Rio de Janeiro sits spectacularly between mountains and the Atlantic. The city is known for its beaches, its music and a zest for life that’s contagious. Those who love here, love with a lot of feeling.
Culture & Way of Life
The Cariocas – as people from Rio are called – are open, warm-hearted and sociable. Life happens outdoors a lot: on the beach, in bars and at street parties. Family and friends are highly valued.
Dating & Getting to Know Each Other
- Open and warm: Compliments and physical contact, like a hug when saying hello, are completely normal.
- Dancing brings people together: Whether samba or forró – dancing together is often part of getting to know each other.
- Friends come along: Meeting the friend group early on is a good sign.
The Most Romantic Spots
- Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset
- The beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana
- The artists’ neighborhood of Santa Teresa
- The colorful Escadaria Selarón
Sights that make your heart beat faster
Hidden gems off the beaten path
- Parque Lage: A villa in the middle of the rainforest at the foot of Corcovado – with a courtyard, a café and a view of Christ the Redeemer.
- Santa Teresa: The hilltop artists’ quarter, with cobbled lanes, studios and the old yellow tram.
- Pedra do Arpoador: The rock between Ipanema and Copacabana – the Cariocas’ favourite sunset spot.
Absolute must-do
Sunset at Arpoador: when the sun sinks behind the mountains, the whole rock bursts into applause. A moment when strangers smile at each other and lovers move even closer together.
Only here in the world: Right in the middle of the city lies the Tijuca Forest – one of the largest urban rainforests in the world, replanted by hand in the 19th century. Where else can you hike through the jungle in the morning and lie on the beach in the afternoon?
Tip for Your First Date
Meet in Ipanema in the late afternoon and join everyone else in applauding as the sun sinks behind the mountains – a ritual that’s part of everyday life in Rio.