Planning a trip to Rio and need some tips? I’ve got you! Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the most popular destinations in South America. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, as well as the incredible Carnival, Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Brazil or the whole of South America. Whether you’re backpacking Brazil or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, these Rio de Janeiro tips will help you to have an amazing time!
The Best Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro
The high season for tourism in Rio de Janeiro is from December to March, with peak crowds and prices to match. Carnival takes place in February or March, and I had a fantastic time in Rio during Carnival, but it did mean that the city and other attractions were very busy.
The low season is from May to September, with fewer crowds and lower prices so that is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro if you are on a budget, but some attractions and restaurants may have reduced hours or be closed.
Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The hottest months are December to February, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F). The rainy season is from December to March, but showers are usually short and infrequent.
Flights to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro has two airports: the Galeão International Airport (GIG) and the Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). Galeão International Airport is the larger of the two and is the main international airport serving Rio de Janeiro. Santos Dumont Airport is located closer to the city centre and is primarily used for domestic flights.
There are many airlines that offer flights to Rio de Janeiro, including American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, and LATAM Airlines.
Book Your Flights
- Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to your destination. Being flexible on dates and departure airports can save you money, so check to see what works best for you.
- Public buses or trains (or walking!) are the cheapest ways to get to your accommodation from the airport, but a shared shuttle transfer is quicker and easier. >>>Check out options for airport transfers on GetYourGuide.
- Try Omio for booking trains and Busbud (or Flixbus in Europe) for buses.
Rio is well-connected to other cities in Brazil by bus – Sao Paulo is just over 6 hours away by bus. Long-distance buses in Brazil are generally comfortable and great value, but as Brazil is such a big country it can take a while to get around on buses!
Brazil Visa Requirements
Most visitors to Brazil will require a travel visa to enter the country. However, citizens from certain countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK and Japan, are exempt from visa requirements and can stay in Brazil for up to 90 days without a visa.
It is important to check the visa requirements for your specific country before travelling to Rio de Janeiro. Make sure that your passport is also valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Brazil.
The Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Experience Carnival in Rio
If you’re able to plan your trip to include visiting Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, you will get to experience one of the biggest street parties on the planet, and have an incredible time.
The main parade takes place in the Sambadrome where you can watch as the top Samba Schools in Rio compete with elaborate floats, colourful costumes and dancers. Tickets for the best seats sell out quickly, but being anywhere in the stadium is a magical experience.
As well as the parade there are street parties known as blocos which take place across the city. They’re great fun but of course get crowded and can get rowdy, so it’s best to visit with a group if you can. Staying at a hostel or joining a tour is a good way to make friends and enjoy the party atmosphere.
Visit Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer, one of the most famous landmarks in Brazil, is a must-visit attraction in Rio de Janeiro. This iconic statue is located on top of Corcovado Mountain and offers stunning views of the city on a clear day. People usually take the Corcovado Cog Train or a shuttle bus to the top to see the statue up close.
It is also possible to hike to the top of the mountain, however, muggings and attacks on the trails are not uncommon so I don’t recommend that option.
Explore Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach, located in the south of Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most famous beaches in the world. This two-and-a-half-mile stretch of white sand is the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are also many bars, restaurants, and shops along the beach, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
See the Escadaria Selaron
The Selaron Steps are the most colourful steps you’ll ever see, and are the work of Chilean artist Jorge Selaron. The steps are decorated with different colours and designs of ceramic tiles. Selaron began the project in 1990 as he lived in the neighbourhood and wanted to give something to the community he loved, so he began gradually adding tiles to the steps.
As he continued his work, the stairs became famous and people from all over the world brought tiles from their countries to donate to the staircase. Sadly, in 2013, Selaron was found dead at the bottom of the stairs, his body covered with burns. Some speculate that he killed himself, others that he was murdered.
Either way, come and enjoy the colourful steps, but spare a thought for the artist as you enjoy them. Without his dedication, this iconic Rio landmark wouldn’t be here today!
Discover the Samba Scene
Samba is a lively and energetic Brazilian dance that is an integral part of the country’s culture. Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the best samba schools in the world, and even if you can’t make it to Rio Carnival, you can still experience the excitement and energy of a samba performance by attending a samba school rehearsal or visiting one of the Rio’s many samba clubs.
Visit the Tijuca National Park
The Tijuca Forest is the largest urban forest in the world and is home to an abundance of wildlife and plant species. You can explore the forest on foot, by bike, or by jeep, and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the top of the mountain.
Take a City Tour
Taking a city tour is a great way to explore Rio de Janeiro and learn about the city’s rich history and culture. There are many tour operators in the city that offer guided tours of the main attractions, including Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, and the Tijuca Forest.
Try the Local Cuisine
Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the best food in Brazil, and this means you should take advantage of the opportunity to try local dishes such as feijoada (a stew made with black beans and meat), churrasco (barbecue meat), and brigadeiro (a popular Brazilian dessert).
