Located on the southeast coast of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is a city blessed with a spectacular geography that merges white-sand beaches with rain forest-covered mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the opportunities to connect with nature, but there are also plenty of attractions for culture buffs. As a former capital of Brazil, Rio is rich with history and modern culture, ensuring an enjoyable trip regardless of whether you prefer state parks or samba.
Catch the sunrise on either the upscale Ipanema Beach on the southeastern coast or the nearby playful Copacabana Beach. Before sunset, make your way to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar). Take a cable-car ride to the top for a remarkable view including beaches, forests and other landmarks.
Make time for a trip to Corcovado, home of the statue Christ the Redeemer, known locally as Cristo Redentor. Beat the crowds by arriving early as this free “New Seven Wonders of the World” attraction is on every traveler’s itinerary. You’ll understand why when you see the impressive views surrounding this statue, which was erected in 1931.
Corcovado is in the Tijuca National Park, the perfect place to connect with nature. Conservationists replanted much of the park in the late 1800s after substantial deforestation. This destination is now a lush home to more than 100 native animal species, making it the largest urban forest in the world. Amenities along the trails include restaurants and restrooms.
Soccer fans won’t want to miss a match at the famous Maracanã Stadium. If you can’t catch a game, stop at the sports museum inside the stadium to see memorabilia, photographs and uniforms of Brazil’s greatest football players.
Enjoy Rio’s vibrant nightlife as you listen to local music and watch samba dancers. While bar hopping, be cautious when traveling on foot. Leave valuables in your hotel room and either avoid crowds or travel within a small group including locals. The city is easy to navigate by bus during the day, but it’s best to avoid using this form of transport at night.
Rio de Janeiro
Travel Guide
Visit Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana
Famed for its 4 km balneario beach, this lively Rio de Janeiro neighborhood offers surfing at Arpoador Beach, historic Fort Copacabana, and the iconic promenade designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Enjoy numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, with easy access via three subway Metro stations.
Ipanema
Surrounded by elegant development, Ipanema's beach boasts vibrant beach culture, with daily gatherings of surfers, sunbathers, and sports enthusiasts. Stroll along the grid-like streets to explore world-class restaurants, shops, and the bustling Ipanema Hippie Market.
Barra da Tijuca
Boasting stunning beaches, lakes, and rivers, this upper-class neighborhood offers surf competitions, parachuting experiences, and tennis courts. Explore large modern malls, bars, and restaurants, while enjoying easy access to public transportation.
Leblon
Wealthy and cosmopolitan, this South Zone gem boasts sights like Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Jardim de Alah channel. Enjoy lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Rio de Janeiro Centro
You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Botafogo
Botafogo is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.
Hotel Atlantico Business Centro
Convenient
Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Rooms are outdated, hotel Is old and needs to be updated. Service was decemt, however I don’t see how this is a 5 star
Reviewed on Feb 11, 2026
Hotel Atlântico Prime
The room was not clean, the bed was old with a lot of torn and stains, the sheets had stains, the towel was very old and in bad shape, there was mold in the bathroom, no service in the room like water, the door was stuck and I need help to opened. The breakfast was not good at all.
Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026
Mont Blanc Nova Iguaçu
Ferlho Suites Rio Centro
Foi muito agradável. Local tranquilo .Hotel limpo , café maravilhoso. Tudo funcionando. O que deixou um pouco a desejar foi a comunicação no local. Como pedir papel higiênico e demorou tanto que fomos embora. O demais. Foi ótimo.
Reviewed on Aug 28, 2023
Casa Branca 355
Marcio é um excelente anfitrião, me senti em casa, espaço amplo, equipado, não senti falta de nada.
Reviewed on Feb 25, 2025
Popular places to visit
Copacabana Beach
More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.
Ipanema Beach
See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.
Christ the Redeemer
This mountain rising out of the city center is most well known as the home of Rio’s iconic skyscraper-sized Jesus statue.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Avenida Atlantica
Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue.
Maracanã Stadium
To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.
Things to do
Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket
Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande Tour in an Adventure Day
From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour
Reviews of Rio de Janeiro
5/5 - Excellent
Wonderful hotel close to the beach with excellent staff, felt at home there.
