Rio de Janeiro
Virtual Walk · Brazil
Take a free virtual walk through Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — no passport, no flights, no account required. Nearaway streams immersive 4K walking tour footage from Rio de Janeiro's streets, letting you explore Americas's cities from anywhere in the world.
On New Year's Day 1502, navigator Gaspar de Lemos sailed into Guanabara Bay and mistook it for a great river — naming it Rio de Janeiro, River of January. The city was formally founded on March 1, 1565. For two centuries it was a colonial backwater until the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and made it the capital of their empire in 1808 — the only time a European monarch governed from the New World.
Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue is struck by lightning an average of 6 times per year. The best time for a virtual walk through Rio de Janeiro is may–september (dry season) or feb for carnival. Must-try local foods include Açaí bowl, Churrasco, Pão de queijo.
Local Greeting
Olá / Oi
How locals say hello in Rio de Janeiro
Best Time to Visit
May–September (dry season) or Feb for Carnival
Must Eat
Local Tip
Cariocas (Rio residents) are warm and physical — hugs and cheek-kisses are normal greetings.
Origin Story
ColonialOn New Year's Day 1502, navigator Gaspar de Lemos sailed into Guanabara Bay and mistook it for a great river — naming it Rio de Janeiro, River of January. The city was formally founded on March 1, 1565. For two centuries it was a colonial backwater until the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and made it the capital of their empire in 1808 — the only time a European monarch governed from the New World.
Fun Fact
Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue is struck by lightning an average of 6 times per year.
Cultural Dos
- ✓Embrace the beach culture
- ✓Learn a few words of Portuguese
- ✓Try the local cachaça
Cultural Don'ts
- ✕Wear expensive jewelry in public
- ✕Skip sunscreen
Explore More Cities
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