places to visit in brazil rio de janeiro

Rio de Janeiro   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Anna Gibiskys | Getty Images

17 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If it's your first time in Rio, you can't pass up people-watching along the white-sand shores of Copacabana  or Ipanema . But don't spend all your time at the beach; the Marvelous City has more spectacular natural beauty to offer with sites

• All Things To Do

Christ the Redeemer Christ the Redeemer

This iconic landmark is a must-see attraction in Rio. Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this statue of Jesus Christ stands with arms outstretched to the city from above Corcovado Mountain's staggering 2,310-foot elevation.

Started in 1922 and completed in 1931, the monument – made of concrete and covered in soapstone mosaic tiles – stands 124 feet tall as a religious and cultural symbol of the Brazilian people's warm and welcoming culture. The monument rests atop Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca National Park and is the most famous attraction in Rio de Janeiro, visited by nearly 2 million people each year. Recent travelers recommend visiting on a day with clear skies since the vantage point is the best in the city. Many also advise going as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Tijuca National Park Tijuca National Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: After a day of hiking, head over to Os Esquilos ("The Squirrels"), the national park's only restaurant. Visit between May and October when Rio's temperatures drop to enjoy fondue paired with red wine next to the roaring log fire. – Sarah Brown

Outdoorsy types love exploring this expansive green rainforest. Covering more than 9,600 acres, Tijuca National Park sits within the Atlantic Forest and is one of the largest urban forests on the planet. The natural beauty of the park can't be understated: it features varied terrains, waterfalls, caves and more than 1,600 plant species and more than 300 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

Jardim Botânico Jardim Botânico

Spread out across more than 350 acres, this botanical paradise awes its visitors with more than 7,000 indigenous and exotic species of flora. This serene garden hosts everything from orchids to Amazonian trees to large ferns, and is a haven for wild animals such as marmosets, frogs and tropical birds. The gardens were originally created in 1808 by Regent Prince D. João to acclimatize spices from other regions. Since its debut to the public in 1822, the verdant sanctuary has become a haven for locals and tourists; Albert Einstein even dropped in. The national park is also known as a premier botany and ecology research center. 

Travelers relish the garden's tranquility, the abundance of nature, and recommend taking guided or self-driven thematic tours of the park's various sections. The park also includes a playground, souvenir shop and the Garden Café restaurant.

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Boat Tours Boat Tours

With its iconic coastline and mountainous backdrop, Rio de Janeiro is best explored from the water. Boat tours offer a unique perspective of the city, giving visitors opportunities to admire its stunning beaches, islands, and landmarks from a different angle. There's a variety of boat tours to suit different preferences, including daylong boat tours and scuba diving excursions.

A scuba diving trip takes about five hours. Trips usually go to Cagarras Island – just off the coast of Ipanema – or to Arraial do Cabo – east of Rio. Those who have never dived before will get a quick lesson from experienced divers and will be accompanied in the water by a guide during their entire swim. Qualified divers can go ahead and enjoy the underwater biodiversity. Rio Natural Ecotourism and Itaway Eco Tours are two favorite vendors among tour-takers. Prices start at $130 per person.

Lapa Lapa free

If you come to Rio to revel in samba and other Brazilian music, Lapa is the place for you. This festive neighborhood ignites at night when locals swing their hips and sip on delectable cocktails. Brimming with rows of botecos (typical Brazilian bars), clubs and live music venues, Lapa's seductive night crawl certainly isn't lacking excitement or charm.

You'll definitely want to check out  Rio Scenarium , the most popular Brazilian club that features three stories, vintage decor and a long list of craft cocktails. Other popular bars and nightclubs include Leviano , known for its variety of music ranging from samba to forró , and Armazém do Senado , a lively bar with live music where visitors spill out into the street, especially on Saturday afternoons.

Ipanema Beach Ipanema Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: At the end of the day, go to Arpoador at the far end of Ipanema near Copacabana to watch the sunset next to the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Mountains). Locals clap as the last slither of sun dips behind the horizon. – Sarah Brown

Made famous by the well-known bossa nova song, "The Girl from Ipanema," this beach has drawn tourists for decades. The 1.5-mile stretch of sand boasts gorgeous mountain views, beautiful Brazilians and cobalt waters. While sunbathing, you'll observe wildly entertaining games of  futevolei  (the Brazilian version of volleyball without hands) and smell coalho cheese with oregano grilling nearby on skewers.

Escadaria Selaron Escadaria Selaron free

One of the most iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro is the Escadaria Selarón, or Selarón Steps, a 250-step staircase decorated with more than 2,000 carefully placed tiles from around the world. It was created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón who began the project in 1990 of transforming a run-down outdoor staircase in Rio's downtown into one of the city's most photographed masterpieces. Dedicating hours of life to what he referred to as a tribute to Brazilian people, Selarón was found dead on his steps in 2013 (the exact cause of his death has not been disclosed). Today, the landmark has appeared in fashion magazines, music videos and films and continues to be one of the city's most visited icons. Best of all, it's free to visit.

Recent visitors said it was a must-see and a great spot for photos, even though it can get a bit crowded. Some travelers said the steps themselves are safe, however, it's recommended to keep belongings close while wandering in the surrounding area to avoid pickpocketing.

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)

U.S. News Insider Tip: After visiting the Sugarloaf, unwind at the neighboring picturesque Praia Vermelha beach and then head over to the nearby Mureta, a bay-side wall in Urca where locals gather to watch the sunset and socialize the night away. – Sarah Brown

Standing high above Rio's bustling metropolis at 1,296 feet, Pão de Açúcar, or the Sugarloaf Mountain, cascades over the picturesque Guanabara Bay. From Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) in the residential Urca district, you can take a three-minute cable car ride up to Morro da Urca and then hop on another cable car up to the top of Sugarloaf. From the glass-enclosed bondinho (cable car), you'll get a dazzling view of the city, the sea and Rio's tree-covered mountains.

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Pedra da Gávea Pedra da Gávea free

Amid Rio's vibrant cityscape stands Pedra da Gávea, an adventure-lover's dream. This iconic granite peak stands more than 2,700 feet above sea level, providing stunning panoramic views of the city, ocean and the Atlantic Forest. It's a hike that's not for the faint-hearted, but the rewards are worth the effort – recent visitors describe it as "amazing" and "incredible" but warn it's a tough hike. It takes about five hours up and back down (although it can take longer depending on which viewpoints you visit), and involves a mix of steep ascents, rocky terrain and some rope-assisted sections. Hiring a local guide is recommended for safety and navigation, even if you're an experienced hiker. Always check the weather forecast before you go, as the trail becomes slippery during the rain.

The views from the summit are breathtaking and let you see some of Rio's famous sites including the Christ the Redeemer  statue, Sugarloaf Mountain , and the golden coastline. On the way back down, don't forget to visit the Garganta do Céu ("The Sky's Throat") for a unique perspective of Rio's coastline. Also keep an eye out for the Cabeça do Imperador ("The Emperor's Head"), a natural rock facade shaped like a face and an abundance of wildlife (think: monkeys, toucans and various plant species).

Prainha Prainha free

Known as Brazil's "little" beach, this remote paradise sits about 22 miles west of  Ipanema Beach  but is well worth the jaunt. Prainha's magnificent shoreline features a backdrop of rolling hills and verdant rainforest. Surfers covet the killer waves – Prainha is a beloved spot among the surfing community – while beachgoers marvel at the gorgeous sunsets. The shore empties out during the weekdays (particularly during Brazil's winter, which is June to September), making Prainha a great alternative to other tourist-laden beaches. However, swimmers and surfers take note: currents are strong and there are no lifeguards.

Recent travelers love the quieter, more local vibe at Prainha, especially in the offseason. The beach boasts plenty of sunbathing spots during the week and is lined with kiosks selling snacks and drinks. There is also a restaurant nearby called Mirante da Prainha, ideal for oceanic views and Brazilian food. The best way to get there is by car (either taxi or Uber is recommended), as there are no direct public transport options. There is parking space for cars which is informally manned by local car attendants, meaning the cost may vary but is about 15 reais ($3) according to recent travelers, who also recommend getting there early to get a spot.

Pedra do Telégrafo Pedra do Telégrafo

U.S. News Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Wild Beaches after your trip to Pedra do Telégrafo. These stunning beaches are often completely deserted and feature white sand and lush forest backdrops. Check out Perigoso, Funda, Inferno and Meio beaches. – Sarah Brown

Located in the Atlantic Forest, Pedra do Telégrafo is a popular hiking destination for travelers seeking breathtaking views and memorable photo opportunities. This famous peak has gained worldwide fame for its gravity-defying photos that make it appear as though you're hanging off a rocky precipice over a sheer drop. Don't worry though – there's a solid rock platform beneath. The photos are all about perspective.

Copacabana Beach Copacabana Beach free

One of Rio's most popular shores, Copacabana is a public beach located in the heart of the luxurious Zona Sul neighborhood. The beach is marked by postos , or lifeguard stands, that offer changing rooms and restrooms for a small fee (less than $1). Copacabana's 2.5-mile stretch of sand runs from Posto 3 to Posto 6, where you'll find a peninsula that houses the Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort.

Brimming with authentic eats, lavish accommodations and the beautiful Avenida Atlântica sideway made of mosaic tiles in a wave motif, Copacabana Beach boasts much more than powdery sands. Recent visitors said it was a must-visit beach and commented on how many people practice sports there at all times of day. Others commented on petty theft that may occur on the beach and recommended keeping belongings in sight and close by. You'll see runners and cyclists making the most of the cycle path that runs alongside the beach from the crack of dawn until well into the evening. The beach is also a hotspot for beach volleyball and football (soccer) at all times of day.

Santa Teresa Santa Teresa free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss Parque das Ruínas , a restored historical building with exposed brickwork and stunning views across Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf and Rio's downtown. Check out the gallery of contemporary, local art there too. Best of all, it's free. – Sarah Brown

This hilly bohemian district boasts an eclectic array of art and architecture. Strolling along Santa Teresa's cobblestone streets, you'll be enchanted by sidewalk mosaics, palatial mansions and artsy galleries. Conveniently situated just southwest of  Lapa , this neighborhood offers traditional Brazilian restaurants, bars and craft stores.

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Barra da Tijuca Barra da Tijuca free

Barra da Tijuca, which includes an expansive 11-mile stretch of coastline and adjacent shopping center, is a neighborhood known as "Barra" and is popular among Cariocas. Recent travelers say its beach has a more relaxed environment than the sands at Copacabana  and Ipanema  and is more local and less crowded. They also say it's an ideal spot for walking, running and cycling. You can also find places to do surfing lessons, one of the most favorite pastimes of a Carioca. Along the shore, you'll find plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as kiosks selling coconut water, alcoholic drinks and typical Brazilian cuisine

The adjacent shopping center, Barra Shopping, is Brazil's largest commerce complex, featuring retail, entertainment, dining and business centers totaling more than 700 stores. Hours for shops and other stores vary within the center, although the mall itself opens Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Check Barra Shopping's website (written in Portuguese) for more information.

Grumari Beach Grumari Beach free

You won't find beachfront restaurants, luxurious hotels or plentiful kiosks here. Without them, you'll have space to stretch out on the 1.5 miles of white and red sand. Part retreat for sun-seekers, part environmental reserve, this lovely beach is a way away from the swooning tourists at  Copacabana  and  Ipanema (about 25 miles).

Travelers rave about Grumari Beach's cleanliness and natural beauty but note that the trek there may take you awhile. Recent visitors said that even though the beach is about an hour's drive from the city, it's a hidden gem worth checking out. Some travelers warn that cell phone reception isn't great, meaning calling for a ride back can be a bit tricky. They also mentioned that the sea can be quite rough, so take care if you go swimming, especially as there are no lifeguards in the area.

