Rio de Janeiro's setting, mountains and forest crowding directly against the Atlantic and the city's famous beaches, is genuinely one of the most dramatic urban landscapes anywhere, a fact locals are well aware of, and one reason the "marvellous city" nickname isn't entirely marketing.
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf
Christ the Redeemer, atop Corcovado mountain, is reached by cog train through Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban rainforests in the world, book the train in advance, and go early morning for the clearest views before afternoon clouds often roll in.
Sugarloaf Mountain, reached by cable car in two stages, gives arguably the better overall panorama, taking in the bay, the beaches, and Christ the Redeemer itself in one frame, best at sunset, when the city lights begin to come on below.
Beaches and Samba
Copacabana and Ipanema each have distinct characters, Copacabana livelier and more mixed, Ipanema more affluent and famously the inspiration for the bossa nova standard "The Girl from Ipanema." Both fill with locals playing football and volleyball on the sand daily, not just tourists sunbathing.
If your dates align, Carnival is Rio's defining event, the Sambadrome parades are ticketed and spectacular, but the neighbourhood block parties (blocos) happening throughout the city offer a more accessible, and arguably more authentic, way to experience it.
Recommended Stay · Rio de Janeiro · Copacabana
Belmond Copacabana Palace
The Art Deco landmark that has hosted every major visitor to Rio since 1923, directly on Copacabana beach, a rooftop pool and old-world glamour that anchors the whole neighbourhood.
