The main risk for foreign nationals is petty and violent crime, especially in the peripheral neighbourhoods and favelas in the northern part of the city. However, the business district and tourist areas are also prone to these crimes. Foreign nationals should avoid any isolated or poorly lit areas after dark and travel in groups when possible. Opportunistic crime increases during the Carnival, a major celebration that takes place before the Christian solemnity of Ash Wednesday. Personal safety precautions are necessary at all times, such as avoiding visible displays of wealth, always carrying a small amount of money in an easily accessible place that can be handed over immediately to a mugger and avoiding flagging down taxis on the street.

The steep Serra da Caríoca Mountains of Tijuca National Park divide Rio de Janeiro into the zona norte (north zone) and the zona sul (south zone). The mountains descend to the edge of the city centre, where the two zones meet. Zona Sul is renowned for its sea beaches and is home to business-class hotels and restaurants; various embassies and government buildings are also located in this zone. Zona norte on the other hand offers tourist attractions such as the Rio zoo, Maracanã football stadium, and the historical tunnel of Noel Rosa. Centro (the city centre) is considered the dividing line between the north and south zones and is home to the business district. Many shopping outlets can be found in the city centre. Two wide avenues, Avenida Rio Branco and Avenida Presidente Vargas, cross the centre and are useful for orientation. Overlooking the city centre is the colonial neighbourhood of Santa Teresa and the looming statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) atop Corcovado mountain in Cosme Velho, both popular with tourists.