Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro, known by Brazilians as The Marvelous City, is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting Brazil. Rio is a vibrant city, being recognized worldwide for its beautiful beaches, its unique landscape, and its famous popular festival, Carnival. The main tourist attractions in Rio are: the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the Selarón Steps, among other tourist spots.
Rio de Janeiro, known by Brazilians as The Marvelous City, is one of the favorite destinations for tourists visiting Brazil. Rio is a vibrant city, being recognized worldwide for its beautiful beaches, its unique landscape, and its famous popular festival, Carnival.
Main attractions
Christ the Redeemer
Sugarloaf Mountain
Selarón Steps
Statue of the poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - April 19, 2020: Statue of the poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro Brazil.
Beautiful view to modern architecture white Museum of Tomorrow in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nighttime aerial view of Rio de Janeiro
RIO DE JANEIRO - FEBRUARY 11: Show with decorations on carnival Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro February 11, 2013, Brazil. The Rio Carnival is biggest carnival in world.
Aquarim in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
View to big grafitti mural with giant street art faces in downtown area, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Nov 29, 2023: Internal area of Confectionery Colombo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One of the oldest and most visited confectionery in the city.Need to Know
Some useful information about Rio de Janeiro that you should pay attention to.
Need to Know
Some useful information about Rio de Janeiro that you should pay attention to.
Currency
Real (R$)
Language
Portuguese
Money
In Brazil, international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are widely accepted, including in taxis, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay also work at most establishments. However, it’s recommended to carry some cash (reais) for small expenses or places that don’t accept cards. Tourists from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. should notify their banks about the trip to avoid blocks and check for possible conversion fees.
Visas
Many nationalities require them, including citizens of the US, Canada and Australia.
Cell Phones
Local SIM cards can be used in unlocked European and Australian phones, and in US phones on the GSM network.
Electricity
In Brazil, voltage varies by region, but in Rio de Janeiro it is 127V. Outlets follow the type N standard, with three round pins. Tourists from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. usually need an adapter and, in some cases, a voltage converter—especially for devices that are not dual voltage. Always check before plugging in your electronics.
Suggested itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary to give you an idea of what to choose to visit and do in Rio.
Suggested itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary to give you an idea of what to choose to visit and do in Rio.
Advance Planning
Nine months before Book a room if visiting during Carnaval or at New Year’s Eve.
Three months before Organize your visa (if you need one) and book accommodations.
Two weeks before Book guided tours and activities such as rock climbing, rainforest tours and tandem gliding.
One week before Book a table at top restaurants.
3 to 5-Day Itinerary in Rio
Day 1 – Natural Wonders and Urban Culture
Morning: Visit to Christ the Redeemer (arrive early to avoid lines). Afternoon: Walk around Parque Lage (great for photos) and a light hike to the Botanical Garden. Evening: Dinner in the Ipanema neighborhood and, if you have the energy, a caipirinha at the Garota de Ipanema bar.
Day 2 – Sugarloaf Mountain and Iconic Beaches
Morning: Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain. Afternoon: Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, with a stroll along the boardwalk. Evening: Visit the Copacabana Night Market or enjoy live music at a local bar.
Day 3 – Historic Center and Art
Morning: Tour of downtown Rio: São Bento Monastery, Imperial Palace, Lapa Arches, Selarón Steps. Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Tomorrow and walk along the Olympic Boulevard. Evening: Samba night in Lapa (Carioca da Gema or Rio Scenarium).
Days 4 and 5 (optional) – Authentic Neighborhoods and Scenic Viewpoints
Day 4: Tour of the Santa Teresa neighborhood with stops at local studios and cafés.
Day 5: Visit to Dona Marta Lookout + Barra da Tijuca Beach or Prainha (quieter and more natural).
5 to 7-Day itinerary in Rio
Day 6 – Culture and Nature in One Day
Morning: Light hike in Tijuca National Park (Tijuca Peak Trail or Pedra Bonita). Afternoon: Lunch in the Gávea neighborhood and visit to the Moreira Salles Institute (art, photography, and architecture). Evening: Show or theater in the South Zone (check the schedule at Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim).
