The Ultimate 2025 Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide
Imagine this — you’re on the beach as the sun sets behind the Morro Dois Irmaos mountains — casting a golden hue over the sky. You have a chilled coconut in one hand and garlic steamed-corn in another. Children are tossing a foot ball in a ring along the shoreline and samba music thrums in the background softly. Every movie you’ve seen about Rio de Janeiro captures its essence perfectly.
I spent my first trip to Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, wasting away on an endless shoreline of beaches and enjoying the solitude of Tijuca’s National Park. Despite being a Gringa, I planned my itinerary perfectly, but I only regret not staying longer. Here’s the ultimate Rio de Janeiro travel guide, my take as a gringo!
Currency and Language in Brazil
The Brazilian Real is the major form of currency. Some vendors quote prices in US dollars, but expect to pay for services and products in the Brazilian Real or pay by card. Thankfully, Brazil embraces card payment. Hotels, restaurants, and even small beach vendors accept Visa and Mastercard.
Given the majority of my excursions were pre-booked online, I didn’t feel the pressure to carry large sums of cash with me. I exchanged $50 dollars in the mall and used the change throughout the entirety of my trip without running out. Personally, I recommend carrying at least 2 bank cards to use for payments to reduce the chance of losing your cash due to theft or negligence.
To prevent fraudulent charges, ensure the merchant enters the charge amount in front of you and always ask for a receipt. Scammers posing as merchants will swipe your card, claim the charge didn’t go through, then try again on another machine. To prevent this I recommend swiping your card yourself and looking diligently at the payment processors screen.
Brazilians speak Portuguese as their primary language. Do not expect the locals to understand your Spanish or English. If you’re like me and not fluent in Portuguese download a translation app that allows voice and text translations. I used the Google Translate app and downloaded Portuguese so I had offline access.
In addition to the translation app, I learned a few phrases to help me with small interactions, you can too!
Common Portuguese phrases for travelers:
- Good Morning -> Bom Dia
- Good Night -> Buena Noche
- Hey -> Oi
- Please -> Por Favor
- Thank You -> Obrigada/o
- How Much -> Eu Quero
- No -> Nao
- Bye -> Tchao
How To Get Around in Rio de Janeiro
The transportation options in Rio de Janeiro consist of ride-share (Uber), rental cars, or public transportation (buses, trains, bikes). I opted out of getting a rental car since I knew I would be staying primarily in the south zone area. Restaurants, bars, and clothing stores are all within walking distance of hotels and Airbnbs in the south zone. You can easily find Ubers throughout the city and it’s one of the safest ways to get around, especially at night. You’ll spot bike stations near most beaches, if not, buses and underground trains are another common way of transportation in Rio.
Here is a video on how to use public transportation in Rio de Janeiro. The metro can be advantageous during peak travel seasons where the above ground traffic is high. It’s also better for the environment and generally reliable!
Best Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro
Brazil is known for its tropical climate, so planning around the rainy season can be tricky. Generally, the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro stretches from December to March, coinciding with their summer. During this time the temperature in Rio will fluctuate within the 80s (farenheit).
I prefer traveling in the shoulder season since there’s less crowds and lower hotel rates. Rio de Janeiro’s shoulder season, April to May and September to October, can have less rainfall and clearer skies. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so it may rain during these months. I traveled to Rio at the end of March into the first week of April. Funnily, it rained during my last two days in Rio, but it didn’t rain much during February (one of Rio’s wetter months). Still, the temperature fluctuated between the high 70s and mid 80s making the weather feel hot yet comfortable.
June through September are considered the winter months in Rio. The weather will bounce between the high 60s and mid 70s, minimal rainfall, and clear sunny skies. If you’re not a fan of the muggy feeling that tropical climates bring, then these months may be the ideal time for you to visit.
Aside from the temperature, the best time to visit Rio depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a quieter and more relaxed experience, I recommend traveling outside of the Carnival and New Years festive seasons. The beaches won’t be as crowded and there will be less tourists.
New Years in Brazil
The last few weeks of December into January mark the incredible New Years holiday in Rio de Janeiro. Street festivals, fireworks, and endless dancing fills the atmosphere where travelers and locals from all over celebrate the New Year. Carry multiple all-white outfits, as it’s the tradition to wear white during this time of year.
Carnival
Carnival season typically ramps up the last week of February into the first week of March. Carnival signifies the festive period before religious fasting and abstinence. Since this is one of the peak travel seasons in Rio de Janeiro, be prepared for long nights filled with partying, caipirinhas, and beijos!
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
Each neighborhood in Rio is unique and has a slightly different offering– some are closer to night life while others are just seconds away from the beach. It’s important to know what you’re looking for to determine the best neighborhoods to stay in Rio.
South Zone
South Zone covers neighborhoods along the Atlantic coastline in Rio de Janeiro, think Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon. Most tourists choose one of these neighborhoods due to its proximity to beaches, restaurants, and attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Tourism police regularly patrol these neighborhoods, making them ideal if safety is your top concern.
Santa Teresa
If you want amazing views of Rio and to be surrounded by local street art, then Santa Teresa neighborhood is the place for you. Located on a hill, this neighborhood is known for its proximity to night life, local restaurants, and is home to the famous Escaladria Selaron steps. While I didn’t stay in Santa Teresa during my initial stay, I got to explore the neighborhood by way of the above ground tram. The parity between city and jungle left me in awe, needless to say I will definitely book my next Rio de Janeiro stay in Santa Teresa.
Tijuca
Just a few miles away from Christ the Redeemer, Tijuca is a bustling neighborhood located in the North Zone. Tijuca is known for the largest urban jungle—Tijuca National Park, luxury shopping malls, and luxury high-rises.
Best Beaches in Rio De Janeiro
Joatinga
Joatinga beach, nestled at the edge of an affluent neighborhood, feels like a hidden gem. You’ll need to cross over a cement plank to reach this beach. But, once you get to the beach you won’t regret it. I was able to catch the sunrise here and enjoyed the entire beach to myself. I recommend getting here before 11am to enjoy the white sand and surfer waves.
Vidigal
Vidigal beach stays less crowded than its counterparts Ipanema and Copacabana. A must visit if you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the shoreline. Locals recommend bringing your own food and drinks here, since it’s less crowded you’re less likely to have vendors selling food on the beach.
Rasta Beach
Highly rated for its chill vibes and young energy, Rasta Beach is a must visit on your trip to Rio. Don’t forget to take pictures with the Jamaican flag when you see it!
Copacabana
The famous Copacabana beach! Cue Barry Manilow’s Copacabana as you take in the impressive shoreline and crystal blue waves. The energy is undeniable—people playing beach football, flying kites, and vendors selling food, bikinis, and everything else in between.
Ipanema
If you’re the girl from Ipanema that Stan Getz sings about then you’re truly a wonder. Ipanema, without a doubt, is a popular beach to be if you want to experience beach life in Rio. Come with an empty belly and good vibes as there is so much to take in. Play mermaids, grab fresh coconut water, and soak in the sun during your visit!
Prainha
A secluded treasure, Prainha is a must visit while in Rio. A true surfers paradise with crashing waves and a relaxed atmosphere, Prainha beach is a gem. Don’t be shy to explore beyond the south zone, you may be surprised with what you find!
