Thanks to the arrival of the Olympics this August, Rio de Janeiro is the destination of 2016. Discover the best places to visit with Stylist’s insider guide to Brazil’s most famous city

Brazil’s second largest city is expecting to host up to half a million tourists during the 2016 Olympics alone. For the lucky ones heading to Rio this year, Thomas Robinson from Brazil travel specialists Dehouche (dehouche.com) shares its hottest addresses.

“The best hotel in Rio has to be the Fasano (fasano.com.br; from £470 for a double). Located in legendary Ipanema, Philippe Starck’s first hotel in Brazil has become an exclusive celebrity hangout that is steps away from Copacabana. Its big attraction is the rooftop infinity pool, pictured, which boasts panoramic views across the ocean to Morro Dois Irmãos. Alternatively, escape to Casa Marques (hotelcasamarques.com.br; from £101 for a double), the city’s newest boutique hotel in Santa Teresa, with its colonial architecture and views across Rio.”

“Opened by the former head chef of Spain’s Michelin-starred Mugaritz, Lasai (lasai.com.br; about £90 for two) offers daily-changing tasting menus in its rustic dining room. Feast on everything from a sous-vide egg with coconut cream to oxtail tapioca. After dinner, make sure you retire to the rooftop bar for cocktails overlooking Christ the Redeemer. You’ll find similar menus at the equally brilliant Aprazível (aprazivel.com.br) in Santa Teresa or Puro (purorestaurante.com.br) in Jardim Botânico.”

“The formerly derelict area of Lapa is now the most buzzing place for Brazilian nightlife and is ideal for experiencing live samba, with loads of smaller bars opening up. Try the popular Rio Scenarium (rioscenarium.art.br). Equally, Jardim Botânico is an up-and-coming hotspot for bars and cafes. Known as a middle-upper class area close to Rio’s famous Tijuca Forest, it offers a more relaxed scene for creative types.”

“Ipanema is famous for Brazilian designer Lenny Niemeyer’s (lennyniemeyer.com) first swimwear shop where locals buy stylish bikinis and one-pieces. However, you’ll find Rio’s fashion pack in Centro, specifically at new boutique Frey Kalioubi (freykalioubi.com.br) in the recently refurbished 17th-century square of Praça Tiradentes. With a carefully curated collection of Brazilian and European designers, it’s the place to be seen.”

Where to eat, drink and stay in Rio