Rio is a city of beaches, forested mountains and music, with Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf and the Christ statue, plus samba clubs, feijoada and caipirinhas. The best weather is April to October; Carnival is in February or March.
Good to know
- Take licensed taxis or ride-share at night; keep phones and jewelry out of sight on the beach.
- Visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf on clear mornings; clouds roll in by afternoon.
- Book Carnival lodging at least six months ahead; prices rise sharply.
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Places the planner can use
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Rio's trendiest beach, with a sunset applause at Arpoador rock and a lively seaside promenade.
Rodizio-style steakhouse where waiters carve grilled meats at your table until you flag them down.
The 98-foot statue above Rio, reached by cog train or van through Tijuca Forest, with views over the whole city.
Two cable-car rides to a granite peak with panoramic views; go late to see the city lights switch on.
Four-kilometre curve of sand with beach volleyball, kiosks selling coconut water and the famous black-and-white pavement.
Hillside neighborhood of art studios and cafes reached by tram, ending at the mosaic Escadaria Selaron.
The world's largest urban rainforest, with waterfalls, hikes and monkeys within the city limits.
Live samba and choro in historic halls and bars around the Lapa arches, best on Friday and Saturday nights.
Royal palms and orchid houses in a 19th-century garden at the foot of Corcovado.
Santiago Calatrava's science museum on the harbor, next to murals by Kobra and the Museum of Art of Rio.
Belle epoque tea room with mirrored walls and stained glass, open since 1894, ideal for coffee and pastries.