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Rio de Janeiro city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Brazil’s hottest city | The Independent

Simon Calder’s Travel

Its frenetic Carnival – taking place in 2024 between 9–17 February – and New Year’s Eve celebrations may be legendary, but Rio’s allure goes way beyond these signature events.

This is a city generously blessed by geography and climate, with miles of beachfront, forested mountains and more than its fair share of global icons: from Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer to the great, sandy sweep of Copacabana. This physical diversity is echoed in a diverse population of indigenous, European, Asian and African descent. The result is a city with year-round appeal and a Carioca culture that’s all its own.

If you’re looking for a samba-fuelled break in one of the world’s most exciting cities, here is your ultimate guide, including what to do, where to eat and drink, and the the best places to stay.

What to do

Bird’s eye view

Get the lay of the land by taking the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. The view from up here takes in Copacabana, Centro and Botafogo’s yacht-filled bay, all under the benevolent gaze of Christ the Redeemer looking down from Corcovado. Soak up the scene from the viewpoints, then follow the footpath along its flank for a break from the crowds.

Hit the beach

Rio’s biggest trump card is its miles of golden sand. The beaches are as much a place for socialising as sunbathing, drawing Cariocas to play ballgames in the tiniest of swimsuits. Choose from family-friendly Copacabana, Arpoador’s lively surfer scene or the tall and tanned on Ipanema…

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