Rio de Janeiro - Get Around

Rio de Janeiro is divided into four Zones: The South, the Centre, the North, and the West. These divisions are geographical but also refer to areas of economic power. The wealthiest area is the Zona Sul (South Zone). The further you get away from there, the poorer the neighbourhoods usually become.

In Zona Sul (south) relax at the beach of quiet Leme, refresh yourself in the bars and at the beach kiosks of Copacabana, shop in Ipanema, head to Jardim Botânico and the Horto for forest, parks and waterfalls, and eat out in Botafogo. Discover 18th and 19th century buildings in Centro (centre), Rio's business district, go out in Lapa, or visit artistic Santa Teresa. Zona Norte (north) gives you access to the Floresta da Tijuca (Tijuca Forest), and the Maracanã football stadium in Vila Isabel. In Zona Oueste (west), Barra da Tijuca is good for shopping, while Barra de Guaratiba has idyllic countryside and gastronomic treats.

The metro in Rio de Janeiro has two lines and is quick and safe. With its integrated metro and bus service – the Metrônibus – it gets you easily to most locations in the city.

Taxis are fast, relatively cheap, and for going out at night, the only safe option. They are usually yellow and can be hailed in all major streets. Drivers know the city, but it is always useful to have instructions of how to get to your destination. Make sure you catch a taxi with a meter, as drivers often try to take advantage of visitors who don't know the city and the prices.

The bus system in Rio de Janeiro might seem confusing at the beginning, but if you have a good map, you should soon get the hang of it. This is a fun and cheap way to explore the city. There is an all-night bus service from Lapa (in the centre) back to the Zona Sul, but visitors are generally advised to take taxis.

Discover architectural treasures in the centre, wander through the hilly streets in Santa Teresa, or stroll along the beaches in Zona Sul. As always in Rio, keep your eyes open and don't walk along empty or dark streets. Downtown can be deserted at weekends, and after sunset the Aterro do Flamengo park should be avoided.

The Estação das Barcas – the ferry port at Praça XV – runs ferry services to nearby city Niterói and the Paquetá island. Passengers can either travel by catamaran, (the faster option), or on the big ferry boats that allow you to take a bicycle on board.

If you want to use the Metrônibus metro and bus system, you can buy an integrated ticket at the metro station. Beware of traffic jam traps such as the Avenida Rio Branco in the centre, or the Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, in Copacabana. Vans running along the Avenida Atlântica are a convenient way to move around the Zona Sul (south). These vans are operated by people living in favelas, as normal bus lines often don't serve these destinations. Hail them from any spot along the cycle path. The price should be the normal bus fare.

Travel to prehistoric times in the open-air, at the archaeological site Sambaqui da Beirada in Saquarema. Follow the steps of Emperor Dom Pedro II in the National Museum, located in the former residence of the Royal family. Learn more about Brazilian history in the Museo da República in the neo-classical Palácio do Catete.

Metrô Rio website