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Rio de Janeiro, former capital of Brazil and now capital of the state of the same name, is Brazil’s second largest city. Simply dubbed Rio, you have to see for yourself why it’s called “The Marvelous City.” View its natural splendor and the gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain and walk on its famed tourist beaches like the Copacabana and the Ipanema. But you must experience firsthand the Carnival celebrations, dance to the samba, funk and other music, and ride on a cable car to Sugar-loaf mountain. Love football? This is your chance to see a game at the vast Maracaña stadium. If you’re into nature treks, then go and visit the two largest forests inside a city-the White Stone State Park and the Tijuca Forest. Rio can be a starting point for other Brazilian cities as the Galeao-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport connects Rio with many cities and even other countries. The best time to go to Rio is 40 days before Easter in time for the Carnival. The Carnival lasts for almost two weeks, although you have a chance to see samba shows throughout the entire year. You can also opt to go for the New Year which is a major event in Rio, complete with concerts and fireworks.

Rio de Janeiro Pictures

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Join the Carnival through Rio’s streets or see the night practice sessions of samba schools to glimpse genuine Brazilian culture. For the New Years celebration, wear white for luck like the natives do, view the huge fireworks display and enjoy music and drinks with friends. Visit museums like the National Museum of Brazil, and magnificent parks like the Botanical Garden and Tijuca Forest or any of the other magnetic tourist spots. Take a tram to the gigantic Christo Redentor, than take a subway bus to catch the aerial tramway to the Sugar Loaf mountains. Enjoy a football game in the huge Maracaña stadium, jog near the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, or go hang gliding and paragliding where you’ll land on the beach.

Nightlife in Rio de Janeiro

Rio is synonymous to nightlife, and the nightlife scene is quite extensive, with well-known clubs such as the Baronneti, Nuth and Catwalk. You can even meet Nick Jagger or Naomi Campbell if you go there. During the carnival, dance, sing and celebrate through the night in one of the parades or samba schools. You can witness samba school practices into the morning at other times, enjoy samba and choro music in Lapa or in cheaper venues, especially the underground club scene, which has proven to be more interesting.

Dining in Rio de Janeiro

Dine to your heart’s delight in Rio through the “comida a kilo” where you pay by weight for your food of choice in buffet style restaurants, such as the Felleni in Leblon. Brazil’s top dish is the feijoada, a blend of black beans and pork served with colorful side dishes. If you’re really hungry, you can opt for a rodizio (eat-all-you-can) or Churrascaria (eat-all-you-can grilled meats). Pastries, seafoods and local drinks like the guarana (Amazon fruit soda), mate (sweet ice tea), aqua de coco (coconut water), caldo de cana (sugarcane juice) and acal (local fruit) are delicacies of Rio you may want to savor.

Shopping in Rio de Janeiro

Rio has many shopping centers and local craft stores where you can get great bargains on Brazilian-clothing and gift items. You can choose among Barra Shopping, the largest mall in Latin America and Rio; the Rio Sul in the South zone; the North Shopping in the North or the Nova America Outlet where the cheapest stores for Brazilian wear are found. Botafogo Praia is noted for its great view of the Sugar Loaf and Guanabara Bay with a rooftop belvedere. You can enjoy multiplex movies or American-like restaurants at the New York City Center. For local gift items, choose between Pe De Boi or Brasil and Cia, devoted to preserving native craft.

Rio de Janeiro travel tips

• The inhabitants of Rio, called Cariocas, speak mostly Portuguese. Most shopkeepers speak English but basic Portuguese might prove valuable to know.
• The Carnival parade in the center of Rio attracts more than 200,000 revelers each year.
• People dress in white for luck for the grand New Year’s Eve celebration.