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Local time Rio de Janeiro

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Places in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport)

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Become a beach volleyball star

It is not unusual to see professional athletes playing vôlei (beach volleyball) on several beaches in Rio. After football, it's Brazil's favourite sport, and the canny Cariocas have managed to combine the two, with futevolei. Great to watch, better to play: turn up for a lesson at Posto 10, Ipanema.

Master a martial art

Capoeira is a martial art thought to have been brought to Brazil by African slaves. Blending athleticism and grace, participants should get close but not quite touch each other. Learn how at Capoeira Senzala (tel: +55 21 9431 5914; www.capoeirasenzala.net).

Ride Rio's Rollers on a surfboard

Take an early morning stroll down Ipanema Beach and there will already be dozens of surfers in action; surfing is as big in Rio as the waves that pound the Zona Sul coastline. Prainha and Recreio are top spots, while Arpoador is closer to the city. Invicta (tel: +55 21 3439 0721) offer board hire.

Scale God's Finger

Rio is an ideal destination for climbers, and Sugarloaf and Corcovado's granite peaks are a challenge for even the most experienced climber. A couple of hours' drive from Rio, the Dedo de Deus or 'God's Finger' is a fantastic alternative. Climb In Rio (tel: +55 21 2245 1108; www.climbinrio.com) offer guided climbs.

Soar high above the city

Hang gliding or paragliding off Rio's sheer peaks is a spectacular thrill and allows participants to see the city from a dramatically different angle. Flights take off from Pedra Bonita peak, overlooking São Conrado, and soar for 15 breathtaking minutes before landing on the sandy Praia Pepino. Take a tandem flight with Just Fly (tel: +55 21 2268 0565; www.justfly.com.br).

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

City Highlight: Rio de Janeiro

Vibrant, exciting and dazzling are words synonymous with Rio de Janeiro, one of the world’s favourite party cities

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Featured Hotels

Ritz Plaza Hotel Leblon

Located in the heart of Leblon, Rio's most expensive square metre, Ritz Plaza Hotel Leblon offers quality services at affordable prices. Its rooms are well furnished if not huge, with modern décor. A generous buffet breakfast is included and the hotel has up-to-date facilities, including spa and a small pool. It's a couple of blocks in from the beach and close to cinemas, theatres, shops, restaurants and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon.

Regina

This no-frills but clean and well-run hotel is highly rated among regular visitors to Rio. It's in a handy location between downtown and the Zona Sul, in an historic, up-and-coming district. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the buffet breakfast is excellent, and facilities include a spa, gym and small roof terrace. In all, the Regina is one of the best budget hotels in the city.

Rio Hostel

This hostel in an old colonial building in Santa Teresa has basic dorms as well as three- and four-bed rooms, which are ideal for families. With its hillside location, Rio Hostel offers great city views and it also has a tiny swimming pool. Facilities include laundry service, tour information, Wi-Fi connectivity and air conditioning in some rooms. The staff are friendly, some are multilingual, and they serve a decent buffet breakfast.

Copacabana Palace

This elegant establishment is almost as famous as its beachfront location. Since it was built in 1923, famous guests have included Robert De Niro, Marlene Dietrich, Orson Welles and Princess Diana. The Copacabana Palace is one of the grandest classical buildings in Rio de Janeiro; its creamy pillared façade dominates Avenida Atlântica, and is protected by a preservation order. The plush interior is even more impressive with marble floors, chandeliers, grand ballroom and elegantly decorated rooms. Facilities include a rooftop tennis court, a majestic swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness suite and a business centre. The two restaurants, Cipriani and Pergula, offer fine dining.

Hotel Mama Ruisa

This tasteful boutique hotel lies in the heart of Santa Teresa in a converted late 19th-century mansion. Laidback French proprietor Jean Michel Ruiz has had each of the seven rooms individually decorated in tribute to icons of stage and screen, including Josephine Baker, Marlene Dietrich, Carmen Miranda and Maria Callas. The spacious lounge is filled with modern designer furniture and its walls are hung with original works of art and ethnic artefacts. The private walled garden has a small pool, with a terrace and veranda where meals and cocktails are served.

Rio Design Hotel

Rio de Janeiro's first design hotel is a modern establishment one block from Copacabana Beach. Its 66 rooms, suites and apartments have been individually styled by top Brazilian artists, giving the hotel an exclusive and contemporary feel. This Rio hotel is a popular choice with visitors who are looking for something a bit chic but not prohibitively expensive. All rooms are comfortable, with flat-screen TVs and broadband internet access. Other hotel facilities include a business centre, fitness studio with spa and sauna, and a rooftop restaurant, but no pool.

Introducing Rio de Janeiro

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