Contrary to popular belief, Rio de Janeiro isn’t the capital of Brazil, despite its nearly 7 million inhabitants, picture-perfect beaches, iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and annual Carnaval festival. With part of the city designated a World Heritage site, Rio de Janeiro draws millions of visitors for its natural beauty, lively sports and culture atmosphere, and fascinating history. The city only continues to grow in popularity following the 2016 Olympics.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
The city’s main airport, Galeão-Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport, sits 12 miles from downtown Rio. Blue and yellow taxis are available and bookable at arrival halls. The TransCarioca line of the BRT links terminals 1 and 2, and passengers can access the entire subway system at the Line 2 Vincente de Carvalho station. Buses are the main form of public transportation in the city, with nearly 440 municipal bus lines. Rio is also served by Rio de Janeiro Metro with three subway lines and 41 stations, as well as a commuter rail system by SuperVia that connects Rio with other locations in Greater Rio de Janeiro. While driving is a possible mode of transportation, large numbers of cars and heavy traffic dissuades travelers from taking to the roads.
LODGING
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Immerse yourself in Art Deco décor at this 1923 property, complete with period furniture and original artwork. Contemporary features of rooms and suites complement the building’s history, with suites including direct pool access and wet bars. A renowned pan-Asian restaurant and Italian eatery further elevate the property, along with a piano bar, tennis courts, gym and spa.
Av. Atlântica 1702, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
tel 55 21 2548 7070
belmond.com
Emiliano Rio
Warm, stylish rooms; designer suites with vintage touches; and a posh restaurant with a vertical garden await at this boutique property. Emiliano Rio also boasts a Champagne and caviar bar as well as a rooftop infinity pool, spa and state-of-the-art fitness center.
Av. Atlântica 3804, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
tel 55 21 3503 6600
emiliano.com.br
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
This modern hotel within the Copacabana district offers easy access to the beach. Rooms include balconies and upscale amenities, with suites boasting ocean or mountain views. The hotel includes a tapas bar and café, fine-dining restaurant, infinity pool and boutique spa.
Av. Atlântica 4240, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
tel 55 21 2525 1232
fairmontrio.com
DINING
Aprazível
Enjoy artisanal Brazilian cuisine overlooking the gardens and city. Highlights include a fish stew native to Brazil, filled to the brim with rich ingredients and a savory broth. The menu also offers delicious, homestyle chicken and beef dishes as well as a delicate crème brûlée.
Rua Aprazível 62, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
tel 55 21 2507 1277
aprazivel.com.br
Lasai Restaurante
Headed by Chef Rafa Costa, this Basque-inspired restaurant uses local and fresh ingredients to bring diners on a flavor journey. With only a tasting menu on offer, diners sample a wide range of flavors and products from the restaurant’s gardens, the nearby sea and the neighboring land.
Largo dos Leões 35, Humaitá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
tel 55 21 3449 1854
lasai.com.br
Térèze
Dine beside panoramic bay and valley views at this trendy restaurant serving Nuevo Latino fare. This restaurant often draws diners looking for a romantic evening.
Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery, Rua Felício dos Santos 15, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
tel 55 21 3380 0259
santateresahotelrio.com
ATTRACTIONS
Copacabana Beach
This 2.5-mile stretch of beach sits between two historical forts. Bordering the beach are a variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, while the beach itself serves as the perfect spot for a walk along the promenade, a dip in the water or lying under the sun.
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Covering 130 acres with more than 6,500 species, these gardens also contain historical, artistic and archaeological monuments. Founded in the early 1800s, the gardens include some endangered flora species as well as statues of notable historical figures, international-inspired architecture and beautiful fountains.
Rua Jardim Botânico 1008, Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
tel 55 21 3874 1808
gov.br
Sugarloaf Mountain
Take a cable car to the top of this iconic mountain for panoramic views of the city and ocean. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sugarloaf Mountain sits nearly 1,300 feet above sea level, less than a 40-minute drive from the equally impressive Christ the Redeemer statue on nearby Corcovado Mountain.
Av. Pasteur 520, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
tel 55 21 2546 8433
bondinho.com.br
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 21, 2024Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales
The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
November 2024
Nov 20, 2024A Fusion of History and Modernity Makes Bangkok a Perfect Meeting Spot
In this city of contrasts, glass skyscrapers stand behind century- old temples. Street food vendors sling steaming noodles along roadways while tucked-away restaurants serve multicourse, Michelin-level cuisine. Roadways jam with cars as jewel-toned tuk tuks whizz through the gridlock. Long considered a tourist mecca, Bangkok also makes for a dynamic, budding location for corporate travelers.
Daily
Nov 20, 2024Le Massif de Charlevoic, Québec, Announces Winter Ski Season Festivities
Ski fever? This year, skip the long flight over the water and stay a little closer to home at four-season Le Massif de Charlevoix resort in Québec. Snow fun kicks off Nov. 30 when skiers and snowboarders carve the first tracks of the season. The resort, about an hour from Québec City and 20 minutes from Baie-Saint-Paul, is the location of North America’s first Club Med mountain village.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Daily
Nov 20, 2024Celebrate the Holidays at This Hotel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Spend the holiday season in Italy with a stay at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Hotel. The only 5-star hotel in the area hosts festive experiences from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024San Diego International Airport to Launch KLM Flights to Amsterdam Next May
Beginning May 8, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be San Diego International Airport’s seventh international airline to offer direct service. The new route will offer three weekly flights between San Diego and Amsterdam (AMS).
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
eFlyer Lead
Nov 20, 2024Chase Opens 2 New Lounges This Year, More Slated for 2025
This year, both Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and San Diego International Airport welcomed new Sapphire Lounge by The Clubs. These two lounges join existing locations in New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS).
ShareThis