Rio de Janeiro State

Brazil

A statue with outstretched arms against a blue sky.
A cityscape with a prominent mountain range, a dense urban area, and a body of water with numerous boats.
A cable car over Rio de Janeiro's mountains, the cityscape, and Guanabara Bay.
A coastal city with a prominent mountain, a bay filled with boats, and a dense urban area.
A panoramic view of a coastal city with a cable car system, mountains, and a bay filled with boats.

Discover stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and charming towns that showcase the unique culture and natural beauty of the region.

Rio de Janeiro State is an ideal destination for beach and outdoor travelers. You can relax at Copacabana Beach, visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, or explore the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí arena. For sports enthusiasts, Maracanã Stadium, Olympic Park, and Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos offer various sporting events. Additionally, the natural beauty of Paquetá Island, Governador Island, and Ilha Grande provides plenty of outdoor tourism opportunities.

Spend some time exploring the different towns and cities of Rio de Janeiro State. Nearby, Arraial do Cabo and Paraty are known for their beach and outdoor experiences; Arraial do Cabo features the Staircase of Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia and Atalaia Viewpoint, while Paraty is home to several beaches such as Paraty Beach and Sono Beach. Búzios is recognized for its family-friendly beach experiences, with attractions like Rua das Pedras and Geriba Beach.

The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro State generally depends on how busy it is. Demand stays fairly steady throughout the year, with a slight increase in visitors during December to January and September. In contrast, the months of May to June and August tend to be a little quieter, making it easier to enjoy the attractions without large crowds.

Popular cities in Rio de Janeiro State

Rio de Janeiro
Known for Beaches, Sea and Scenery

Reasons to visit

  • Copacabana Beach
  • Ipanema Beach
  • Christ the Redeemer
Búzios
Known for Beaches, Surfing and Natural parks

Reasons to visit

  • Rua das Pedras
  • Geriba Beach
  • João Fernandes Beach
Paraty
Known for Boating, Snorkeling and Rain forests

Reasons to visit

  • Paraty Beach
  • Pontal Beach
  • Parati-Mirim Beach
Cabo Frio
Known for Surfing, Natural parks and Scuba diving

Reasons to visit

  • Forte Beach
  • Foguete Beach
  • Japanese Island
Arraial do Cabo
Known for Beaches, Natural parks and Marinas

Reasons to visit

  • Staircase of Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia
  • Praia Grande
  • Atalaia Viewpoint
Angra dos Reis
Known for Beaches, Islands and Marinas

Reasons to visit

  • Abraão Beach
  • Praia Grande
  • Laboratorio Beach

Stay near popular Rio de Janeiro State attractions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia