Rio de Janeiro Hotels

The throbbing samba atmosphere and festivals are merely the tip of the iceberg, and for the tourist who ventures a little deeper, Rio de Janeiro reveals itself to be a thriving historical and cultural centre.

Flying into Rio de Janeiro, you see a city growing organically from the ground. From the beach bums of Barra da Tijuca and Leblon to the precarious cable cars travelling down Sugarloaf Mountain and the Victorian mansions of Santa Theresa nearly engulfed by the rainforest, the interaction between man and nature is enchanting.

Upon landing, the heat will hit you – urging you to move just to stir up a breeze. The diverse range of people who call Rio de Janeiro home really define the city, from the rich swanning in the Avenida Atlantica to the suburban Favelas swarming up the hillsides – it is a blend that, while not particularly fair, gives Rio de Janeiro its flavour.

RIO DE JANEIRO’S TOP 10

Centro

Built during the colonial era, this modern-day financial centre is, ironically, home to some of the most beautiful old churches in the city. Old religion blends with new in Centro, in a dichotomy almost as striking as the sprawling Favelas juxtaposed against the powerful Rio skyline.

Go to City Hall and sit in on a meeting of the City Council, or take a guided tour of the National Library (the eighth largest in the world). Step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian – shaped like a volcano, inspiration is easy to find in its crystal-lit spires. The National Museum of Fine Arts is also worth a visit; its architecture is based on the Louvre and it regularly holds exhibits from the world’s most renowned art houses.

South Zone

The South Zone of the city is made up of a collection of idyllic beaches and their surrounding leafy suburbs. It is the most recognisable region of Rio de Janeiro worldwide, and is home to the most expensive real estate on the continent.

The land rises sharply upwards from the beach, with the highest hill in the city – Crow’s Nest Rock – reaching a height of 842 metres. The largest urban forest in the world, White Rock Forest, is located within this region, so if you’re in the mood for adventure, try hang gliding here. It’s only from the air that you can really appreciate the enormity of the rising escarpment that is Sugarloaf Mountain.

The North Zone

The North Zone is the first of Rio’s suburbs you’ll be privy to if you arrive by air. The International Airport is not that much to look at, unless you like airport bars and conveyor belts (hey, we’re not ones to judge), but beyond its confines you’ll find some worthy attractions.

Check out the State University of Rio De Janeiro, home to some of Brazil’s brightest minds, working towards a better and more sustainable future. The North Zone is also home to the famous Maracana Stadium, which is the main place of worship for Rio’s football-mad congregation. In 2014 the stadium will host the FIFA World Cup and in 2016 the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics, so be prepared for Rio de Janeiro to make an even bigger impact on the international scene!

The Western Zone

Experiencing a wave of new construction and development spurred on by the 2016 Olympics, the Western Zone is attracting the nouveau riche of Rio. Although the area is largely residential and industrial, the beaches of Barra de Tijuca are increasingly popular with locals wishing to evade tourists. So if you want a more authentic experience, it’s worth a look… Shhhhhh!

RIO DE JANEIRO FOOD & DRINK

The nightlife in Rio de Janeiro is unique, and the party mindset will infiltrate even the soberest of outlooks. The city is alive and pulsing with a unique energy spanning from the beaches to the mountainous surrounds – there is something for everyone as long as your objective is fun. The cuisine is a fusion of old Europe (chiefly Portuguese) with indigenous Latin American, produce is almost always locally sourced, with a heavy emphasis on vegetables and seafood.

RIO EVENTS

New Year’s Eve sees over two and a half million partiers flock to Copacabana Beach to celebrate with some of the world’s most famous music acts.

Carnival is an annual letting down of the hair before the strictness of the Catholic festival of Lent. See the bright lights and extravagant costumes, hear the pulsing African drums, feel the best Rio has to offer…

The Rio Circuit is Brazil’s largest cycling race. The circuit runs through every part of the city – along the coast, up the mountains and through the city. It attracts a mix of local and international cycling enthusiasts.

For those who had a particular fondness for miniature soldiers growing up, Rio hosts the World Military Games between 16-24 July each year. The festival is not a celebration of war but rather the armed forces. The Games are known for incredible sporting events as national pride is firmly in place.

Each August, Folklore Day sees the celebration of indigenous Brazilian culture and early colonial myths. The stories centre around certain areas and buildings.

On 9 September, Brazil celebrates its independence from Portugal, but not in traditional Rio fashion. Although a public holiday sees the streets fill and parties ensue, it’s usually a more reflective day to take stock of the nation’s history.

Christmas in Rio – While maintaining the true Christian message, the traditional decorations seem just a little kookier in the tropical climate. Palm trees with tinsel and Santa Claus in shorts are just two examples.

WHEN TO GO

· From Christmas to the end of February is summer holidays, meaning a lot of businesses are closed. Then again, the slower pace means less rush to get around to see everything.

· To witness Carnival in all its glory, you need to be in Rio towards the end of February. It’s one of the most electrifying celebrations anywhere on Earth.

· Winter hits in the middle of the year, but doesn’t hold the same meaning as elsewhere. Occasional wet or cold days aren’t all that bad, and only extreme weather will impact your trips to the beach.

WHAT TO AVOID

· Airport taxi services. Housed in tiny kiosks, they are notoriously expensive. Your best course of action is learning the address of your hotel in Portuguese and catching a regular yellow cab.

· On the beach, prioritise comfort over fitting in. If you’re used to wearing board shorts, keep wearing them – your awkwardness in Speedos will make the trips embarrassing for you and your fellow travellers.

· The outskirts of Rio are notoriously poverty-stricken. Although it might seem tempting to travel to these favelas (slums) to experience the ‘real’ Rio, be aware that the areas are run by crime and drug lords and are highly dangerous. Kidnappings and muggings are rife.

GETTING AROUND

· Walking – the best way to experience the streets of Rio. Pack a solid pair of shoes, an inquisitive nature and an acceptance that you will get sweaty and the city will unfold in front of you.

· Yellow taxis – the cheapest and most readily available transport options. The ‘yellow buzzards’ are everywhere. Don’t tip too much as the drivers get quite a large cut of your fare.

General Information

Attractions

Events

Climate