Known for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mt. Corcovado, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Carnival festival, Rio de Janeiro is certainly unique. Add to that a massively diverse population and cultural heritage, and you have a melting point of culture, people, food and landmarks. Travel to Rio de Janeiro using my guide below exploring all the famous landmarks and tourist sights.
I stayed in Rio for 5 days and I personally thought this wasn’t enough for all the variety of activities this city has to offer. Rio has something for everyone, whether you’re a beach lover or enjoy exploring the great outdoors. In this must-read travel guide to Rio de Janeiro, I’ll share with you my experiences of this lush, tropical city, what to see and do, where to stay and how to get around, as well as all my tips and hacks for seeing the city.
Ok, let’s dive straight into this Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide!
Let’s talk Logistics- Your Travel Plan to Rio de Janeiro
What to Pack
It’s really hot in Rio de Janeiro in general, and you will need a good sunscreen, comfy shoes and plenty of water.
Hot Tip: Pack clothes for rain and shine – Rio is a rainy city and the weather can change very fast. Winter (June-August) tends to be drier than summer (December- February) but unexpected thunderstorms can happen at any time.
I’ve also made an essential Travel Packing list that you can use when you visit Rio de Janeiro, so you have everything you need for your trip and be prepared for any season. You can also download a FREE PDF version too!
If you are interested in upping your photography game then you may also want to see what’s in our camera bag for all the best travel photography gear we use when we travel. There is plenty of beautiful spots around Rio so be sure to pack a good camera!
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
I’ve sourced some amazing places to stay categorised within their budget range. These are based on the top reviews and come highly recommended on Airbnb and Hotels Combined.
Budget | Hotel Belas Artes – It will probably be hard to find a room with breakfast close to the city center for a similarly cheap price, so when available, go for it.
Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro – located in the heart of downtown Rio, this ultra-trendy, comfortable property is simply a great option when in Rio.
Casablanca Beachfront – the safest, the most comfortable, the most charming and the most affordable, the Casinha is the place for a couple that want to spend some days in Rio alternating the intense city-life with the quietness of our location. Embedded in an amazing tropical oceanfront, next to the luxurious Sheraton Resort, located in the very beginning of Upper Leblon and a few minutes walk from the best restaurant area in Rio; Ipanema and Copacabana.
Mid-Range | Studio Loft – a charming and comfortable studio with a balcony offering views of Mt. Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont – A classic modern chain hotel where you know what to expect. It is in a safe area, and the service is excellent.
Ipanema Inn Hotel – Located just 130 metres from Ipanema beach, this gorgeous design hotel is comfortable and beautifully decorated with a great breakfast and spacious rooms. All rooms also come with a desk making it a great place to base yourself if you have a bit of work to do during your stay.
Luxe | Penthouse with Private Pool – Start the day with a quick swim in the azure pool and follow up with breakfast on your own private balcony with an amazing view of Flamengo Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Miramar Hotel by Windsor – Amazing hotel located right across Copacabana Beach is a top choice for everyone looking for a high standard and perfect settings.
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana – Easily one of the most luxurious and stunning places to stay in Rio, the Fairmont boasts, simple but modern rooms, a luxury spa, delicious buffet breakfast and a rooftop infinity pool over the most gorgeous sun-set view of Rio. 100% worth-it.
I prefer staying in Airbnb and you can get amazing places to stay ranging from budget friendly to luxe! I’ve pre-saved some favourite stays down below so just scroll through or hit Show more stays!
Or if you prefer Hotels, I always find the cheapest rates by searching Hotels Combined– I’ve pre-filled Rio de Janeiro for you below so just click search and explore what’s on offer!
Getting Around Rio de Janeiro
As one of Brazil’s largest cities, Rio de Janeiro has a great public transportation system consisting of the metro, tram and buses and you can buy your tickets from the ticket booths inside the metro stations. Uber is the ideal way to get around the city. It’s safer than a regular taxi, cheap and is a lifesaver when travelling late at night or to those out-of-the-way landmarks.
