When in Rio De Janeiro
Known as the city of Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro is a bustling, exotic hub, attracting holiday makers on all budgets. Although famed for its nightclubs and casinos, Rio is not just the playground of the international jet set, offering much for travellers on a budget, including an impressive array of cheap restaurants and hotels.
Also known as the cidade maravilhosa, or marvellous city, Rio's biggest attraction is surely its impressive beaches, providing free entertainment all year around. The laid back party atmosphere continues further inland as well, with the streets and bars spilling in to each other in an intoxicated mess most of the time.
Locals, known as Cariocas, live for dance, drink, sport, sun and the beach, infusing the city with as Dionysian spirit. Known for its decadence, even travellers on a tight budget should go expecting to embrace something of the jet setting lifestyle, even if this means obtaining a film star tan for free on the beach.
Rio has a cultural side as well, offering a number of museums for, admittedly often hungover, culture vultures. Collections range from 20th century Brazilian art to exhibitions on the history of Brazil and its indigenous people. Nature also provides some breathtaking entertainment, with the city stuffed full of parks and exotic gardens and the mountain views of the city described "unforgettable".
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, the first settlers thought the bay was actually a massive river, giving rise to the name Rio de Janeiro. The city didn't really develop until the French arrived, but they were soon driven out, along with the natives, by the globally powerful Portuguese, who imposed a medieval style plan on the town, making for a poorly planned and often ramshackle city. Rio flourished under the sugar trade before booming during the gold rush in the 18th century. It officially became the colonial capital in 1763 and in 1808 the entire Portuguese court decamped to the city, making it the centre of the crumbling empire.
Rio's real golden age struck in the 1920s to 50s, the glamorous effects of which are still very much felt in the city. Seen as an exotic and romantic destination, it became the city of choice for many international jet setters and movie stars. A wealth of casinos, nightclubs and grand hotels sprung up across the city, dwarfing the uncomfortable reality of the shanty towns growing just as quickly around its fringes.
The weather in Rio is fantastic all year, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20 degrees in the winter. With its southerly location, it is an ideal destination for Brits seeking some winter sun, although it can get extremely hot in summer, with temperatures peaking at 40 degrees between December and March. Rain is not uncommon, especially during the summer months and the city can feel very humid, although luckily the beaches provide some welcome relief.
Although it is said that you have as much chance of getting mugged in Rio as in any other city, thefts aren't uncommon and visitors are advised to take sensible precautions. Travellers should avoid making themselves targets, keeping money out of sight and preferably to a minimum. Buses are frequent stomping grounds for thieves, so people should keep their wits about them and avoid them after dark. Preferably take a taxi at night and don't walk on empty streets or beaches.
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Introduction
