Copacabana
Ideal for: first visit, beach
The most famous beach, with many hotels and the metro.
Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Plan your stay in Rio de Janeiro
Best areas to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Ipanema and Leblon
Ideal for: couples, beach
More upmarket beaches, restaurants and shops at the foot of the hills.
Santa Teresa
Ideal for: couples, charm
A bohemian hilltop area with cobbled lanes, studios and bay views.
Botafogo
Ideal for: solo, local life
Bars, restaurants and views of Sugarloaf, between the centre and the beaches.
Practical info about Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is squeezed between the sea and the mountains: its scenery is among the most spectacular in the world. Carnival, in February or March depending on the year, is the highlight of the year.
What to see in Rio de Janeiro
- Christ the Redeemer, on top of Corcovado;
- Sugarloaf Mountain and its cable car, for the sunset;
- the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema;
- Santa Teresa, Lapa and the Selarón Steps;
- the botanical garden and the Tijuca Forest;
- a match at the Maracanã, the legendary stadium.
Getting to Rio de Janeiro
Galeão International Airport is about 23 km from Copacabana: allow about an hour by road depending on traffic, by taxi, ride-hailing or bus. Santos Dumont airport, in the city centre, mainly handles domestic flights.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Brazil.