Always ready for a party, Rio de Janeiro is about to host its biggest festa yet. The 2016 Olympic Games kick off next month in a city that mixes bold new design, revived heritage districts and laid-back Carioca charm.
Read our full travel guide to Rio during the 2016 Olympics here.
Bobó de camarão
Bobó de camarão
Bobó de camarão (prawn with manioc meal) at Aconchego Carioca, a restaurant serving up traditional-style Brazilian cuisine.
_Aconchego Carioca, Barão de Iguatemi 379, Praça da Bandeira, +55 2273 1035,__ aconchegocarioca.com.br_
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Carioca Cachaça Tonic
Carioca Cachaça Tonic
A Carioca Cachaça Tonic from Bar do Lado, the place to be seen among Rio’s well-heeled party crowd.
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Copacabana skyline
Copacabana skyline
Buildings line the waterfront along Rio’s fabled Copacabana Beach.
Couple kiss on Leblon beach
Couple kiss on Leblon beach
A couple share a kiss on Leblon beach, Rio de Janeiro.
Leblon beach
Leblon beach
Afternoon sea spray over Leblon beach in Rio’s south zone.
Rio from above
Rio from above
The view over Rio and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon from the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Mountain).
Penthouse pool, Copacabana Palace
Penthouse pool, Copacabana Palace
The exclusive penthouse pool topping Rio’s grand dame, Copacabana Palace hotel.
Belmond Copacabana Palace, Ave. Atlântica 1702, +55 21 2548 7070, copacabanapalace.com.br
Museu do Amanhã
Museu do Amanhã
The exterior of the Museu do Amanhã is an architectural vision designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Inside, multimedia exhibitions on new technologies and sustainability are popular with the crowds.
Volleyball on Ipanema beach
Volleyball on Ipanema beach
A game of volleyball underway on Rio’s Ipanema beach.
Children on Ipanema beach
Children on Ipanema beach
Two children rush towards the surf in the late afternoon, Ipanema beach.
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Black Suite
Black Suite
The Black Suite in La Suite hotel, located in the leafy residential neighbourhood of Joá. This 60’s mansion-turned-guesthouse is a favourite for quiet city stays.
La Suite, Rua Jackon de Figueiredo 501, +55 21 3259 6123, bydussol.com/
Surfer on Leblon beachfront
Surfer on Leblon beachfront
A surfer carries his board along the beachfront at Leblon.
Lobby of the Grand Mecure Riocentro
Lobby of the Grand Mecure Riocentro
The open air lobby of the Grand Mercure Riocentro, in Jacarepaguá, near Olympic City.
Chef at Oro
Chef at Oro
A chef prepares food at Oro restaurant in the Leblon neighbourhood. Headed by Felipe Bronze, a focus on fire means every meal has an element of grill or smoke.
Oro, Rua General San Martin 889, Leblon, +55 21 2540 8768
Crowd at Rivalzinho
Crowd at Rivalzinho
Rivalzinho is a trendy bar attached to one of Rio’s oldest theatres, the Rival.
Rivalzinho, Rua Alvara Alvim 33/37, Centro, +55 21 2240 4469
Vila Galé suite
Vila Galé suite
A premium suite at the Vila Galé. This Portuguese-owned four-star hotel occupies a fully renovated heritage mansion with an imposing pink and white façade.
Vila Galé, Rua Riachuelo 124, +55 21 2460 4500, vilagale.com
