According to a recent survey by Booking.com, Rio de Janeiro and Florianópolis are among the most popular destinations for tourists.
Rio is not only one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists from all over the world, but also one of the most eagerly awaited stopovers for those traveling by cruise ship. With an unbeatable combination of breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and warm hospitality, the city offers a unique experience, whether you disembark at Pier Mauá or choose to explore the city in other ways.
Unforgettable postcard
Arriving in Rio de Janeiro by sea is a spectacle in itself. As they approach Guanabara Bay, cruisers are greeted by one of the most iconic views in the world: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and the Rio waterfront in breathtaking scenery.
Attractions for all profiles
Whether you're looking for history, culture or leisure, Rio offers options for all tastes. The Historic Center, just a few minutes from the terminal, is an invitation to explore the rich colonial heritage and visit places like the Museum of Tomorrow and the Royal Portuguese Reading Office. For beach lovers, Copacabana and Ipanema are just a short drive away, guaranteeing a refreshing dip in the Rio de Janeiro sea.
Vibrant gastronomy and culture
The cuisine is also a big draw, with restaurants serving everything from the traditional feijoada to contemporary dishes by renowned chefs. In addition, the city pulses to the sound of samba, with live music circles scattered around neighborhoods such as Lapa and Santa Teresa.
Pier Mauá: Connecting tourists to Rio de Janeiro
For tourists arriving in Rio de Janeiro by cruise ship, Pier Mauá plays a crucial role. As the city's main cruise terminal, it offers modern infrastructure and security to ensure that passengers' arrival is smooth. Its privileged location allows those arriving by cruise ship to make the most of the city, exploring its iconic attractions easily and quickly as soon as they disembark.
Busiest times at the Pier so far
Pre-Carnival: In February 2023, in the days leading up to Carnival, Pier Mauá received more than 50,000 tourists, with five boats docking in the first half of the month.
New Year's Eve parties: The holiday season was also marked by high levels of traffic. In December 2024, the terminal received approximately 74,000 tourists. December 28th and 31st were especially busy, with three ships simultaneously sailing on the 28th (Costa Pacífica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Seaview) and two on the 31st (Costa Deliziosa and Costa Favolosa) to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Data that highlights Rio de Janeiro:
Rio received more than 1.5 million international tourists in 2024. For 2025, City Hall expects growth of 15%, with an estimated 1.7 million tourists.Regarding domestic tourists, Rio received 10.8 million in 2024. In 2025, the number should reach 12.4 million.
Source: Embratur, Municipal Department of Tourism and Economic Growth.
Rio is in 1st place in the ranking of the 10 most popular winter destinations for digital nomads. This month, the Cidade Maravilhosa hosted The Nomad World (TNW), a meeting organized by the international community of these professionals.
Source: Aviation Direct Portal
The events sector, which is largely responsible for attracting tourism to the city, is expected to grow by 45.2% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Source: Visit in Rio
In Carnival 2025 alone, the average occupancy of the city's hotels reached 8.62%.
And that's the economic impact of the main events in Rio:
Carnival: R$ 5.7 billion
Rock In Rio: R$ 2.9 billion
New Year: R$ 3.2 billion
Web Summit Rio: R$ 1.5 billion
Source: Rio City Hall and FGV
The Marvelous City was one of the most searched destinations by travelers around the world on Booking.com for trips between January and March 2025.
- 1st Dubai
- 2nd Paris
- 3rd London
- 7° Rio de Janeiro
Wonderful and unforgettable city
Here, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed! With an excellent welcome at Pier Mauá and the wonderful city as a backdrop, every arrival in Rio de Janeiro becomes a unique moment for our lucky visitors!
