OUR Spotlight On column shines a light on the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as some lesser known spots.
As Brazil sees a record breaking number of British tourists flocking to the country in 2026, this week we’ve set our sights on Rio de Janeiro.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the iconic city.
She explained: “I’ve never been to a place that looked exactly like it did in the movies – enter Rio.
“From the 5am pink sunrise of Copacabana Beach, to the men selling teeny tiny bikinis all tied to a huge stick, the city welcomed me with vibrant colours and beautiful chaos.
“Make sure to do some shopping – Havaianas are a steal here compared to the UK, with too many shops to choose from – or just rent an umbrella and lounger for the day for less than £20.
“Thanks to the many beach vendors, they’ll all come straight to you, serving cocktails, snacks, meals and even accessories.”
Here are some of our other top tips for a trip to the Brazilian capital.
MUST SEE/DO
Hop in a taxi and head over to the district of Santa Theresa, nicknamed Little Lisbon.
The resemblance comes from the very quaint yellow tram that runs the length of it to the fantastic independent shops and cafes.
Street art brings colour to the roads, alongside sellers hawking Brazilian football shirts and rogue monkeys swinging through the trees.
Make sure to order delicious acai bowls and ‘pão de queijo’ a cheesy bread, at Cultivar for a true Brazilian breakfast.
HIDDEN GEM
One of the famous Brazilian clothing brands is Farm Rio – but one has a hidden rooftop that no-one knows about.
Casa FARM rooftop is set across four floors but go to the top and you will get an amazing view of the beautiful Green Lagoon and Christ the Redeemer without the crowds.
BEST VIEW
You can’t visit Rio without going to see the famous Wonder of the World, Christ the Redeemer.
Make sure to check the weather before going up – any fog up there and you’ll only see half the man – but the massive statue surrounded by the city of Rio will leave you in awe of its grandeur.
Then head over to Sugarloaf mountain for just as fantastic views, after hopping in two cable cars to take you up the 1,299ft.
Rio express tour with Christ Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, from £70. See tuimusement.com.
RATED RESTAURANT
Make the most of the beautiful Rio beaches and eat at Tropik Beach Club, which is on Copacabana Beach with hearty bowls of shrimp rice and fresh ceviche, chased by a local caipirinha cocktail and live music as the sun goes down.
If you get snacky on your walk home, try and catch one of the nearby street vendors for a bag of Biscoito Globo a strangely-morish cassava beach snack.
BEST BAR
For a good night out, join the locals in the neighbourhood of Botafogo.
One of the most popular bars is Casa Tão Longe, Tão Perto which serves local Brazilian wines from small distilleries.
You have to be quick here. The tiny rattan seats line the pavement and are in short supply, but it is worth it for the friendly English-speaking staff.
For something a bit finer, head around to Belisco Bar de Vinhos, which serves up fantastic Chilean and Argentinian wine as well.
HOTEL PICK
The Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana couldn’t be better placed, straddling both Copacabana and Ipanema beach.
The rooftop infinity pool has a great snack menu as well as live DJs and beautiful views from the many sunloungers.
The rooms are simple but classy and spacious, many of which have seaview balconies.
Make sure to spend time at breakfast – the buffet is extensive – and book in for a glorious massage at the on-site spa.
Double rooms at Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana cost from £277 based on two sharing on room-only basis. See fairmont.com.