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Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the capital of Rio de Janeiro State on Brazil's southeastern Atlantic coast. It's the birthplace of samba and bossa nova, making it a great place to stroll to a lively rhythm.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Rio de Janeiro
Gateway airport
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Best season
Apr–Sep
Time zone
America/Noronha
Sights covered
45 places

Sights worth seeing

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Christ the Redeemer

Heritage & monuments

Christ the Redeemer

A statue of Christ overlooking Rio de Janeiro, built from the 1920s to the early 1930s. Standing 38 meters tall including its pedestal, it is considered the city's iconic symbol.

Copacabana

Nature

Copacabana

Copacabana is a coastal district on the Atlantic in southeastern Rio de Janeiro, world-famous for its roughly 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach. It's a great spot for a beach stroll or a swim.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Nature

Sugarloaf Mountain

A 396-meter granite peak rising on a peninsula at the mouth of Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro. Known as "Sugarloaf" for its distinctive shape, it is one of the city's most celebrated viewpoints.

Guanabara Bay

Nature

Guanabara Bay

A vast bay along the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stretching roughly 30 km in both width and length. Its shoreline, fed by numerous rivers, offers refreshing coastal scenery.

Corcovado

Nature

Corcovado

Corcovado is a 710-meter hill rising above central Rio de Janeiro. It's a beloved viewpoint among travelers for its sweeping views of the city and sea.

Ipanema District

Nature

Ipanema District

A neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro between Leblon and Arpoador, well known as the setting for the bossa nova classic "The Girl from Ipanema." It's a lovely place to stroll and take in the romantic mood of the song.

Valongo Wharf

Heritage & monuments

Valongo Wharf

A historic wharf remaining in Rio de Janeiro's port district, marking the site where enslaved Africans first set foot on Brazilian soil in the 19th century. It's a place to walk while remembering the painful history of slavery.

Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

The seat of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, dedicated to the city's patron saint, St. Sebastian. It is regarded as one of Rio's leading Catholic cathedrals.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

26° Jan
26° Feb
26° Mar
24° Apr
22° May
21° Jun
21° Jul
21° Aug
23° Sep
23° Oct
23° Nov
25° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Rio de Janeiro Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

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Where to stay

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