Getting started: About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro (or Rio, as it is sometimes known) is a stunningly beautiful metropolis and a must-see city that, for some of us, might only evoke images of the world-famous Rio Carnival. But in addition to this annual festival, Rio is home to an exceptional culinary tradition and a diverse arts scene, to world-class museums and the majestic mountaintop statue of Christ the Redeemer statue – all set against a backdrop of mountains and towering hills overlooking the southern Atlantic Ocean.
According to the Urban and Cities Platform of Latin America and the Caribbean, Rio’s current population is 11.7 million. While Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, Rio’s millions of residents, collectively, speak more than a hundred other languages, including Spanish and other European languages, and indigenous languages such as Tupi and Guarani.
When to visit Rio de Janeiro
Rio is renowned for its extravagant New Year’s celebrations and the city’s exciting Rio Carnival takes place between February and March. However, the city is bustling throughout the year with other activities. During the spring months of September, October and November, temperatures range from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius; the summer months, from December to March, are relatively drier than the rest of the year.
Places to visit/things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Statue of Christ the Redeemer and Mount Corcovado
Completed in 1931, the massive, art deco style Christ the Redeemer statue was the result of a collaboration between Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, Brazilian artist Carlos Oswald, and French sculptor Paul Landowski. Featuring outstretched arms spanning 28 meters, the sculpture is visible from much of Rio – though visitors can get a closer look by taking the cable car up Corcovado Hill.
Ipanema Beach
Immortalized in The Girl from Ipanema, the 1960s song by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes, Ipanema Beach is a white-sand beach set along the Atlantic Ocean. A popular destination for residents and visitors alike, the 2.2-kilometer-long beach features gorgeous mountain views, a lively atmosphere and lots of people!
Lapa Neighborhood
Home to numerous galleries and vintage boutiques, the funky Lapa neighborhood comes alive after dark – considered one of the city’s bohemian nightlife destinations, the area is known for its clubs and restaurants, as well as traditional bars and open-air samba concerts.
Ilha Fiscal
This small island in Guanabara Bay is home to a 19th-century neo-Gothic palace that once served as the customs office for the Empire of Brazil. In addition to the “little castle” and its exhibition rooms, Ilha Fiscal also hosts the Galeota de D. João VI, a small, oar-powered vessel that was used by the Portuguese Royal Family.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Shaped like a granite dome – hence its name – Sugarloaf Mountain, at the summit of Guanabara Bay, is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most recognizable landmarks. Accessible via a cable car, the mountain offers views of many of the city’s most well-known landmarks including Copacabana Beach, Guanabara Bay and the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Hill. In clear weather, even distant mountains and islands are visible.
Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca)
One of the world’s largest urban parks, Tijuca National Park was designated as a national park in 1961 and covers approximately 40 square kilometers. Encompassing the Tijuca Massif along with places such as Parque Lage, Serra dos Pretos Forros and Morro da Covanca, the park has trails suitable for trekkers of all skill levels, as well as a wide variety of natural wonders such as caves and waterfalls. The park’s flora and fauna include a variety of bird species and wild animals.
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
The 140-hectare Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is both a scientific research facility and a peaceful urban oasis hosting tropical and subtropical plants, along with rare and threatened plant species. Giant Amazonian water lilies (Victoria amazonica) and hundreds of different palm trees are just a few of the wonderful flora found inside the garden.
Maracanã Stadium
Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro’s iconic temple to football, is one of the world’s most famous stadiums. Built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the stadium has hosted two World Cup finals and two Olympic Games (1950 and 2014). Considered to be one of the places where the heart of Brazilian football beats, Maracana Stadium is a must-see in Rio de Janeiro, especially if you watch, play or otherwise enjoy football.
Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)
Created by artist Jorhe Selaron, this colorful mosaic staircase connects the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa. Covered in ceramic tiles from around the world, the staircase has 215 steps and measures 125 meters in length. It’s a popular destination for tourists and residents, especially for photos. ☺
Copacabana Beach
Stretching four kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean, the crescent-shaped Copacabana Beach is known for its wide beachfront promenade, excellent surf spots and lively atmosphere. The Copacabana neighborhood, is equally lively, with beachfront apartments and hotels, as well as restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.
Dining in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a dynamic city in every sense of the word, including its foodscape. We’ve listed our three favorite things to eat in Rio below:
Açaí: Purple, delicious and healthy, these grape-like berries have a slightly bitter taste when eaten fresh, something similar to blackberry with a touch of dark chocolate. You can find açaí berries in bowls, smoothies or on their own throughout the city.
Pasteis: Similar to an empanada, these fried pastries can be sweet or savory with fillings that range from fruit or chocolate cream to minced meat or olives.
Churrasco: Churrascarias are a type of steakhouse found throughout Brazil; popular among meat lovers, the menu mainly focuses on grilled beef, though other types of meats and vegetables may be available.
Useful Apps for Rio de Janeiro
For translating questions or statements into Portuguese (or from Portuguese into your own language), you can use AI apps like Gemini and ChatGPT, as well as Bravolol Limited, which has iOS and Android versions.
You can also use ChefsClub, an iOS app that finds restaurants and bars in your area and helps you book reservations.
Transportation in Rio de Janeiro
Clean, comfortable, safe and convenient, the Rio de Janeiro metro system consists of three lines and is often the most efficient way to get around the city.
Buses are less expensive than the metro, but they can be crowded and slow, especially during rush hour. Taxis are readily available; Uber also operates in Rio but, of course, using the app requires an internet connection.
If you prefer to drive yourself, click here to rent a car with extra Miles and discount benefits.
