In a nutshell
- Rio de Janeiro: The state and the iconic metropolis is the ultimate classic destination in Brazil — and the best starting point if you’re short on time.
- Bahía: This region in the northeast is where Brazilian dance culture and an infectious love of life meet some of the country’s most stunning beaches.
- São Paulo: Brazil’s largest city never sleeps. For a true big-city experience, this massive metropolis is absolutely worth it.
- Florianópolis: This island in southern Brazil is packed with dream beaches and is one of the safest cities in the entire country — great for first-timers.
- Those four are our absolute top picks — but there are plenty of other beautiful regions and cities in Brazil. We’ll show you all of them right here!
Travel Destinations in Brazil at a Glance
Unless you happen to have several years of vacation time, it’ll be impossible to get to know all of Brazil in a single trip. The country is simply way too large.
To help you find the right vacation destination in Brazil, this article gives you a first dose of inspiration for the most beautiful regions and cities in the country.
We’ll introduce you to what the country has to offer and everything you should keep in mind for a vacation in Brazil in these two articles:
The Best Places to Visit in Brazil on a Map
To give you an overview of where each destination is located, we’ve marked them all on a map.
The Most Beautiful Regions in Brazil
Brazil consists of a total of 26 states. Some are far more popular with travelers than others. Here are the regions we think are the most beautiful — and the ones most worth your time.
Rio de Janeiro
Did you know that Rio de Janeiro is not only a city, but also one of the states of Brazil? Definitely worth knowing! Because not only is the metropolis itself packed with highlights, but so is the surrounding landscape.
If you’re traveling to Brazil mainly for sightseeing and don’t have a lot of time, Rio is absolutely the right choice. The distances between the top spots are short, and from dreamy beaches to a buzzing big city, Rio de Janeiro really does have it all.
Our Highlights in the Metropolis of Rio de Janeiro
- Cristo Redentor: One of the seven wonders of the modern world.
- Copacabana: Rio’s most famous beach.
- Ipanema: Another iconic beach right in the heart of the city.
- Sugarloaf Mountain: The famous granite peak rising straight out of the city.
- Celebrate Carnival: Rio’s Carnival is world-famous and an absolute must-see.
- Dance samba in Lapa: The nightlife in Rio’s historic district is truly one of a kind.
- Pedra de Telegrafo: Rio’s ultimate Instagram spot.
Our hotel recommendation: Miramar By Windsor Copacabana
The Most Beautiful Places in the Rio de Janeiro Region
- Ilha Grande: Unspoiled island with stunning beaches. Hotel tip: Paraíso Azul Retiro
- Arraial do Cabo: Caribbean-quality beaches at their finest. Hotel tip: Pousada Caminho do Sol
- Búzios: Charming fishing village with a great beach. Hotel tip: Villa Bella Ferradura
- Paraty: A gorgeous little colonial town. Hotel tip: Casa da Praia
More tips for Rio de Janeiro:
Bahía
Bahía is probably the most multifaceted region of Brazil — here you get to experience the country in all its complexity. The northeast offers beautiful coastal towns and dreamy beaches on one hand, and mountains and waterfalls in the interior on the other.
On top of that, Bahía is bursting with culture. Ribbons and clothing in vivid colors, along with music and dancing everywhere you turn, make this region a truly special experience.
If you want to soak up Brazilian traditions and take a dip in the Atlantic in between, Bahía is the right destination for you.
Our Highlights and Top Picks in Bahía
- Salvador de Bahía: A lively big city with plenty of things to see. Hotel tip: Hotel Villa Bahia
- Itacaré: A surf town with palm-lined beaches. Hotel tip: Aldeia do Mar Sensorial Hotel
- Morro de São Paulo: A beach paradise close to Salvador. Hotel tip: One Beach Boutique Hotel
- Chapada Diamantina: A mountain region with waterfalls and caves. Hotel tip: Villa Allma
- Porto Seguro: A popular resort town with a great beach. Hotel tip: Terra do Sol
Amazonas
If you’ve always dreamed of venturing into the jungle, Brazil’s largest state, Amazonas, is the place for you. In this rainforest region, you’ll experience nature in its fullest form. Wild animals and the seemingly endless Amazon River — out here, you’re truly far from civilization.
