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Rio de Janeiro (Brazilian Portuguese: [ˈʁi.u d(ʒi) ʒɐˈne(j)ɾu] ⓘ), or simply Rio, is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is the second-most-populous city in Brazil (after São Paulo) and the sixth-most-populous city in the Americas.
- 2 m (7 ft)
- Rio de Janeiro
- 3.1 miles to city center. Address: Tijuca Forest National Park. 2 hours to Half Day. TIME TO SPEND. This iconic landmark is a must-see attraction in Rio.
- 5.4 miles to city center. Address: Estrada da Cascatinha. Parks and Gardens. TYPE. Half Day to Full Day. TIME TO SPEND.
- 4.3 miles to city center. Address: Rua Jardim Botânico. Parks and Gardens. TYPE. 2 hours to Half Day. TIME TO SPEND.
- Tours, Sightseeing. TYPE. Half Day to Full Day. TIME TO SPEND. With its iconic coastline and mountainous backdrop, Rio de Janeiro is best explored from the water.
- Overview
- Character of the city
Rio de Janeiro, city and port, capital of the estado (state) of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean, in the southeastern part of the tropical zone of South America, and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting urban centres. Although Rio de Janeiro continues to be the preeminent icon of Brazil in the eyes of many in the world, in reality its location, architecture, inhabitants, and lifestyle make it highly unique when compared with other Brazilian cities, especially the country’s capital of Brasília or the much larger city of São Paulo. The former is a much smaller city dating back only to the 1960s, while the latter is a huge, sprawling commercial and manufacturing centre with none of Rio’s spectacular natural beauty or captivating charm. Unlike Rio, both are located on flat interior plateaus.
The name was given to the city’s original site by Portuguese navigators who arrived on January 1, 1502, and mistook the entrance of the bay for the mouth of a river (rio is the Portuguese word for “river” and janeiro the word for “January”). When the foundations of the future town were laid in 1565, it was named Cidade de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro (“City of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro”) for both São Sebastião and Dom Sebastião, king of Portugal.
Rio de Janeiro is well known for the beauty of its beaches and of its peaks, ridges, and hills—all partly covered by tropical forests. The city is a centre of leisure for Brazilian and foreign tourists, and people wearing bathing suits can be seen walking in the streets and along the beaches or traveling on the city’s buses. Perhaps at no time is the city’s festive reputation better displayed than during the annual pre-Lenten Carnival, which enlivens the city night and day with music, singing, parties, balls, and street parades of brilliantly costumed dancers performing to samba rhythms. Rio is also an important economic centre, however, with activities ranging from industry and national and international trade to administration, banking, education, culture, and research.
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The city’s economic and social prominence grew in the 18th century after it became the main trade centre for the gold- and diamond-mining areas of nearby Minas Gerais. Later its status as a national capital and as the royal residence of the Portuguese monarch influenced Rio’s continued growth and helped it acquire a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a national character, free of regional conflict. After the city was relegated to being a state capital in the mid-20th century, however, a new regional consciousness began to develop. While São Paulo became entrenched as Brazil’s economic heartland and Brasília strengthened its position as the political hub, residents of Rio increasingly prided themselves on being the country’s cultural centre and Brazil’s most salient symbol to the rest of the world.
Discover the best time to visit, the top attractions, and the local tips for Rio de Janeiro, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). Explore the golden beaches, the lush mountains, the samba-fueled nightlife, and the spectacular football matches of this vibrant destination.
About Rio de Janeiro. With its pretty beaches, dramatic mountains, and soundtrack of samba and bossa nova humming in the background, Rio de Janeiro casts a spell. Famed Ipanema Beach is still the place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, calls visitors to Corcovado Mountain.
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Rio de Janeiro is a huge city with several district articles that contain information about specific sights, restaurants, and accommodation. Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil, on the South Atlantic coast. Rio is famous for its breathtaking landscape, its laid-back beach culture and its annual carnival.
Oct 2, 2023 · Explore the spectacular landscape, vibrant culture and dynamic city of Rio de Janeiro with this guide to the top attractions and activities. From Copacabana Beach to Sugarloaf Mountain, from Ipanema Beach to Lapa, discover the best places to enjoy the city's attractions and revelry.
