Rio de Janeiro

Brazil, South America

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Mountains, rainforest, and famous beaches packed into one sun-drunk, samba-soundtracked city.

Brazil's seaside icon, a city wrapped around mountains, beaches, and rainforest, presided over by Christ the Redeemer and powered by samba, football, and a famously easy beach culture.

Our honest take

Rio is intoxicating, but street smarts matter. Go up Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf early to beat haze and crowds, enjoy the beaches by day, and don't flash phones or jewellery. Stick to busy, well-lit areas at night and take licensed taxis or rideshare rather than walking unfamiliar streets.

Why go

Few city views on earth rival Sugarloaf at sunset
Copacabana and Ipanema are genuine social institutions, not just beaches
Tijuca, the world's largest urban rainforest, is right in the city

Skip if you can

Carrying valuables or phones openly on the beach
Wandering unfamiliar neighbourhoods after dark on foot

Things to do

Beach daysCable car ridesHiking Tijuca ForestSamba and nightlife

Where locals eat

Feijoada$$

Black bean stew with pork cuts (ear, tail, sausage) served with rice, collard greens, farofa, and orange slices

Bar do Mineiro in Santa Teresa (Saturday tradition) or Casa da Feijoada in Ipanema (daily)

Acai bowl$

Frozen acai berry puree topped with granola and banana, actually a meal here, not a health trend

Bibi Sucos in Leblon (thick, unsweetened, the local way) or any juice bar saying acai puro na tigela

Pastel de feira$

Deep-fried thin pastry with various fillings (cheese, shrimp, heart of palm), market food

Any Sunday feira (street market). Feira de Sao Cristovao in zona norte for the most authentic

Coxinha$

Teardrop-shaped fried dough filled with shredded chicken. Brazils favourite bar snack

Padaria Bakers in Botafogo or Acaraje da Cira (street vendor in Largo do Machado)

Costs

Per person, per day on the ground, lodging, food, local transport and activities. Excludes international flights (see Getting there).

Budget

$40-70/day

Mid-range

$100-180/day

Luxury

$300+/day

Christ the Redeemer: ~$25. Sugarloaf cable car: ~$30. Beach is free.

Getting there

Nearest airportGaleão International (GIG); Santos Dumont (SDU) for domestic

Flights fromDirect flights from Europe, North America, and across South America

Visa

Many passports: e-Visa required (apply online at gov.br). Some: visa-free.

Official source

Local transportMetro is safe and useful; use rideshare or licensed taxis at night

Where to stay

Ipanema$$$

Chic, safer beachfront, great restaurants and bars

Copacabana$$

Iconic beach, lots of hotels, lively but busier

Leblon$$$

Upscale, quieter, excellent dining

Santa Teresa$$

Bohemian hilltop district, artsy, characterful

Good to know

Petty theft is common, leave valuables in the hotel safe
Use rideshare or licensed taxis after dark; avoid walking quiet streets
Only visit favelas with a reputable, established guided operator
Keep phones out of sight on the beach and in crowds

Prices, visa rules, and transport details may change. Always verify with official sources before booking. Last updated: July 2026.

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