City of God

Why do I love Rio de Jenerio? There is no other place like Rio. Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife and spectacular football matches: welcome to the City of God. The city of Rio de Janeiro has been one of Brazil’s most popular and frequented tourist destinations for decades. Its busy city center is bursting with culture and pulsating with a deep sense of history and heritage. Rio is the second largest city in Brazil. It is the most visited city in the Southern Hemisphere, which is no mean feat. This makes for an impressive, memorable attraction for visitors from all over the world.
Rio is hot most of the year, which makes it a perfect holiday destination.

The average annual temperature is between 21 and 27 Celsius. The landscape and vegetation are magnificent, providing a visual feast that has inspired authors and screenwriters the world over. If it's your first time in Rio, you can't pass up the shores of Copacabana or Ipanema. Stroll down the famous Avenue Nossa Senhora de Copacabana. But don't spend all of your time at the shore; the City of God has spectacular natural beauty to offer like Tijuca National Park and Sugar Loaf. Wander into a charming neighborhood like Santa Teresa, to get a real taste of what it means to be a Cariocas (native Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro).

Once in Rio you cant miss seeing one of 7 world wonders, Christ the Redeemer. This iconic landmark is a must-see attraction in Rio. Jesus Christ stands with arms outstretched to the city from above Corcovado Mountain's staggering 2,330-foot elevation.
There are multiple ways to reach Christ the Redeemer. Using public transportation, take bus lines 180 and 184 from Rio or Route No. 583 from Copacabana or Ipanema to Cosme Velho. From there, use an electric train. You could hike. Be prepared: Its 8-mile trail that includes lots of inclines. However, if you decide to tackle the hiking trail, you'll get a discount on your ticket.

It is always lovely to visit Rio de Janeiro, but discovering the city's essence is even more amazing. Do you remember Michael Jacksons song They Don't Care About Us'? Setting for that song was Favela Santa Maria, and you can take a guided tour. If you decide to go to Favela, please don't go alone. The best way to do it is by a guided tour offered by the favela community association. There are several guides who speak different languages as well.

Source Mygoodplanet.com

My post wouldn't be full if the food was not involved. And food in Rio is something else. Barbecued meat, Moqueca, Cachaça, Acarajé, Feijoada ... I could go on and on.
What I really liked in Rio are small "bars/restaurants" almost on every corner where you can grab great local food and AWESOMEE Acai smoothies. They are simply delicious. If you haven't heard about acai, It'sof the thousands of fruits from the Amazon, and it is the best known, mostly thanks to its super-food status. Traditionally eaten by indigenous tribes for energy, the hard purple berry is also used in Amazonian cooking. Served as a sweet, frozen sorbet, sometimes topped with granola or bananas it a found in every café, bakery, juice bar and supermarket.

Rio is everything what are you imagining and much more. The city is full of music, cocktails and good food. Friendly people and great nightlife. Rio is definitely one of the cities I'm gonna visit again.