Brazil’s best-known coastal city brings beaches, mountains and tropical forest together. Visit Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana, and experience samba and Carioca culture.
Year-round, especially around Réveillon and Carnival
The state tourism office welcomes visitors year-round and highlights the New Year celebration and Carnival. source
Weather: Rio can be visited year-round, with major celebrations for Réveillon and Carnival. source
Times to avoid: November–March is the rainy season in southeast Brazil. Heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides near the coast and mountains, so check local alerts and road conditions before travelling. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Don't miss in Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer Rio’s landmark atop Corcovado; visitors can take the official train or Paineiras vans. source
Sugarloaf Cable Car The cable car links Urca and Sugarloaf, with views of Botafogo Bay and Copacabana. source
Copacabana Beach A signature Rio beach lined by its wave-pattern promenade and kiosks. source
Parque Lage A garden, forest and art school at the foot of Corcovado. The steep, difficult trail to Christ the Redeemer is best done with an experienced guide. source
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana
A convenient coastal base for a first visit, with a beach promenade, restaurants and shops.
Ipanema / Arpoador
Stay near beaches, cafés and restaurants, with sunset views from the Arpoador rocks.
What to eat in Rio de Janeiro
Feijoada — A Brazilian black-bean and pork stew served with rice and farofa
Caipirinha — A Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime, sugar and ice
Churrasco Rodízio — A Brazilian barbecue meal served in rotating rounds of grilled meat
Rio de Janeiro tips and things to watch out for
Rio de Janeiro travel tips
For a local beach snack, try Globo biscuits with Matte Leão tea. source
Choose your official van boarding point before visiting Christ the Redeemer; your return trip must use the same point. source
Good to know in Brazil
At airports, use authorised taxi booths. For ride-hailing, match the car and driver details in the app and wait at the designated pick-up point. source
Check the amount shown on the payment terminal and keep your card in sight until the transaction is complete. source
Watch out for in Brazil
Avoid favelas, including tourist tours, accommodation, restaurants and bars advertised within them; check that GPS routes do not lead into one. source
Keep phones and valuables out of sight in crowded areas and on beaches; do not go to city beaches at night. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Real menu prices in Rio de Janeiro
Per-person meal prices from restaurants’ official menus (where tax and tips are extra, the calculator adds them).
Via Carioca Hambúrguer Clássico: R$38.90
Brazilian-Style Roast Beef or Pork Leg: R$44.00
Surreal Bar Querida, Empanei o Frango: R$69.00
Rio de Janeiro attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.