Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

A city where the mountains meet the sea and the energy never stops. Christ the Redeemer watches over beaches where locals play football at sunset, samba rhythms spill out of neighborhood bars, and the rainforest literally grows into the city. Rio doesn't do anything quietly.

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Quick Facts

Best time to goMay to September (dry season, mild temperatures) or February for Carnival
CurrencyBRL (R$)
LanguagePortuguese
Time zoneUTC-3

Top things to see in Rio de Janeiro

01Christ the Redeemer
02Sugarloaf Mountain
03Copacabana Beach
04Ipanema Beach
05Tijuca National Park
06Selarón Steps
07Maracanã Stadium
08Santa Teresa

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Rio de Janeiro travel FAQ

How many days do I need in Rio de Janeiro?

4 to 5 days covers the essentials — Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, a beach day on Copacabana or Ipanema, hiking in Tijuca Forest, and exploring Santa Teresa and Lapa at night. If you're visiting during Carnival, add at least 2-3 extra days to soak it all in.

Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists?

Like any major city, Rio needs some street smarts. Stick to tourist-friendly areas like Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Botafogo. Don't flash expensive jewelry or phones. Use registered taxis or ride-share apps instead of hailing cabs. Avoid deserted areas at night. With basic precautions, millions of tourists visit safely every year.

What's the food like in Rio?

Incredible and underrated. Grab a fresh açaí bowl from a juice bar — it's nothing like the stuff abroad. Try feijoada (black bean stew) at a traditional boteco on Saturday, which is a local tradition. Beach vendors sell everything from grilled cheese on a stick to fresh shrimp. The churrascarias (steakhouses) are legendary. Don't skip the pastéis from street stands.

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