Even the sun-sensitive can partake since most hotels will lend out giant beach umbrellas. In addition, the city is physically enormous, so you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to see as much of it as you can. The traffic in Rio is a nightmare, not only because of the volume of cars but also because certain main, absolutely necessary streets run only in one direction during rush hours. You will not be able to figure it out during an average vacation-length stay, so don't even try. Licensed cabs are inexpensive, provided you decide on the fare before you get in the cab.
Public transportation is also reasonable and accessible.
Though Rio's crime rate has dropped dramatically, it is still a major city. Just as you wouldn't walk around New York City with a wad of cash or giant diamonds, don't do it in Rio. To take your personal safety a step further, leave your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe. You should have no reason to need your passport on the street, so don't worry about leaving it in the hotel. Our hotel provided in-room safes for just this purpose.