Rio de Janeiro is a city on Brazil's south-eastern coast, in South America, and it is best known for its beaches, its landmarks and its carnival. Visitors often know it by its nickname, Cidade Maravilhosa, or simply as Rio. It also gives its name to the surrounding state, so a trip can cover both the city and the wider region.
What draws visitors
- The beaches run along the city's coastline and are a central part of daily life here, as much a place to walk and watch the sea as to swim.
- Christ the Redeemer is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, and a visit to it is among the first things many people plan.
- Carnival is the city's celebration of music and dancing, and it is the event that many visitors have in mind when they picture Rio.
Nature and culture together
The city and state combine natural scenery with a rich cultural heritage. Beaches, mountains and the bay sit alongside a long history of music, art and public celebration, so a visit can move easily between the outdoors and the city's streets. Those who come for the coast will find plenty to do by the sea, while those drawn to culture will find the same energy in the city's neighbourhoods.
Whether Rio suits you depends on what you want from a trip. If you are looking for a lively city with striking natural surroundings and a strong sense of festival, it offers a great deal to explore, and the state around it adds further options beyond the city limits.