For adventurers and nature lovers, the Amazon is the perfect spot in Brazil. Whether it’s a boat trip along the river or excursions deep into the jungle — genuinely wild experiences are guaranteed.
Our Highlights and the Most Beautiful Places in the Amazon
- Boat tour on the Amazon: For example as a guided full-day tour.
- Manaus: A city of over a million people in the middle of the rainforest. Hotel tip: Hotel Casa do Bispo
- Belém: A fascinating city that serves as the gateway to the Amazon. Hotel tip: Hotel Grão Para
- Jungle Tour: A real adventure!
- Discover exotic wildlife: From anacondas to toucans.
Minas Gerais
Minas Gerais is entirely inland and doesn’t top most travelers’ lists — but everyone who makes it to Minas, as the locals call their region, comes back enchanted.
That’s mainly down to the incredibly hospitable people you’ll encounter here — we’ve rarely experienced such warmth anywhere else. The food in Minas is seriously delicious too. And the region is home to beautiful little colonial towns that make for outstanding photo opportunities.
If you’re primarily interested in the land and its people, Minas Gerais is the perfect travel destination in Brazil for you.
Our Highlights and Top Picks in Minas Gerais
- Belo Horizonte: A metropolis with tons of cool bars and restaurants. Hotel tip: Hotel Gran Vivenzo
- Ouro Preto: A stunning colonial city set in hilly terrain. Hotel tip: Hotel Recanto do Ouro
- Tiradentes: A small village with charming lanes and historic houses. Hotel tip: Pousada Richard Rothe
- Capitólio: An impressive canyon and a seriously great photo spot. Hotel tip: Escarpas Eco Village
- Try traditional food: Queijo minas, Pão de Queijo, and Frango com quiabo are just a few of the region’s specialties.
Pernambuco
International tourists rarely have Pernambuco on their radar — which makes it a true under-the-radar find in Brazil.
Alongside the metropolis of Recife and the colonial city of Olinda, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil here, as well as the dream island of Fernando de Noronha.
If you’re after sun, sand, and sea and want to vacation mostly among Brazilians rather than tourists, Pernambuco is the right choice.
Our Highlights and Top Picks in Pernambuco
- Recife: A buzzing metropolis where pure Brazilian joie de vivre reigns. Hotel tip: Bugan Recife
- Porto de Galinhas: A paradise beach with natural tide pools. Hotel tip: Pousada Som dos Pássaros
- Olinda: One of Brazil’s oldest and most historically rich cities. Hotel tip: Estalagem Bonfim, 351
- Fernando de Noronha: The country’s ultimate dream island. Hotel tip: Pousada Amar Noronha
Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina is a fantastic destination in Brazil for getting your first real feel for the country and its people.
For one, it’s the region with the lowest crime rate in Brazil, and the climate is subtropical — meaning it doesn’t get quite as hot and humid as in northern Brazil.
Also read our tips on safety in Brazil
Most importantly, Santa Catarina is absolutely beautiful. The long dream beaches, hip coastal towns, and great surf spots make this one of our favorite places to visit in Brazil.
Our Highlights and the Most Beautiful Places in Santa Catarina
- Florianópolis: On the “Magic Island,” one dream beach follows another. Pousada Lozalti
- Praia do Rosa: One of Brazil’s top surf spots and a beloved vacation destination. Hotel tip: Pousada Calmar
- Balneario Camboriú: An impressive beach with towering high-rises in the background. Hotel tip: Rizzu Marina Hotel
- Blumenau: A German-influenced city in Brazil known for its own Oktoberfest. Hotel tip: Hotel Glória Blumenau
The Most Beautiful Cities in Brazil
If a city trip is more your style, Brazil has some truly incredible metropolises that absolutely deserve a spot on your itinerary.
São Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil’s hub and, with over 12 million residents, the country’s largest metropolis. Almost all international flights pass through São Paulo, so it’s easy to explore the city during a stopover.
There’s something happening around the clock here — you’ll never be bored in São Paulo. The city also has some great points of interest in Brazil to offer.
Our Highlights and the Most Beautiful Places in São Paulo
- Avenida Paulista: The city’s most famous street, stretching a full three kilometers.
- Parque do Ibirapuera: A green oasis in the middle of the city.
- Museu de Arte de São Paulo: One of the most respected art museums in Latin America.
- Ponte Octávio Frias de Oliveira: A striking cable-stayed bridge over the Rio Pinheiros.
- Mercado Municipal de São Paulo: The city’s lively main market hall.
Our hotel recommendation for São Paulo: Laghetto Stilo São Paulo
More tips for São Paulo:
Manaus
Manaus is a truly unique city — it sits right in the middle of the Amazon. It’s an excellent base for a jungle adventure, but it’s also well worth a visit in its own right, offering a fascinating glimpse into life deep in the rainforest.
Our Highlights and the Most Beautiful Places in Manaus
- Amazon River: In Manaus, the Rio Negro meets the Amazon — a spectacular natural phenomenon.
- Teatro Amazonas: A famous opera house and genuine architectural masterpiece.
- Praia Ponta Negra: A lovely city beach along the Rio Negro.
- Ponte Rio Negro: A cable-stayed bridge spanning more than 3.5 kilometers.
Our hotel recommendation for Manaus: Hotel Casa do Bispo
Salvador da Bahía
Salvador is something of the cultural capital of Brazil. The old quarter sits atop a hill and is full of pretty churches, colorful houses, and cool cafés. At night, it really comes alive — music blares from every corner and people dance with abandon.
Salvador is also home to beautiful city beaches where you can swim in crystal-clear water.
Our Highlights and the Most Beautiful Places in Salvador
- Pelourinho: The historic old town perched on a hill.
- Barra Lighthouse: A great vantage point to watch the sunset.
- Elevador Lacerda: The elevator connecting the historic center to the lower city.
- Salvador Carnival: The second most famous Carnival in Brazil after Rio’s.
- Igreja de Bonfim: A famous church adorned with colorful ribbons.
Our hotel recommendation for Salvador: Hotel Villa Bahia
Florianópolis
Florianópolis is a small city by Brazilian standards, sitting on an island also known as Ilha da magia — the Magic Island.
It’s especially popular with surfers and beach vacationers, since the eastern coast offers fantastic sandy beaches with plenty of waves.
The island has also become one of the most sought-after places in Brazil for expats. Hip bars, stylish co-working cafés, loads of sunshine, and low crime — honestly, once you’re in Florianópolis, you won’t want to leave.
Our Highlights and the Most Beautiful Places in Florianópolis
- Lagoinha do Leste: A secluded dream beach in wild, natural surroundings.
- Hercilio Luz Bridge: The iconic bridge connecting the island to the mainland.
- Ilha do Campeche: A small paradise island off Floripa’s eastern coast.
- Lagoa de Conceição: The heart of the island, with cool bars and restaurants.
- Barra de Lagoa: A great beach for beginner surfers.
Our hotel recommendation for Florianópolis: Pousada Lozalti
Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is the capital of Brazil’s culinary heartland, Minas Gerais. The city is best known for its remarkable concentration of bars and its lively nightlife.
Since it’s not on the coast, you won’t find hordes of tourists here. But that’s precisely what makes the atmosphere so special. You’ll meet laid-back, open-hearted people who are genuinely thrilled to welcome you to their city.
Our Highlights and the Most Beautiful Places in Belo Horizonte
- Mercado Central de Belo Horizonte: A huge market hall serving up traditional local dishes.
- Praça da Liberdade: The main square, home to important landmarks like the Government Palace.
- São Francisco de Assis: A one-of-a-kind church covered in beautiful blue tiles.
- Parque Mangabeiras: The best overlook in all of Belo Horizonte.
Our hotel recommendation for Belo Horizonte: Hotel Gran Vivenzo
