Rio de Janeiro

Advantages: Rio
Disadvantages: Violence

Rio de Janeiro "River of January" is the second major city of Brazil, behind only São Paulo. Its 8 million inhabitants occupy an area of 485 square miles. There are three main city districts: Centre, South, and North. The city centre is the financial and business district of Rio. After the transfer of the capital to Brasília, in 1960, the process of economic transfer to São Paulo was increased. The summer months officially begin around November and ... Read review

Advantages: Beaches, gorgeous tropical islands, unbelievably great value.
Disadvantages: Having to keep your wits about you, but no real problem.

They call the city of Rio de Janeiro "Cidade Maravilhosa" (The marvellous city), I have to say that visiting Rio was an eye opening and awe inspiring experience. This review is a selection of the best parts, with a few pointers on what not to do there. SAFETY TIPS ------------------ **Hotels First of all, it is recommended that tourists stay in a Hotel that is on the coastal road of Copacabana beach - Avenida Atlantico, or one of the coastal ...
...and pick-pocketing is rife in Rio so it is best to be very aware of your surroundings. The whole time I was there, especially when walking around, I kept all money concealed in a money pouch under my clothes. Simply putting your wallet or purse in your pocket is not enough, you are only inviting trouble. It is also strongly recommended not to carry more cash than you need. It is advisable that you leave your credit/debit cards in your hotel, in your ... Read review

Advantages: Spectacular, exciting and perfect for budget travellers.
Disadvantages: Is that a knife in your pocket or are you just trying to rob me?

Rio De Janeiro ranks amongst the most exotic cities in the world. It's nature attractions are world famous and its people legendary for their party tendencies. Despite being a budget friendly city it also has appeal for those on a 5 star expense account. Like most Brazilian cities it has many problems, its ghettos are to be avoided and the city's gun culture gets worse by the day. Rio has a population of 7 million but you might be surprised to know ...
...Of course many arrive in Rio on a package deal so this is not a problem. For others who arrive at the Novo Rio bus station in the Zona Norte without a clue taking taxi is the only reliable option. You can buy fixed priced taxi tokens in the station which is a good idea as overpricing is almost a hobby amongst Rio's taxi fraternity. The cheapest areas to stay in Rio are just south of the city centre in Catete, Gloria and Lapa although the latter is ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful city; lots to see and do; the beaches
Disadvantages: Vendors

...tourists tend to think of Rio de Janeiro as the embodiment of Brazil, a land with so much wealth and poverty, a land of huge contrasts. Are you ready to let down your sensibilities on this journey? If you are still readin along, then you may be ready to stroll along the world famous beaches of Rio with me. Your eyes will find the most interesting attractions, not only in the city, but also in the people themselves. Most people will tell you that ...
...Beaches and carnival times in Rio de Janeiro Most tourists tend to go to Brazil for the end-of-the-year holiday season. In fact, most Brazilians tend to return to the homeland at that time too. They can't stay away from the rich cultural festivities that go on and on. The carnival season is also the time to see how good natured Brazilians can be. If you can have a good time, then you can join their crowd. Writing or talking about Brazil brings to ... Read review

Advantages: Some beatiful sights
Disadvantages: One of the most violent cities in the world.

...wife and I were in Rio when the Gulf War was raging in Iraq and Kuwait, but the death rate in Rio was far higher than anything inflicted by those two countries put together. The first people we met had been robbed four times and they'd only been there three days. Everyone else we met for the next two and a half weeks had been robbed on their first day. I was very careful but I must also have been lucky. I was with someone who got robbed as we walked ...
...The death rate in Rio (just the one city) due to murder averaged 17 per day all year round at that time, and could be even higher now. Backpackers and hippies seemed to go unhindered and so when we went out we dressed down and tried to look anything but wealthy. When the plane took off for London, virtually everyone on the plane cheered with joy and vowed never to return to Brazil. I would never return without an armed guard, and then only if it ... Read review