- British Airways flies direct from Heathrow in about 11h45
- Stay in Ipanema, Leblon or Copacabana for beaches and easy transport
- Go up Corcovado and Sugarloaf early in the day for clear views and shorter queues
- Take only what you need to the beach and use apps rather than street taxis
- Airports
- Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG), Santos Dumont (SDU) for domestic flights
- Best time to go
- April-June and August-October; February-March for Carnival
- Type
- City
Few cities have a setting like Rio de Janeiro. Forested granite peaks rise straight out of the city, the Atlantic rolls onto long beaches in the middle of town, and from the Christ the Redeemer statue you can see it all at once. Add samba, football at the Maracanã and a beach culture unlike anywhere else, and it is easy to see why it is the first stop on most trips to Brazil.
Rio also has real inequality and crime, so it pays to know where to stay and how to get around. This guide covers the essentials.
Where to stay
- Ipanema and Leblon – the most upmarket beach districts, with good restaurants, leafy streets and easy access to the Lagoa lagoon. Leblon is quieter and pricier. The best all-round base for most visitors.
- Copacabana – the famous 4km curve of sand, lined with hotels in every price range. Busier and a little more worn, but excellent value and well connected by metro.
- Botafogo – a residential area between Copacabana and the centre, with bars, views of Sugarloaf and lower prices.
- Santa Teresa – a hilltop bohemian neighbourhood of colonial houses, artists' studios and boutique guesthouses. Atmospheric, but take taxis after dark.
Things to do
- Christ the Redeemer – the 30-metre statue on Corcovado, reached by cog train or official vans through Tijuca National Park.
- Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) – two cable car rides to a summit with views over Guanabara Bay. Late afternoon for sunset is popular.
- The beaches – Ipanema for people-watching, Copacabana for its promenade, and Prainha or Grumari to the west for wilder sand.
- Escadaria Selarón – the tiled steps between Lapa and Santa Teresa, created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.
- Lapa – the old arches and the city's liveliest nightlife, especially samba bars on Friday nights. Go with a group and take a taxi home.
- Tijuca National Park – one of the largest urban forests in the world, with hiking trails and waterfalls.
Visit Corcovado and Sugarloaf on the first clear morning you get. Cloud often rolls in later in the day, and the view can disappear completely.
Getting there and around
British Airways flies direct from Heathrow to Galeão (GIG), about 20km north of the beach districts, taking about 11h45. Other routes connect via Lisbon, Madrid, Paris or São Paulo. From the airport, a pre-booked transfer, official taxi or ride-hailing app takes 45 minutes to over an hour to Copacabana or Ipanema depending on traffic. Domestic flights, including to Iguaçu for the Iguazu Falls, often use Santos Dumont airport near the centre.
The metro is clean, safe and links Ipanema, Copacabana, Botafogo and the centre. Use Uber or 99 for other journeys, particularly at night, rather than hailing taxis or walking empty streets.
When to go
Rio is warm all year. December to March is summer: hot, humid and often above 30 °C, with sudden storms, crowded beaches and Carnival in February or March. April to June and August to October are the sweet spot, with warm, drier days and fewer crowds. New Year's Eve on Copacabana is one of the biggest parties in the world, but book many months ahead.
Top attractions in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Rio?
Four days lets you see Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Santa Teresa and Lapa and still have time on the beach. Add a few days for a trip to Paraty or Ilha Grande.
Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas are busy and most visits are trouble-free, but street theft is common. Carry a spare phone or keep yours out of sight, take little cash to the beach, avoid deserted areas at night and do not enter favelas except on a reputable guided tour.
Is it worth going to Rio for Carnival?
If you love crowds and parties, yes. The Sambadrome parades and street blocos are unforgettable, but prices soar and some hotels require minimum stays. If you prefer a calmer visit, avoid Carnival week.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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