Rio de Janeiro holidays

Who is Rio best for?

Rio de Janeiro holidays offer everything under the Brazilian sun. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been countless times before, this vibrant city caters for travellers who lust after everything, from beautiful beaches and yacht-dotted bays to salsa clubs, shopping and artistic enclaves. Millennials can revel in highly-instagrammable beach life - surfing, strolling or reclining in a barely-there bikini, with a caipirinha in hand. Music lovers will find a seventh heaven, swaying to the sounds of samba or joining in a flamboyant parade at the world-famous Carnival. Those willing to dig a little deeper will uncover a host of different experiences like favela visits, architecture tours and hiking into the lush mountains. Otherwise it’s all too easy to hang by the infinity pool with an icy mojito, gazing out over the ocean.

What can you find in Rio that you won’t find elsewhere?

You can almost hear the nostalgic strums of The Girl from Ipanema resonating from the patterned promenades. Rio’s many iconic features come in different forms - from natural landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain to unmissable manmade structures like Christ the Redeemer. While you can find charming local artwork in the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, contemporary art lovers will find refuge in the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum, a striking futuristic building designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Additionally, the city is a melting pot of different cultures, prevalent in the Portuguese architecture, Japanese cuisine, African families, cariocas style. Then there’s Rio Carnival - the world-famous festival where the music is as extravagant as the dancing and infectious gaiety runs riot in every bloco (street party). You can experience the sultry beats year-round in the Lapa district, quite literally the beating heart of samba.

A special experience to do in Rio:

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in something quintessentially carioca, then take to Rio’s coolest samba clubs. Dancing is an integral part of Brazilian life and a symbol of national identity so before you hit the floor, you may want to learn the basics. Head to one of the top samba schools for a fun dance lesson with teachers near-obsessed with samba. After an hour, you’ll be ready to hit one of Rio’s best-known nightclubs with your newfound moves and join in the hypnotic rhythm, twists and turns on an unforgettable night out.