5/5 - Excellent
In love with Río de Janeiro
4/5 - Good
Very safe! Very nice people!
4/5 - Good
It is a must to visit place with so much to do! or simply layback by the beach.
5/5 - Excellent
Great city. I was pleasantly surprised by the food and cultural attractions. The beach was incredible but that was to be expected.
5/5 - Excellent
Great city with best beaches in the world. Earthly paradise.Very friendly people, ready to help you. Very safe. We have been walking on Copacabana until midnight, a lot of people too at this time, all restaurants are open.
Other places like Rio de Janeiro
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Rio de Janeiro Hotels
- Villas in Rio de Janeiro
- Romantic Hotels in Rio Comprido
- Beach Hotels in Rio de Janeiro Centro
- Palaces in Rio de Janeiro
- Hotels near Arpoador Beach
- Hotels near Rio de Janeiro Central Station
- Hotels near Avenida Atlantica
- Hotels near Christ the Redeemer
- Farmstay in Rio de Janeiro
- Gay friendly Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
- Luxury Hotels in Rio de Janeiro State
- Hotels near Corcovado Train
- Hotels near Botafogo Praia Shopping
- Resorts in Rio de Janeiro
- Hostels in Rio de Janeiro
- Hostels in Rio de Janeiro State
- Hotels with a Pool in Rio de Janeiro Centro
- Boutique Hotels in Gavea
- Hostels in Gloria Station
- Cheap Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
- Hotels near Shopping Leblon
- Golf Hotels in Glória
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Rio de Janeiro State
- Santa Teresa Hotels
- Cheap Hotels in Gavea
- Family Hotels in Gavea
- Hotels near RIO-All Airports
- Hotels with Bars in Rio de Janeiro Centro
- Hotels near Arcos da Lapa
- Beach Hotels in Leblon
- Botafogo Hotels
- Cheap Hotels in Leme
- Hotels near Carioca Station
- Beach Hotels in Copacabana
- Inns in Rio de Janeiro
- Hotels near Copacabana Beach
- Waterpark Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
- Holiday Park Resorts in Rio de Janeiro State
- Hotels with Bars in Rio de Janeiro
- Adults Only Resorts & in Rio de Janeiro Centro
- Luxury Hotels in Vidigal
- Niteroi Hotels
- Aparthotels in Ipanema-General Osorio Station
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Leblon
- Hotels near Santos Dumont
- Cheap Hotels in Copacabana
- Business Hotels in Gavea
- Hotels near Ipanema Beach
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Copacabana
- Aparthotels in Rio de Janeiro Bonsucesso Station
- Rio de Janeiro Centro Hotels
- Copacabana Hotels
- Hotels with an Indoor Pool in Lapa
- Beach Hotels in Icarai
- Ipanema Hotels
- Romantic Hotels in Lapa
- Pousadas in Rio de Janeiro State
- Hotel with a Concierge Hotels in Santa Teresa
- Hotels near Copacabana Fort
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
- Hotels with a Pool in Rio de Janeiro
- Vacation Homes in Rio de Janeiro
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Rio de Janeiro
- Leme Hotels
- Leblon Hotels
- Casino Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
- Historic Hotels in Niteroi
- Luxury Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
- Town Houses in Rio de Janeiro State
- Aparthotels in Rio de Janeiro
- Cheap Hotels in Rio de Janeiro State
- Beach Hotels in Ipanema
- Scuba Diving Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
- Apartments in Rio de Janeiro State
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Rio de Janeiro State
- Cheap Hotels in Ipanema
- Gay friendly Hotels in Ipanema
- Beach Hotels in Jardim Guanabara
- Hotels near Leblon Beach
- Flamengo Hotels
- Guest Houses in Rio de Janeiro Bonsucesso Station
- Business Hotels in Flamengo
- Hotels near Largo do Machado
- Gay friendly Hotels in Rio de Janeiro Centro
- Castles in Rio de Janeiro State
- Romantic Hotels in Rio de Janeiro State
- Beach Hotels in Gavea
- Aparthotels in Rio de Janeiro State
- Ryokans in Rio de Janeiro State
- Hotels near São Januário Stadium
- Guest Houses in Rio de Janeiro State
- Hotels near Flamengo Beach
- Rio de Janeiro State Hotels
- Beach Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
