Prepare your tour with the help of this informative travel guide

Welcome to Cidade Maravilhosa, or Rio de Janeiro, a city renowned for its stunning golden beaches and majestic mountains, as well as its vibrant samba scene and thrilling football matches. Rio’s extraordinary location between mountains and sea is so exceptional that UNESCO has recognised it as a World Heritage Site, calling it “the staggeringly beautiful location for one of the world’s biggest cities.” This coastal gem offers a range of incredible outdoor activities, from hiking in the Tijuca rainforest to cycling along the lake and beaches, sailing across Guanabara Bay, and enjoying surfing, rock climbing, and hang gliding amidst one of the most breathtaking urban landscapes in the world.

Absorb the physical layout of Rio de Janeiro

The second largest city in Brazil, Rio is positioned on the South Atlantic coast and is identified for its magnificent countryside, it’s laid back seashore culture and its annual carnival.
Centro: This zone embraces Lapa and Santa Teresa and is the commercial centre of the city. Encompasses various historic buildings like the Municipal Theatre, National Library, National Museum of Fine Arts, Tiradentes Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Pedro Ernesto Palace.
Zona Sul: or the South Zone contains Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema and Flamengo Beach districts. Home to classy neighbourhoods and tourist locations, such as the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains.
Zona Norte: The North Zone of the city contains the Maracan stadium, Quinta da Boa Vista Park with the National Museum the city’s Zoo, the National Observatory and more.
Zona Oeste: West Zone of the city is a swiftly mounting residential area including principally the districts of Jacarepagua and Barra da Tijuca, prevalent for its beaches.

Things to do in Rio

 

• Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)
• Carnaval (Carnival)
• Copacabana
• Tijuca National Park
• Escadaria Selaron
• Ilha de Paqueta
• Passeio 
• Ipanema and Leblon
• Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Monte do Carmo
• Catedral de Saint Sebastian
• Francisco da Penit
• Bento
• Quinta da Boa Vista
• Santa Tereza

Things to do in Rio

• Angra dos Reis Archipelago Cruise with Lunch
• Buzios Excursion
• Carnival Backstage Tour
• Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain tour
• Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour

The Pulses of Rio

Music is the essence of Rio encompassing rock, old-school bossa nova, hip-hop, funk and Brazil's many local panaches. Beyond everything, there's samba, which is a fast-moving style of music with African inspirations and a contagious beat that is identical with Rio. It can heard all over the city, but the real essence of samba exist in in Lapa, a jumpy red-light region that offers plentiful live music galleries and a massive street party that lures party animal from all walks of life. Talking of Carnival, Rio knows how to party. Whether you describe it joie de vivre, Lebensfreude or lust for life, Cariocas have it in scoops. Carnaval is the most apparent demonstration of this festive life.

The shopping strands of Rio

Make sure to pick the metropolis famed beachwear. For the most fashionable bikinis, aim to Lenny. For men, Blue Man is a necessity, whether you favour a silky and compact suit or one printed with crackers. Do not limit yourself to swimwear and taste fine chocolates of Sequim. For furniture collector, head to Mercado Moderno, with their craftily organised Brazilian and international antiques. Havaianas, now an international fad, offers you to choose just one of nearly 100 colourful rubber flip flops.

Varieties in food and drink of Rio

Rio feasting site has developed much more urbane than the churrascarias (with grilled meats) and low-key botecos (bars with food). Topnotch cooks are generating stimulating fusion cuisine with Brazilian stimuli. Real gourmands should not oversight Oro, which species an elaborate tasting menu from the award-winning Carioca chef. The metropolis Japanese eating sight is worth sampling, too. For masterpieces, do not forget to aim for Porcao, which is a Rio de Janeiro cafeteria.

Best Time to Go

The finest time to visit Rio is from December through March i.e. Brazil's summer months. September through November i.e. spring is also a decent time, with fevers in the 70s, and slight rain. If you are comfortable with crowds, February is Carnival time. Peak season tracks from December to March when Rio is festive, expensive and burning. To avoid the masses and greater prices, visit from May to September.

Transportation

Rio metro system is unpolluted, safe, and the most suitable way to get around. Buses are inexpensive but tend to be jam-packed.

February is the hottest month while July is the coolest month.