Brazil

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Rio de Janeiro

Beaches, mountains and samba in Brazil's Marvelous City

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Rio de Janeiro Plan a trip around Brazil

Best time to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Currency: BRL
Time zone: UTC-3
Country: Brazil

Photo: Wilfredor, CC0

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's second-largest city, famous for its beaches, mountains and carnival. Visitors come for the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and the lively samba culture.

Largest cities

São Paulo
Rio de Janeiro
Brasília
Salvador
Fortaleza

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Brazil
Capital: Brasília
City population: 6.2M
Population of Brazil: 214.2M
Country area: 8,515,767 km²
Official language: Portuguese
Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL) · 1 USD ≈ 5 BRL
Time zone: UTC-3
Calling code: +55
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 5 m
Plugs: A / B / C · 127V / 220V
Emergency numbers: 190 (police) · 192 (ambulance) · 193 (fire)
Best time to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	29°	30°	29°	27°	26°	25°	24°	25°	26°	26°	27°	28°
Low	23°	24°	23°	21°	20°	19°	18°	18°	19°	20°	21°	22°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$35
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$90
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$245

Plan a trip to Rio de Janeiro

Top things to do

≈ $30
Christ the Redeemer
Take the cog train or van up Corcovado mountain to see the iconic statue and panoramic views of the city; go early to avoid crowds and clouds.
- Half day
- Centro (Downtown)
- Good for kids
≈ $35
Sugarloaf Mountain
Ride the cable car up in two stages for sweeping views of Guanabara Bay and the city; sunset is particularly spectacular.
- Half day
- Centro (Downtown)
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Copacabana Beach
Walk or relax on the famous 4 km promenade, people-watch, and try a fresh coconut water from a beach vendor.
- Half day
- Copacabana
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Ipanema Beach
Enjoy the trendy beach scene, watch the sunset from Arpoador rock, and browse the hippie fair on Sundays.
- Half day
- Ipanema and Leblon
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $15
Maracanã Stadium
Tour Brazil's legendary football stadium, including the locker rooms and pitch; check for match days when tours may be suspended.
- Half day
- Centro (Downtown)
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Selarón Steps
Climb the colorful tiled staircase in Lapa, a favorite spot for photos; go early to avoid crowds and watch for pickpockets.
- Half day
- Santa Teresa
- Good for kids
≈ $20
Tijuca National Forest
Take a guided jeep tour or hike through the world's largest urban rainforest, visiting waterfalls and viewpoints; bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
- Full day
- Centro (Downtown)
- Good for kids
≈ $40
Petrópolis Day Trip
Visit the historic imperial city in the mountains, including the Imperial Museum and Quitandinha Palace; allow 1.5 hours each way by bus or car.
- Full day
- Centro (Downtown)
- Good for kids
- Indoors

Before you go

Entry and visas

British citizens can visit Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism; other nationalities should check their own visa requirements, as many can enter visa-free or with an e-visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, and you should ensure it is stamped on entry. For the most current rules, check the official Brazilian government immigration page or your nearest Brazilian embassy.

Official website

From the airport

Most international flights land at Galeão–Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG), about 20 km north of the city centre. From there, air-conditioned buses run to the South Zone beaches in 60–120 minutes, or you can take a taxi or app-based car in 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting around

The metro is safe and efficient for the centre and South Zone, while buses and taxis fill the gaps; avoid walking in unfamiliar areas at night.

Local tips

Dress casually for the beach and bring light, breathable clothing; cover up when visiting churches or government buildings.
Carry small notes and coins for buses and markets; credit cards are widely accepted but some taxis prefer cash.
Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and use hotel safes for passports and extra cash.
The summer (December–March) is hot and rainy, so pack a light rain jacket and sunscreen; winter (June–August) is milder and drier.

Areas worth knowing

Centro (Downtown)
Copacabana
Santa Teresa
Ipanema and Leblon
Barra da Tijuca

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 29, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK