Rio de Janeiro travel

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Rio de Janeiro

Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife and spectacular football matches: welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City).

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Parque Nacional da Tijuca
Rio de Janeiro
The Tijuca is all that's left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. This 39-sq-km tropical-jungle preserve is an exuberant green…
Pão de Açúcar
Rio de Janeiro
Seen from the peak of Pão de Açúcar, Rio is undoubtedly a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). There are many good times to make the ascent, but sunset on…
Copacabana Beach
Rio de Janeiro
A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana extends for some 4km, with a flurry of activity along its length: over…
Maracanã Football Stadium
Rio de Janeiro
Rio’s Maracanã stadium is hallowed ground among football lovers. The massive arena has been the site of legendary victories and crushing defeats. Maracanã…
Museu de Arte do Rio
Rio de Janeiro
Looming large over Praça Mauá, the MAR is an icon for the rebirth of Rio's once derelict port. The huge museum hosts wide-ranging exhibitions that focus…
Museu Histórico Nacional
Rio de Janeiro
Housed in the colonial arsenal, which dates from 1764, the impressive Museu Histórico Nacional contains relics relating to the history of Brazil from its…
Morro da Conceição
Rio de Janeiro
One of Rio's oldest neighborhoods, this pretty area feels like a tiny slice of Portugal, with its old shuttered houses, quiet cobblestone streets and…
Mosteiro de São Bento
Rio de Janeiro
This is one of the finest colonial churches in Brazil. It was built between 1617 and 1641 on Morro de São Bento, and has an excellent view over the city…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Things to Know

Leave your worries at home and embrace the Carioca way of living with these top tips from a local.

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Best Neighborhoods

Rio de Janeiro is a thriving, multicultural city and this is especially evident in its distinct and unique neighborhoods. Here's our picks of the best.

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Day Trips

See the wilderness-backed beaches, ancient sites and smaller-scale cities of Rio de Janeiro state on these top day trips from Rio de Janeiro.

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Money and Costs

Rio may not be the most budget friendly destination in South America, but these tips will help you make your reais go farther in the Marvelous City.

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Transportation

As the second largest city in Brazil, Rio's size can be intimidating to visitors. Here's everything you need to know about getting around Rio de Janeiro.

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Free Things to Do

From world-famous beaches and generous green spaces to cultural centers and museums, there's plenty to do in Rio without spending a single centavo.

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Traveling with Kids

Brazil is home to a family-centric culture, and Rio de Janeiro is no exception – here's our guide to help you plan a great trip to Rio with kids.

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