Copyright National Geographic
Many a serenade has been sung about Rio de Janeiro’s alluring beaches, its passionate people, and stunning vistas, enticing visitors to this fun-loving Brazilian city for well over a century. But Rio has revealed a few more reasons to visit in 2026. The National Museum of Brazil Museu Nacional/UFRJ) is pushing for a second temporary reopening then, and a full reopening in 2028, following the tragic 2018 fire that burned down the 207-year-old institution. The National Museum of Fine Arts (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes), with plans to fully open in late 2026, is now hosting an exhibit by Brazilian photographer Vicente de Mello until mid-January. The iconic Copacabana Palace will unveil a freshly renovated annex extension, and there’ll be another Todo Mundo no Rio show on Copacabana Beach in front of millions, with—rumor has it—Beyonce or Rihanna headlining. But Rio doesn’t need to convince people to come and bask in its inimitable glow. It’s never a bad idea to relax on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, eating Biscoito Globo crackers and drinking lime or passionfruit-mate iced tea while locals bounce balls impossibly off their extremities. Or to wake up early and see the city light up in reds, purples, and oranges for sunrise from one of the many lush mountains inside the world’s largest urban rainforest. And singing along to samba classics on a street corner any day of the week is always magical—a cold beer or caipirinha, lime and cachaça (sugarcane spirit) cocktail, always helps for those who don’t know the words. (See all 25 destinations that made our list of the best places to visit in 2026.) What to do Explore Rio's highlights: Hike or take the train up to the 98-foot-tall World Wonder, Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer); a fresh hiking trail up to the statue was recently added. And ride the famous Bondinho aerial cable car up to Pão de Açucár (Sugarloaf)—sunrise rides with live saxophone music and breakfast atop the mountain is another recent addition. Go to the beach: Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are still a must, especially for watching the sunset from the Arpoador rock, between the two. Or hang out with locals on Leme Beach and Praia Vermelha, which offers calmer water for swimming. Quieter, wider, and more scenic beaches can be found west of Ipanema, such as Joatinga and Rio’s go-to surfing beach, Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Work out: It’s no secret that Rio locals are incredibly fit. Join them by jogging or cycling along the Aterro do Flamengo park and beach, which has a winding boulevard that shuts down to car traffic on Sundays. Or spend a day hiking up to Pedra da Gavéa or Pico da Tijuca in Tijuca National Park, for well-earned views over this marvellous city. Where to explore: Rio’s Centro downtown neighborhood has several fascinating museums and galleries, including Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB), Museu do Amanhã and Museu da História e da Cultura Afro-Brasileira (MUHCAB). Centro is also home to the Santa Teresa Tram (or Bonde tram station), which trudges up to Rio’s artsy bohemian neighborhood, Santa Teresa. From there, walk down the famous Escadaria Selarón (Lapa Steps), decorated with thousands of tiles from around the world by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, to the focal point for Rio nightlife around the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches). When to go Most people travel to Rio for Carnaval in February or March, where thousands parade through the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí and in the streets for blocos (street parties), but there is no bad time to visit. In summer (December 21 to March 20), the city fills with visitors, but it can be rainy and very hot, with temperatures often rising above 100°F. Rio is rising as a foodie destination, with several restaurants now with Michelin stars. Lasai in Botafogo has two, and both Mee and Cipriani inside the Copacabana Palace hotel each have one. Fine dining paired with views over the city can be found at Aprazível in Santa Teresa. Kinjo in Copacabana is another popular spot for its Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei sushi. Tacacá do Norte: There’s plenty of açaí, an antioxidant-rich berry from the Amazon, on the beach, but the most authentic bowl can be found at Tacacá do Norte in Flamengo. Assador: Arguably Rio’s best all-you-can-eat churrascaria extravaganza, with beef cuts like local-favorite picanha sliced directly onto the plate. Views out the restaurant’s windows of Pão de Açúcar and planes landing at the airport are just as delicious. Galeto SAT’s: For picanha à la carte, or galeto spring chicken, try this spot in Copacabana—it was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorites. Sheraton Grand Rio: Wake up to waves crashing directly beneath the balcony at one of Rio’s only beachfront resorts. All-inclusive options may include meals throughout the day and happy hour drinks in the lounge. Getting around Rio has two major airports: Galeão International Airport (GIG), roughly 12 miles from where most visitors stay in the Zona Sul (South Zone), and the domestic Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), near Centro. The most convenient and reliable way to get from the international airport to the South Zone is with Uber, which can be found a few minutes’ walk to the left of the last arrivals door. There’s also an air-conditioned Frescão airport bus. Rio has a metro that can be paid for by tapping a credit card or phone, as well as municipal buses, which must be paid in cash. Orange Itaú bikeshare stations are found across Zona Sul. Download the app to ride or scan directly with Uber. Joel Balsam is a Canadian freelance journalist based in Rio de Janeiro. After traveling to 60 countries, he decided Rio was where he belonged. Joel’s work also appears in Lonely Planet, Afar, The Washington Post, and more. Follow his travels on Instagram.
