Rio de Janeiro City Breaks

A guide to Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is undeniably one of the most visually stunning cities in the world. Sandwiched between soaring peaks and glistening beaches, it has more than its fair share of iconic sights to savour. Top of the list are the evocative statue of Christ the Redeemer, and the eccentric looking Sugarloaf Mountain. Despite conspicuous poverty, Rio witnesses glamour on a grand scale, and the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are symbolic of Brazil's laid-back fun-loving lifestyle, providing an uncompromising view of the city's unwavering obsession with beauty.

Hot Latin nights of music and dance

Rio nights are hot in every sense, with an intoxicating energy found nowhere else in the world. The whole city resounds to the samba beat which is like a religion to the local 'Cariocas'. Check out the Lapla and Botifago districts for the hottest all-night bars and clubs. If you are visiting during Rio carnival, you can expect a marathon samba-fest of dazzling and barely-legal costumes, street parades, glitzy balls and full-on partying. Go to the vast Sambadromo for non-stop dance competitions, spectacular pyrotechnics and addictive Latin rhythms.

Explore a colourful past

History buffs will enjoy a visit to the sumptuous art deco Copacabana Palace Hotel or baroque Candelaria Church. Rio's inspiring History Museum is an Aladdin’s cave of colonial treasures and exotic South American artefacts. Shopping in Rio de Janeiro are as glamorous as any classic European capital, in its swanky boutiques and mega malls of elegant Barra da Tijuca district. The best advertisement for the city is its people themselves, and the spirit and boundless energy of its citizens in spite of widespread poverty is what makes it such an uncompromising and memorable experience.