Another very popular way to get around Rio is renting a bike from one of the many stands (you need to register online) spread out throughout the city.
Safety in Rio de Janeiro
Is it safe to travel to Rio de Janeiro? The simple answer is yes, but take precautions.
You’ve probably already heard that Rio doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to safety. The biggest problem in Rio is petty theft such as pickpocketing so keep your valuables safe. Having said that however there’s nothing to worry about, it’s a city like any other, but stay alert. Leave your flashy, expensive jewellery and accessories at home, don’t flash around expensive gear, don’t leave your belongings unattended, especially at the beach and always take a taxi or better still an Uber at night (its not advised to walk the streets at night). I actually had no problems whatsoever during my time in Rio.
Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: What to See and Do
VISIT CHRIST THE REDEEMER
One of the most popular and best things to do in Rio de Janeiro is to see Christ the Redeemer aka Cristo Redentor. Built in 1931, Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Standing on the top of Mt. Corcovado’s peak, it’s become the cultural icon for both Rio and Brazil.
The best time to check out the statue is before 10:00 a.m. so book your ticket in advance, hop in a taxi and avoid the lines and crowds. If you want to save some money, have the driver drop you at the bottom because rides to the top are more expensive.
You have the option to take the tram up the mountain to Cristo. If the line is too long, take one of the vans that offers group rides to the last stop before taking an official van to the top!
Either way, you will need to take one of the official vans for the final leg to Cristo Redentor.
Travel Hack: The tram does accept credit cards, but the vans do require cash—so make sure to have some handy!
Helpful Tip: Cristo Redentor is high up in the hills, meaning that often there is no visibility of the statue. I went on a day where they said it would not be visible, and I managed only to snap a photo when there was a break in the clouds. If you only have one chance, take it!
Book your tickets to see Christ the Redeemer –
TAKE IN EPIC VIEWS ON SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN
A must see for first time travellers to Rio de Janeiro is to visit Sugarloaf Mountain.
Sugarloaf Mountain is a spectacular sight even when you admire it from a distance, but when you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with a truly breathtaking panorama which is hard to beat.
The Sugar Loaf Cable Car will take you from Praia Vermelha up to Sugarloaf Mountain. It reaches the summit of 1,300 feet with a stop at Morro da Urca along the way.
The best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain and avoid crowds is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the sunset. Make sure you purchase your tickets early too as they sell out quick! Sugarloaf Mountain is busiest from 10 AM to 3 PM and during this period there’s a high chance you will wait in a long queue for a cable car.
The cars run every 30 minutes and have a total of 2,500 visitors each day—so come early to avoid the lines! At the Urca station, you’ll find a credit card-friendly cafe, snack bar, and restaurant as well as some souvenir stands and a children’s area.
Book your tickets to see Sugarloaf Mountain –
SIP ON CAIPIRINHAS AS THE SUN GOES DOWN
Your Rio de Janeiro travel guide is not complete without Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirinha. It is made with Cachaça, a hard liquor distilled from sugarcane blended with sugar and lime, just beware they make it strong! There’s no better way to toast the perfect day in Rio than with a Caipirinha at sunset. There are many bars to choose from but my favourite place to sip one and watch the sun go down was on Copacabana beach. With so many beachside bars to choose from, simply sit back, relax and rest those tired legs after a day of exploring.
Not sure what to pack? See my Packing List for more tips!
CATCH SOME WAVES AT THE BEACH
Rio’s beaches are world-renowned for their clean, soft sand and their convenient accessibility from most hotels and hostels. Along the beach you’ll also find a plethora of rental tents and chairs, market stalls, free showers, and bars and cafes.
Soak in the sun at Copacabana and Ipanema, the more popular of the beaches. Prefer to avoid the crowd? Opt for Leblon, the quieter, but equally beautiful sister beach.
