You are never too far from some fun in the sun in Rio, with the city’s sandy beaches, mountainous adventures and exciting sporting scene. The festivities in Rio do not even stop at the going down of the sun, as the streets become even brighter after dusk when Rio’s vibrant party spirit comes alive, and it is this same spirit which fuels the famous Rio Carnival which dances around the Sambódromo stadium. Whether you want a holiday apartment in Rio which will allow you to party on until dawn, or you would rather enjoy the sweet serenity of the mountains in a traditional holiday home, you can find your ideal holiday rental in Rio today.
Find and book the perfect apartment or holiday home in Rio de Janeiro
Visit colourful Rio de Janeiro, home of the carnival and the Copacabana!
If you are looking for your next getaway, but you cannot decide whether to focus on a city or beach break or a mountain retreat, Rio de Janeiro is the destination for you. This city has been geographically blessed at the fringe of the South Atlantic Ocean while offering panoramic views of the colourful kingdom from the Corcovado mountain on which lies Christ the Redeemer, one of the Wonders of the World. With so many diverse attractions to offer, secure the perfect holiday letting in Rio to wake up in a Brazilian haven, whether this is in a luxury apartment rental alongside the Copacabana shores or a more cost-effective holiday apartment in Rio's carnival kissed streets.
When to visit Rio de Janeiro
If you want to experience Rio carnival then be sure to book in advance for mid-February, as the week leading up the Lent is the busiest week of the year, however witnessing the colours of the carnival is worth the crowded attractions, so don't let the mass crowds discourage your visit. Alternatively, the other weeks between December and March are sunny, but less populated before the summer crowds descend on this South American parade.
What types of holiday rentals are available in Rio de Janeiro?
No two attractions are the same in this rainbow infused city, and this diversity is reflected in the vast range of holiday lettings available in Rio. You can choose a luxury penthouse which acts as your own private retreat in this urban jungle, or you can choose a self-catered apartment rental in Rio's flavourful Lapa neighbourhood which is bursting with Brazilian eateries and bars which will guarantee a getaway with your friends like no other. For families who want to fill their days with adventure, there is no better place to choose your accommodation in Rio than in The Tijuca Forest, the tropical haven where you can reach new heights on a zip wire and now lows by exploring Rio's caves. For those who want to bathe their days away on the Copacabana beach, you can reserve an apartment rental on these iconic waters and watch the sunrise from the comfort of your home away from home.
How to get to Rio
Located in Brazil on the east coast of South America, the quickest way of reaching Rio de Janeiro from the UK is by air. Catch a direct flight from London Heathrow which offers a daily service to Rio, and you will land in Tom Jobim International Airport (which is known locally as Galeão) in just over 11 and a half hours. The terminal is approximately a 30-minute drive from the holiday rental's in Rio's city centre when you take the BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) which is one of the fastest modes of transportation, as these buses avoiding traffic in their own exclusive lanes in the city.
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Centro
If you want to focus your experience on the culture of the city, Centro is the best place to reserve a holiday apartment rental in Rio. In this downtown district, you are never too far from the most excellent museums, and theatrical experiences, including the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil which holds the most famous art exhibitions in the country. The Centro district is home to some of the oldest buildings in the city, so find your place in its history and reserve a room in a bed and breakfast in Rio today.
Copacabana Beach
The Copacabana, a beach so good, there has been a song written about it! It only takes a walk along this golden stretch to see why this beach has such a global reputation, as this area is the answer to all of your Brazilian beach dreams. Choose a holiday villa with a pool in Rio's most famous beachfront or a guesthouse which is found in one of the art deco architectural masterpieces along this coastline.
Lapa
Lapa is bursting with bands, bars and clubs which creates a party lovers paradise which comes alive every night. For a more affordable way of staying in this lively neighbourhood, choose a youth hostel instead of a hotel room in Rio and spend your savings shopping in Feira Rio Antigo, the monthly vintage market, then sample Caipirinha, to find out for yourself why it is Brazil's favourite cocktail.
Botafogo and Flamengo
For a slightly more peaceful trip to the capital of the carnival, choose an apartment with a sea view in Rio's residential waterfront neighbourhood. Locals have adopted this serene seaside and filled it with fine eateries and independent boutiques which have remained Rio's best-kept secret, at least until now!
The Tijuca Forest
Holding the title of the world's largest urban forest, this area is bursting with adventure and experiences which will make you feel as though you are a million miles away from the Rio's bustling city centre. Book a holiday home in the heart of this verdant unspoilt landscape where you can unwind after a day of hiking, cycling and zip-wiring across the rainforest.
Santa Teresa
The Bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa showcases the colourful spirit which flows through this entire city through its murals, markets and mosaics which decorate the postcard-perfect Selarón steps. Choose a room with a view in Rio which is as colourful as the neighbourhood it stands in and secure an arty house which mirrors the aesthetics of the local museums to fill both your days and nights with endless colour.
Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Experience Rio's Carnival
Recognised as the biggest carnival in the world, there really is no better place to spend the week leading up to Lent than in the ‘Carnival in Rio de Janeiro' which is also rightfully called ‘The biggest show on Earth'. Over two million people every day celebrate with samba in the city's streets and in the Sambódromo Stadium for the festival which showcases extravagant costumes and floats which make up the biggest parade on the planet.
Gaze upon Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado mountain
As one of the Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer is unmissable, both from your Rio de Janeiro itinerary and quite literally, as the statue is the largest sculpture of its kind in the world. At an impressive 98 feet, Christ the Redeemer overlooks this metropolis and offers a view like no other when you take the journey up Corcovado mountain to see this Art Deco masterpiece.
Bathe on the Copacabana…
…Or surf, or try your hand at some beach volleyball. Whatever you do, be sure to do it on one of the most famous shores in the world! This waterfront paradise is a melting pot which goes beyond the sea and sand, as the area showcases two historic ports, along with an array of restaurants and bars for when you need a break from the Southern Atlantic sun.
Visit the monkeys in The Tijuca Forest
As a country, Brazil is famous for its vast tropical rainforest which stretches across 60% of the kingdom, and just because Rio de Janeiro is a city, does not mean you need to miss out on the verdant glory which awaits you inside this land. The nearby Tijuca Forest is the perfect place to experience a real jungle adventure, you can enjoy some adrenaline fuelled activities, or just relax and keep a look out for the local monkey residents.
Take the cable car up the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain
Take a ride to the summit of the geographical crown of Rio and take in the full extent the cities beauty from almost 1300 feet above the harbour. You are guaranteed to soak up some perfect picture postcard views from the clouds, especially if you visit during the sunset hours when Rio truly comes alive.
Get a photo on the Lapa Steps
Another location which is unmissable for any fan of photography, Portuguese inspired art, or colourful mosaics which would look great on Instagram! There are 215 opportunities to get that perfect shot on Escadaria Selarón's masterpiece, and why treat not treat yourself to the national cocktail of Cachaça when you make it to the top?