through the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, where pulsating rhythms and colourful costumes ignite the city with an electrifying energy, celebrating Brazil’s rich cultural heritage
- Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views from atop the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, where outstretched arms embrace the city below, offering a spiritual connection and a sense of peace amidst the bustling metropolis
- Relax on the world-famous Copacabana Beach, where golden sands stretch for miles along the sparkling shores of the Atlantic Ocean, inviting visitors to sunbathe, swim, and sip caipirinhas under the warm Brazilian sun
- Ascend to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, where jaw-dropping vistas reveal Rio’s stunning landscape of lush mountains, verdant forests, and glittering skyscrapers, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories
- Explore the historic streets of bohemian neighbourhoods like Santa Teresa, where colourful colonial mansions and cobblestone alleys exude charm and creativity, offering art galleries, boutique shops, and eclectic dining experiences
- Immerse yourself in the rhythm of Rio’s nightlife, where samba beats pulse through lively bars and clubs, inviting you to dance the night away and experience the city’s infectious joie de vivre until the early hours of the morning