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Rio de Janeiro
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Rio de Janeiro Tourism: Best of Rio de Janeiro

An urban metropolis with the back-tempo of a samba sway
With its plentiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and backdrop of samba and bossa nova rhythms, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro. Made famous in song, Ipanema Beach is still the place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, beckons visitors to Corcovado Mountain. And if you're coming for Carnaval, Rio’s annual celebrations are bacchanalian extravaganzas of feasting, music, dance, and costumed revelry.

Travel Advice

Essential Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Is Great For

Iconic beaches

Nights full of music and dance

Plates piled sky-high with churrascaria

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

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.

On the ground
What is the timezone?
Brasilia Standard Time (GMT-3).
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Rio de Janeiro is 127V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. There are two associated plug types: type N, with two round pins and a grounding pin, and type C, with two round pins. For plug types, you can reference the international guide.
What is the currency?
Brazilian Real (BRL).
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
Is tipping expected?
Though tipping is not part of Brazilian culture, a 10% service charge is generally added to the bill in restaurants.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Dress
In Brazil, casual dress is more formal than in other countries so if a restaurant or event specifies formal wear then ensure that you dress to impress.
Religion
Though generally modern and tolerant, Brazilians typically have strong Catholic beliefs. Try to avoid expressing atheist views in public.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio de Janeiro


Some of the most popular restaurants in Rio de Janeiro include:

Rio de Janeiro is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Rio de Janeiro between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.