10 Reasons Why Rio de Janeiro Is Worth Visiting

With spectacular views from every corner, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I must say that, although it is far from perfect, Rio really is something special and has become and of my favorite places.

But what makes it so unique?

Well, Rio has many different and incredible natural landscapes, an active nightlife, and history that stretches back centuries. Also, it is a melting pot of cultures and traditions.

Whether you’re interested in the history of Brazil, want to explore the culture and cuisine, or are just looking to relax on the beach – Rio will not disappoint.

With so many different neighborhoods and activities available, this city truly has something for everyone.

In this post, you will read about all the reasons why the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is so worth visiting.

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Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting?

If you wonder if Rio de Janeiro is really worth visiting, the answer is: Absolutely yes!

Rio is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Although it is a really big city, what makes it so great is the combination of its architecture, nature, the ocean, and the mountains.

Also, it is a city where the Brazilian culture is still very vibrant. It is not uncommon to find people dancing to samba, drinking caipirinhas, and playing soccer.

If you love exploring new cultures and learning about different ways of life, then Rio is the perfect place for that.

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10 Reasons to travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Still not convinced? Well, here are some of the best reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro on your next trip to South America.

1 – The views of Rio de Janeiro are incredible

Rio is a city surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Its’s landscape is truly unique, and it really doesn’t feel like you’re in a big city. It has plenty of beaches, hiking trails, botanical gardens, lagoons, waterfalls, rainforest…the list goes on.

In fact, Rio has more beachfront than any other city in the world! No wonder why Rio may be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

2- It is home to Christ The Redeemer, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

Christ the Redeemer is one of the most incredible man-made structures I’ve ever seen in my life.

It is a giant art deco statue located at the top of Corcovado Mountain and has recently entered the list of the New Seven Wonders of The World.

Its long arms stretch out to embrace its citizens, and it is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous landmarks.

3- The Brazilian people are so friendly!

The Brazilians are very welcoming and will always go out of their way to help you.

They love being social, so don’t be surprised when they offer you a seat on the bus or subway or ask if you want to join them for a caipirinha!

4- The city has one of the most vibrant party scenes in the world

If you’re looking for a great nightlife scene, then Río is the perfect place to visit. You can find bars throughout all parts of town with different kinds of music.

My favorite place to go out at night in Rio is the neighborhood of Santa Teresa.

There, you will find many little local bars with great music and drinks.

5- It is one of the best places in the world for experiencing hang gliding

Due to the incredible landscapes, Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places in South America to go hang gliding.

This is a great activity to see Rio from above and soar above its mountains.

6- The food is delicious

The Brazilian culture is very rich in terms of cuisine. You can find all the different types of food here! Some of my favorites are acai, BBQ, Feijoada (Black beans stew), coconut water, and more!

You can also take a Brazilian cooking class to learn how to make your favorite dishes at home.

7- There are many great day trips to take from Rio de Janeiro

Due to its privileged location on the coast of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro has easy access to many other fantastic destinations such as Ilha Grande, Arraial do Cabo, Petrópolis, and Paraty.

These places make for fantastic day trips if you have one or two free days on your trip.

8- It is the city of Carnaval!

Every year, Rio de Janeiro hosts the biggest Carnaval festival in the world.

The party is truly spectacular, with many different types of parades and Samba schools. During this time, the city becomes even more alive than usual.

And hey, even if you visit Rio de Janeiro at another time of the year, it is still possible to have a complete Carnaval experience.

In this tour, you can explore the Carnival Factory for a peek behind the scenes of Rio’s Carnival. Learn how the parade’s famous floats and costumes are produced. Listen to commentary on the history of samba and carnival, then hit the dressing rooms to try on some outfits and take some photos.

Wind up with some cocktails and a samba class for the whole carnival experience.

9- Wonderful beaches

It is no secret that Rio de Janeiro is also famous because of its beaches.

Although the water is not that clean in Rio, the beaches are perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, practicing sports, and hanging out with friends.

Make sure to visit Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, which are beautiful and world-famous.

10- There is just so much to do!

Rio is a city with so much to offer! It is one of those places where you could stay forever and still find brand new things to do every day.

Here are some Rio de Janeiro activities you cannot miss:

• Visit Christ The Redeemer
• Experience Carnaval
• Take the Sugarloaf Mountain tram
• Visit the Maracaná Stadium
• Go hang gliding
• Hike up to Pedra do Telégrafo
• Visit a favela
• Take a Brazilian cooking class
• Go on a boat tour
• Visit the botanical garden
• Bike along the beachfront in Ipanema or Copacabana
• Take a boat trip out of Rio de Janeiro harbor.  

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Finding a place to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Already planning a trip to Rio? Then it’s time to find the perfect hotel to stay at.

Here are some suggestions:

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Best time to travel to Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit may vary on what you are planning to do in the city.

If you are looking to party, the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and February, when there is the most sun. This is also Carnival and New Year’s Eve season.

However, those months can be pretty expensive as it gets more crowded during this period.

If you want to avoid the crowds and find better deals on hotels, then I would recommend visiting in May or September instead.

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Is Rio de Janeiro safe? 

As Rio de Janeiro is a big city with almost 7 million people, it can definitely feel unsafe in some areas.

However, the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana are generally considered very safe, so if you want to enjoy these beaches, you have little to worry about.

Personally, I would recommend always staying in the tourist area, keeping your phone out of sight, and always keeping an eye on what’s happening around you.

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How to get around Rio de Janeiro

If you stay in Copacabana, Leblon, or Ipanema, you will be just fine walking around the neighborhood.

In terms of transportation around the city, taxis are very common and cheap, while Uber is also popular. The subway system is also very reliable and covers a lot of ground.

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Rio de Janeiro travel tips

Last but not least, here are some valuable travel tips for your first trip to Rio de Janeiro.

• Always keep your phone out of sight
• Talk to as many friendly locals as you can
• Remember to wear sunscreen to the beach
• Bring light clothing with you
• Try asking for your caipirinha with vodka instead of cachaça
• Watch the sunset from the Copacabana Fort at least once
• Try Confeitaria Colombo, the most tradicional bakery in the city

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Wrap-up: Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting?

That’s a wrap! Now you know all the best reasons to visit this beautiful city and some valuable information to know before traveling there.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful city as much as you can.

For more travel tips, make sure to follow me on Instagram.

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