Day 7 – Island and Sea
Day trip: Paquetá Island – ferry ride, bike rental, and total tranquility, off the usual tourist path.
7 to 10-Day Itinerary in Rio
Day 8 – Carioca Life and Local Experiences
Morning: Surf lesson at Arpoador or stand-up paddle tour on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Afternoon: Visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) and picnic at Flamengo Park (Aterro do Flamengo). Evening: Hidden bar in Botafogo or rooftop with a view (e.g., Bar do Alto or Cobal do Humaitá).
Day 9 – Afro-Brazilian Culture and Gastronomy
Morning: Guided tour of Little Africa (Cais do Valongo area and Pedra do Sal). Afternoon: Tasting at a traditional Brazilian restaurant (Bar do Mineiro, Casa da Feijoada, etc).
Day 10 – Free Day or Day Trip
Evening: Samba circle at Pedra do Sal (traditional on Mondays).
Day Trip Suggestions:
Niterói: Museum of Contemporary Art + Itacoatiara or Camboinhas Beaches.
Petrópolis (1h30): Imperial city with palaces and mountain climate.
Or a day spa/relaxation session in the West Zone (e.g., SPA Granja Brasil).
When to go?
High season runs from December to March, when Rio is festive, pricey and hot. To beat the crowds and higher prices, visit from May to September.
Accommodations
Accommodations
Rio offers a wide variety of accommodations, including guesthouses, hostels, and boarding houses; there are dozens of luxury hotels, especially in Copacabana. Prices are comparable to what you’d expect in a North American coastal city like Miami or Los Angeles. Book at least two or three months in advance during peak season. Use our integrated Booking tool to choose your accommodation.
Rio offers a wide variety of accommodations, including guesthouses, hostels, and boarding houses; there are dozens of luxury hotels, especially in Copacabana. Prices are comparable to what you’d expect in a North American coastal city like Miami or Los Angeles. Book at least two or three months in advance during peak season. Use our integrated Booking tool to choose your accommodation.
Recommended tour packages
To purchase great tour packages, we recommend using Viator’s services. In addition to being a well-established company with thousands of positive reviews from customers around the world, it offers two advantages that we consider essential in any service: free cancellation options and 24/7 customer support.
Top rated tour
Recommended tour packages
To purchase great tour packages, we recommend using Viator’s services. In addition to being a well-established company with thousands of positive reviews from customers around the world, it offers two advantages that we consider essential in any service: free cancellation options and 24/7 customer support.
Top rated tour
Flights
Flights
Galeão International Airport (Tom Jobim), located 20 km from downtown Rio, receives most international flights. To reach the South Zone, there are several options: executive buses (lines 2918 and LECD71) for R$24.85, BRT to the subway for R$4.70, and regular taxis for around R$116 (R$138 at night). Executive taxis have a fixed fare of R$218, and apps like Uber and 99 cost an average of R$60 to R$70 to Copacabana or Ipanema. There are also shared vans available for R$25 to R$30. If you're still planning your trip, take advantage of the integrated flight search tool from Trip.com to find the best deals to Rio de Janeiro, with convenience and security.
Galeão International Airport (Tom Jobim), located 20 km from downtown Rio, receives most international flights. To reach the South Zone, there are several options: executive buses (lines 2918 and LECD71) for R$24.85, BRT to the subway for R$4.70, and regular taxis for around R$116 (R$138 at night). Executive taxis have a fixed fare of R$218, and apps like Uber and 99 cost an average of R$60 to R$70 to Copacabana or Ipanema. There are also shared vans available for R$25 to R$30. If you're still planning your trip, take advantage of the integrated flight search tool from Trip.com to find the best deals to Rio de Janeiro, with convenience and security.
Relevant information
To ensure complete satisfaction on your trip, it's essential to get to know the destination. We offer comprehensive articles about Rio de Janeiro, where you'll find recommendations for attractions, the best times to visit, gastronomic suggestions, as well as important tips on safety and etiquette.
Relevant information
To ensure complete satisfaction on your trip, it's essential to get to know the destination. We offer comprehensive articles about Rio de Janeiro, where you'll find recommendations for attractions, the best times to visit, gastronomic suggestions, as well as important tips on safety and etiquette.
