From rugged, forest-carpeted peaks to golden, idyllic beaches, Rio de Janeiro’s natural wonders are bewitching during the day. Yet at night, the city’s icons become silhouetted against dramatic skies as urban life twinkles and illuminates the after-hour activity. Here are 25 photos that prove Rio is South America’s most beautiful city at night.
The Views From the Sugarloaf Are Spectacular at Night
From Whichever Angle
Rio Effortlessly Mixes Urban Life With Natural Beauty
It Also Has Extraordinary Sunsets
Rio’s Stadiums Are Even More Impressive at Night
Rio Celebrates the Most Incredible New Year’s Eve at Copacabana
It Also Has Breathtaking Views Like This One From Corcovado
Christmas Time in Rio de Janeiro is Magical
Rio’s Architecture Dazzles at Night
As Does its Coastlines
The Parties at Night in Rio Are Sensational
Gaze in Awe at Rio’s Skyline at Night
Rio Has Breathtaking Viewpoints at Night
It Also Has a Beautiful Natural Lake That Lights When it Gets Dark…
…and Becomes Even More Incredible When it’s Night Time
Christ the Redeemer is Spellbinding, Whether He is Casting His Gaze Over Disappearing Day…
…or Overlooking Copacabana’s Firework Show
Rio’s Landscapes at Dusk Are Pretty Amazing
So is This Jaw-Dropping Aerial View Over Rio
Rio’s City Center at Night is Striking
These Views Are Truly One of a Kind
Rio’s Coastline is Ridiculously Stunning at Night
Arpoador in Rio Becomes Dramatic at Night
This Moody Skyline From Leblon
With Two of Rio’s Major Icons—Christ the Redeemer and the Sugarloaf—in One, Epic Shot, This Sums Up Just Why Rio de Janeiro is the Most Beautiful City in South America at Night
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Sarah is a British freelance journalist and writer based in Rio de Janeiro. Her favourite travel experiences so far include swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, trekking through Rio's urban forest and enjoying the city life in Madrid. Find her on Instagram @sbgrio
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