Ilha Fiscal Ilha Fiscal

Set apart from the bustling sights and sounds of central Rio, this remote neo-Gothic castle rests on a tucked away island in Guanabara Bay. Completed in 1889 and once a prime location for the Brazilian custom service for supervising port operations, Ilha Fiscal now serves as an illuminated city gem. It was once known for being the venue of the event that was known as "The Last Ball of the Empire," which was held just days before the Proclamation of the Republic.

The castle was reopened in July 2023 following 18 months of restoration and now includes several historical exhibitions and the Galeota D. Joao VI, the oldest vessel preserved in Brazil and used by the Portuguese royal family.

Metropolitan Cathedral Metropolitan Cathedral free

Located in Rio's downtown, the Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro, is a unique masterpiece and a must-see for those interested in architecture. Designed by architect Edgar Fonseca, it's a striking example of modernist architecture, with its cone-shaped dome standing at 246 feet and resembling the Mayan pyramids. It's decorated with colorful stained-glass windows that encircle the structure and create a wonderful play of light inside, which many recent travelers say is beautiful to see. Construction of the cathedral began in 1962 and the first mass was celebrated there ten years later.

The interior has minimal decor, but has an impressive display of religious art. The main door, known as the Door of Faith, is decorated with 48 bronze high-reliefs, and the church holds a large collection of sculptures, paintings, statues and space for a choir and an organ.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The city of Rio de Janeiro, with its evocative name, brings to mind golden sand beaches populated by sun-kissed bodies by day and the passion of the samba by night. Many people consider this to be the most beautiful city setting in the world, and UNESCO cited "the staggeringly beautiful location for one of the world's biggest cities" in naming Rio a World Heritage Site .

The best way to appreciate Rio is to rush headlong into the experiences and attractions with passion and gusto. Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Copacabana, and Ipanema are the top places to start but there are many must-see places. When you're done touring the sites, hit the beach, and then head out in the evening for first-class dining, to see a football game, or to enjoy the nightlife.

Discover the best this city offers with our list of the top attractions in Rio de Janeiro.

See also: Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

1. Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)

2. sugarloaf, 3. copacabana, 5. carnaval (carnival), 6. escadaria selarón (selaraón steps), 7. jardim botânico (botanical garden), 8. prainha beach (little beach), 9. maracanã, 10. são bento, 11. tijuca national park, 12. são francisco da penitência, 13. teatro municipal (municipal theater), 14. quinta da boa vista, 15. nossa senhora do carmo and monte do carmo, 16. ilha fiscal, 17. catedral de são sebastião, 18. take a boat trip to ilha de paquetá, 19. day trip to petrópolis, where to stay in rio de janeiro for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to rio de janeiro, map of tourist attractions in rio de janeiro, rio de janeiro, brazil - climate chart.

Towering over the city with its welcoming arms, the Christ the Redeemer statue is the iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and it's something you must visit while you're here. Set atop 709 meter-high Corcovado Mountain , this monument has been watching over the city for nearly 100 years.

Views from the deck below the 30-meter-high monument out over the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains are incredible on a clear day.

For the famous shot of yourself in front of the statue, walk about halfway down the stairs to the lower deck and shoot backward towards the statue.

Visiting Christ the Redeemer isn't all about views and selfies, the ride up to the top on the incline railway is half the fun. Ascending through the lush jungle, the steep ride to the top takes about 20 minutes and provides beautiful views.

Visiting Christ the Redeemer is one of the most popular things to do in Rio de Janeiro, with over 800,000 people visiting annually. Be prepared for crowds at the top. To avoid long queues for the train, book your tickets in advance online and select a time. Another option for getting to the top is taking a van ride, which is cheaper but far less scenic and enjoyable.

The best time to visit is early in the day, as the statue can become foggy as the day progresses.

Note: The former restaurant at the top is permanently closed; the only food and drink option is a small snack bar, although there are plenty of places to buy souvenirs!

It's hard to imagine a more perfectly placed mountain than Sugarloaf. Just slightly offshore from mainland Rio de Janeiro, this towering monolith provides sweeping views of the city and across to Christ the Redeemer. At the top, you'll find multiple viewing platforms, most of which are protected from the punishing equatorial sun. Views also extend to Rio's famed harbor with the Ponte Pres. Costa e Silva bridge in the foreground and back towards Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer.

The ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is via a scenic two-stage cable car ride. Don't be distracted by the first stopping area with its shopping mall; the best views are from the top. As you exit the first station, just keep walking to your left and you'll eventually find the second station. The ride up from here is stunning, keep an eye out below for mountain climbers ascending the sheer face of the mountain.

As with Christ the Redeemer, lines can be long, so book your tickets in advance . You can book for specific days but not times. The best option, if you don't mind paying a little more, is to buy the VIP ticket which allows you to skip the lines on the way up and down (surprisingly you need to show your ticket to get down). This is an excellent investment!

The attraction is also known as Pão de açúcar when searching for the drop-off point using UBER .

This 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand is synonymous with Rio de Janeiro. Packed with people on warm summer weekends and throughout the Christmas holidays, it's a lively and fun scene and the beach where people from all walks of life come for sun, surf, and fun. The beach is wide, so be prepared for a significant walk to the water's edge.

The water is refreshingly cool and the waves can be surprisingly large depending on the day. Rio does a good job of keeping people on the beach safe, don't be surprised if you see a red helicopter doing water rescues if the surf is up. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented for a reasonable fee from organized beach service operators, who also provide cold drinks and meals. They also provide free showers.

Back from the beach is a wide walkway with black and white stones arranged in a decorative pattern. Here, you'll also find beachside restaurants and, in the evening, vendors selling all manner of handicrafts and souvenirs. At the far northern end of the beach are restaurants, many with live music, clustered under the large headland. Be sure to plan to come here in the early evening. It is an excellent spot to enjoy the sunset with expansive views of the beach.

If you can tear yourself from your towel, the early 18 th century Fort Copacabana and Military Museum at the south end of the beach is worth a look.

Note: The mood on Copacabana Beach varies. It's generally very family-oriented on weekends and holidays during the day. Night on the beach can be rowdy at times, especially on holidays in the late evening. Normal weekdays are much quieter.

Address: Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, Rio de Janeiro

Continuing on westward from Copacabana's four-kilometer strand, the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon are separated by the Jardim de Alá Canal, which drains the lagoon, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Along the seafront promenade are large hotels, sidewalk cafés, and restaurants.

These two districts, although best known for their beaches (one of which was made world-famous by the song The Girl from Ipanema ) have a lively cultural life, with art galleries, cinemas, and an avant-garde theater. Praça de Quental in Leblon is the scene of an antiques market every Sunday, and Praca General Osorio hosts the Sunday Feira de Artesanato de Ipanema featuring crafts, music, art, and local foods.

Carnaval is the biggest event of the year on the city's calendar. The festival brings a riot of color and endless action to the streets of Rio each February (sometimes late January, depending on the year). Some visitors plan their entire trip to Brazil around Carnival, and if you are going to attend, you need to do some serious advanced planning.

The celebrations begin shortly after New Year, but the splendor and extravagance reaches its spectacular climax in the four days before Ash Wednesday, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators to its street parades, samba parties, and shows. Other Brazilian cities celebrate Carnaval; it is also a major tourist event in Bahia and Recife, but Rio's is the most lavish.

The most spectacular events are the parades of the samba schools, which are held in a unique venue designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The Sambódromo is a long parade route lined by stadium-style boxes designed so that up to 90,000 spectators can watch the parades of brilliantly costumed dancers as they compete. The parade route is 700 meters long and 13 meters wide. It was first used in 1984 and updated as a venue for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Address: Rua Marquês de Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro

Official site: www.sambadrome.com

A fun distraction when visiting Rio is the Selaraón Steps. Colorful stairs wind their way up a steep incline, each decorated with an assortment of tiles.

Work on the stairs began in 1983 by Jorge Selearón, who collected tile castoffs and affixed them to the dilapidated staircase running outside his home. Until his suspicious death in 2013, the somewhat eccentric artist kept adding, replacing, and repairing the tiles on stairs in the colors of the Brazilian flag and the tiles on the edges of the staircase in red.

The stairs are exceptionally photogenic and attract large crowds during the day. If you want to get the iconic shot with the staircase name, those tiles are near the bottom of the 125-meter-high staircase. Be sure to walk to the top of the stairs to get a feel for the amount of work Selearón put into this monument.

Small restaurants on shops selling cold beverages line the stairs. A good stop is a small restaurant at the top; it has a shady patio, a bit of a breeze, decent food, is well-priced, and provides good views of the stairs and a bit of downtown Rio.

The area around the stairs is a bit gritty (some call it Bohemian), I wouldn't recommend venturing too far away from the stairs, and I wouldn't come here at night.

If you've had enough of the urban beat of Rio de Janeiro and crave a bit of nature, take a trip over to the Botanical Gardens. The wide trails under the canopy of green are well-maintained and provide an oasis of calm and a pleasant change from the concrete jungle nearby.

A highlight is Aleia Barbosa Rodrigues, a wonderful wide walkway lined on both sides by towering Royal Palm trees with the famous Fountain of the Muses in the middle. Near the fountain is a giant Kapok tree.

The gardens are a UNESCO World Biosphere site and are home to over 8,000 species of plant life. Trails are well marked in English and be sure to follow the signs to both the Orchidarium, an iron-and-glass greenhouse built in the 1930s, and the Japanese Gardens.

Note that an admission fee is charged to enter and at the time of writing only cash was accepted.

Address: R. Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro

If you have visited the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema and still crave more, but at the same time are looking for something a bit different, take the 20-kilometer jaunt down to Prainha. Where the rainforest meets the ocean, this beach is more natural than the ones in the heart of Rio.

Golden sands and large round boulders are lapped by the sea, and finding your own patch of sand to soak up the sun is never an issue. If you like to surf, this is the place to do it. Nice right and left breaks provide consistent rides in May, then flatten out until September.

A must-see for football (soccer) fans when a game is scheduled, Brazil's largest stadium was home to the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. It was completely renovated for the FIFA World Cup 2014 and holds more than 78,000 fans.

The stadium is used for matches between Rio's major football clubs, the Flamengo, Botafogo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama, as well as for concerts. The brief tour would be of interest to avid fans, but others should give it a miss.

The shore of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas , near Copacabana and Ipanema, where many other Olympic events took place, is lined by parks and sports clubs, and its waters are popular for regattas and other water sports.

Address: Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, Rio de Janeiro

On the hill just above the harbor are the church and monastery of São Bento, one of the finest Benedictine complexes in Brazil. The original 1617 church was without aisles until it was enlarged in the second half of the 17th century by the addition of eight side chapels. The finest artists of the Benedictine order were involved in decorating the interior.

The exuberant carving that covers the walls and ceiling was mainly the work of a monk named Domingos da Conceição, who was also responsible for the figures of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica on the high altar.

The choir chapel has silver work by Mestre Valentim and 14 paintings by Ricardo do Pilar, a monk who was the foremost Benedictine painter of colonial Brazil. His masterpiece, Senhor dos Martírios (Christ of the Passion), is in the sacristy of the monastery.

Tijuca National Park protects the Tijuca Forest and several viewpoints overlooking the city, and surrounds Cristo Redentor , the giant-sized statue of Christ on Corcovado. To explore the park, you can leave the train up to Corcovado at a midpoint and follow the road through the forest.

The 3,300-hectare Tijuca Forest, one of the world's largest forests within a city , was planted in the late 1850s on land that had been destroyed by coffee plantations, to safeguard the springs that supplied Rio de Janeiro's water. Most of the trees are native species and provide habitat for Capuchin monkeys, quatis (Brazilian raccoon), colorful toucans, hawks, brilliant blue butterflies, and many other species of wildlife, which you may spot while exploring its trails and roads.

