#1) Festivals
Rio De Janeiro is an extravagant city filled with all things fun, food and games. Rio's vivacious spirit and party-going attitude are infectious and it's no surprise that Rio is considered the world partying capital. Rio's Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the world and an absolutely extraordinary experience for travellers. Regarded as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ this fabulous festival features a wide variety of parades, parties, lavish costumes and celebrations. If you are lucky enough to visit during Carnival expect to see spectacular floats coursing through the streets, locals salsa dancing on the sidewalks, live music blaring through the streets, and enormous celebrations on every corner.
Carnival is an amazing time to visit Rio but it’s not the only time to enjoy this vibrant city. Year-round you will find samba drums on every corner, people dancing in the street and enough partying to keep you occupied for weeks.
Rio lives and breathes dance. For citizens, dance is so much more than movement, it's a life form. Dance is a way for people to express themselves, connect with one another and simply have fun. A trip to Rio is not complete without visiting one of the many samba schools, dance halls or street performances that line the street. Offering everything from group classes for beginners, night life workshops and regional styles like Capoeria, Afro Brazilian or Samba de Gafieira, a dance class will fill you with a zest for life and leave you feeling like a true Brazilian.
The city's passion for dance is also evident in its nightclubs. From the sultry rhythms of bossa nova and jazz to the upbeat horns of funk carioca, Rio's nightclubs never fail to get people on their feet. We recommend checking out Baixo Gávea or Cascadura for a mix of world-renowned DJs and homegrown talent.
#2) Food
All that dancing can make a person hungry! Luckily Rio De Janeiro is also home to some of the best food in Brazil. Feijoada- Rio's national dish is a hearty black bean stew that can be served with rice and vegetables or simply on its own. This delicious dish is the perfect energy boost after a fun dance class or a night of partying. Other must-tries include Pao de Queijo (cheese bread), Acaraje (deep-fried, mashed black beans) and Moqueca (a fragrant fish stew with coconut milk).
Don't worry we haven't forgotten about dessert. Rio also offers a delicious array of sweet treats such as brigadeiros (chocolate balls dipped in sugar), pao de queijo fudge and Brazilian cheese bread!
You can try all these dishes and more at one of Rio's fabulous markets. These markets are scattered throughout the city. To find your local market just follow the delicious smell of barbequed meat and fresh baked goods.
If you're looking to experience Rio's biggest and best market, we recommend making your way to Mercado de Madureira. Offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to local delicacies like rice with seafood or feijoada, these markets are the perfect place to pick up a few ingredients for an impromptu picnic in one of the city’s many green spaces.
We know you'll absolutely love the incredible flavours, spices and ingredients of Brazil and be left wanting more. A traditional, Brazilian cooking class is a great way to learn the art of Brazilian cooking and develop some fantastic culinary skills you can bring home with you!
#3) Beach
From foodies and party animals to beach bums and hippies, Rio has something for everyone. As a coastal town, Rio offers an abundance of opportunities to experience the ocean and everything it has to offer.
Travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to Rio de Janeiro's many beaches. Copacabana Beach is arguably the most famous of them all and has been immortalized as a symbol of Brazilian life. It attracts visitors from across Brazil and around the world who come for sunbathing on its golden sands, partying in its bars, or swimming in it's crystal clear waters.
If you are looking for something a bit more subdued, head south to Saquarema Beach. Here you will find more locals than tourists who enjoy this beach for its calm waters and gentle waves, perfect for swimming or fishing on the shoreline. Leisure lovers will also love Barra da Tijuca. With endless coastlines of golden sand bordered by hillside forested dunes, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and beach goers alike.
A great way to experience Rio beaches is by engaging in some of the many water sports and activities that are on offer here! Adrenaline junkies will love battling the waves on a surfing, jet skiing, snorkelling or kayaking tour. These tours are a fantastic way to experiencing Rio's natural beauty from the water and enjoy some time in the sun!
