Postos eight and nine are where the young and beautiful hang out to soak up the sun. Try your hand at a game of volleyball or frescobol (paddleball) then quench your thirst with a coconut from one of the many beach stands. For sunset head to Arpoador, the large rock at the end of posto seven for a truly breathtaking display. Don’t forget to cheer when the sun disappears.

Located just a few hours away by boat, Ilha Grande is Brazil’s undeveloped paradise. The island is noted for its scenic beauty, unspoilt tropical beaches and crystal clear waters. Relax in the sun, swim, sail, disappear into a spa then re-emerge to watch the sunset, followed by a fresh seafood dinner at one of the island’s many waterfront restaurants.

This world-famous stairway in Lapa is composed of 250 steps spanning a whopping 125 metres. Built by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón as a ‘tribute to the Brazilian people’ the colourful tiles and perspective make it one of the most Insta-worthy photo ops around.

Two great museums are situated in the restored square. The Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) is a beautiful example of contemporary architecture and all about visitor interaction – entry is free on Tuesdays and you can walk on the undulating roof. The Museu do Amanhã (museum of tomorrow) looks like a spaceship and explores sustainability and the future of the planet.

Beg, steal or borrow a GoPro then rent a paddleboard for the afternoon and punt your way along Copacabana beach – prime people watching time and an excellent core workout. If you need a bit of direction, lessons start at about £10 an hour.

You can’t visit Rio without making a trip, nay, pilgrimage to the Maracanã, Brazil’s football mecca. Watching the game here is a quasi-psychedelic experience – the stadium’s history and contagious energy of the crowd make it one of the most thrilling places to watch football in the world. Plan your visit for when when local rivals Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Fluminense or Botafogo go head to head.

One of the best ways to see Rio is from the sky and – if you’ve got nerves of steel – hang gliding is a cheaper option than a helicopter tour (not to mention way cooler). Embody the rhythm of Rio by being spontaneous and living for the moment.

Far better than any gym session, don your slinkiest neon Lyrca and hit the road for a 7.5km run with one of the prettiest views of the city. Packed with joggers and cyclists from dawn until dusk, the area is patrolled by police so you can wear your headphones without fear (though we still recommend sticking to daylight hours).

Wear a hat, lace up your shoes, charge your camera and begin the 45-minute trek up the Dois Irmãos mountain. You’ll pass through the Vidigal favela (‘pacified’ by the government and safe) before reaching the trail, but if you don’t fancy the walk there are mini buses and taxis. For the most spectacular views go at sunrise or sunset (when you’ll need a a torch). With the most outstanding view that Rio has to offer, you simply must not leave without ascending Dois Irmaos.

Go for breakfast in leafy Parque Lage at the bottom of Corcovado. The Florentine mansion was once home to industrialist Enrique Lage and his wife, singer Gabriela Besanzoni, and has featured in many popular music videos for artists including Pharrell Williams, Black Eyed Peas and Snoop Dogg.