Rio's breathtaking natural setting and non-stop air of fiesta are enough to thrill the most world-weary of travellers - the cidade maravilhosa or "marvellous city" has very few equals. Get ready to samba, celebrate and sightsee until you drop!
Use this interactive map to explore a huge range of accommodation in Rio De Janeiro - all available on Expedia. Click on a hotel to see the hotels in that area.
When to go to Rio De Janeiro?
High season (December to March) is busy, temperatures are warm and the beaches are crowded, but the city is at its liveliest and most beguiling. New Year's Eve is very special! The low season (May to October) is quieter, cheaper and winter here is mild – though the odd chilly snap can make things too cold for lazing on Copacabana. Rio's famous Carnival takes place over four days, 40 days before Easter; 2010 dates are February 13 to 16. It's an exciting time to see the city, but definitely not for everyone; weigh up the pros and cons before deciding on a Carnival visit, and bear in mind the fact that prices can skyrocket for the duration!
Are we there yet?
Rio de Janeiro Flight times
From Sydney: around 35 hours.
From Melbourne: around 38 hours.
From Brisbane: around 38 hour.
Rio Airport to city: taxi 15 minutes; bus around 30-45 minutes.
Corcovado and the huge statue of Christ: one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and absolutely not to be missed; take the train, the escalator or climb the 222 stairs (they':re steep!) and be left speechless by the views.
The beaches: Ipanema and Copacabana are the obvious two, but there are plenty of others.
Sugar Loaf (Pao de Acucar): take the cable-car to this world-famous landmark.
Centro district and its colonial buildings: start from Praca XV de Novembro while you're there, browse through the Rua Uruguaiana shopping district and see Cinelandia Square.
Forte do Leme: climb to the hilltop fortress; 20 minutes, hot work but worth it for the views.
Santa Teresa Village: a bohemian side of the city, often referred to as Rio's Montmartre. Take the tram, it's a great journey.
Lagoa: walking, cycling, jogging, biking, boating, sculpture, alfresco dining and more, in the city's most affluent area. Have a drink at the art deco Bar Lagoa; a Rio institution.
The trendy Lapa district: good nightlife here too.
Experience futebol (soccer): at the world's largest stadium (Maracana), with the world's most enthusiastic spectators.
Samba/live music: at Rio Scenarium in the Lapa district - very cool, very popular
Watch a samba school rehearsal: between August and Carnival; best from October onwards when the teams have been chosen.
Enjoy a mouthwatering pastry, "5 o'clock tea" or lunch at the gorgeous old Confeitaria Colombo (Centro). Don't mix it up with the Ipanema branch. Want an unusual souvenir? The berimbau is ideal; head to Rua da Carioca for a huge choice. Safety matters here: don't walk about wearing jewellery; in fact, don't bother taking it in the first place - and do use your hotel's safety deposit box for other valuable items. It's a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport and carry it with you at all times; leave the real thing in the safety deposit box. Rio's not as dangerous as it once was; nevertheless, common sense should prevail: don't walk alone late at night, don't walk through dark/empty parts of Centro (downtown) at night or at weekends; avoid walking though Copacabana alone at night, use a shoulder-strap for your camera and bag, be on the lookout for pickpockets, don't carry large amounts of cash; don't carry your wallet or anything valuable in your back pocket. And if someone spills something on you in the street, keep walking - it's a local pickpockets' trick. The Hippie Fair (Sundays at Ipanema) is a good place to find souvenirs, leather goods, clothing, art, great food. Rio's baixos (pronounced by-shows) are clusters of cafés, bars and clubs on South Side (Zona Sul) streets - relaxed atmosphere; good places to meet the locals and spend an evening. Beach nudity is against the law. Copacabana is the busiest beach; if you want somewhere quieter, Ipanema is preferable. Take great care crossing the road. Avoid the slums (favela); if you must see them, go on an organised tour.
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