Near the station of the Corcovado railway is Largo do Boticário , one of Rio's most picturesque squares, surrounded by colonial-style houses. From the pagoda-style pavilion at Morro da Vista Chinesa, 380 meters above the shore, are views of the Municipal Park, the Botanic Garden, and a long stretch of the south coast.

There are more views from Mirante Dona Marta, a viewpoint on a spur of rock above Botafogo Bay. Several waterfalls drop from the forest springs, including the 30-meter Cascatinha Taunay .

Set in extensive gardens near the park is the Museu do Açude , with the valuable porcelain collections of the West India Company; old views of Rio de Janeiro by Brazilian and foreign artists; and azulejos, traditional Portuguese tiles from the 17th through 19th centuries.

The Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência is divided into three sections with separate entrances, and the simple façade of this church belies the riches within. The interior, which was begun in 1657 and completed in 1773, is a riot of gilded wood carving.

Among those who contributed to the decoration of the interior were Manuel and Francisco Xavier de Brito, two leading Portuguese sculptors and woodcarvers. They had very similar styles, known as Brito, using decorative forms that influenced Aleijadinho and other masters of Brazilian Baroque.

The ceiling of the choir has the earliest trompe-l'oeil painting in Brazil, completed in 1736, the work of Caetano da Costa Coelho, who later painted the ceiling of the nave in the same style.

Address: Rua da Carioca, Rio de Janeiro

The grand Municipal Theater, built in the early 20th century, was inspired by the Paris Opera of Charles Garnier, and its interior is even more ornate and luxurious than the dramatic towered façade. Important highlights to see are the sculptures by Henrique Bernardelli and paintings by Rodolfo Amoedo and Eliseu Visconti, as well as the drop curtain, the proscenium frieze, and the ceilings.

Guided tours, some in English, are available or, better yet, attend a classical concert or ballet performance here.

Address: Praça Floriano, Rio de Janeiro

The gardens, villas, and imperial palaces of São Cristóvão are now public parks and museums, the foremost of which is Quinta da Boa Vista. From 1808 to 1889, the palace was the residence of the royal and the imperial family and was later altered and rebuilt as the Palácio de São Cristóvão. It houses the National Museum , which has the largest zoological, botanical, ethnographic, and archaeology collections in the country, totaling more than a million items.

In the expansive park are gardens with lakes, woodlands, and caves, which you can reach via a miniature railway. Also inside the park is a zoo with more than 2,000 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles from Brazil and around the world.

Address: São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro

The parish church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo was the Capela Real (Royal Chapel) from 1808 to 1889 and the cathedral until the modern one replaced it in 1976. Connected to it by a passage is a second Carmelite church, Monte do Carmo, begun in 1755.

Highlights are its Baroque façade, stone doorway, and the white and gold carving by Mestre Valentim in the Chapel of the Novitiate. The 1761 former cathedral is richly decorated with carving and has a silver high altar. In a side street is the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Cabo da Boa Esperança (Our Lady of the Cape of Good Hope), the last surviving street oratory in the city.

Address: Rua 1 de Maráo (off Rua do Ouvidor), Rio de Janeiro

This neo-Gothic castle in Rio de Janeiro's harbor was built in 1889 and used for many years as a customs inspection building. Today this architectural gem, complete with turrets and towers, is open to the public.

Inside Ilha Fiscal, you'll find smooth hardwood floors with mosaic patterns throughout, while impressive stained-glass windows glow in Rio's tropical sun. As you wander around, take a stroll through the museum that showcases Brazilian naval history.

Access to the island is generally by boat , which passes some spectacular scenery along the way including colonial architecture on Ilha das Cobras and the skyline of downtown Rio. The ride is about 20 minutes .

Prior to departure, you are welcome to wander around and check out some military hardware including a helicopter, tank, and a submarine which you can go inside. Buying tickets can be done in person but it's best to purchase them in advance online at the official website where you can select the date and time of your tour.

Architect Edgar Fonseca, who designed Rio's Catedral de São Sebastião, took his inspiration from Mayan pyramids, interpreting their soaring forms in a modern context. Built between 1964 and 1979 and often referred to as the New Cathedral to distinguish it from its immediate predecessor, Nossa Senhora do Carmo, the church seats 5,000 in its 96-meter interior. Four stained glass windows rise 64 meters from the floor to light the interior with brilliantly colored natural light. At night, the church is lit from within, a bright beacon in the central skyline.

If you are visiting the Selaraón Steps, the church is visible from the restaurant at the top of the staircase, just look off to your left.

Address: Av. Chile 245, Rio de Janeiro

The island of Paquetá, with an area of a little more than a square kilometer, lies in Guanabara Bay, an hour's boat trip from Praça 15 de Novembro . It became a fashionable resort in the early 1800s, when Portuguese Emperor Dom João VI spent his summers here (the colony of Brazil became the seat of the Portuguese Empire in 1808, when Napoleon's armies occupied Portugal).

Solar del Rey, a palace in which Dom João VI frequently stayed, is among the interesting old buildings, which also include the 1698 chapel of São Roque and the house of José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva, father of Brazilian independence. No cars invade the peace of the island, but you can explore it on foot, by rented bicycle, or in a horse-drawn carriage. Palms line the island's beaches, where you'll find impromptu food stands grilling fresh fish.

Petrópolis, 68 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro, sits high in a forested valley of the Serra dos Órgãos and was chosen by King Pedro II of Brazil as his summer home. Aristocrats quickly followed, building their own summer palaces and villas and making Petrópolis an elegant upper-class resort.

It was later a favorite of artists and intellectuals and a popular tourist destination for its beautiful buildings and pleasant year-round climate. Today, the former Summer Palace is the Imperial Museum , filled with memorabilia from the days of the Brazilian Empire. Also worth seeing are the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcântara , the Crystal Palace, and the house of aviation pioneer Santos-Dumont.

Rio de Janeiro stretches between the bay and mountains, its attractions so spread out that there is no neighborhood convenient to more than a few of them. Fortunately, Rio's Metro system is fast and efficient, so the best hotels for tourists are in the safe beach neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema, amid restaurants and shops and handy to Metro access. Another option is Botafogo, a residential area adjacent to Copacabana, near the cable car to Sugarloaf. Here are some highly-rated hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Luxury Hotels :

• Featuring a scenic rooftop pool, Miramar Hotel by Windsor is right on Copacabana beach, where sun chairs and umbrellas are available for guests; it's a short walk from Ipanema.
• Belmond Copacabana Palace is an icon of Copacabana's reputation for sophistication and glamor, a place where film stars and royalty have basked in Old World elegance.
• The rooftop pool at JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro overlooks Copacabana Beach (umbrellas and chairs are reserved for guests) and there is a spa and fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A block off the beach, the friendly Ipanema Inn offers personal service in the midst of Ipanema's vibrant dining and arts scene.
• On a quiet street in the heart of Copacabana, Hotel Sesc Copacabana is a block from the beach and surrounded by restaurants and shops.
• Also a block off the beach, Windsor Palace Hotel has a small rooftop pool, a large breakfast buffet, and a free airport shuttle.

Budget Hotels:

• Ibis Copacabana Posto 5 is a few blocks off the beach and near the Metro station, with plenty of dining options nearby.
• Close to the Metro in residential Botafogo, one stop from Copacabana, Ibis Rio de Janeiro Botafogo is near the Sugarloaf cable car.
• So is Mercure Botafogo Mourisco , whose higher rooms have a view of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado.
• Day Tour: On an eight-hour Full Day Complete Tour of Rio de Janeiro, you'll get a good overview of the city, with stops to visit the major highlights, including Copacabana beach, the Tijuca Forest, Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Escadaria Selarón, and the Baroque São Bento Monastery. Also included in the tour is the cable car ride to Sugarloaf and lunch at a steakhouse.
• Corcovado and Sugarloaf Tour: See Rio from the two most prominent points in the city on the Corcovado Mountain, Christ Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain Day Tour . This full day of Rio's most famous landmarks includes a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and travel by van or cog train through the Tijuca Rainforest to the Christ the Redeemer statue.
• Jeep Tour: Explore the immense National Park on the slopes of Corcovado on a Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep Tour from Rio de Janeiro. As you ride through the rainforest in an open-top Jeep, you'll have a four-hour eco-tour, with a hike to observe butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and birds. Stop to see the Cachoeira dos Macacos (Waterfall of the Monkeys) and for panoramic views from Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) as you learn about the flora of the Mata Atlântica from your guide.

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The 19 best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Feel the pulse of this thrilling, culturally-rich city with our list of the very best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro lives up to its reputation, don’t you worry. The Miraculous City is a melting pot of football, samba, carnival, beaches , gigantic statues of Jesus Christ, and all the rest. The food is deliciou , and the parties go all night long. Rio isn’t for the half-hearted. What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro? We’ve compiled the best of the best below, taking in everything from gorgeous hikes to rambunctious street antics, with plenty in between. The Miraculous City? That feels like something of an understatement to us.

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Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

1.  Museum of Tomorrow

What is it?  One of the 2016 Olympics’ most successful legacies, this groundbreaking science museum poses the big questions about the future inside an extraordinary neo-futurist building.

Why go?  Covering everything from geology to human nervous systems to smart cities, this is as far from a dusty, dry old museum as it gets. Immersive exhibits make powerful arguments for sustainability. Seemingly floating above the regenerated port zone, even the architecture is eco: it is powered by solar panels and cooled by water from the bay.

2.  Christ the Redeemer

What is it?  You’ll catch glimpses of this 98-feet-tall figure all around Rio, but don’t miss out on ascending Mount Corcovado to admire the iconic statue up close.

Why go?  Standing at the base of this concrete colossus, it is hard to know what to gawp at first: the feat of engineering by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa or the bird’s eye view of the city sprawling below. Reach the site via a scenic tram ride from Cosme Velho.

3.  Jardim Botânico

What is it?  Not all of Rio’s natural wonders are at soaring heights – these 140-hectare gardens are a haven for over 9,000 different plant species, created by Brazil’s Prince Regent in 1808.

Why go?  It’s the perfect paradise to chill out in after Rio’s more frenetic, hedonistic times. Among the soaring imperial palm trees, delicate orchids, and Amazonian lily ponds, resident marsupials provide entertainment. Keep your eyes peeled for toucans, tortoises, and sloths, too.

4.  Copacabana Beach

What is it?  This world-famous, 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand is  the  place for fun in the sun.

Why go?  You were hardly going to visit the home of Havaianas without hitting the beach at some point, were you? Sun-worshipping locals flock here to play beach volleyball or football, top up their enviable tans and catch some waves. Mobile vendors of everything from grilled cheese to sardines to caipirinhas provide sustenance while you’re a beach bum.

5.  Sugarloaf Mountain

What is it?  Here’s the money shot: this tree-covered natural dome rising 1,299 ft above the harbor is one of Rio’s most recognizable symbols.

Why go?  The ascent by cable car goes in two stages – first to neighboring Urca Hill, then another steep journey up to Sugarloaf – while the jaw-dropping panoramas of beaches, skyscrapers and hills unfold beneath you. Glorious at any time of day, there’s something extra magical about being there for sunset, as the city lights flicker into life.

6.  Parque Lage

What is it?  A rambling 19th-century estate turned public park at the foot of Corcovado mountain.

Why go?  Music fans may recognize this opulent mansion, with its exotic jungle and mountain backdrop, from the Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams video for ‘Beautiful’. Caves, a hidden aquarium, free art exhibitions (the palace is now an art school), and palm-shaded pathways await discovery. Feeling adventurous? Follow the hiking trail all the way up to the Cristo.

7.  Museum of Modern Art (MAM)

What is it?  Poised on the edge of Guanabara Bay, MAM is a temple to art from the 20th and the 21st centuries.

Why go?  Despite a devastating fire in 1978, the museum’s permanent collection still dazzles – you’ll come across paintings by international modern masters Pollock and Miró, as well as leading Brazilian artists Tarsila Amaral and Hélio Oiticica. The modernist gardens by Roberto Burle Marx and dynamic temporary exhibitions add to the edifying experience.

