Rio de Janeiro

The iconic 30-meter tall statue of Jesus overlooking Rio from Corcovado mountain. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Best visited early morning for sunrise views before crowds.

A 396-meter granite peak accessed by cable car. The ride has two stages, with views getting progressively more stunning. Sunset from the top is one of Rio's most romantic experiences.

A colorful mosaic staircase created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. 250 steps covered in tiles from 60+ countries. An ever-evolving art project that became Rio's most photographed staircase.

The world's most famous beach. A 4km crescent of sand with the iconic black-and-white wave mosaic sidewalk. Packed with tourists, beach vendors, football games, and people-watching.

More upscale and less touristy than Copacabana. Posto 9 is the social epicenter—where beautiful people gather. Cleaner water, better vibe, and the inspiration for 'The Girl from Ipanema.'

A small rocky beach between Copacabana and Ipanema famous for its sunset. Locals gather on the rocks every evening to applaud as the sun sets behind Two Brothers Mountain.

A small, pristine beach 45 minutes west of the city. Surrounded by lush mountains and protected as an environmental reserve. Popular with surfers and those seeking nature.

The world's largest urban rainforest. Trails lead to waterfalls, viewpoints, and wildlife. Home to Christ the Redeemer. Perfect escape from beach crowds into nature.

A serene 140-hectare garden with over 6,000 plant species. Famous for its towering royal palm avenue. Peaceful escape from Rio's intensity with lakes, orchids, and sculptures.

A stunning mansion and gardens at the foot of Corcovado. The café inside the mansion has views of Christ the Redeemer through the arches. Free entry, romantic atmosphere, popular photo spot.

An 18th-century aqueduct that's now Rio's nightlife landmark. The area underneath transforms into street parties (rodas de samba) on Friday and Saturday nights. Bars, clubs, and live music everywhere.

The iconic football cathedral that hosted two World Cup finals (1950, 2014) and the 2016 Olympics opening ceremony. Catch a Flamengo or Fluminense match to experience Brazilian football passion.

A vintage yellow tram that climbs from downtown to the bohemian hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Crosses the Lapa Arches and offers stunning views. One of the last working tram systems in Brazil.

Historic stone square in the port zone where samba was born. Free outdoor samba rodas (circles) on Monday and Friday nights. Locals dance, sing, and drink in the street until late.

A helicopter-pad viewpoint offering 360° views of Rio: Christ, Sugarloaf, beaches, and favelas. Famous from Michael Jackson's 'They Don't Care About Us' video. Best views for photography.

A 696m peak reached by a relatively easy 1.5-hour hike. Launch point for hang gliders. Panoramic views of the entire South Zone, beaches, and mountains. Popular with local hikers.

Brazil's national dish: a rich black bean stew with pork, sausage, and beef. Traditionally eaten on Wednesdays and Saturdays with rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), orange slices, and collard greens.

All-you-can-eat grilled meats brought to your table on skewers. The rodízio style lets you try picanha (top sirloin), fraldinha (flank), and cupim (beef hump). Flip the card to green to keep meat coming.

Thick, frozen açaí berry pulp served in a bowl with granola, banana, and sometimes honey or condensed milk. Beach culture staple eaten as a post-workout snack or light meal.

Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça (sugarcane liquor), lime, sugar, and ice. Muddle, shake, serve. Simple but dangerous—it goes down easy and hits hard.

Small, addictive cheese rolls made with tapioca flour and cheese. Crispy outside, gooey inside, naturally gluten-free. Eaten as a snack or breakfast.

A creamy fish stew made with coconut milk, palm oil, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Served in a clay pot with rice and farofa. The coastal version is lighter than inland preparations.

A sweet, fudgy chocolate truffle made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Rolled into balls and served at every birthday party and celebration.

A crispy, thin fried pastry filled with cheese, meat, shrimp, or hearts of palm. Sold at street fairs and markets, best eaten hot and fresh with a sugarcane juice.

A naturally gluten-free crepe made from tapioca starch, filled with sweet or savory ingredients like cheese, coconut, banana, or meat. Crispy-chewy texture unique to Brazil.

Cold yerba mate tea served with lemon and sugar. Cariocas drink it constantly—it's Rio's unofficial beverage. Sold everywhere from beach vendors to restaurants.

Fried balls of salted cod mixed with potato, onion, and parsley. Crispy outside, soft inside. Classic Portuguese-Brazilian appetizer served with beer at bars.

The king of Brazilian steaks. Top sirloin cap with a thick fat layer grilled to perfection. Served in chunks at churrascarias or as a steak at restaurants.

Tear-drop shaped fried snack filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese, then breaded and fried. Ubiquitous at bakeries, parties, and snack bars.

Afro-Brazilian street food: black-eyed pea fritters fried in palm oil, split open, and stuffed with vatapá (shrimp paste), caruru (okra), and hot pepper sauce.

Fresh coconut water served straight from a young green coconut. Beach vendors chop the top with a machete and stick a straw in. Natural electrolyte replacement and the ultimate beach hydration.