Rio de Janeiro: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

Overview

Few cities have a setting like Rio de Janeiro. Granite peaks rise straight out of the sea, rainforest covers the hills in the middle of the city, and famous beaches curve along the Atlantic. Rio is Carnival, samba and football, but it is also colonial churches, a thriving art scene and some of the most dramatic viewpoints anywhere. It is a city to enjoy outdoors, with a little street sense.

When to Go

Rio is warm year-round, with seasons opposite to the Northern Hemisphere.

• December to March (summer): Hot, humid and lively, with frequent short storms. This is peak season, including New Year's Eve on Copacabana and Carnival, usually in February or early March. Prices rise sharply and accommodation sells out.
• April to June and September to November: Often the best balance of warm weather, smaller crowds and lower rates.
• July and August (winter): Mild and drier, with clearer views from the mountains. Good for hiking and sightseeing, though the sea can be cooler.

Must-See Sights

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). The statue on Corcovado mountain is reached by cog train through the Tijuca Forest, or by official vans. Go early on a clear day, as clouds can hide the view.

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). Two cable cars rise to the summit for panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, especially beautiful at sunset.

Copacabana and Ipanema. The two most famous beaches, each with its own character. Copacabana has its wave-patterned promenade; Ipanema is known for sunsets at Arpoador rock.

Tijuca National Park. One of the largest urban forests in the world, with waterfalls, hiking trails and viewpoints such as Pedra Bonita.

Santa Teresa and Escadaria Selarón. A hilltop neighbourhood of old mansions and artists' studios, and the famous tiled staircase leading down to Lapa.

Centro and the Port Zone. See the Theatro Municipal, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room and the Museum of Tomorrow on the revitalised waterfront.

Maracanã Stadium. Catch a football match or take a stadium tour.

Eating and Drinking

Try feijoada, the black bean and pork stew traditionally eaten on Saturdays, and picanha at a churrascaria, where waiters bring cuts of grilled meat to your table. Vegetarians do well at por quilo restaurants, where you pay by the weight of your plate, and with snacks like pão de queijo (cheese bread) and açaí bowls. On the beach, try biscoito Globo and a chilled coconut water. The national cocktail is the caipirinha.

Getting There and Around

International flights land at Galeão – Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG). Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), close to downtown, handles mostly domestic flights. Use official taxis, ride-hailing or airport buses into the city.

The Metro links the South Zone beaches with Centro and is clean and reliable. The VLT light rail serves downtown and the port. Ride-hailing apps are widely used and convenient at night. Walking along the beachfront is easy during the day.

Where to Stay

• Ipanema and Leblon: Upscale, beachfront and close to good restaurants.
• Copacabana: A wide range of hotels and good Metro access.
• Botafogo: Local feel, views of Sugarloaf and many bars.
• Santa Teresa: Bohemian guesthouses, though hilly and quieter at night.

Budget Tips

• Beaches, the Selarón steps and many Tijuca trails are free.
• Eat at por quilo restaurants and lanchonetes (snack bars).
• Use the Metro instead of taxis during the day.
• Avoid Carnival and New Year if you want lower prices.
• Book Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf tickets online to avoid queues.

Safety and Practical Information

• Visa: Brazil's entry rules vary by nationality and have changed in recent years for some countries. Check the official Brazilian government or consulate website before you travel.
• Currency: Brazilian real (BRL). Cards are widely accepted.
• Language: Portuguese. English is limited outside hotels.
• Safety: Petty theft is a real concern. Carry only what you need, keep phones out of sight on the street and on the beach, avoid deserted areas at night and do not enter favelas without a reputable, licensed guide.
• Health: Check whether vaccinations such as yellow fever are recommended for your itinerary.
• Plugs: Types N and C.

Plan Your Trip

Flights to Rio jump around Carnival and New Year. voyagiro.com compares 27+ booking sites for free, so you can compare flights and hotels for Rio in one search.