Rio de Janeiro
Tropical beach culture, rooftop bars
and samba jams
Famed for the spectacular lures of Copacabana, Corcovado and Carnival, Rio de Janeiro is a dynamic city whose lush mountains and tropical beaches define its “carioca” lifestyle.
Rio is an impressively photogenic playground, and health-loving Cariocas are always on the move. Biking along Zona Sul beaches, hiking Tijuca Forest trails, or catching waves at trendy Barra works up a thirst, quenched at fruit-laden juice bars or laid-back beach kiosks, sipping fresh coconut water while munching the addictive Globo biscuits sold by passing vendors.
A sophisticated beach culture encompasses everyone from soccer players on Botafogo’s urban beach to surfers and nature-lovers drawn by the wildness of Prainha and Grumari. Local fashion follows suit, offering everything from sustainable, indie gear at Arpoador’s surf shops to chic designer labels at fashionable Ipanema and Leblon boutiques.
The laid-back vibe spills effortlessly off the sand and onto the streets. Historic Centro’s cobblestoned alleys harbour as many old-school botecos as baroque churches. Charming hilltop Santa Teresa is home to artist ateliers, cafés with views and bistros serving creative comfort food, while the oceanfront avenues of Zona Sul are lined with sidewalk and rooftop bars.
The birthplace of samba celebrates its musical roots at outdoor jams, intimate clubs, and retro music halls in the revived port neighbourhood of Gamboa and eternally bohemian Lapa. All over town, concerts and street parties sway to a rhythmic soundtrack, culminating in the biggest party of them all: Carnival. Channeling Cariocas’ musicality, irreverence, hospitality and lively culture, Rio’s 5-day summer extravaganza of parades, balls and dancing is a jubilant celebration that captures the essence of the city’s spirit.
Our hotel in Rio de Janeiro
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