Brazil's South-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Rio de Janeiro
Culture and history. Beaches and nature. Cuisine and nightlife. Rio de Janeiro proves you really can have it all.
Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil’s most iconic cities, famous for its stunning natural landscape and the world-renowned Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The city is home to the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the must-visit Sugarloaf Mountain. Rio de Janeiro famously hosts the world’s largest Carnival celebration. With a vibrant nightlife culture blending samba, bossa nova, and Brazilian funk, and a rich arts scene, Rio offers a dynamic mix of urban and natural attractions.
Tickets for the 2026 Rio Carnival 2026 are already on sale! > Book your accommodation ASAP for Carnival do Rio 2026 > Buy a Sambadrome ticket for Carnival 2026
Tickets and accommodation for Carnival book out several months in advance, so don't wait to make your booking and secure a your Carnival experience for 2026.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Rio de Janeiro
Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue (how-to guide / train ticket)
Take a cable car ride to the top of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) (how-to-guide)
Relax at Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
Visit the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden)
Tour the Santa Marta Favela safely with a local resident guide (tickets)
Hike to Morro Dois Irmãos for panoramic views over Rio
Go on the Lapa Pub Crawl - dance samba and try cachaça (tickets)
Watch a football match at Maracanã Stadium (tickets)
Go on a sunset sailing trip around Guanabara Bay (tickets)
Take a helicopter ride to see Rio from above (tickets)
Find more things to see & do:
Travelling with family? See this list for more ideas of things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids
On a budget? Check out my list of 14 things to do for free in Rio de Janeiro
How long to spend in Rio de Janeiro
You should plan to spend at least 5 days to visit Rio de Janeiro's top tourist attractions, including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Botanical Gardens, spending a day at Copacabana or Ipanema beach, and taking a hike to one of Rio's many viewpoints.
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
The safest areas to stay in Rio de Janeiro are typically considered to be Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Botofogo. Increasingly, tourists are opting to stay in the Santa Teresa area, which offers a range of luxury and budget accommodations, but extra caution should be taken in this area at night.
It's best to avoid staying in the Centro area, including in Lapa, due to the general lack of safety in these areas, both during the day and at night time.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Rio de Janeiro, or check out my personal recommendations:
The best hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Miramar By Windsor Copacabana - best for those seeking an international hotel (see prices)
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel - best for those seeking luxury 5-star accommodation (see prices)
Hotel Arpoador - a more laid-back beachfront hotel (see prices)
Pousadas (guesthouses) in Rio de Janeiro
Pousada Rio144 - guesthouse in Santa Teresa with a view over Rio (see prices)
Guesthouse Bianca - guesthouse set among tropical gardens in Santa Teresa (see prices)
Apartments in Rio de Janeiro
CurtaIpanema - a studio apartment in Ipanema (see prices)
Copa Alegria - a studio apartment in Copacabana (see prices)
Backpacker hostels in Rio de Janeiro
El Misti Hostel Ipanema - social backpacker hostel located close to the beach (see prices)
Castelo dos Tucanos - hostel with a pool and garden in Santa Teresa (see prices)
The Copacabana Beach boulevard
Where is Rio de Janeiro located in Brazil
Quick Facts about Rio de Janeiro City
Population of Rio de Janeiro
6.73 million people (IBGE, 2025)
Nicknames
People from Rio de Janeiro City are called cariocas, while people from anywhere else in Rio de Janeiro State are called fluminenses.
Closest airport
Galeão International Airport (GIG)
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Main bus terminal
Novo Rio Bus Terminal
How to get to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil's most iconic cities, is well-connected internationally and often offers competitive arrival options for international travelers.
How to get to Rio de Janeiro by Plane
Rio de Janeiro is a well connected city in Brazil for both international and domestic flights.
Rio de Janeiro is served by two major airports:
Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG), located about 20 kilometers from the city center, is the primary international gateway, handling the majority of the city's long-haul flights and offering extensive global connections.
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), situated within the city itself, focuses on domestic flights and is known for its more convenient location.
The main airport (GIG) has numerous direct international connections with Europe (Lisbon, Paris, Madrid, London), South America (Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Lima, Bogota), the USA, and Dubai.
Rio also has frequent domestic flights to many large and smaller cities in Brazil.
How to get to Rio de Janeiro by Bus
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro's main bus terminal is called Novo Rio (map). There are regular long-distance bus connections to popular tourist destinations such as Paraty, Ilha Grande, Buzios, as well as to other major cities including São Paulo and Belo Horizonte.
How to get to Rio de Janeiro from Paraty
There are regular busses running directly from Terminal Rodoviario de Paraty (map) to the Novo Rio bus terminal. The trip takes around 5 hours (tickets). It is also possible to take a minivan directly from Paraty to the airport in Rio de Janeiro (tickets).
How to get to Rio de Janeiro from Buzios & Cabo Frio
Take a bus directly to Novo Rio from either Terminal Rodoviário de Búzios (map) or Rodoviaria de Cabo Frio (map). The trip takes around 3.5 hours.
How to get to Rio de Janeiro from Ilha Grande
There are three main ways to travel independently from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro. There are also convenient transfer services available.
Option 1: Conceição de Jacareí
First, take a speedboat from Ilha Grande to Conceição de Jacareí (15-20 minutes).
