Rio de Janeiro or just simply Rio, is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova and balneario beaches such as Barra da Tijuca, Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. The city has a remarkable architectural heritage, some of the country’s best museums and galleries, superb restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. With so much to see and do, Rio can easily occupy a week and you may well find it difficult to drag yourself away. As Rio achieved independence from the Portuguese rulers, the city expanded politically, culturally, economically and architecturally.