Rio de Janeiro – Visit Brasil

Samba, sun, and stunning landscapes – Rio awaits you with its vibrant culture, natural beauty and unique hospitality

Rio de Janeiro is a Brazilian icon and the country’s best-known destination worldwide, attracting millions of tourists every year. It’s the second-largest city in Brazil and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its Urban Cultural Landscape. Most recently, it was named World Book Capital for the year 2025.

The city is a great blending between the human spirit and natural grandeur. The effervescent culture that fascinates visitors from all over the world is framed by a lush natural landscape, a stage for those seeking ecotourism and sports.

Fun facts

The Tijuca Forest is the largest urban forest in the world and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as trails and waterfalls.

Ipanema Beach became one of the most famous on the planet, as it was mentioned in the song “Garota de Ipanema”, a world-famous bossa nova song.

The famous Sambadrome is where the samba school parades take place during Rio's Carnaval, the biggest open-air show in the world.

The Escadaria Selarón is a postcard of the Lapa neighborhood. Covered in colorful tiles from around the world, it is a unique artistic attraction.

In Porto Maravilha, a revitalized area in the center of Rio, where the Museum of Tomorrow and the Museum of Art of Rio are located, you can see the Etnias panel by the famous Brazilian graffiti artist Eduardo Kobra, which entered the Guinness World Records as the largest mural of graphite in the world.

Rio’s iconic beaches

A trip to Rio guarantees paradisiacal beaches with crystal-clear waters, with translucent waters. The city’s coastline is approximately 86 km long, with beaches for all tastes, making your visit even more exciting with a variety of options to enjoy the sun.

The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are internationally known, being famous postcards of the city. And following the same charming setting, full of natural beauty, it is possible to find several other beaches such as Arpoador, Leme and Leblon.

Unique nature integrated into urban life

In addition to the beaches, enchanting nature is present in the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, where Corcovado Hill is located, and Christ the Redeemer stands at a height of around 800 meters, considered one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, welcomes all visitors with open arms. The grandiosity of the Parque Lage mansion and its beautiful gardens in total harmony with the Atlantic Forest forming an architectural-natural ensemble that leaves anyone’s jaw dropped! Experiment with outdoor activities in contact with exuberant nature, such as trails, diving and cycling, football and sand volleyball, in addition to water and adventure activities, with emphasis on the famous paragliding or hang-gliding flight, departing from Pedra da Gavea.

Carnaval and culture

Rio is an invitation to experience culture at its most vibrant. Around every corner, there’s artistic expression — from the grand halls of Theatro Municipal and the stunning Portuguese Royal Reading Room to independent cinemas, cultural centers, and world-renowned museums like the Museum of Tomorrow, the Rio Museum of Modern Art, and the Rio Art Museum.

Among the city’s most authentic expressions, samba stands out as a living heartbeat of Rio. Experiencing a street samba is diving into the city’s soul — the rhythm of the tambourine, the energy of the dancers, and a joy that spreads through the crowd. It’s tradition and passion unfolding in real time. Rio is also the birthplace of bossa nova, Brazilian funk, and pop rock — rhythms that echo across the city and captivate the world.

Unforgettable Celebrations

Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its festivals — true expressions of the city’s vibrant soul. Carnival transforms the streets into open-air stages bursting with color, music, and dance, celebrating Brazilian creativity and cultural diversity. More than just a show, it’s a deep, emotional experience of joy, identity, and belonging.

On New Year’s Eve, Copacabana comes alive with fireworks and collective energy. Millions gather along the shoreline, dressed in white, to welcome a new cycle with hope, gratitude, and celebration. In Rio, every festivity is an invitation to live the moment fully — and remember it forever.

African heritage in Rio de Janeiro

Afro-Brazilian culture is very present in Rio de Janeiro, in places such as the territory of “Little Africa” in the city’s Port Zone, or head to the hills and suburbs where samba schools (Escolas de Samba) were born. Memory and cultural heritage come together when visiting Quilombo da Pedra do Sal, where you can experience traditional samba and revisit the history of black resistance in the city.

Visiting Rio de Janeiro’s samba schools is an incredible and unmissable experience, accessing the backstage of the biggest show on Earth, which celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture by presenting the genuine creativity of different professionals, costume designers, art directors, samba dancers and thousands of artisans.

Gastronomy for all tastes

Rio de Janeiro’s cuisine reflects the city’s lifestyle — relaxed, vibrant, and full of authentic flavor. Iconic street snacks like crispy tapioca biscuits and iced mate tea are part of daily life for locals.

Head to the hilltop restaurants of Santa Teresa for panoramic views, or immerse yourself in Lapa’s samba-filled nights, where the aroma of feijoada fritters blends with the rhythm of live music. Street markets also offer a truly local experience, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional dishes made with heart and heritage.

The city is also home to inspiring initiatives like Refettorio Gastromotiva — a restaurant-school that combats food waste, promotes whole-ingredient cooking, and serves meals to people in vulnerable situations — blending flavor with purpose and social impact.

An unforgettable sunrise

Feel the magic of Rio de Janeiro at sunrise, atop Sugarloaf Mountain at Bondinho Park. Watch as the city slowly wakes up, and the horizon slowly lights up as you enjoy the peace and beauty of the dawn.

This is the perfect moment to connect with nature and witness one of the most spectacular views of Brazil, accompanied by soft music and the aroma of an exclusive breakfast.

Learn more about this experience by clicking here.