For something, more relaxing embark on an afternoon catamaran cruise on one of Rio's many stunning lagoons such as Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and Jacarepaguá Lagoon. As the sun sets over the horizon you can cool off with a refreshing beverage and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rio skyline.
A boat tour around Guanabara Bay is another great way to take in Rio de Janeiro's iconic landscape. Experience the dramatic view of Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain as they rise majestically from the sea and travel through local villages and favelas. This tour is a great way to see and experience local life in Rio. Despite being surrounded by some of the most densely populated areas in Brazil, you'll find many locals socialising and fishing on the shores. Most Guanabara Bay boat tours also include a visit to "Ilha Grande" (The Big Island)- a massive island only accessible by boat or plane. This island is home to some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches, many of which are still untouched by the tourism industry.
#4) Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is another must see attraction in Rio. Rising 396 meters into the air, this mountain offers one of the most iconic views of Rio and its world famous beaches. Standing at the mountains peak, the entire cidade maravilhosa lays at your feet: the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, the favelas of Babylonia, the Tijuca Forest, Christ the Redeemer on His mountain, the Bay of Guanabara, and the fortresses at the edge of far-off Niterói. This view is arguably the most magical in Rio and will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Along with the beautiful panoramic views from the summit, Sugarloaf Mountain is also home to the Sugarloaf Cable Car Experience. This exciting experience lasts for just under seven minutes in total and will take you up over the Baía de Guanabara and surrounding mountains to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. As you soar up into the sky you will gain an incredible birds eye perspective of the city and the natural beauty of Rio. A Sugarloaf Cable Car Experience is one of the best bucket-list experiences for you and your family but be warned, this is not for those with a fear of heights!
If the cable cars weren’t enough to make your heart skip a bit how about adding even more adrenaline with a thrilling sky-drop rappel or zip-lining experiences
If the cable cars weren’t enough to make your heart skip a bit how about adding even more adrenaline to your day with a thrilling sky-drop rappel or zip-lining experience? These fast-paced, action packed activities are perfect for those looking to get their heart pumping and experience something completely new. The sky-drop rappel will see participants descending down the side of one of Rio's tallest mountains and the zip lining will send them zooming over the jungle treetops at breathtaking speeds.
There is also the option of mountain biking or hiking to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain if you are feeling really robust! Either taking part in a group excursion or tackling one of the more difficult courses alone, these adventures will see you conquer some of the most challenging terrains Brazil has to offer. During your adventure expect to encounter some of Rio's oldest remaining residents - its animals! From monkeys to sloths and alligators to toucans you'll have the opportunity to get up close and personal to these incredible creatures.
Don't worry, if mountain biking and trekking don’t appeal to you there are plenty of other ways to have an unforgettable wildlife experience in Rio. A trip to the local sloth sanctuary is a great way to see and experience the world's slowest mammal in real life. Here you'll be able to cuddle these adorable creatures and learn about their habitat and conservation status, before taking part in an unforgettable sloth feeding experience!
#5) Shopping
There are so many incredible activities and adventures to be had in Rio. Your days will be exploding with sightseeing, exploring and adventuring. If all this excitement has left you tired, what you need is some retail therapy. For the best shopping experience, head to the iconic Ipanema districts and discover the many chic boutiques and high end stores stocking world renowned fashion labels.
Running through Ipanema is Avenida Nova America- Rio's most popular shopping strip. Here you will find all the high-end shopping destinations such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Burberry as well as many unique, local labels. A visit here is perfect if you want to pick up some new clothes or shoes with designer names that will be hard to find back at home.
Along the Avenida Nova America there is also live music and street artists to entertain you while you shop and from time to time you will find demonstrations and fashion shows taking place. If you're feeling peckish just head to one of the many outdoor cafes and restaurants. Whether you're after a quick bite or long, relaxing lunch, there is something for everyone.
Rio De Janeiro is a city full of life, culture and entertainment. From the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue to beaches that go on for miles, this incredible destination has something for everyone. The wide variety of activities and events mean you will never run out of things to see and do in this incredible city.
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