Rio de Janeiro holidays
Just like the samba that fills its streets, Brazil’s ‘Marvelous City’ is vibrant and layered: it’s an ensemble of singing rainforest, smooth sand beaches, pulsing neighbourhoods and people who march to the beat of their own drums. Whether you're visiting for Carnival nights or Copacabana beach days, get ready for a holiday you'll wish you could replay on repeat. Book your Rio de Janeiro holiday now.
Our cheapest holidays to Rio de Janeiro
Take your Havaianas to new heights
Ride a train up a jungle-covered mountain to stand at the foot of Christ the Redeemer and see the city trimmed with ribbons of sand. Further north, soar to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain in a cable car for views of Rio, its rainforest and Guanabara Bay.
When you’re back on street level, walk through bohemian Santa Teresa and order zesty caipirinhas in Lapa. Play footvolley on Ipanema beach and spend golden hour at Arpoador, where the sunsets are so spectacular they regularly receive rounds of applause. Book your flights to Rio de Janeiro now.
Carefully selected Rio de Janeiro hotels
Best hotels in Rio de Janeiro for all types of traveller
Rio de Janeiro holiday FAQs
- Experience Rio de Janeiro Carnival surrounded by feathers, glitter, sequins and samba beats. Carnaval shimmies through the city in the lead up to Lent, usually in February, with blocos (street parties) running into the early hours. At the Sambadrome, samba schools keep traditions alive and audiences captivated as they parade with gigantic headdresses and floats.
- Visit Christ the Redeemer, Rio’s iconic art deco statue. Take a train to the top of Mount Corcovado where he stretches his arms out in welcome. On the way, you’ll journey through the jungle in Tijuca National Park – sit next to the window for views of the city and sea framed by vines.
- See a football match at the Maracana stadium. Rio’s love of the game is evident everywhere, from the makeshift goals set up on sandy beaches to the screens blaring out commentary in sports bars. Join the singing crowds in the Maracana’s stands to see a local team like Flamengo play and prepare to cheer with your whole chest.
- Kick back on a Rio de Janeiro beach. In Copacabana, stroll along the waved boardwalk or sunbathe on the caramel-coloured sand with a coconut water. It’ll be busy – the beach is also a makeshift football pitch, a gym and a catwalk for Cariocas (locals). Ipanema beach is also popular, known for its lively vibe and its view of Two Brothers Mountain.
- Ride the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car. Fly between mountain peaks in a glass-walled gondola and look down at the city, forest canopies and sea. While you’re in the area, make sure to spend some time at Vermelha Beach and admire views of Sugarloaf from the red sand.
- If you’re hoping to see the city on a budget, check out our cheap holidays to Rio de Janeiro. Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro is a stylish option near the famously wide-stretching Barra beaches. When you’re not taking your flip flops to the beach, kick them off to swim in the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool overlooking Barra da Tijuca’s mountains and lakes.
- When it comes to luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, is as iconic as the stars who have strolled through its grand entrance – Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Madonna to name a few. This belle epoque beauty on Copacabana beach boasts one half-Olympic-sized swimming pool, two Michelin-star restaurants and tonnes of glamour.
- Five-star hotels in Rio de Janeiro Brazil often sit beside sandy beaches. Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel and Resort is no exception. In this resort, pool loungers, palm trees and balconies face the tropical South Atlantic Ocean. Landscaped grounds and white sand set the scene for leisurely Rio de Janeiro holidays.
- Stay in Copacabana for its 2.5-mile-long beach and its bossa nova rhythms. Many of the best Rio de Janeiro hotels are found in Copa, from gleaming skyscrapers like including Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana which boasts the most ocean view rooms in the city. This area is buzzing with beachfront kiosks, cafes and bars.
- Barra da Tijuca is known for its soft sand and cosmopolitan style. This young neighbourhood likes to go big – the 11-mile-long beach is the biggest in Rio, the malls are expansive and the large Farmasi Arena puts on huge shows. Stay at Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro on the beach and opt for an ocean or lagoon view.
- Lapa’s streets are splashed with art and lined with live music bars. Stay in this central neighbourhood to experience some of Rio’s best nightlife: dance at a samba club and sip cachaca-based cocktails. Lapa is also connected to Santa Teresa – a neighbourhood known for its avantgarde style – by the colourful tiled staircase Escadaria Selaron.
- Botafogo has gained a reputation for its cool crowds and quirky scenes. This beachfront neighbourhood is another nightlife hub with scenic dining spots like Fogo de Chao (one of the most famous restaurants in Rio de Janeiro) featuring patio views of Sugarloaf Mountain. Stay here to be close to trendy bars and some of the best things to see in Rio.
Why choose British Airways Holidays?
The British Airways experience is more than a flight.
We’re one of the UK’s largest holiday companies offering carefully chosen hotels and resorts in the most amazing places, and car hire with no hidden extras. Our access to the extensive British Airways global network and oneworld® alliance puts us in a unique position to create holiday packages with convenient flights across the globe. From start to finish consider your holiday taken care of.
Low deposits
Secure your holiday with a low deposit and spread the cost with flexible payments.
Baggage allowance
All of our holiday packages include a generous checked baggage allowance.
24-hour helpline
We have a dedicated 24-hour holiday helpline if you need to contact us while you're away.
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Terms and conditions
- Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
- Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
- Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
- Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
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- Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
- Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
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