Rio de Janeiro

The 38-metre Art Deco statue of Christ with arms outstretched atop Corcovado mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — and, on a clear day, the most jaw-dropping viewpoint over the whole city, its beaches and bays. Take the cog railway up through the rainforest; go early to beat cloud and crowds.

Ride the glass cable car in two stages up the sheer granite dome of Pão de Açúcar, rising straight from the sea at the harbour mouth — the view back over the city, the beaches and Christ on his peak is simply stupendous. Go for sunset, when the city lights come on and the sky turns pink.

The world's most famous beach — a four-kilometre sweep of sand backed by the black-and-white wave-mosaic promenade, alive with footvolley, beach vendors, joggers and sunbathers from dawn to dark. Rent a chair, sip a coconut, watch the endless parade of Carioca life; the quintessential Rio experience.

The chic, beautiful beach immortalised in 'The Girl from Ipanema' — golden sand framed by the Dois Irmãos peaks, divided into 'postos' where different tribes of Cariocas gather. Cleaner and more upscale than Copacabana; claim a spot, swim the surf, and stay for the Arpoador sunset at the far end.

The Escadaria Selarón — a long staircase between Lapa and Santa Teresa covered top to bottom in a riot of colourful tiles from all over the world, the life's work of the artist Jorge Selarón. Vivid, joyful and one of Rio's most photographed spots; go early to beat the crowds and the heat.

The rocky point between Ipanema and Copacabana where all of Rio gathers at dusk to watch the sun sink into the sea behind the Dois Irmãos peaks — and then applaud it. A free, joyous, only-in-Rio ritual; bring a beer, find a spot on the rocks, and join the clapping.

Ride the little yellow 'bondinho' tram up over the old aqueduct into the arty hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa — cobbled streets of faded mansions, studios, quirky bars and sweeping views over the city. A charming, bohemian half-day, and a glimpse of an older, artier Rio above the beaches.

Under the great white Lapa arches, Rio lets loose — a raucous weekend of samba clubs, open-air bars, street parties and live music that goes till dawn, the beating heart of the city's nightlife. Thrilling and gritty; go with a group, keep valuables at home, and dance to a live roda de samba.

One of the great temples of world football — the vast stadium that hosted two World Cup finals, and still shakes when Flamengo or the rivals play. Take a tour of the pitch and dressing rooms, or, far better, get a ticket to a match and experience the drums, flares and roar of a Brazilian crowd.

Brazil's national dish and a Saturday ritual — a rich, slow-cooked black-bean stew with pork, served with rice, farofa, collard greens and orange, washed down with a caipirinha. Hearty and delicious; do a long, lazy weekend feijoada at a traditional botequim, ideally with live samba playing.

The world's largest urban rainforest, cloaking the mountains in the middle of the city — waterfalls, jungle trails, monkeys and toucans, and lookouts like the Vista Chinesa with soaring views over the beaches. A wild, green escape minutes from the sand; go with a guide or jeep tour to see the best of it.

A serene 200-year-old botanical garden at the foot of Corcovado — avenues of towering royal palms, orchid houses, lily ponds and toucans and marmosets in the trees. A cool, green, tranquil break from the beach and the bustle; lovely paired with the neighbouring lagoon and the Parque Lage café.

Brazil's national cocktail — cachaça, lime, sugar and ice, muddled fresh and served in a plastic cup at a beach kiosk (barraca) as the sun goes down. Cheap, strong and utterly Rio; order one (or a coconut water) from your beach chair, and toast the Cidade Maravilhosa.

The curving beach of Botafogo frames the single most iconic view in Rio — the bay of bobbing yachts with Sugarloaf rising behind, unforgettable at dusk. A lovely, local spot to stroll or grab a drink, away from the ocean-beach crowds; the classic postcard, and a buzzing bar scene just behind.

The old downtown holds Rio's history — the grand Municipal Theatre and National Library, the gilded Confeitaria Colombo tea rooms, the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow on the revitalised port, and cobbled colonial lanes. Explore it by day (it empties at night); a cultured counterpoint to the beaches.