8.  Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Reading Room)

What is it?  This little-known library in Rio’s city center is a bookworm’s paradise, home to a vast array of Portuguese literature.

Why go?  The collection is the biggest outside Portugal; even if you can’t read a word of it, the sight of three levels of rare manuscripts and leather-bound novels lining ornately-carved shelves is pretty spectacular. Constructed in the 1880s, its stained-glass skylight and dramatic chandelier would be at home in a cathedral – the library’s façade was even based on a Lisbon monastery.

9.  Pedra do Sal

What is it?  Historically known as 'Little Africa', this is the best area for immersing in Rio’s vibrant musical heritage.

Why go?  You’re walking (or, most likely, swaying) through the birthplace of samba, created by the slave community that once lived here. Live bands draw crowds of music lovers from near and far – especially for the free Monday and Friday night street parties. Cheap caipirinha stalls and colorful street art add to the carnival vibe.

10.  Casa das Canoas

What is it?  The former home of iconic Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, who designed the building in 1951.

Why go?  Resplendent after recent renovations, the building’s curvaceous white contours, slender steel columns, and glass walls are textbook Niemeyer – this is the man who said he “deliberately disregarded the right angle.” While he’s responsible for dozens of iconic public buildings around Brazil, there’s something special about seeing the place he created for his family.

11.  Mangueira’s Palacio de Samba

What is it?  One of Rio’s oldest samba schools, with 19 parade prizes under its spangled belt.

Why go?  Preparing for the world’s greatest party is a year-round operation, so get a taste of the carnival magic even when visiting Rio outside the annual Ash Wednesday celebrations. The school opens its doors for regular evening performances and runs behind-the-scenes tours of its practice halls and workshops, where the dance routines are drilled, and parade floats constructed.

12.  Largo do Boticário

What is it?  Tucked away in Cosme Velho, this square of colorful neocolonial houses is a photogenic, fascinating time-warp.

Why go?  Visiting  Largo do Boticário  100 years ago, you’d have found glittering parties for the city’s artistic and political elite; a scene in the 007 movie  Moonraker  was shot here. The square later fell on hard times, its grand buildings abandoned and reclaimed by rainforest foliage. Wander through what’s effectively an open-air museum and visit restored properties like number 32, now home to an art gallery.

13.  Carretão Ipanema

What is it?  A bustling, hugely popular barbecue restaurant for an all-you-can-eat feast.

Why go?  Everyone (okay, maybe not vegans) should sample an authentic churrascaria, aka grilled meat restaurant, while in Rio – they’re a staple of the Carioca food scene. Let the skewer-wielding waiters carve you all manner of grilled meats, and dig into a buffet heaped with salads and sides.

14.  Metropolitan Cathedral

What is it?  Designed by architect Edgar Fonseca and built through the 1960s-70s, this may well be the wackiest church you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Why go?  If Mayans and aliens collaborated on a building, it would probably look something like Rio’s vast Metropolitan Cathedral. Step inside this angular, technicolor pyramid to admire the soaring stained-glass windows, honeycomb walls and bronze plaques. Visit for Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. to get the full experience.

15.  Aprazível

What is it?  Fine dining with a mesmerizing view, this family-run hilltop restaurant comes up trumps.

Why go?  Dine in quirky thatched huts while the palms sway and city lights twinkle below. The food matches the setting, hopping around traditional recipes from Brazil’s regions and paired with fruity craft cocktails or house-brewed beer. Leave plenty of time to wander Santa Teresa’s steep cobblestone streets before diner – it’s one of Rio’s prettiest quarters.

16.  Ilha Fiscal

What is it?  A neo-gothic palace perched on a tiny island out in Guanabara Bay.

Why go?  Once upon a time, this was the managerial home of Rio’s port operations; fast-forward 100 years, and it has been repurposed as a cultural museum. Take a guided tour of the grand lounges and fairytale-like tower for a fascinating slice of city history and a fresh perspective of Rio’s dramatic bay, Sugarloaf, and Christ the Redeemer.

17.  Bar do Gomez

What is it?  A quintessential neighborhood bar on the picturesque, cobbled streets of Santa Teresa.

Why go?  Take your pick from over sixty types of cachaça or a cold draught beer as you settle down to soak up the laidback atmosphere of this former Spanish grocery. It’s now a century old but as charming as ever. Salt cod fritters drizzled with the house hot sauce, or heartier meat dishes, sustain through languid afternoon drinking sessions.

18.  Bip Bip

What is it?  A tiny, eccentric Copacabana bar renowned for its live music.

Why go?  If you want silver service and a polite babble of conversation, keep on walking. But to hear authentic bossa nova (Brazil’s ‘new wave’ music style, born in the 1950s) or samba among a carioca crowd, grab a beer from the self-serve fridge and jostle into a good spot for a memorable evening. A local band occupies the main table while photos of musical legends adorn the walls.

19.  Feira Livre da Glória

What is it?  Gloria’s vibrant Sunday morning market is a magnet for diehard foodies.

Why go?  Off the tourist trail, this is the place to sample fresh Brazilian produce, from exotic fruits ( jabuticaba, anyone? ) to fish to artisanal cachaça, the national spirit. Feeling worse for wear after Saturday night? The classic market breakfast of  pastels  – hot pastries stuffed with meat, cheese, or heart of palm – and a shot of pure sugarcane juice is like manna from heaven.

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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on May 4, 2024

With its white sandy beaches, soaring mountains and picturesque harbor, it’s no wonder that Rio de Janeiro is known as the “cidade maravilhosa”, or marvelous city. Facing the South Atlantic coast, the second-largest city in Brazil is blessed with one of the most beautiful natural settings for a metropolis in the world.

The dazzling landscape is just one of the reasons that visitors flock to Rio. During carnival season, the streets fill with music and ornately costumed dancers, attracting revelers from all over the globe. At any time of year, visitors won’t want to miss the top tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro.

15. Lapa Arches

The Carioca Aqueduct was built in the mid 18th century as a way to supply Rio de Janeiro with fresh drinking water from the Carioca River. One of the features of the aqueduct was a segment that consisted of two stories of huge arches.

Though, the Carioca Aqueduct was shut down at the end of the 19th century, the arches remained. In 1896, it was decided to use the top of the arches to carry a tram that connected the city center to the neighborhood of Santa Teresa.

Although the tram did shut down briefly in 2011 due to an accident, it is still in operation today, albeit with limited service. Presently, the arches are a popular meeting spot for locals, especially at night, when the area comes alive with street vendors, music and dancing.

14. Theatro Municipal

Located in the city center, the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro — or Municipal Theater — is Rio’s main opera house. First built at the beginning of the 20th century, this is a gorgeous neoclassical building that boasts gilded mirrors, marble columns and green onyx staircases.

Many consider this building, which was inspired by the Paris Opera of Charles Garnier, to be one of the most beautiful in the country. If you have a chance, try to catch a performance at the Theatro Municipal. But even if you don’t have time or can’t get tickets to see a show in this building, make sure to enjoy a guided tour of this lavish theater.

13. Prainha Beach

If you’re searching for a peaceful stretch of sand near Rio de Janeiro, then head over to Prainha Beach. This is a half-moon shaped beach that is bordered by jungle-covered hills. In comparison to Copacabana or Ipanema, Prainha Beach is relatively uncrowded, especially on weekends.

This beach boasts clear waters, clean sands, excellent waves and is very popular with surfers. However, the ocean here is known for its strong undertow. So only strong swimmers or surfers should attempt to swim in these waters. There is a small open-air restaurant overlooking the beach as well as a few kiosks on the sand where you can also purchase some snacks and drinks.

12. Barra da Tijuca Beach

This beautiful beach, which is the longest in Rio de Janeiro, boasts clean white sand and tends to be less crowded and attracts fewer tourists than Ipanema and Copacabana. Barra da Tijuca Beach is, in fact, where the locals choose to go when they head to the beach.

Its waters are also said to be cleaner than those two more famous beaches. Barra da Tijuca tends to attract active beach goers, so you’ll find many surfers, kite surfers and body surfers here. The area surrounding Barra da Tijuca Beach is also the youngest in Rio, having been developed approximately 30 years ago.

It boasts a large mall, the Barra Shopping Mall, which has more than 700 stores and restaurants. This neighborhood has earned a reputation as being the place where the young and affluent choose to live.

11. Parque Lage

This beautiful public park is located at the foot of the Corcovado. Surrounded by rainforest, it boasts walking paths, gardens and even a small aquarium in a tranquil setting. It is also the site of a stunning palazzo that once belonged to a famous Italian opera singer, Gabriella Besanzoni, and her husband.

Today, this mansion houses the Escola de Artes Visuais, which is an art school that hosts free art exhibitions. Parque Lage also contains a cafe and offers a view of the famed Christ the Redeemer statue off in the distance.

There is a trail that goes from the park to the statue, but it does have some moderate to difficult sections. For safety reasons, it’s also recommended that you only hike this trail with a local tour group or with a large group. There is no admission fee to visit this park.

10. Lagoa Neighborhood

The Lagoa area is not only the most exclusive neighborhood in the affluent Zona Sul district but is the third-most expensive neighborhood in all of South America. It is also home to a large lagoon known as the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

The four-mile path encircling the lagoon is a favorite spot for joggers and cyclists. Open-air cafés and restaurants along the shore offer stunning views of the lagoon and the beaches beyond.

9. Maracana Stadium

Football (or soccer) is by far the most important sport in Brazil and the Maracanã Stadium is one of Rio’s most important landmarks. Once the world’s highest capacity football venue, it was able to hold nearly 200,000 people when it opened in 1950.

In modern times, the capacity has been reduced because of safety considerations, and the introduction of seating for all fans. It was partially rebuilt in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and is currently able to seat 80,000 spectators making it the largest stadium in South America.

8. Tijuca National Park

One of the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca National Park covers a huge area of a mostly mountainous landscape. Visitors can hike to Rio’s highest peak, the Pico da Tijuca, to enjoy expansive views of Guanabara Bay and the city below.

Nearly destroyed in the early 1800s by encroaching coffee plantations, much of the forest was replanted by hand in the latter half of the century with as many as nine million trees. Attractions include the Mayrink Chapel, which has murals painted by the famed Brazilian neo-realism painter Cândido Portinari, and the tumbling 100-foot Cascatinha Waterfall.

7. Lapa Neighborhood

Located in the downtown section of Rio known as “Centro”, the Lapa neighborhood was once the city’s red-light district. Today, the area is known for its vibrant nightlife. Lined with samba and choro bars, the music and dancing spills out into the street on weekend nights.

Most of the neighborhood’s architecture dates back to the 1800s, providing a scenic backdrop to all the festivities. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends and cariocas to sample local cuisine and to sip caipirinha, the national cocktail made with sugarcane hard liquor and lime. Escadaria Selarón, a set of famous steps connects both the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

6. Santa Teresa Neighborhood

Perched on a hill overlooking the city’s harbor, the Santa Teresa neighborhood invites visitors to step back in time and experience the faded elegance of Rio’s

The region escaped development until 1896, when an aqueduct was built that linked the neighborhood to the city. The district was a haven for artists, musicians and writers in the 20th century, and although trendy clubs and boutiques have since overtaken the neighborhood, it still retains a friendly artist-colony vibe.

The city’s last remaining streetcar, the Santa Teresa Tram, used to be a popular tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro but was closed after a serious accident on the line.

5. Jardim Botanico

Located to the west of the Lagoa neighborhood, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botanico, houses more than 8,000 species of plants. Built in the early 1800s, the garden features many mature specimens, including avenues of towering palm trees.

Visitors flock to the park to view the 600 species of orchids. The garden includes a number of monuments, fountains and features, including a Japanese garden, a pond filled with water lilies and the new Museu do Meio Ambiente, which displays exhibits that focus on the environment.