There is some excellent street food in Brazil as well, which is cheap and delicious! My favourites were coxinha (large croquettes filled with chicken and cheese), pastel (deep-fried pasties filled with meat, cheese or prawns), and pão de queijo (cheesy bread balls).
As for drinks, caipirinha is the national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar. They are strong but definitely worth a try! The high sugar content can lead to a monster hangover though…
Sunset at Sugar Loaf Mountain
One of the highlights of my trip to Rio was taking the cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to watch the sunset. There is a bar and restaurant at the top, so we had a caipirinha as we watched the sun drop lower in the sky and the city lights start to twinkle. It was fabulous!
Experience the Nightlife
Rio de Janeiro is known for its buzzing nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants staying open until the early hours of the morning. Lapa is one of the city’s most famous nightlife districts, where you can enjoy live music, dancing, and delicious food and drink. Be careful of your belongings here though, and never leave your drink unattended!
If you’re a solo traveller then joining an organised pub crawl is a great way to have a night out with the safety of a group. Hostels will often arrange events like this or check out this pub crawl on GetYourGuide.
Take a Favela Tour
I have included a favela tour as it is one of the most popular things to do in Rio, but think carefully before you book one. Favelas are poor neighbourhoods that are usually unsafe for tourists to visit due to gang violence and drug problems, but some are offering tours with locals so you can experience what life is like in a favela and provide an income for them.
I found the tour I took to be interesting but it also felt a bit strange to be led around people’s homes and at times it did feel exploitative. It is a hard balance between providing income that can help families living here, and taking advantage of people. Have a read of my thoughts about my favela tour here.
Looking for more things to do in Rio de Janeiro? Check out the most popular tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro that you might be interested in:
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro has many accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. The best areas to stay in Rio de Janeiro are Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, all of which are located close to the city’s main attractions, including the beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.
The areas of Ipanema and Copacabana are popular areas in Rio for tourists. Lapa is great for nightlife and has lots of good value hostels too. Leblon is also great for being close to the beach and metro lines for getting around the city.
Hostels in Rio de Janeiro
Hostels are a great option for accommodation in Rio de Janeiro, especially for solo travellers as you can easily meet people to go out with. Partying in Rio is always better with other people! There are plenty of party hostels in Rio, but if you prefer something a little more chilled out there are options for you too.
Take a look at the highly rated Books Hostel in Lapa or the Pura Vida Hostel for an idea of what’s available. Check all hostels in Rio on Hostelworld here.
Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
If you have a higher budget you might prefer to look at hotels in Rio de Janeiro, like the good value Casa Beludi or Gerthrudes Bed & Breakfast with an outdoor pool and wonderful views of the city.
Airbnb in Rio de Janeiro
Alternatively, check the options on Airbnb in Rio de Janeiro, like this flat in Copacabana with a gorgeous sea view.
Safety in Rio de Janeiro
Many people wonder if Rio is safe to visit. Rio de Janeiro has a reputation for being unsafe, but with the right precautions, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables safe. It is also a good idea to use licensed taxis and avoid taking public transportation at night. >>>Read more Rio safety tips here.
General Rio de Janeiro Travel Tips
Learn some Portuguese
Although many people in Rio de Janeiro speak English, it is a good idea to learn some basic Portuguese phrases before travelling to the city. This will help you communicate with locals and make your trip more enjoyable – even a few words like hello, please and thank you can make a huge difference to how people react to you!
Dress Appropriately
Lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes are essential for exploring Rio, and swimwear is a must if you plan to spend time at the beach. It is illegal to go topless in Brazil, so make sure you wear a bikini even if it just covers the essentials! If you do want to sunbathe nude, Praia do Abricó is the only nude beach in the city.
Bring Sun Protection
Rio de Janeiro is known for its hot and sunny weather, so it is important to slather on sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to keep your eyes shaded too.
Prevent Mosquito Bites
Unfortunately, there are a lot of mosquitoes in Brazil, and in Rio. While mosquitoes are more common where there is standing water (in forest areas and in favelas), they can be found everywhere, and they carry all sorts of horrible diseases you don’t want to get – including Zika, Dengue fever, yellow fever and malaria.
Use insect repellant and wear long-sleeved clothing to keep your arms and legs covered. If you do get mosquito bites, this handy little gadget can help to prevent itchiness, and use a cream or spray to calm the itch.
Explore More of Brazil
I loved Rio, but there is far more to explore in Brazil than this one city. Sao Paulo is another fabulous city to visit, Paraty is a lovely little town and of course, the natural wonders of Iguazu Falls and the Amazon Rainforest are more reasons to visit Brazil. Check out my top picks for where to go in Brazil here.
I hope these Rio de Janeiro travel tips have helped you to plan your trip to Rio! Travelling to Rio de Janeiro is an exciting and at times overwhelming experience so if you need any more Rio tips just let me know and I’ll do my best to help!