Holiday in Rio de Janeiro

City in Brazil — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇧🇷

Country

Brazil

Type

City

Best time to travel

May–October (dry season, milder), Carnival in February

Budget/day

70–120 €

Getting there from Germany

Direct flights from Frankfurt to Rio/Galeão (GIG) in 11–12 hours. No visa required for Germans (up to 90 days).

About Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world — nestled between tropical mountains, golden beaches, and the turquoise Atlantic. The Cristo Redentor statue on Corcovado spreads its arms over a city that uniquely combines joy of life, nature, and urban culture. Copacabana and Ipanema are among the most famous beaches in the world: This is where Rio's public life unfolds — football, volleyball, Caipirinha vendors, and samba rhythms blend into an endless beach spectacle. The ride on the cog train to Corcovado offers a 360-degree view, while the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain reveals an unforgettable panorama, especially at sunset. The historic center with the Selaron Steps — 245 steps covered with colorful tiles from 60 countries — and the artistic neighborhood of Santa Teresa exude bohemian charm. The Carnival of Rio is the largest festival on earth: For four days, the city transforms into a sea of feathers, sequins, and samba rhythms in the Sambadrome. Even outside the Carnival season, Rio's nightlife pulses in Lapa with samba clubs and live music. December to March is summer with temperatures around 35 degrees.

Nightlife
95
Urban
85
Romance
85
Nature
80
Adventure
80

Top 5 highlights in Rio de Janeiro

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Cristo Redentor

The 30 m tall Christ statue on Corcovado (710 m) is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The view over Rio at sunrise is unforgettable.

2

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)

The cable car ride to the 396 m high granite peak offers the most iconic view of Rio – especially at sunset with a Caipirinha in hand.

3

Copacabana & Ipanema

The most famous beaches in the world: 4 km of golden sand, beach volleyball, Capoeira groups, and Caipirinhas from flying vendors.

4

Escadaria Selarón

The colorful staircase by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón with over 2,000 tiles from 60 countries – a mosaic artwork in the heart of Lapa.

5

Tijuca National Park

The largest urban rainforest in the world – hiking trails, waterfalls, and monkeys in the middle of the metropolis.

Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

Über 700.000 Hotels
Kostenlose Stornierung
Bestpreis-Garantie
Hotels in Rio de Janeiro vergleichen

* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.

Reise-SIM für Rio de Janeiro

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Rio de Janeiro

Recommended travel time

May–October (dry season, milder), Carnival in February

Summer

Hot and humid, 30–40 °C, tropical rain showers in the afternoon, Carnival season

Winter

Mild and dry, 20–27 °C, pleasant, fewer tourists, perfect travel weather

How much does a holiday in Rio de Janeiro cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

30–50 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

70–120 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

200–500 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

Book a package holiday to Rio de Janeiro

Compare thousands of package holidays to Rio de Janeiro and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

Compare package holidays now

4 travel tips for Rio de Janeiro

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Visit Corcovado early in the morning (first ticket at 8 am) – fewer clouds and fewer people.

Don't take more valuables to the beach than necessary – a small waterproof bag for money and phone is enough.

The best Caipirinhas are not at Copacabana, but in the bars of Botafogo and Santa Teresa.

A guided favela tour (e.g., Rocinha or Santa Marta) provides authentic insights – always book with a local guide.

Food & drink in Rio de Janeiro

These specialties you must try!

Feijoada — Brazil's national dish: a rich bean stew with pork, served with rice, farofa, and orange slices – traditionally on Saturdays.
Açaí Bowl — Frozen açaí pulp with granola, banana, and honey – Rio's healthy energy boost, found at every beach bar.
Coxinha — Fried chicken croquettes in droplet shape – Brazil's most popular snack, perfect as street food.
Pão de Queijo — Cheese bread made from cassava flour – crispy on the outside, elastic and cheesy on the inside. Available on every corner.
Caipirinha — THE Brazilian cocktail: Cachaça, lime, sugar, and ice – simple but perfect.
Suitable for:BeachCarnivalNatureSambaAdventureJoy of LifeMountains

Ready for Rio de Janeiro?

Plan your Rio de Janeiro holiday now with our free tools.

All destinations in BrazilAll destinations in South America