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Rio de Janeiro Tourist Information and Rio de Janeiro Tourism
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR)



The second-biggest city in the whole of Brazil after only Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro is a city filled with a diverse mixture of sights, with mountainous backdrops, beautiful sandy beaches, Brazilian shanty towns (favelas) and skyscrapers all merging together to make a truly unique sight. Rio de Janeiro comprises two main regions, known as the North Zone (Zona Norte) and the South Zone (Zona Sul), the latter of which is known for its tourism and beautiful beaches.

The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is famed for its samba clubs, ocean scenery and spectacular carnaval (carnival) and mardi gras celebrations, which is now reputed to be the big the largest party in the whole world. Sun worshippers will enjoy the sands of both Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach, which have become two of Brazil's most famous. Tourist information in Rio comes in the form of the Riotur tourism agency, which features English-speaking staff and offices within the Copacabana area and on the centrally located Rua Assembleia.




Rio de Janeiro Tourist Information: Top Rio de Janeiro Sights
With such a wonderful Atlantic coastline and calendar of events, tourists holidaying in Rio de Janeiro will certainly never be stuck for things to do. Apart from the spectacular beaches, other attractions include a number of important green spaces, such as the Jardim Botanico (Botanical Gardens) and also the Parque do Flamengo, the latter of with is near to Guanabara Bay and offers a selection of outdoor activities. For the best views of Rio de Janeiro, head to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Açúcar) and take a cable car ride to the very top. More information about Rio de Janeiro Tourist Attractions.

The landmarks of Rio de Janeiro give this wondrous Brazilian city much character and is particular, the Christ the Redeemer atop the Corcovado Mountain has become famous throughout the world and is now very much an iconic symbol of the city. Also very commanding is the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) on the Avenida Republica de Chile, which was only actually inaugurates as recently as the 1970s and can accommodate some 20,000 worshippers. Rio de Janeiro is also known for its contribution to the soccer scene of Brazil and many major football matches are staged each year at the recently renovated Maracana Stadium (Estádio do Maracana), which are quite unmissable if you are a fan of Brazilian football. More information about Rio de Janeiro Landmarks and Monuments.

Actual once the capital of Brazil until as recently as 1960, Rio de Janeiro contains a number of museums, with plenty of information documenting its very colourful past. The Brazilian Republic Museum is one such attraction and resides within the rather magnificent Palácio do Catete, where the former presidents of Brazil once lived. Offering an insight into the Brazilian monarchy, the National Museum (Museu Nacional) always comes highly recommended, as does the Rio de Janeiro Museum of Fine Art (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes), which boasts an excellent collection of both Brazilian and international art works. More information about Rio de Janeiro Museums and Rio de Janeiro Art Galleries.

Rio de Janeiro is certainly very well-placed should you wish to explore the surrounding Itatiaia region and Costa Verde, and many tempting day trips present themselves to tourists wishing to experience a little more Brazil. The very special beach resort of Grumari is especially close to Rio de Janeiro and one of the most popular excursions, offering a mixture of tranquility and excellent surfing conditions. Also very appealing is the coastlines of nearby Armacao dos Buzios and Niteroi, along with the summer holiday resort of Petrópolis and its neighbouring mountain town of Teresopolis. However, for the ultimate Brazilian experience, then don't miss an excursion to the country's largest city, Sao Paulo, which lies to the west and whilst a little too far for a day trip, is certainly not to be missed. More information about Rio de Janeiro Attractions Nearby.

Rio de Janeiro Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) Guide - useful Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) information.

More Rio de Janeiro Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Brazil / Federative Republic of Brazil
• Location: Guanabara Bay / south-east Brazil / South America
• Status: city / capital of Rio de Janeiro state
• Area: approximately 486 square miles / 1,260 square kilometres
• Population: approximately seven million
• Language: Portuguese (English and Spanish are often also spoken to some degree)
• Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
• Time zone: Brasilia Time (UTC -2 to -4 / summer UTC -2 to -5)
• Country dialling code: +55
• Telephone area code: 212 / 213
• Religion: Catholic (60 percent), Protestant (18 percent), no religion (13 percent), others (9 percent)
• Average daily Rio de Janeiro January temperature: 29°C / 84°F
• Average daily Rio de Janeiro July temperature: 26°C / 79°F

 
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