Brazil’s second-largest city likely conjures images of sun, fun and the legendary Carnival. Known in the country as the “Marvelous City,” beyond the initial glitz and glamour lies a welcoming city of history, landscape, architecture and culture — as well as 23 beaches beckoning visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy. Rio de Janeiro is gearing up to perform on the world’s stage as the host city for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

GETTING THERE
International flights arrive at Aeroporto Internacional Tom Jobim, or Galeão, located about 40–45 minutes from the city center. Make sure to arrange and pay taxi fare in advance. Depending on the destination, the taxi ride can range from $15–30. Real buses, parked curbside outside the arrivals hall, run 60-minute trips to Zona Sul for about $5 5:30 a.m. –11:45 p.m.

GETTING AROUND
Rio de Janeiro’s metro system is reliable, navigable, clean and safe. However, depending on where you want to travel, it may not be as comprehensive as other methods of transportation. Plan routes in advance. The metro runs from 5 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Sundays and holidays. One-way fares are around $1.05. Flag yellow taxis from the street. There are two types of metered fares: before 8 p.m. and after 8 p.m. Radio taxis and companies serving hotels may be more reliable but also have higher fares. Urban buses cost less than $1 per trip; combis run the length of the beachfronts for about 85 cents.

9–5
L’Atelier du Cuisinier
Impress business contacts by securing a table at the exclusive L’Atelier du Cuisinier, seating only 24 diners at a time. Chef David Jobert creates dishes incorporating French flavors in a former house dating back to 1883 located in the city’s cultural center. Lunch is served Monday to Friday, 12–3 p.m.

Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema
Located on the beach, the hotel offers an ideal setting for hosting business meetings and events in Rio’s Ipanema neighborhood. Conference rooms seat up to 14 people and offer the latest in technology including projection screens, sound insulation, WiFi and video conference capabilities.

Pérgula Restaurant
In the iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace, Pérgula fuels business travelers for the day ahead with breakfast served 7–10:30 a.m. Perfect for a power breakfast, the international cuisine is firstrate and the poolside ambience is mellow. The Sunday brunch is renowned in the city.

AFTER 5
Baronetti
This restaurant-club-lounge offers something for everyone. The upstairs lounge offers a spot for after-work cocktails or a bite to eat, and the downstairs club features DJs spinning American house music. Located in trendy Ipanema, the modern décor attracts an upscale clientele.

Plataforma
Feel the beat at Plataforma’s upbeat, colorful samba show. The two-hour show gives visitors a taste of Carnival with traditional dancers, bright costumes and percussion. Also included is capoeira, a mix of martial arts and dance, and a parade on stage. A Brazilian barbecue buffet dinner can also be added.

Statue of Christ the Redeemer
Perhaps the most iconic site in Rio, the Christ the Redeemer statue watches over the city atop Corcovado, 2,300 feet high. Open daily until 7 p.m., there’s time to catch an up-close glimpse after the working day is done. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, measuring 130 feet tall and 98 feet across, was unveiled in 1931.

RESOURCES
For more information, visit visitbrasil.com