In Brazil, New Year’s Eve isn’t something you simply attend — it’s something you choose carefully. Beach or city? Fireworks or dinner tables that stretch into sunrise? A crowd of millions or a coastline where the ocean does most of the talking? For international travelers, Réveillon has become less about checking a famous box and more about finding the version of Brazil that matches their rhythm.
That shift shows up clearly in the latest Booking.com search data. Looking at where foreign travelers are planning to spend the final days of 2025 and the first moments of 2026, a familiar name still leads the ranking — but the rest of the list reveals how Brazil is being rediscovered. Some destinations remain iconic, others point to a growing appetite for urban energy, nature-driven escapes and places that feel lived-in rather than staged.
Based on searches made between June 1 and September 22 for stays between December 20, 2025 and January 3, 2026, these are the Brazilian destinations most sought after by international travelers for Réveillon — and why they continue to make sense. Yes, even now, there’s still time to go.
Rio de Janeiro: Where the World Watches the Countdown (+52%)
Copacabana doesn’t need an introduction — but it deserves context. Often cited as one of the most emblematic New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, the beachfront Réveillon draws an average of 2.5 million people every year. The fireworks show lasts at least 12 minutes, synchronized with music and launched from barges anchored offshore, transforming the Atlantic into part of the spectacle.
For the 2025/2026 edition, the main stage in front of the Copacabana Palace will feature Gilberto Gil, João Gomes and DJ Alok, reinforcing the event’s status as Rio’s second-largest celebration, behind only Carnival. But what keeps foreign travelers coming back isn’t just scale — it’s ritual. White clothes, offerings to the sea, barefoot walks along the sand and a collective sense of renewal make Rio’s Réveillon feel cultural, not just celebratory.
Florianópolis: Beaches, Trails and Long Nights (+12%)
Florianópolis has long been a favorite among Argentinians and Uruguayans, and its appeal remains steady. The island offers dozens of beaches, scenic hikes and viewpoints, while areas like Lagoa da Conceição and Praia Mole become natural hubs for New Year’s gatherings that move easily between nature and nightlife.
Floripa works for travelers who don’t want to commit to a single mood. Days are spent between ocean swims and trails; nights stretch into beach parties or relaxed dinners that last well past midnight. It’s a destination that feels active, outdoorsy and social — without the intensity of Brazil’s largest cities.
São Paulo: The Urban Réveillon Effect (+342%)
The biggest surprise in this year’s ranking is São Paulo. With a dramatic increase in international searches, Brazil’s largest city confirms what insiders already know: Réveillon doesn’t have to involve sand to feel distinctly Brazilian.
The Avenida Paulista New Year’s celebration anchors the night, but São Paulo’s real draw lies in its scale and variety. Museums like the Pinacoteca, globally competitive restaurants, nightlife that runs year-round and neighborhoods shaped by food, art and design make the city especially attractive to travelers looking for culture-first experiences. For those who prefer concerts, exhibitions, late dinners and a cosmopolitan countdown, São Paulo offers a New Year’s Eve that feels global — with a Brazilian accent.
Búzios: Coastal Charm with a Social Pulse (+26%)
Búzios continues to balance elegance and ease. Once a fishing village, the destination remains a classic among foreign travelers, especially Argentinians, drawn by beaches like Geribá and João Fernandes during the day and the lively energy of Rua das Pedras at night.
Réveillon in Búzios is social by nature. Restaurants, bars and open-air parties turn the peninsula into a moving celebration, while the town’s compact size makes it easy to flow from beach to dinner to party without overplanning. It’s a destination that delivers atmosphere without excess.
Bombinhas: Clear Waters, Quiet Mornings (-15%)
Even with a slight drop in searches, Bombinhas remains one of southern Brazil’s coastal jewels. Known for crystal-clear waters and excellent diving conditions, beaches such as Mariscal, Sepultura and Bombas attract travelers seeking a calmer start to the year in the state of Santa Catarina.
Bombinhas appeals to those who prefer early-morning swims on January 1st, less noise and more nature. It’s a reminder that Réveillon in Brazil isn’t always about crowds — sometimes it’s about choosing silence, scenery and space.
Who’s Searching for Brazil?
According to Booking.com data, the nationalities most frequently searching for Brazil for the year-end holidays are Argentinians, Americans, Chileans, Uruguayans and Portuguese travelers. Together, they reflect Brazil’s growing relevance as a summer destination for both nearby neighbors and long-haul visitors.
While demand is high, the window hasn’t closed. Brazil’s size works in travelers’ favor, offering a wide range of accommodations, flight routes and experiences — from large-scale celebrations to low-key coastal escapes.
