Explore Rio de Janeiro
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Essential Rio de Janeiro
Beaches where you can escape the crowds (or join them)
- Ipanema Beach19,160Head to Ipanema for a true taste of Rio’s beach culture. Vendors sell everything from steamed corn and empanadas to chilled coconuts and sweet tea. You’ll share the sand with locals and travellers alike, including groups of friends playing futevôlei, a volleyball-like sport using just your feet. The iconic scenery, which includes a pair of pointy peaks known as the Two Brothers at the far end of the beach, makes it a must-visit.
- Arpoador beach16,021To the east of Ipanema, Arpoador is the surf and sunset spot. The water is often sprinkled with surfers, but there’s plenty of room for you to swim closer to the shore. The rock that juts out into the ocean is the best spot to watch the sunset in Rio. Grab a beer and settle in for the show as the sun dips behind the Two Brothers. Stick around for live samba music every Thursday.
- Copacabana Beach25,300Ipanema and Arpoador are known for their big waves. It’s almost a rite of passage to trade stories about being pummeled by the surf. But if you’re looking for a calmer beach day, head over to Posto 6 in Copacabana. The southern section of the beach is protected by Fort Copacabana, so the water is almost always calm enough for paddleboarding and kayaking. If you’re up early, it’s the perfect spot to catch the sunrise.
- Vermelha Beach1,156In the tranquil neighbourhood of Urca, this small patch of sand couldn’t be more different from the expansive shores of Ipanema, Arpoador, and Copacabana. The beach looks up at Sugarloaf Mountain, a stunning backdrop that’s reflected in its emerald waters. At day’s end, head to nearby Mureta da Urca. Grab a spot on the seawall in front of Bar Urca, a longstanding institution serving fried snacks and ice-cold beer, as the sun goes down.
- Praia Da Joatinga908I like to say that Joatinga Beach is Rio’s best-kept secret. While it’s open to the public, it can only be accessed through a condominium where the limited number of parking spots help curb the crowds. On weekends, Joatinga is always bustling. During the week, however, you might actually get the beach to yourself, especially if you arrive early. It’s bordered by tall cliffs that transport you far from the concrete jungle behind you.
- Praia de Grumari3,604About an hour from the centre of Rio, Grumari Beach feels a little more isolated. There’s little to no infrastructure here, although some rustic beach shacks serve fried snacks and fresh juices. Nestled within a nature preserve, the beach is surrounded by forested mountains. There’s limited parking, and if you don’t arrive early you probably won’t get a spot. Expect a healthy crowd on weekends, but nothing compared to Ipanema or Copacabana.
- Perigoso Beach168A hour-long drive takes you to Perigoso, a protected beach about 40 miles from the centre of Rio. With turquoise blue waters, it’s one of the prettiest stretches of sand within driving distance. Hike up Pedra da Tartaruga for views stretching back to the city, or continue on toward even more secluded beaches. The farther you get, the more empty the shores become. Pack water and snacks, since you won’t find vendors on these beaches.
- Itacoatiara Beach3,869The running joke is that the best thing about Niteroi—a city across the bay—is the view of Rio. But the coastal city does have its fair share of beautiful beaches. Known for its notoriously big waves, Itacoatiara is a hit among surfers. When the waves are too rough for swimming, take a dip in the natural pools nearby. Hike up the monolith at the far end of the beach to take in the entire coastline.
Rio de Janeiro Is Great For
Iconic beaches
Nights full of music and dance
Plates piled sky-high with churrascaria
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Rio de Janeiro
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
The main airport that serves Rio de Janeiro is the Rio de Janeiro-Antonio Carlos Jobim/Galeão International Airport, known simply as Galeão International Airport.
Bus:
The Rodoviaria Rio Novo station is the main bus terminal in Rio de Janeiro and hosts the majority of long-distance buses.
Driving:
If arriving in Rio by car, you’ll likely come from the BR116, which is the highway that connects the city with Sao Paulo.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting from Brazil overseas, see if you need a visa using this website.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March: Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and March, when the weather is optimum for exploring the city’s beaches. Additionally, the summer months deliver two of the city’s best celebrations: New Year’s Eve, when crowds cram onto Copacabana Beach for a 15-minute fireworks display, and the world-renowned Carnaval, during which the spirit of samba overtakes the city.
For more information on Rio de Janeiro’s weather and when to go, check out some tips here.
Metro
Rio’s metro spans three air-conditioned lines. Line 1 goes from Ipanema-General Osório to Uruguai; Line 2 travels from Botafogo to Pavuna, passing Maracanã football stadium en route; Line 3 travels between Ipanema-General Osório and the eastern end of Barra da Tijuca at Jardim Oceânico. You can purchase a rechargeable card at any of the metro stations. Find out more here.
Taxis and rideshare
Apps such as Uber and Cabify are the main rideshare operators in Rio. Most of the public cabs are metered and are readily available and therefore easy to hail from the street.
Bus
Rio’s BRS (Bus Rapid System) overlaps the metro and covers popular city zones such as Ipanema, Leblon, Barra, and Copacabana.