Rio de Janeiro
★ 4.7🇧🇷 Rio de JaneiroSuggested visit 4-6 daysBest season The dry season from May to September, with clear skies and good visibility
CarnivalBeachesFootballSamba culture
A city of carnival, beaches and football, home to one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Overview
Rio de Janeiro has the Christ statue on Corcovado, Copacabana beach and a vibrant samba culture.
History
Rio de Janeiro was founded by Portuguese colonists in 1565. In the 17th and 18th centuries it became Portugal's most important colonial port in the Americas and a major destination of the slave trade. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family moved to Rio to escape Napoleon, and the city grew substantially. In 1960 the Brazilian capital moved from Rio to the newly built Brasília. Rio is famed for hosting the world's largest carnival, for its football culture and for its spectacular natural setting.
Highlights
- •The twin icons of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
- •The energy of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
- •The samba spectacle of the world's largest carnival
- •Football pilgrimage to the Maracanã stadium
- •The bohemian art district of Santa Teresa
Practical tips
- •Stay alert against theft
- •Book accommodation months ahead for carnival
Practical information
- Best time
- December to March
- Tickets
- Beaches free; carnival sector tickets about BRL 500 to 5,000
- Opening hours
- City open all day; beaches accessible daily
- Local food
- Brazilian barbecue, feijoada and caipirinha
- Getting around
- The metro covers the main tourist areas, and Copacabana and Ipanema are linked on foot or by bike
- Visa
- A tourist visa is required and can be submitted through the Brazilian embassy or an authorised visa centre; allow about a month to prepare documents.
Traveller reviews
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