Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro doesn't do subtle. Granite mountains plunge straight into the Atlantic, beaches curve for miles, and Christ the Redeemer stands with arms open over it all. Brazilians call it the Cidade Maravilhosa, the Marvelous City, and once you've watched the sun drop behind the hills from a beachfront bar, you'll understand why the nickname stuck. The beaches are the city's living room. Copacabana's famous crescent and neighboring Ipanema are where Rio comes to swim, play footvolley, sip from a coconut, and simply be seen. Grab a chair, order an ice-cold agua de coco, and settle in; this is the local pace, and it's contagious. Just stay beach-smart, keeping valuables to a minimum and staying aware, as you would in any big city. Then there are the two icons everyone comes for. A cog train climbs through the Tijuca rainforest to Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, and the views over the bay are staggering. Sugarloaf Mountain, reached by a two-stage cable car, is the other must, and it's especially magical near sunset when the city lights flicker on below. Go on a clear day for both, and book Corcovado tickets ahead in busy periods. Rio's culture runs on rhythm. Samba spills out of the bars in bohemian Lapa (don't miss the colorful Selarón Steps nearby) and the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, reached by its rattling little tram. If you can time a visit for Carnival (usually February or March, depending on the year), you'll witness one of the planet's greatest parties, though the whole city fills up and prices climb, so plan far ahead. Nature is never far. The Tijuca National Park is one of the world's largest urban forests, laced with hiking trails, and the hike up Pedra Bonita or Dois Irmãos rewards you with the kind of panoramas that make the sweat worth it. For a beach day with fewer crowds, locals head west toward Barra da Tijuca. Practicalities: the metro is clean, safe, and handy for Copacabana, Ipanema, and the center, while apps like Uber are widely used and take the guesswork out of fares. The Brazilian real fluctuates, but Rio generally offers good value for international visitors. Portuguese is the language, and a few friendly words go a long way. Give the city four or five days to balance beaches, icons, and its irresistible energy.