Take a bus from Conceição de Jacareí to Novo Rio bus terminal (2.5 hours)
Option 2: Mangaratiba
First, take a speedboat or ferry from Ilha Grande to Mangaratiba (1.5 hours)
Take a bus from Mangaratiba to Novo Rio bus terminal (2 hours) (tickets)
Option 3: Angra dos Reis
First, take a speedboat (30 minutes) or ferry (1.5 hours) from Ilha Grande to Angra dos Reis.
Take a bus from Angra dos Reis to Novo Rio bus terminal (3-4 hours) (tickets). It is also possible to take a bus or minivan directly from Angra dos Reis to the airports (both GIG and SDU) in Rio de Janeiro (tickets)
The busses connecting the ferry terminals and Rio de Janeiro is operated by the company Costa Verde. Busses run frequently, however it is recommended to book your bus ticket in advance to ensure you get a ticket at your desired time.
Not sure which option to chose? For more detailed information on the ferries and speed boats, including prices and timetables, see the travel guide for Ilha Grande.
Top tours in Rio de Janeiro
How to get around Rio de Janeiro
Getting around Rio de Janeiro is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available. The city's public transportation system includes a bus and subway system that connects various areas of the city, beaches, and the airports. Ride-sharing services like 99 and Uber are also widely available and inexpensive, are a safer way to travel after dark.
Fares for Public Transport in Rio de Janeiro, 2025
Rio's public transport payment card is called the RioCard, which can be purchased in subway stations and news stands for R$3. It allows you to pay for your journeys conveniently by tapping the card when you enter the metro or bus. The card also provides discounted fares.
Subway (Metro): R$7.90 / R$5 with Rio Card
Train: R$7.60
Bus: R$4.70
Light Rail (VLT): R$4.70
Up to date routes and timetables are can be found on Google Maps by searching for directions.
Car rental in Rio de Janeiro
Car rental in Rio de Janeiro can be useful for tourists who plan to travel beyond the city, such as visiting coastal towns, exploring the mountainous regions of Petrópolis or Teresópolis, or road-tripping along the Costa Verde (Green Coast). However, within the city itself, renting a car is often not practical due to heavy traffic, limited parking, and the availability of public transport and Ubers. Still, renting a car may benefit travellers who want flexibility to visit areas that are not well connected by public transport, who are travelling in groups.
Cars can be rented in the city centre, as well as from both of Rio de Janeiro’s airports, Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport and Santos Dumont Airport. For the best prices, book your car rental in advance online.
How to get to the Airport in Rio de Janeiro, 2024
Santos Durmont (SDU): The public bus 483 running from the Ipanema to SDU airport charges the standard bus fare (R$4.30).
RIOgaleao (GIG): MOBI-Rio runs regular busses from from Rio Novo Bus terminal to GIG for R$5. However, if you are not staying nearby the bus terminal, taking public transport to GIG airport is inconvenient and time consuming. Ridesharing apps, like Uber and 99, offer an inexpensive and faster alternative.
Things to know before you go to Rio de Janeiro
Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists
Like any big city, there are safer and more dangerous areas, but the majority of tourists who stay in the tourist areas and take some simple precautions will not have problems. Sticking to well-known areas, planning your movements in advance, and being aware of your surroundings will go a long way in avoiding trouble.
In Rio de Janeiro, areas like Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Botafogo are considered safer and are popular among tourists and expats for their beaches, restaurants, and lively nightlife. On the other hand, there are also areas of Rio that require extra caution, despite being popular popular with tourists. These include Centro, Lapa, and parts of Santa Teresa. It goes that without saying that visiting favelas comes with significant extra risks.
These are my personal recommendations for ways you can stay safe in Rio de Janeiro:
Book accommodation in the recommended areas for visitors, such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon
Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach
Use Uber or other reputable rideshare services with a credit card linked to your account, as it avoids handling cash and provides a digital record of your trip
Avoid walking at night, particularly in quieter neighbourhoods or streets with little lighting
Keep your phone, jewellery, and other valuables out of sight when in public or travelling on public transport
Be cautious when withdrawing cash, choose ATMs located inside banks or shopping centres
If in doubt, ask your hotel or host for up-to-date local advice on places to avoid
Travel insurance for Rio de Janeiro
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into an expensive disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
A few more things to know about visiting Rio
Tourist Police: If you find yourself in need of assistance, Rio has a Special Police Support Tourism Unit (DEAT), located in Leblon, where English-speaking officers are available to help tourists.
Sunday road closures: On Sundays, the road all from Ipanema to Copacabana transforms into pedestrian zone. You can enjoy the atmosphere along the beachfront in Copacabana and Ipanema or explore the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Festivals and events: Even outside of the famous Carnaval season, Rio regularly hosts festivals and events, such as the famous Rock in Rio. For the full Carnaval experience, time your visit to coincide with the official celebration in February, but be prepared for massive crowds and book your accommodation well in advance.
Experience Local Cuisine: Rio offers an amazing culinary scene that blends Afro-Brazilian, Portuguese, and indigenous influences. Be sure to try local specialties like "feijoada" (black bean stew) and açai bowls. There are also numerous beachfront kiosks where you can enjoy snacks and cold drinks with a view of the ocean.
Ready to plan your trip to Rio?
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