4. Sugarloaf Mountain

Rising 400 meters (1,300 feet) above the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf mountain is a monolith of quartz and granite that visitors can crest via a glass-walled cable car known as a “bondinho” or “teleférico.”

The cable car departs every 20 minutes from the base of Babilônia hill and climbs to the top of the Morro da Urca hill. From there, visitors can take a second cable car up to the mountain’s summit.

The beach made famous in the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema” in the 1960s remains one of Rio’s most popular tourist spots today. A long, arcing expanse of soft white sand and rolling waves, Ipanema routinely reaches the top of the “Best Beaches in the World” lists year after year. The beach is bordered by a well-organized grid of shops, cafés and restaurants as well as an array of art galleries, theaters and clubs.

Located in the upscale South Zone, or “Zona Sul”, Ipanema lies between the beaches of Copacabana and Leblon. Posts or “postos” mark off the beach into sections, and different types of people tend to congregate in each area. Families favor the section between posts 11 and 12 while the area near post 9 attracts dedicated sunbathers and free-wheeling artists.

2. Copacabana

Separated from Ipanema to the west by surfer-favored Arpoador beach, Copacabana has a more active vibe than its equally famous neighbor. Rio locals, called “cariocas,” always seem to have a game of soccer or volleyball in play, and vendors vociferously hawk their drinks and snacks from the kiosks that line the beach.

Fort Copacabana, a military base with a wartime museum that is open to the public, stands at one end of the beach. On the length of beach fronting the fort, fishermen offer up their morning catch for sale.

Visitors and cariocas alike love to stroll along the promenade that borders the 4 km (2.5 mile) long beach. Originally built in the 1930s, the walkway features a wave-like design laid out in black and white stones. Inland from the promenade are closely-packed multistoried hotels and apartments.

1. Christ the Redeemer

Perched atop the 710 meter (2,330 feet) high peak of Corcovado Peak, the statue of “Cristo Redentor” stands with arms outstretched, gazing serenely out over the city. Construction of the statue began in 1922 during the heyday of the Art Deco movement, and the concrete and soapstone statue is considered the largest statue designed in the genre in the world.

Most visitors take a vertical cog train to reach the base of the summit. From there, visitors to the monument once had to climb hundreds of steps to reach the top. Today, elevators and escalators are available to shorten the trip.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

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Reader interactions.

December 13, 2015 at 10:44 am

For the most gorgeous views of Rio take a water taxi or lumbering “barca” (ferryboat) across the bay and head to the Niemeyer museum and adjacent beaches. Lots of places to eat on the city’s beaches! But…always keep in mind not to flaunt your camera/phone/jewelry/etc.

October 28, 2014 at 12:24 am

Lovely Rio, just lovely! A week there would be too short for me. I’d aim for at least 10 days! Among my favourites are the colourful stairs, the botanical garden…

July 16, 2014 at 3:13 am

Ya..Its very nice place in Rio for tourist. Also I suggest to visit at Avenida Atlantica. This is a seaside avenue and one of the best places for a stroll. Every street offers something different. Rio beaches are top tourist attraction in the city.

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50 Top Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro: Brazil’s Marvellous City!

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

Categories Brazil , City Secrets Unveiled , South America

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

There are so many things to do in Rio de Janeiro, an urban landscape famed around the world for so much! It’s a city like no other on Earth. Loud, captivating and overwhelming – yet we wouldn’t have it any other way. 

In a city this, well, marvelous, it’s hard to get past the superlatives and decide exactly what to do — so to help, we have put together a list of the top things to do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil!

Of course one could convincingly argue that Rio is best experienced from its seductive beaches — a mainstay in C ariocas (residents of Rio) life — and we wouldn’t disagree. Still, there is more to this city than just impossibly tanned bodies parading around on golden white sand. Although this is a large part of the appeal…

The rhythm of Rio extends away from the boardwalks, through its streets and up into its vast tropical landscape. It has that old-world grandeur and Portuguese flair of Lagos and Lisbon , the modern beach-centric vibe we loved in Sydney and Miami and an enviable natural setting like Hong Kong and Auckland.

If you are the type of person who prefers to get to know a city through film before you go, we recommend the colorful cartoon Rio or Academy-award winning City of God (Portuguese: Cidade de Deus) . The documentary Wasteland is also incredibly insightful. 

Your spirit here is re-invigorated with street music, great food, outdoor pursuits, and the sounds of nature. Then there is the burgeoning design scene, innovative architecture, and a string of world-class museums. Rio is broadly divided into four different zones: Zona Oeste, Zona Sul, Zona Norte, and Centro – however, Zona Sul and Zona Centro are where most of our favorite activities were found.

Explore as much of this tantalizing city as you can on your own, but be sure not to miss these top things to do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil!

Haven’t booked your perfect accommodation yet? Compare great deals for hotels and hostels in Rio de Janeiro with the best rate guarantee, so you can splash out on all these other awesome things!  And if you want to travel without the hassle, view schedules, reviews, amenities, and additional useful information before booking and have a 24/7 support team, we recommend checking BookAway for getting the bus, ferry, train, or cars – here, or all over the world. 

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Belmond Copacabana Palace

Bairro peixoto, bar da laje, brazilian cooking class, carioca landscapes between the mountain and the sea, casa momus lapa, christ the redeemer, circo vaodor, dois irmãos, fabrica bhering, feira de sao cristavao, ginga tropical show, hang gliding adventure, helicopter flight over rio, ilha grande, ipanema beach, ipanema farmer’s market, jardim botanico do rio, jockey club brasileiro, lapa district, maracanã stadium, metropolitan cathedral of saint sebastian, momo gelato, museu de arte do rio, museu do amanhã, museum de art moderna, niterói contemporary art museum, paco imperial, parque lage, pedra bonita, pedra do telégrafo hike, real gabinete portuese de leritura, rocinha favela walking tour, santa teresa tram, santos dumont airport, sugar loaf mountain, sunset sailing, theatro municipal, tijuca national park peak.

Azumi is a local foodie hotspot in Copacabana that has a solid reputation for serving seafood fresh from the ocean. Grab a seat at the tightly-packed counter and watch as the expert sushi chefs create traditional Japanese cuisine right in front of your eyes.

The minimalist décor and simple menu allow Azumi to focus on doing what it does well: creating mouth-watering classic creations with skill. There is a simple and more affordable lunch menu offer daily, though many of the sushi and sashimi options are rather pricey. Much like we found in Kyoto and Osaka , however, you pay for quality — and you will not be dissatisfied.

Frequented by many in the Brazillian-Japanese community (fun fact: Brazil is home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan), it’s like a tiny piece of Japan inside Rio de Janeiro.

An art deco treasure, the Belmond Copacabana Palace , is the crown jewel on the world’s most iconic beach — and a top highlight of Rio, whether you stay or stop in for a drink. Opened in 1923, this is one of the great beach hotels of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries yet is still voted amongst the best hotels in South America — and known throughout Brazil for the international celebrities who stay here.

A cosmopolitan way of life matches old-world glamour in these storied walls with an iconic piano bar frequented by the cities elite, and a pan-Asian  Michelin-starred restaurant. Then there is airy Italian eatery, luxe outdoor pool, tennis courts, a deluxe spa, and gym.

With a stay here, the best of Rio can be found on your literal doorstep — you just have to stroll the mosaicked Portuguese pavement to stretch out and relax on the golden sands of the beach. A memorable building filled with opulence, history, and copious amounts of Carrara marble and Bohemia crystals — the Copacabana Palace is the epitome of old-world Rio luxury. And one of the world’s most famous hotels…

Bairro Peixoto is a peaceful, leafy enclave hidden in amongst the hustle and bustle of Copacabana. It is technically not an official district (“Bairro”) but is well-known by this name and encompasses a 13-street area and two-plazas. The secluded Praça Edmundo Bittencourt is at its core. A small-village type place to people-watch, spot strangers playing dominoes, or look for monkey-like marmosets jumping around in the trees.

An open-air market takes place in the central plaza every Wednesday and Saturday, where you will find the best fruit juice in the city. Try the exotic jabuticaba and graviola / soursop, or for the less adventurous – go for something your recognize.

Located in the hip favela Vidigal and roosted atop ‘Dois Irmãos,’ the chic Bar Da Laje embraces residents and festive travelers with excellent drinks and panoramic sea views.

In an attempt to leave its troubled past behind, Vidigal, positioned between two ultra-chic areas, Leblon and São Conrado, has been transitioning itself to through art and cultural development to ‘favela chic’ for ten years now. You’ll find a range of small art galleries and lounge bars to explore, but our favorite was the oh-so-cool Bar da Laje. Settled at the top of the hill, this spot is a favorite meeting place for sambas, Brazilian dishes, and strong drinks.

The bar’s specialization is seafood, but it also has a decent feijoada, a local pork-based dish with black beans. We recommend going for their cocktails, which are best enjoyed sitting on the terrace, listening to live music and taking in the views. Popular with locals and tourists, Bar Da Laje is one of the best views in Rio de Janeiro!

Check out Botafogo, Rio’s up-and-coming ‘inbetweener’ neighborhood. Missing the glitz of Ipanema or the decadent past of Copacabana, Botafogo is forging ahead in the creation of its own identity. Its plentiful bistros, hot new clubs, and cultural centers provide a much-welcomed alternative to its post-card perfect older brothers. With a quiet (but still stunning) beach and flanking the Rio city center, Botafogo is tipped to be Rio’s next big thing.

Prices are lower here at the moment, and the area still has a slightly grungy feel — but we don’t expect it to stay like this forever! Explore it now, while it is still cool… then take a trip up to the adjacent summit of Morro Dona Marta for picturesque views.

Submerge yourself in Rio’s culinary commotion with an enlightening Brazilian cooking class evening at a small studio. Study the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques distinct to Brazilian food from a local instructor who knows what they are doing. Then cook five delicious dishes like black bean Feijoada, Fried halal cheese with spicy guava jam, and Bahian seafood Moqueca, using your new-found knowledge.

Then settle in to savor the fruits of your labor along with some drinks. The class is restricted to just seven participants to guarantee a unique experience and personalized care – which we were grateful for! And even better, you can take the recipes home (along with your new-found skills) and repeat them for friends and family!

We are a little bit obsessed with exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide, from Australia  to the USA and everywhere in between. And Rio has not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

The first is termed the ‘Carioca Landscapes Between the Mountain, and the Sea’ recognizes Rio’s exceptional natural setting alongside its built urban heritage, making it rather unique. Inscribed in 2012, the site recognizes the fundamental natural elements that have molded and spurred the evolution of Rio de Janeiro: from the peaks of the Tijuca National Park to its golden-sand shoreline.

Other remarkable features include the Botanical Gardens, Corcovado Mountain with its renowned statue of Christ, and the slopes around Guanabara Bay, including Copacabana Bay, which have given to the city an outdoor living culture unrivaled on Earth. This UNESCO listing proves just how special Rio de Janeiro is. It speaks to how its landscape has influenced the city and provided the artistic stimulus for musicians, landscapers, and urbanists around the word.

In 2017, Rio also received its second UNESCO Site, the Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site. It is found in the former harbor area of Rio and protects what remains of an old stone wharf over which an estimated 900,000 enslaved Africans enter the South American continent from 1811 onwards. The Wharf was only rediscovered during 2011 as excavations were undertaken to revitalize the Rio de Janeiro port area.

The local government’s preservation and care of this historic site could be improved, but it still deserves a visit to appreciate this dark period in Brazil’s, and human, history.

One of the world’s most famous celebrations, no list of things to do in Rio de Janeiro could be complete without mention of the illustrious Carnival!

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a celebration held every year before Lent (around late February) since 1723 and is thought to be the largest Carnival in the world. Over two million people per day filled the streets for parades, parties, and open-air performances on the streets in what is known as the “The biggest show on Earth.” It is nothing short of mind-blowing. Chaotic, crazy, cultural, and oh-so-fun, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is an experience like no other — and one you will want to plan for fast in advance if you’re intent on attending.

