Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Rio de Janeiro

Alexandre P

In case you need help, Carioca's are nice, but make sure you are close to Zona Sul, where people are more friendly to tourists. Even if do not speak fluent English, they will help.

Gisele T

The dozens of juice bars in Rio are ideal for having an authentic açaí berry smoothie, or for trying other exotic fruit juices and traditional snacks. Buffet restaurants, where food is priced per kilo, are very popular among locals, especially for lunch.

kikinsg

If you are young, go to Lapa, and at every door, there will be music and dancing. Go to a candonblé or macumba ritual: go Downtown and see the old Rio de Janeiro with golden churches and beautiful neo-classic buildings like the Municipal for a beautiful concert.

In the words of those who've been there before ...

joanadventure

Rio: The city of wonders and easy to get around.

Gisele T

The unique geography of Rio de Janeiro ensures that you'll enjoy a free picturesque backdrop — from gorgeous mountains and white-sand beaches to verdant rain forests and deep blue seas — at every step of your exploration.

kikinsg

Rio de Janeiro, called the "Marvellous City," charms everyone not only by its natural beauty but also by the friendliness of all Cariocas (born in Rio). Obviously, the main assets are the beaches, like the famous Copacabana beach and its beautiful sidewalks. But there are several beaches, all around our coast.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

The main airport that serves Rio de Janeiro is the Rio de Janeiro-Antonio Carlos Jobim/Galeão International Airport, known simply as Galeão International Airport.

Bus:

The Rodoviaria Rio Novo station is the main bus terminal in Rio de Janeiro and hosts the majority of long-distance buses.

Driving:

If arriving in Rio by car, you’ll likely come from the BR116, which is the highway that connects the city with Sao Paulo.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting from Brazil overseas, see if you need a visa using this website.

When is the best time to visit?

December to March: Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and March, when the weather is optimum for exploring the city’s beaches. Additionally, the summer months deliver two of the city’s best celebrations: New Year’s Eve, when crowds cram onto Copacabana Beach for a 15-minute fireworks display, and the world-renowned Carnaval, during which the spirit of samba overtakes the city.

For more information on Rio de Janeiro’s weather and when to go, check out some tips here.

Metro

Rio’s metro spans three air-conditioned lines. Line 1 goes from Ipanema-General Osório to Uruguai; Line 2 travels from Botafogo to Pavuna, passing Maracanã football stadium en route; Line 3 travels between Ipanema-General Osório and the eastern end of Barra da Tijuca at Jardim Oceânico. You can purchase a rechargeable card at any of the metro stations. Find out more here.

Taxis and rideshare

Apps such as Uber and Cabify are the main rideshare operators in Rio. Most of the public cabs are metered and are readily available and therefore easy to hail from the street.

Bus

Rio’s BRS (Bus Rapid System) overlaps the metro and covers popular city zones such as Ipanema, Leblon, Barra, and Copacabana.