Although Rio de Janeiro explodes in February during Carnival, the world's largest party, it is really a year-round hotspot for devotees of all things fun related. Carnival is the annual festival celebrating Brazilian culture. If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy some good book, look elsewhere. If you want to dance Samba till you drop, and try as many local libations as possible, Carnival is for you! There are contests in the streets, costume balls, dancing of all descriptions, and non-stop music. The rest of the year, Rio is a fun-filled experience set in a highly metropolitan setting. There are no less than 15 beaches lining Rio's borders. Copacabana beach is famous for the people watching and sun bathing. Copacabana beach is always fascinating. Ipanema beach (of "The Girl from Ipanema" song) is great for fishing and surfing. For one of the most beautiful views of urban Rio, make your way to Apothecary's Square in Laranjeiras district and take a gander at all the graceful residences from the colonial period that have been meticulously restored. A must for anyone wishing for a scenic view, is to visit the Statue of Christ - the Redeemer, perched above the city. From the statue you get an incredible 'vista' of the Rio skyline as well as out into the Atlantic Ocean.

There is a good way to get a feel for Rio by visiting museums housing art that reflects back on the city. The Museum of Modern Art has a collection of about 11000 objects, mainly sculptures and paintings, by internationally renowned as well as Brazilian artists. The National Fine Arts Museum houses Brazilian works of art ranging from the XVII to the XXI century, as well as works by foreign artists that include paintings, sculptures and drawings. The Natural History Museum contains a collection of over 287000 exhibits, including one of the largest numismatic collections in Latin America.

In the midst of all the RIO hustle and bustle, Mother Nature has taken it upon herself to shine brightly. The Rio Botanical Garden shelters excellent examples of plant life from Brazil and around the world. The Imperial Palms are among the most popular attractions. The 1,4 sq km (358 acre) park has plenty of walking paths where you contemplate the beautiful scenery and just enjoy the day. The Tijuca Forest is part of the Atlantic Rainforest, and is the world's largest urban forest at more than 32 sq km (7900 acres). Trails lead to sights such as the Cascatinha Waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel, Excelsior Lookout and Chinese View. And still a very great lot of beautiful scenes remain to be seen.