VISIT REAL GABINETE LIBRERIA PORTUGUES
A must see on your travels to Rio de Janeiro is the Portuguese Reading Room or Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. This extravagant library of Portuguese literature is the largest outside of Portugal, containing hundreds of volumes by Portuguese authors. Admire the swirling, golden pillars, exquisitely carved wooden bannisters and elaborate marble doorways.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE CULTURE ON A FAVELA TOUR
Favelas are an essential part of life in Rio de Janeiro and visiting one will give you an insight into the lives of regular people, the history of the city and how favelas originated. This also gives you the chance to contribute to the local communities and give back.
I booked myself a tour of Rocinha Favela, the largest favela of Brazil, and learned about the history of it, got the chance to visit a local pre-school and meet the kids as well as seeing their costume designs for the upcoming Carnival Festival. We also met some local residents and played football with them as well as learning about how favelas have grown to function with little to no government intervention. The tour was a fascinating insight into Rio life and I’d highly recommend you do one. Click here for more information.
Helpful Tip: To keep safe on your travels in Rio de Janeiro, when visiting a favela, make sure to do it with a tour. Not only can it be unsafe going alone but you’ll also miss out on the vital information that makes the tour so special.
Book a Favela Tour:
MARVEL AT THE ESCADERIA SELARON
Located in both the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighbourhoods of downtown Rio, Escadaria Selaron is the incredible and talented work of Chilean artist Jorge Selaron who in 1990 embarked on a project to regenerate the local downtown area to attract visitors to this part of Rio. He decorated a staircase with more than 2000 uniquely colourful tiles from around the world.
Lapa is also an excellent nightlife district. It was once a seedy area of crime and dive bars but after an influx of nightclubs and hip hangouts, Lapa has revamped into Rio’s most fun option for nightlife. Located in Rio’s historic center, it’s become a favorite locale for many clubbers dancing the night away!
Book a Tour to see the Selaron Steps:
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO ILHA GRANDE
One of my fondest memories of my travels to Rio de Janeiro was visiting the tropical paradise of Ilha Grande. You can take a day trip to the island or even opt to stay overnight or two if you fancy. Located 2 hours south of Rio de Janeiro, this large island is covered in tropical lush jungle crisscrossed by hiking paths and both golden and white sand beaches with the clearest water of every shade of blue and green.
Ilha Grande might just be your place for a relaxing few days off from travelling and is a tropical destination you won’t forget in a hurry. There are few cars or motorbikes here, allowing you to really switch off, detox and enjoy the sounds of nature. There’s enough to do on Ilha Grande to keep you busy for at least three days, so block out your schedule, grab a sarong and a caipirinha and discover the secrets of this pristine island.
Where to Stay:
Budget |
Pousada D’Pillel – A great budget option in the centre of Villa Abraão. This pretty posada (Brazilian bed and breakfast) has a wonderful garden, delicious breakfast and simple but cosy rooms.
Casa do Indio – A charming private suite with a private bathroom.
Mid-Range |
Charming Chalet – This charming 52m² wooden chalet is in a quiet and easily accessible location.
Private Beach House – You will have the whole house for yourself and with its convenient location it’s only 5 mins walk to the beach.
Luxe |
Private Bungalow – Private bungalow with full view of the sea, including the bathroom stall, equipped with air conditioning and minibar, beautiful rustic decor, surrounded by native forest and facing a sea of calm and clear waters.
Eco Boat House – Why not enjoy your time on Ilha Grande in a luxurious Boat House?
Book a tour to Ilha Grande:
Read More: The Complete Guide to Iguazu Falls: Argentina & Brazil
EXPERIENCE THE RIO CARNIVAL
Rio Carnival is often regarded as the greatest party in the world! Samba schools prepare for a whole year to compete in the final, and it’s the event held at the Sambadrome that’s usually referred to when talking about ‘Carnival night’. With its overabundance of sequins, tanned skin, hypnotic music and out-of-this-world samba dancing, a night at the Rio Carnival final is one of the most unforgettable experiences you could ever have in all of South America.
That brings us to the end of my Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide! What are some things on my guide that you would do in Rio?
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