Mountains plunging into the ocean, legendary beaches, samba in Lapa and a rainforest in the middle of the city. Rio is lived outdoors, from sunrise over Copacabana to sunset at Arpoador.
ortuguese navigators reached Guanabara Bay in January 1502 and mistook it for a river mouth: Rio de Janeiro, the “January river”. Founded in 1565, the city became Brazil’s capital in 1763 and even hosted the Portuguese court from 1808 to 1821.
Capital until 1960, Rio has kept its palaces, the Santa Teresa tram and old cafés. But carioca life is mostly about the beaches, each with its own crowd, Friday-night samba circles and a carnival that sets the whole city in motion.
Find your bearings
For a first stay near the best beaches, restaurants and shops. The most pleasant and safest area, but the priciest.
For the legendary beach, kiosks and a wide choice of hotels well linked by the metro. Lively; stay alert on the beach and at night.
For hilly lanes, artists’ studios, the tram and bay views. Bohemian and charming; take a taxi at night rather than walking.
For bars, the food scene and views of Sugarloaf Mountain. More local, well placed between downtown and the beaches.
A first visit
A starting point to adapt to the weather, your energy and opening hours.
Early morning, the Corcovado train up to Christ the Redeemer, before the clouds and crowds. Afternoon at the Botanical Garden. Late afternoon, the Sugarloaf cable car for sunset.
Morning on Ipanema beach, then sunset on the Arpoador rocks. In the evening, Santa Teresa and then Lapa’s samba circles, by taxi, carrying only what you need.
