Explore Rio de Janeiro
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn moreRio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro TourismRio de Janeiro HotelsRio de Janeiro Bed and BreakfastRio de Janeiro Vacation RentalsFlights to Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro RestaurantsRio de Janeiro AttractionsRio de Janeiro Travel ForumRio de Janeiro PhotosRio de Janeiro Map
HotelsAll Rio de Janeiro HotelsRio de Janeiro Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Rio de JaneiroBy Hotel Type
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental CarsMoreRio de Janeiro MotelsRio de Janeiro CampsitesRio de Janeiro HostelsRio de Janeiro Family HotelsBusiness Hotels Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Luxury HotelsSpa Resorts Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Beach HotelsRomantic Hotels Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro ResortsRio de Janeiro Green Hotels
By Hotel ClassBy Hotel BrandMercure Hotels in Rio de JaneiroHilton Hotels in Rio de JaneiroAccor Hotels in Rio de JaneiroMarriott Hotels in Rio de JaneiroWyndham Hotels in Rio de JaneiroPromenade Hotels in Rio de JaneiroB&B Hotels in Rio de JaneiroNobile Hotels in Rio de JaneiroIntercityHotel in Rio de JaneiroInternational Youth Hostel Hotels in Rio de Janeiroibis Hotels in Rio de JaneiroOYO Hotels in Rio de JaneiroNovotel Hotels in Rio de JaneiroIbis Budget Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Popular AmenitiesPet Friendly Hotels in Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Hotels with a PoolRio de Janeiro Hotels with Parking
Popular NeighbourhoodsZona Central (Central Region) HotelsSanto Cristo HotelsTijuca HotelsTodos os Santos HotelsLeblon HotelsRecreio dos Bandeirantes HotelsJacarepaguá HotelsPraca da Bandeira HotelsHotels near PechinchaHotels near Pilares
Popular Rio de Janeiro CategoriesRio de Janeiro Affordable HotelsApartment Hotels Rio de JaneiroBoutique Hotels Rio de JaneiroHotels with Balconies in Rio de JaneiroHotels with Shuttle in Rio de JaneiroHotels with Hot Tubs in Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Cruise Port HotelsHotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Beach Suite HotelsRio de Janeiro Pet Friendly Beach Hotels
More Rio de Janeiro CategoriesRio de Janeiro Adventure HotelsRio de Janeiro Hotels with Saltwater PoolRio de Janeiro Hotels with GymRio de Janeiro Hotels with Outdoor PoolRio de Janeiro Hotels with Sauna
Near LandmarksHotels near Corcovado - Christ the RedeemerHotels near Sugarloaf Mountain Cable CarHotels near Copacabana BeachHotels near Botanical GardenHotels near Ipanema BeachHotels near Arpoador beachHotels near MaracanãHotels near Escadaria SelarónHotels near Rodrigo de Freitas LagoonHotels near Museu do Amanha
Near Train StationsHotels near Carlos Prates StationHotels near Lagoinha StationHotels near GlóriaHotels near Largo do MachadoHotels near CateteHotels near Presidente VargasHotels near CentralHotels near UruguaianaHotels near UruguaiHotels near Carioca
Near AirportsHotels near Internacional Airport (GIG)Hotels near Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)Motels near Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)Motels near Internacional Airport (GIG)
Near CollegesHotels near INES - Instituto Nacional De Educacao De SurdosHotels near ENCE - Escola Nacional De Ciencias EstatisticasHotels near FAPG - Faculdade Pinheiro GuimaraesHotels near BENNETT - Centro Universitario Metodista BennettHotels near FEFRJ - Faculdade De Economia E Financas Do Rio De JaneiroHotels near FBCJ - Faculdade Brasileira De Ciencias JuridicasHotels near FMJ Mackenzie Rio - Faculdade Moraes Junior - Mackenzie RioHotels near ESNS - Escola Superior Nacional De SegurosHotels near INSTITUTO INFNET - Faculdade De Tecnologia Infnet Rio De JaneiroHotels near IAVM - Avm - Faculdade Integrada
Popular Hotel CategoriesPlan Your Trip to Rio de Janeiro: Best of Rio de Janeiro Tourism
An urban metropolis with the back-tempo of a samba sway
With its plentiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and backdrop of samba and bossa nova rhythms, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro. Made famous in song, Ipanema Beach is still the place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, beckons visitors to Corcovado Mountain. And if you're coming for Carnaval, Rio’s annual celebrations are bacchanalian extravaganzas of feasting, music, dance, and costumed revelry.
Find flight deals to Rio de Janeiro
Search, compare, filter and read reviews to find the right flight for you
Start searchingEssential Rio de Janeiro
Beaches where you can escape the crowds (or join them)
As a Brazilian-American living in Brazil for the first time, I couldn’t have landed in a more exciting place than Rio de Janeiro. The city is the epitome of the “beautiful chaos” that Brazil is known for. Over the past three years, I’ve mastered the art of beach-going in Rio. Here’s where to go for a good time, and where to get away from the crowds.
Carla Vianna, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
- 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.