There are so many things to do in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, but one we particularly recommend is exploring the Carnival Factory for a glimpse behind the scenes of Rio’s Carnival. On an excellent cultural tour , you can discover how the parade’s grand floats and costumes are designed. You’ll learn about the story of samba and Carnival, then stop by the dressing rooms to try on some colorful outfits for yourself. Afterward, wind up with some delicious cocktails and a beginner’s samba class to get you ready for the exuberant carnival experience.

Located in Lapa’s cultural corridor, the artsy gastropub Momus is the fulfillment of the wish to offer Rio de Janeiro both a relaxed and refined space where everyone is welcome. Customers can truly feel at ease with a surprisingly charming encounter, filled with delicious food and drinks artfully prepared from quality ingredients and culinary know-how.

Originally bringing Lapa a Mediterranean twist, Momus has recently adopted its own Brazilian “naturalization” without jeopardizing its core values. They still serve some of the best cocktails in Rio — do try the Momus mule!

No visit to Rio would be complete without saying Hello to the Big Dude upstairs with a visit to Christ the Redeemer. From this omnipresent art deco masterpiece, dedicated in 1931, you can gain panoramic views across the entire city.

There really is nothing quite like standing beneath a colossus, 130-foot tall statue of Jesus with his arms gracefully outstretched to remind you of where you are. A symbol of Christianity across the world, the figure is a cultural icon of both Rio and Brazil and was listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. So it is no wonder a visit here is one of the top things to do in Rio de Janerio.

You can either catch a train or hike up if you feel particularly energetic, but be sure to do it either in the early morning or late evening to avoid the relentless tour bus hoards.

Circo Vaodor is a stylish outdoor venue for live music and various cultural events in Lapa, complete with iconic views of the Carioca Aqueduct. Open most weeknights, and every weekend, this legendary place is a must-do in Rio fro the musically-inclined. The high-energy concert space has almost 40 years of history to back up its impressive credentials.

Today, this vast space remained one of Brazil’s most loved and respected houses. A former mayor of Rio de Janeiro tried to shut it down in 1996 – and he succeeded until 2002. Since then, Circo Voador has made an incredible comeback and is again home to some of the best concerts in town. From samba to rock and everything in between, along with a far-reaching program of festivals, cultural events, and social projects focusing on education.

Just look for the chaotic line that often cuts across the partying throngs of Lapa…

An innovative, creative space in up-and-coming Botafogo, Comuna is a restaurant, event space, art gallery, and independent bookshop. Starting in 2011 by four friends, there is always something fascinating and alternative going on in this off-the-beaten-path spot.

Music gigs, workshops, fashion shows, and poetry slams are all possibilities here — though Comuna is also worth a visit for the milkshakes, award-winning burgers, and local microbrewed beers. Incredibly hip and the kind of concealed modern developments we came to love in Eindhoven and Providence.

Morro Dois Irmãos, otherwise known as Dois Irmãos, is that quintessentially Rio rock formation that towers about the western end of the Ipanema/Leblon beaches. If you have seen a photo of Rio without a giant Jesus, chances are you have seen Dois Irmãos. It is that famous. So naturally, climbing this iconic rock is going to be a must-do in Rio. At 1,749 ft (533 m), it’s in the middle of Rio’s two other famous mountain walks; Pão de Açúcar (1,296 ft / 395 m) and Corcovado (2,310 ft / 704 m).

Although it may not look it from below, you can reach the Dois Irmãossummit without ropes or any climbing experience. The hike up from the ocean takes around 40 minutes to one hour. You’ll be climbing through the humid jungle with occasional viewpoints to stop at — and the last section of the walk goes through the chic Vidigal favela. However, the views at the top make all the effort worth it with Ipanema’s magnificent coastline to the left and the vast Atlantic ocean stretching out to the right.

On the way back down, stop at Bar Da Laje (see earlier in this list) for a drink with not-quite-as-incredible-but-still-amazing views. You deserve it!

An abandoned former chocolate factory that has been repurposed as a new alternative art venue where the Rio creative economy can thrive.

Located in the artsy Porto Maravilha area, over 70 artists now call Fabrica Bhering where they create and showcase their work in small studio spaces. Much like the chocolates’ boxes that were previously produced here, you never know what you are going to get. Inside, you’ll find plenty of independent sculpture, literature, photography, video, restoration, performance, and multimedia galleries — and the chance to pick up emerging talents works for a fraction of what it would cost it at other spaces.

It is a rare opportunity to see contemporary Brazilian artists during the work process and pick up pieces before the paint even dries.

Farm isn’t just a hippy fashion store; it’s a label and lifestyle brand that everyone is talking about in Rio. Everything from the architectural conception for this flagship Ipanema store to their distinctive prints is flawless and instantly recognizable as Farm.

You can explore their offerings online or in around 50 outlets across Brazil, but for the full experience, you need to head to their three-story store in Ipanema. Here you can browse their dresses, shirts, bags, shoes, and more — all iconic and casual — in beautiful and very Insta-worthy surroundings.

The embodiment of Rio’s iconic lifestyle, Farm has big expansion plans and has recently had some hugely successful collaborations with more prominent brands, including Havaianas and Adidas.

Feira Nordestina São Cristóvão is the place to explore life in the northeast of Brazil, without leaving Rio. This is Rio’s largest market fair, taking place in an enormous space covering almost 32,000 square meters. Inside around 600 booths and stalls offer goodies from Bahia along with music, drinks, and food from the surrounding region.

Around 300,000 people flock here each month to take in the range of handicrafts, shoes, clothing, toys, meats, DVDs, jewelry, artistic presentations, and much, much more. Feira Nordestina São Cristóvão is a genuinely Brazilian experience for both locals and tourists – and the party keeps going until 5 am most days with karaoke and live music. In fact, this vibrant, must-visit fair doesn’t close on the weekends.

Plan a visit to the fabulously flamboyant Ginga Tropical Show, a dance and music extravaganza where you can learn about Brazil’s energetic culture through its traditional music and dance.

Throughout this show, see skilled performers dance the lambada, samba, and bossa nova — all dressed in fantastic Carnival costumes. You’ll also hear folklore from different areas around this diverse country, be treated to live drumming performances and witness the Brazilian martial art, capoeira, firsthand. Included in your entrance ticket to Ginga Tropical Show is pickup and drop-off from most Rio de Janeiro hotels, and — if you want — a Brazilian BBQ dinner before the show.

Sure, its touristy and kitschy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. And it’s a little taste of Carnival for those who cannot plan their visit to Rio de Janerio in late February.

Granado, Brazil’s oldest pharmacy, first opened its doors in 1870 in Rio de Janeiro. The apothecary owner, the Portuguese José Antonio Coxito Granado, provided remedies, cosmetics, and other products made from plants, herbs, and native flowers of Teresópolis, a mountainous region near Rio de Janeiro, where he had a small farm.

Committed to cultivating and identifying local natural solutions to ailments, the business also compiled the first official register of Brazilian medicinal plants and herbs. The high quality, the efficacy of the company’s products combined with the dedication of the owner to innovation and discovery of new and unique remedies in an unfamiliar country resulted in Granado soon receiving the title of the Official Pharmacy of the Brazilian Imperial Family.

The pharmacy grew quickly, acquiring and building factories, and the first Granado store opened in 1917 in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, in front of the Imperial Palace, where it is still in operation even today. Granada is no longer owned by its namesake family but continues to make soap and skincare products from Brazillian ingredients. Their products can be found in Rio’s luxe hotels and upscale department stores in Tokyo , London , and Paris.

The Granado Concept Store Project was opened in 2005 – at the pharmacy’s original Centro address and is the best place to explore the brands offering further. A visit to the store is an experience in-and-of-itself with displays of original mortars, scales, packaging, and advertisements — long with exposed brick walls — which gave the store a sense of history.

Be brave, fly through the tropical air, and take part in a unique hang gliding experience that is one of the most famous attractions of Rio de Janeiro. The takeoff is on the Ramp of Pedra Bonita (inside the National Park of Tijuca). On this guided tour, you will benefit from the services of safe and experienced instructors aboard the hang gliders.

There is nothing quite like it in the world as you run straight off the 525-meter (1,700-foot) Pedra Bonita mountain platform and then hear the sound of tropical birds as you fly over the treetops below. You’ll glide between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean and land safely on the beach of Sao Conrado below. Unforgettable.

Another brand so intertwined with this marvelous city’s casual outdoor lifestyle it could not be excluded from our list. Havaianas. Havaianas in Rio is like speedos in Sydney.

Havaianas were created in Brazil in 1962 and inspired by the Japanese Zori sandal, a sandal with cloth straps and woven rice straw soles. Havaianas replaced the straw with premium Brazilian rubber and updated the design to look fashionable. The thongs were christened with the name Havaianas (which means “Hawaiians” in Portuguese) in honor of the glamourous holiday destination with endless summer vibes. By 1964 practically every worker in Brazil wore a pair of Havaianas.

Traveling salespeople would sell Havaianas directly from their vintage Volkswagen Combi vans throughout Brazil, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now a globally recognized brand, getting a pair of Havaianas in Rio de Janeiro is one of the must-do experiences in the city — and they are surprisingly cheap here. They are almost everywhere you look; in supermarkets, in pharmacies, in fashion stores, and on street corners, but the best place is to go to an official Havaianas store. Here you will find the latest styles, colors, designs, and more.

There are several large stores in Ipanema, Copacabana, and Leblon — head to your nearest!

For those who aren’t on a budget, want to see the main wonders of Rio, or have a dream of flying in a helicopter!

Head out on this short, fast, and memorable panoramic flight with a company specialized in showing passengers the landscape of the Wonderful City from above. Most of the impressive attractions of Rio are included in their efficient itineraries, such as Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Maracanã, the Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer — with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

A wondrous adventure that you will never forget, with excellent communication and friendly staff.

Do you dream of cocktails at sunset? White sand under your toes and the sound of waves crashing on the beach? A stress-free location away from chaos where no cars are allowed and your biggest worry will be ‘Açaí or Coconut for lunch?’

Well then, boy, do we have the island for you!

While not technically in the city, Ilha Grande is still in the RJ state and is a fantastic tropical getaway not to be missed.

It’s a natural paradise with 99% of the island being covered in natural Atlantic Rainforest and only one small town and a series of paths crisscrossing the dense vegetation leading to deserted beaches. Deserted beaches, protected virgin forest, clear blue water, and coconuts on tap — what’s not to love!? Plan to spend longer than you expected with this one.

The Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS) is a single institution within broad influence across the Brazilian cultural scene. It has three centers in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo , and Poços de Caldas (in the state of Minas Gerais).

It holds significant assets in four areas: photography (the bulk of the material), as well as music, literature, and iconography. It is also celebrated for its exhibitions, especially visual arts with a local Brazilain focus. IMS Rio de Janeiro is located in a landmark 1950s modern architecture building high up in the Gávea neighborhood and surrounded by the lush forests of Tijuca.

It was initially the house where INS founder and philanthropist Walther Moreira Salles and his family lived. Today IMS Rio offers exhibitions, film screenings most days, concerts and cultural events. There is also a small cafe.

While Copacabana may have all the hotels and tourists, all the locals know Ipanema Beach is now where all the action is. The beach is Rio’s backyard, and here you can see it all on show. The people-watching here is world-class, and it seems like people from every cross-section of Rio society are out here enjoying the iconic beaches endless opportunities.

Work out, play volleyball, take a dip, or relax on the sand as beverage and snack sellers cater to your every whim. You’ll want to put aside a few afternoons for this alone as its insanely it’s addictive! Just a note, however, that the enormous crowds mean that a lot of petty crime goes unnoticed, so keep a watchful eye on your belongings.

