After a night of sipping caipirinhas and samba dancing on the beach, you'll know exactly why they call Rio the Marvelous City. More than 2 million people arrive in Rio every year to celebrate the New Year, so fly in right before the holidays to snag an affordable flight. Make sure you bring party dresses, your tiniest Brazilian bikini, a pair of Havaianas and a white outfit for New Year's Eve. Feliz Ano Novo!

What to Do:

Samba School

Mangueira
Brazil's most popular samba school is open every Saturday at 10pm.
Tel: 3872-6786 / 3872-6787 / 2567-4637 ; 55(21) 3872-6786
Salgueira
Located in one of the safest areas and is open every Saturday at 10pm.
Tel: +55(21)2238-9226

Hit the Beach

Barra da Tijuca
Located in one of the new up and coming neighborhoods in Rio Tijuca is known to be more Americanized with its area filled with restaurants, bars, and malls. Paradise for those who surf and do water sports.
Ipanema
One of the trendiest beaches in Rio where both men and women are fabulous and the vibe is very upscale. This posh spot is where you can find the city's finest boutiques.
Copacabana
Although the most famous beach in Brazil, Copacabana is not the best for laying out and kicking back. Walk along the beach, watch beach sports, and shop at the Sunday Ferias (markets) on the closed off streets.

Christ the Redeemer
The famous 125 ft statue of Christ that is mounted on the top of the Corcovado mountain is a sight to be seen. Take the Corcovado train that goes up and throughout the Tijuca Forest.
http://www.corcovado.com.br

Where to Stay:

Hotel Fasano
Located in the ultra cool Ipanema Beach area, this high end, sleek hotel designed by Philippe Starck is for the crème de la crème. With its super sexy rooftop infinity pool overlooking the lively city this is the place to be if you have major cash.
http://www.fasano.com.br/

Torta Bay
This 4 star hotel is a bit more inexpensive. Located in the heart of Copacabana you sure to have the fantastic Rio experience you're looking for.
http://www.portobay.com/hotel.aspx?areaId=86

Where to Party:

Londra Bar
Inside Hotel Fasano you’ll find this lounge bar that’s perfect if you are looking to have a chill night out and enjoy live music. This is a hot spot for Brazilian celebs.
http://www.fasano.com

Café Sacrilegio
Looking for a night full of care free dancing and unpretentious people? Come to this party that’s that plays live Brazilian music every night of the week. Cover rarely more than R$15.
Rua Mem de Sá 81, Rio de Janeiro; Lapa; 021/3970-1461
www.sacrilegio.com.br/

The Week Club
One of the newest and best clubs in Rio with large dance floor spinning different house and electronic music. It costs around R$60 to get in and the party starts late, so  don't show up until about 2am. Friday nights is the best night to go!
154 Rua Sacadura Cabral , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil