Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car
Take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.
Top hotels & flights
Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Rio de Janeiro.
Top Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Top Flights to Rio de Janeiro
Popular activities
Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Rio de Janeiro.
Tours
Selarón Steps Tour
Visit the colorful Selarón Steps, a world-famous staircase covered in vibrant tiles.
Visit to Selarón Steps
Marvel at the colorful and artistic steps created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón in the lively Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Museum of Tomorrow Visit
Explore the innovative and fascinating exhibitions at the Museum of Tomorrow. A perfect activity for science enthusiasts.
Visit the Botanical Garden
Explore the beautiful and expansive Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden with its rich collection of plants and stunning landscapes.
Christ the Redeemer Visit
Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue offering panoramic views of Rio.
Art Exploration at Museu de Arte do Rio
Spend the afternoon exploring the diverse collection of art at Museu de Arte do Rio, showcasing Brazilian and international artists.
Evening Samba Party
Immerse yourself in Brazilian culture with an evening of samba at one of Rio's famous samba clubs. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and traditional music.
Corcovado Train Experience
Ride the historic train through the lush Tijuca Forest to the base of Christ the Redeemer.
Cultural Decoding: Museum of Tomorrow
Explore the Museum of Tomorrow, a science museum in Rio de Janeiro designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It’s a hub for narrative about the future around sustainability, creativity, and cutting-edge technology.
Rio Nightlife Experience at Lapa
Explore Rio's vibrant nightlife in the bustling district of Lapa. Experience local music, dance, and culture in one of the city's most iconic areas.
Shopping
Explore Barra da Tijuca Shopping
Discover the best shopping experience at Barra da Tijuca, with numerous shops and dining options.
Rio Scenarium Night Out
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife at Rio Scenarium, famous for its lively atmosphere and samba music.
Outdoor
Tijuca Forest Hiking
Hike through the world's largest urban rainforest, located in Tijuca National Park.
Copacabana Beach Day
Relax on the famous Copacabana Beach, known for its bustling sun-kissed shoreline.
Visit São Conrado Beach
Experience hang gliding and surfing on São Conrado Beach.
Ipanema Beach Relaxation
Enjoy the sun and take in the vibrant atmosphere at Ipanema Beach. Perfect for a morning of relaxation and fun with friends.
Hiking in Tijuca National Park
Embark on a scenic hike in Tijuca National Park, world’s largest urban rainforest, to explore waterfalls and diverse ecosystems.
Beach Time at Copacabana
Relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at the iconic Copacabana Beach.
Afternoon at Ipanema Beach
Relax and enjoy the sun at the famous Ipanema Beach. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Guanabara Bay Morning Sailing Tour
Start your day with a scenic sailing tour of Guanabara Bay, taking in the stunning morning views of Rio's coastline and iconic mountains.
Sunset at Arpoador
Witness the breathtaking sunset at Arpoador, a small peninsula between Ipanema and Copacabana. It's one of the most beautiful and iconic sunsets in the city.
Post-Lunch Visit to Ipanema Beach
Enjoy the warm sands and beautiful views of Ipanema, one of Rio's most famous beaches. Take a leisurely stroll or relax on the beach while enjoying the lively ambiance.
Location videos
Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.
From travelers
Watch & explore
Practical info
The essentials for planning your time in Rio de Janeiro.
Currency
R$ | BRL | Brazilian Real
Population
13.5 million
Languages
Portuguese, Portuguese
Local guide
What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Rio de Janeiro.
What people love
There are several pros to traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
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Stunning Beaches: Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beautiful beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy beachside activities like beach volleyball and surfing.
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Iconic Landmarks: Rio de Janeiro is home to iconic landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the colorful Selarón Steps. These landmarks offer breathtaking views of the city and are must-see attractions for visitors.
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Vibrant Culture: Rio de Janeiro is known for its vibrant culture, including samba music and dance, Carnival celebrations, and delicious Brazilian cuisine. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending live music performances, trying traditional dishes, and participating in cultural events.
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Outdoor Activities: Rio de Janeiro offers a range of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can hike through Tijuca National Park, explore the botanical gardens, or take a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of the city.
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Friendly Locals: Brazilians are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality, and visitors to Rio de Janeiro can expect to be greeted with friendly smiles and helpful locals who are eager to share their culture and recommendations for exploring the city.
Overall, Rio de Janeiro offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures that make it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
What to know
There are a few cons to consider when traveling to Rio de Janeiro:
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Safety concerns: Rio de Janeiro has a reputation for high crime rates, including theft, petty crime, and incidents of violence. Tourists are often targeted for pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded tourist areas. It is important to take precautions such as avoiding displaying valuables, staying in well-lit areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings.
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Traffic and transportation issues: Rio de Janeiro is a large and bustling city with heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Public transportation can be crowded and unreliable at times, making it challenging to get around efficiently. Taxis can also be expensive, and there have been reports of scams targeting tourists.
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Language barrier: Portuguese is the official language in Brazil, and while some people in Rio de Janeiro may speak English, there can still be a language barrier for travelers. It's helpful to learn some basic Portuguese phrases or use translation apps to communicate effectively.
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Health and safety concerns: Rio de Janeiro has faced public health issues in the past, including outbreaks of diseases such as Zika virus and dengue fever. It is important to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites and be aware of any health advisories in the area.
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High cost of living: Rio de Janeiro can be an expensive city for tourists, especially in terms of accommodations, dining, and attractions. Prices for goods and services may be higher than in other parts of Brazil, so it's important to budget accordingly.
Overall, while Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant and beautiful city with much to offer visitors, it's important to be mindful of these potential cons and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.