Travel insurance providers won’t cover you for unattended items. After dark, the beaches of Rio are best avoided entirely as wandering travelers a target for robberies.

Rio de Janeiro’s most delectable food market, the Ipanema Farmer’s Market, takes place every Friday morning from 6 am to 2 pm. It is one of the best ways to discover for yourself the exotic flavors of Brazilan tropical fruit and vegetables — all with a fun, colorful, and festive atmosphere. The helpful stall-keepers are happy to help you find what you are looking for, or recommend flavors based on what you like.

For the freshest produce, head here in the morning — though prices decrease during the day so bargains can be had in the afternoon. For a little adventure why not try your luck, grab a few strange things and take them for a tasting on the beach nearby.

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden / Jardim Botânico is the place to go for those wanting to explore an unbelievable display of both Brazilian and foreign flora.

Inside this lush 54 hectare park, there are around 7,500 plant species in numerous themed gardens and greenhouses. There are over 900 varieties of palm trees alone, along with standout collections of bromeliads, orchids, carnivorous plants, and cacti. It truly is one of the world’s most magical botanical gardens, up there with the equally impressive Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Founded in 1808 by royal decree in an attempt to acclimatize spices like nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon shipped from the West Indies, the Jardim Botânico was opened to the public in 1882 and has remained a source of pride and joy for Cariocas ever since. The wider park also includes a section of the Atlantic Forest rising up the slopes of Corcovado to meet Christ the Redeemer — meaning you can visit both at the same time.

For the perfect day trip, you could also combine with breakfast at the wonderful bakery, bistro, and deli Empório Jardim .

For something a bit different, why not take a trip to Brazil’s most spectacular racetracks, if only to take in the majestic mountain views.

Built back in 1926, the grand colonial track at Jockey Club Brasileiro has around 3,000 seats and an overall capacity of 80,000 – making for an exciting day out. Located on the edge of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, opposite Praça Santos Dumont, this is a place to get in amongst the local Rio life. Much like the Hong Kong horse races, the local fans, the bars, and the party atmosphere is a significant part of the fun here. There are also food trucks from renowned restaurants, live music, and plenty of alcohol.

Entrance is free, and tourists are always welcome to the races on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and Mondays and Tuesdays at 6 pm. Other notable events held here annually include the Rio Open and the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Rio de Janeiro’s hedonistic nightlife is like nothing else. So why not let loose, explore the rhythm of Rio and dance the night away in the infamous Lapa District.

With its famous white Arcos de Lapa aqueduct and frenzied crowds, this neighborhood is the lifeblood of Rio’s nightlife and the cities main party district. Here you will find plenty of live-music venues, cafes, bars, and restaurants — but remember samba is the soul of Lapa, and it is infectious!

Rua do Lavradio is the heart of this caipirinha-fueled excess, and plenty of spontaneous street parties break out here — on both weekdays and weeknights. Start here, and see where the night leads.

The Maracanã, formally named the Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, is the largest stadium in Brazil and the second-largest in South America. In a country that is devoted to football as Brazil, Maracanã can be seen as their cathedral.

It certainly feels like it if you attend a game here. Built in 1948 to host the World Cup, it was not completed on time and saw close to 200,000 fans filling unfinished stands. It has seen crowds in excess of 100,000 284 times during its history but was redeveloped for the 2014 World Cup, and now has a capacity for only 77,000. It was almost abandoned after the 2016 Summer Olympics because of an ongoing legal dispute but is now back in usage again.

If you can time your visit correctly, one of the best things in Rio de Janeiro to do is attend a football game here at one of the world’s most famous stadiums. You’ll experience football spirit at its finest, and you cheer along for whichever team you wish and take in the humbling vibes. Otherwise, there is always a behind-the-scenes tour to access Maracanã when games are not on.

Explore the grungy grandeur of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, better known as Rio’s Cathedral. Finished in 1979 in the modern style based on Mayan pyramids like those of Tikal, its construction took 15 years to complete. As you might imagine, its form divided the city — but love it or hate it, it leaves a lasting impression.

This is one church you have to see, if not only for the unique feeling of darkness that overwhelms you when you enter. Not exactly what most holy spaces try to achieve. But this is not your typical church, that’s for sure; and one of the weirdest things we saw while backpacking Brazil.

The cathedral’s four rectilinear stained glass windows, which soar 64 meters (210 ft) from floor to ceiling, are also a glorious sight to behold, and one you shouldn’t miss as entrance is free (though donations are recommended).

“Italy is delicious, but Rio is much more delicious.” This is how a group of friends from Rio convinced the most delicious Italian gelato to come to Brazil. And how the story of Momo, a story of the love of flavor, started.

Launched in 2014, Momo is now the toast of the town. A visit to their store on the popular food street Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon on a hot day is an absolute must. We loved all the small details that Momo considered in designing their store. From the menu to the chairs, to the handmade cone made instore and the cups’ design, everything here is perfect, wonderfully boutique and gourmet.

Try their simple but tasty artisanal gelato flavors, homemade waffles, and unique toppings — our personal favorites are Pistachio, Brigadeiro, and Momocookie.

Relaunched in 2013 as part of a redevelopment of the Rio port area, the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) promotes art that speaks to the city’s history, social fabric, characteristic life, conflicts, contradictions, challenges, and social expectations. The diverse art exhibitions here blend historical and contemporary dimensions but all related to Rio or Brazilian culture.

The museum is housed across three buildings; an old police building, the eclectic Dom João VI Mansion, and a glorious modernist construct held up by pillars (that was originally a bus station). All are connected by a remarkable undulating roof inspired by a wave recently dreamed up to link the distinct styles.

A masterpiece of urban planning, there is also an exceptional rooftop restaurant with sensational views.

The Museu do Amanhã/ The Museum of Tomorrow is a grand science museum opened in 2015 on the Centro waterfront as part of the Port revitalization for the summer Olympics.

Produced by Spanish neo-futuristic architect Santiago Calatrava, it is perhaps one of the most outlandish architectural pieces we have ever seen. It is considered by many to be an (almost literal) white elephant as while its construction progressed, the funding for traditional museums in Rio continued to be cut by the government — most famously culminating in the entire National Museum burning down in 2018 as the building had become unsafe electrically.

But it is here now, so you might as well enjoy a visit to the Museu do Amanhã where the ideas for the future of the world are presented, and possibilities for a more sustainable and ecological world are imagined. One of the top new things to do in Rio, the leading exhibition covers five time periods: Cosmos, Earth, Anthropocene, Tomorrow, and Us with numerous experiments and activities.

The buildings’ eco-credentials are just as impressive and make it a captivating place for children and adults alike to explore the issues of climate change, global integration, diversity, and more.

The Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro (MAM) is an impressive museum located inside Rio’s Flamengo Park, in the Centro district. The building itself is a landmark of modernist architecture in Brazil, along with its gardens, produced by famed landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and Affonso Eduardo Reidy.

The museum was conceived in 1948 at a time when the postwar Brazilian avant-garde was largely being ignored. As a result, today, MAM Rio has some of the most important modern and contemporary art in Latin America. The collections are made up of works belonging to thee different places. The first is the museum’s own collection — remade through donations and acquisitions after an extensive fire in 1978. The second is the loaned Gilberto Chateaubriand collection, which includes Brazilian art from the emergence of modernism in the country to contemporary production, and the third, the Joaquim Paiva collection, devoted exclusively to the photography of names of different generations and nationalities.

There are more than 15 thousand artworks in total here, along with numerous temporary exhibitions which are still amongst the best in the continent.

Head across Guanabara Bay to Niterói, Rio’s jealous little sister who has become something of a backwater since the capital was moved to Brasília. However, one shining light has since returned in the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, designed in 1996 by Oscar Niemeyer – Brazil’s most revered architect. This cliff-side UFO modernist construction is a landmark of Niterói and Brazil and is home to multiple galleries and event spaces, along with an upscale restaurant.

The museum has a collection of over 1,200 works assembled since the 1950s, making it the second-largest accumulation of contemporary art in Brazil. However, the art installations inside can be somewhat hit and miss, depending on your tastes.

This is very much of a case of come for the architecture — though the incredible views back across the harbor to Sugar Loaf and Rio never fails to make the heart skip a beat. You can either take a ferry across the bar or the 14-km long bridge to Niterói. There isn’t much else in the area of interest, but after the museum, you can explore Itacoatiara Beach just a few kilometers away.

The Osklen brand is known as typifying the classic contemporary ‘carioca style.’ If you want to dress like a (posh) local, this is the store with you. Osklen is known for the high-end yet casual designs and has over 60 locations throughout Brazil, and now includes stores around the world from Hong Kong to Miami.

Their two labels, Osklen Praia and Oskeln Collection have flagship locations within a few hundred meters of each other in Ipanema — and a must for a fashionista. The tops, shorts, swimwear, and sneakers will take you from the beach to the pool to the party at night, as we said, ‘carioca style.’

Built back in 1743, this Portuguese Colonial construct was once used as the Viceroys’ house of Brazil when the seat of the colonial government of Brazil was transferred from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro.

After the Republic of Brazil was proclaimed in 1889, the Paço Imperial was used as the central post offices — although its lavish interior decorations were lost and its façades modified. In 1938, it was protected as National Historical and Artistic Heritage, and in 1980, it underwent a significant restoration to return it to its original form. Since then, the Paço Imperial has provided a cultural center for the states’ Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage, hosting temporary art exhibitions of painting, sculpture, cinema, music, and more.

The exhibitions here are always free and add to the magnificence of the building. Inside the Paço Imperial is also the Paulo Santos Library, which hosts books related to art, architecture, and engineering, along with numerous rare books from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

A wonderful public park that is relatively off the beaten path in Rio de Janeiro — meaning you can escape the tourists for a few hours.

Hidden at the foot of the Corcovado within the Jardim Botanico community, Parque Lage’s charm has been featured in music videos by Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas — which makes it even more surprising tourists have not yet made their way here in droves. Their loss is your gain, however, as this exceptional fusion of history and nature is eerily quiet most days.

The grand palatial estate and the villa were formerly the residences of a local industrialist, but in the 1960s it became a public park. A visual arts school and lovely cafe now occupy the former mansion. You are free to explore the tranquil subtropical forest, ornate mansion, flamboyant courtyard, stables, obscure cave, a castle-like tower, and aquarium.

At the back end of the park, you can even begin a hiking trail that heads to Corcovado’s top, just below Christ the Redeemer, if you are feeling particularly energetic.

Another of Rio’s magnificent hikes, the Pedra Bonita (translated as “Beautiful Rock”) trail traversing this granite monolith to a summit with incredible views. However, the main reason to chose this trail is that it is close to the city’s paraglider/hang glider ramp so you can watch thrill-seekers launch themselves into oblivion. Or you could always try it out yourself.

The Pedra Bonita is an excellent hike if you have a tight itinerary as it is only around 30 minutes up and less down. It is also not too steep and takes you through the Tijuca forest. The top gives superb views of many of Rio de Janeiro’s other top attractions, including Gávea stone, Barra beaches, Leblon, Ipanema, and areas to the South.

A highlight of the lush Pedra Branca State Park, Pedra do Telégrafo (at an elevation of 350 meters), is the pinnacle of Guaratiba Hill. You can take a guided tour or head out solo along Guaratiba Beach to the beginning point of the trail.

The ascension begins here. It takes around an hour to reach the summit, depending on your fitness. There are numerous aspects along the way for photos and stops, with the most famous being the sharp rock of Pedra da Bigorna. You might have seen it on Instagram — its the place where everyone takes a shot that looks like they are falling off.

From the crowning pinnacle, wonder at the glorious scenes of the Restinga da Marambaia sandbank and the wild beaches to the south. After you head back down, take your time to relax on the golden sand of Grumari Beach or nearby Prainha. You deserve it!

The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading is a grand limestone heritage-listed building hidden in Rio’s center. Inside is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world — and the most extensive collection of Portuguese literature outside Portugal.

It was founded in 1837 by a group of Portuguese immigrants and political refugees to promote the Portuguese community’s culture in the then capital of the Empire of Brazil. The UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery was inspired by the grand façade in Lisbon. Somehow, the interiors are even more opulent; however with colonial Portuguese late Gothic wooden bookcases, a magnificent chandelier, and skylight in iron structure.

A little gem and one of the best things to do in Rio, the collection has grown over 180 years to include today over 350,000 items. A visit only takes around 20 minutes as it is just a huge room full of books – but what a gorgeous room it is! The entrance is free, and you only need to sign in at the front desk.

Take an escorted tour to Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela. Meet your local guide, who is a favela resident, and then set off through this interesting and complex community on foot.

Learn from your guide about what daily life is like in the favela and the difficulties that residents face who live here. Listen and understand the history of the favela and how these communities contribute to the unique culture of Rio. The tour is intended for educational reasons alone and to allow a better understanding of local life, though there are issues and concerns besetting favela tours.

Just like our ethical Lima tour , we found the option to interact with these communities invaluable to our understanding of local issues, but understand this kind of tour might not be for everyone. If you take this Rocinha favela tour, a monetary contribution is made to the community.

Another modern architectural wonder in Rio, the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí, is a purpose-built parade area built for the famous Rio Carnival. Located in the Centro, this 700-meter strip flanked by huge bleachers is where samba schools parade each year for five days to thousands of cheering Brazilians and foreign tourists.

The edifices of the Sambadrome were devised by the famed architect Oscar Niemeyer and are notable as his first major work after the end of the Brazilian dictatorship in 1985. The Sambadrome not only functions as the focus of the Rio Carnival but also supports a 115-room primary school underneath the grandstands.

The best way to experience this festival is by buying tickets for either the parade itself or a technical rehearsal. Rio Carnival Sambadrome tickets are only issued a week before the Carnival to protect against misappropriation and duplication.

The Santa Teresa Tram is an adorable historic tram line that connects the Rio city center with the quiet and artistic inner-city neighborhood of Santa Teresa. It opened in 1877, but today is mainly sustained as a tourist attraction, having been designated a national historical monument in 1988. The Santa Teresa tram line is 6.0 kilometers (3.7 miles) long and is now among the oldest street railway lines globally. It is also the only remaining metropolitan tram system in Brazil.

A trip on the Santa Teresa Tram passes over the iconic Arcos da Lapa and offers beautiful views of the downtown and out to Guanabara Bay. Once you arrive, there are more viewpoints along with cute cafes, colorful galleries and bars to explore

The cost of the tram ride is around 20 reals that included your return trip. The trams run every 30 minutes and start next to the ridiculous-looking Petrobrás Building that you can’t miss.

One for aviation geeks. Marvel at the planes that take off and land at Santos Dumont Airport – Rio’s secondary, smaller airport located adjacent to the city center.

If the short runway and incredible views you get on takeoff and landing weren’t enough, watching the planes from nearby Flamengo Beach is out-of-this-world. Just watch the steep turns that they make to avoid Sugar Loaf – it is no wonder this is one of the world’s most incredible airports to take off from. If you are traveling in Brazil and need a domestic flight, you should try to get it into or out of Santos Dumont Airport — but sadly, international flights are no longer on offer here. If you are lucky enough to find a flight option to suit, don’t forget to spring for the window seat!

A popular design-forward hostel chain taking Latin America and the world by storm, Selina is all about providing artistic places for travelers to stay, travel, and work abroad indefinitely.

We are a little bit obsessed with these vibes and communities they seem to cultivate after stays with them in Porto , Mexico City , and La Paz . Salina puts their heart, soul, and wanderlust into providing travelers with a new and exciting way to explore the world, focusing on community, design, and authentic activities and experiences. And their Rio de Janerio space is no exception, freshly opened in Lapa, the most bohemian area in Rio.

Selina Lapa is just footsteps away from Selarón’s mosaic stairs and the Lapa Arches, Selina Lapa is a magnet for international travelers, Rio’s emerging artists, and creative entrepreneurs. Highlights include a South American-inspired restaurant, rooftop terrace, yoga deck, cocktail bar, and a movie room. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet local musicians at Lapa55 Radio — their in-house radio station devoted to broadcasting powerful sounds and inspirational stories. The perfect place to stay if you are flying solo or on a budget and want to meet like-minded travelers.

Even if you don’t stay here, you should pop in to enjoy a drink, try the food and see what is going on.

Another fun thing to do in Rio de Janerio is to walk around the world-famous Sugar Loaf Mountain / Pão de Açúca. Or for the more brave take the two cable cars to the top for some truly breath-taking views.

The most famous of the many monolithic granite and quartz mountains that give Rio its incredible feel, the first sight of this beauty rising straight out of the water’s edge, is something you can never forget.

Rising 396 m above the harbor, its name refers to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar, and the cable car trip here is one of the world’s best. Don’t worry; it is doing much better after its 1979 encounter with Jaws in Moonraker. Yes, this is a James Bond filming location worth visiting….

You can also hike/climb/scramble to the top, but we don’t recommend it unless you have prior experience and are with a local.

Set sail along Guanabara Bay for a marvelous adventure just as the sun is setting below the horizon. Trust us; you will never forget the experience of watching Rio come to life in front of your eyes. This small-group sailing experience is an excellent way to unwind and see some of the top sites in Rio de Janeiro from a different perspective.

Relax with free drinks and light snacks while you sail past iconic landmarks such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio-Niteroi Bridge. This small-group sailing is capped at ten travelers, so you are ensured an authentic trip — and maybe to make a few friends to explore the city with. Also, an outstanding way to start out a night in Rio!

The Theatro Municipal is a majestic opera house in the Centro district of Rio de Janeiro built at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is rated as one of the most important theatres in Brazil, and one of the most beautiful in the world.

Designed in 1905 in the eclectic style, the Theatro Municipal is inspired by the Paris Opéra and came to represents a new era to the elegant capital of Brazil. In its heyday, it was open to only foreign opera and symphonic orchestra shows, though now includes both local and international productions of ballet and classical music. While exploring the center of Rio, take your time to admire the outside walls, which are inscribed with the names of classic European & Brazilian artists, or step into the entrance to the lobby for a quick peek.

To see most of the stately interior, you will need to attend a performance — and prices can be very affordable, depending on the production. You’ll quickly discover the interior of the theater is as opulent as the facade, with grand sculptures, ornate foyer ceiling, a magnificent drop curtain, and impressive theatre frieze. The only other way to see the extravagant insides of the Theatro Municipal is on a guided tour of the theater, which is offered in English most afternoons. You could also visit the restaurant Assírius in the basement with its remarkable Assyrian decor.

Rio’s highest peak, Pico da Tijuca (1022m – 3353ft), is found smack-bang in the center of the Tijuca Forest and offers glorious views over most of the city. You can go at it alone or hike to the top of Tijuca Peak with a guide during this popular half-day excursion in Rio de Janeiro .

Experience convenient pickup at your Rio hotel and then a picturesque ride through the dramatic forest of Tijuca National Park. Along the way, stop off at the Taunay Waterfall, one of the highest hidden in this urban forest, before arriving at the Visitor’s Center, where you will begin your hike. If you opt for a tour, you’ll learn about the local flora and fauna as you walk, and make stops at the Chinese Viewpoint and the Emperor’s Table.

Either solo or accompanied, you will end up at Monkey’s Waterfall on the pinnacle of Tijuca Peak, and get Instaworthy views out over the marvelous city and beyond. One of the top things to do in Rio de Janeiro if you are a lover of nature and the outdoors.

How have you enjoyed these Top Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil? Hopefully, this has helped you decide what to do on your upcoming trip to Rio de Janeiro Brazil or convinced you to start planning one! The Olympics are over, and prices are returning to normal, if not lower, due to the currency devaluation, so expect the good times to continue – for the tourists at least!

Also, don’t forget to book your accommodation in advance to avoid missing out! Compare great deals for hotels and hostels in Rio de Janeiro with the best rate guarantee, so you can splash out on all these other awesome things! 

Our Adventure Journal

21 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro (Complete Visit Guide!)

Last Updated on April 7, 2024 by Kelly

Rio de Janeiro , located in Brazil, is one of the most magical cities we have ever visited! The city has it all: world-class beaches, historic landmarks, and an absolutely dreamy landscape. The city is known as the Cidade Maravilhosa , which in Portuguese means Marvelous City . I’ve been to dozens of countries, and my trip to Brazil still stands out as one of my favorites. My brother and sister-in-law got married in Brazil, and we traveled to Brazil for their wedding. Because we flew into Rio de Janeiro, we spent time in the city both before and after the wedding. In this post, we’ll share our picks for the best things to do in Rio . We’ve also included a complete visit guide , which includes our recommendations for the best hotels, restaurants, and nearby excursions.

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

1. copacabana beach.

Millions of tourists visit the world-famous Copacabana Beach each year, which is also called Princesinha do Mar (Little Princess of the Sea). The beach is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) long, and it’s one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen.

Running parallel to the beach is the street Avenida Atlântica , which is lined with hotels and restaurants.

You’ll definitely want to walk along the Copacabana Promenade , which is arguably the most famous promenade in the world. It was first built in 1906 using imported stones from Portugal. The stones are arranged in a mosaic wave design that mimics the waves of the ocean. As you’re walking along the promenade, you might notice the statue of a man sitting on a bench. That’s a statue of Carlos Drummond de Andrade, a famous poet and artist.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

You can swim at Copacabana Beach most of the year. Occasionally the city will place signs at the beach stating that the water quality is too poor for swimming. Just be sure to check current conditions when you visit. If you go swimming, never leave your valuables out on the sand. It’s better to bring a waterproof pouch and a floating attachment . (That way, if you drop your pouch, it won’t sink to the bottom of the ocean.)

Copacabana Beach is bookmarked by two historic military forts: Fort Copacabana to the south, and Fort Duque de Caxias to the north. 

When we visited, we went to a bar on the beach and enjoyed our first caipirinha cocktail of the trip!

2. Fort Copacabana 

As we walked south along the Copacabana Promenade, we stumbled upon Fort Copacabana. This fort was built in 1914 to provide military protection to the bay. The fort is home to the Museu Histórico do Exército ( Army Historical Museum ). We really enjoyed walking through the museum and learning about the Brazilian Army. But whether or not you’re interested in military history, we highly recommend that you visit this fort. It has outstanding views of Copacabana Beach. 

The fort also has two very nice cafes with outdoor seating. We had one of our favorite meals in Brazil there. The food was delicious, and we had unbeatable views of one of the world’s most famous beaches. The cafes can be busy, so we recommend putting your name in for outdoor seating, and then perhaps walking around for awhile until your table is ready.

The fort also served as one of the venues for the 2016 Summer Olympics!

At the time of this writing, a full-price ticket is only R$ 6.00. Admission is free on Tuesdays.

3. Ipanema Beach

Another must-see destination in Rio de Janeiro is Ipanema Beach . We were able to walk to Ipanema Beach right after visiting Fort Copacabana. Our experience there was so dreamy. We spent a little bit of time walking on the beach and swimming, but I’ve been wanting to return to this beach ever since we left!

It is possible to go swimming at Ipanema Beach. You do need to exercise some caution when swimming, as the waves can get quite strong. Occasionally, the city will post signs that the water quality is too poor for swimming. When we visited, we walked in the water and splashed in the waves. We personally had a great time in the water.

If you can work it into your itinerary, we recommend staying at Ipanema Beach for sunse t. The sun will dip between the mountains Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) for a truly spectacular sunset. 

4. Christ the Redeemer 

The famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro sits on top of Mount Corcovado . It’s one of the most iconic sights of Brazil, and it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World . The statue is 98 feet tall (30 meters) and is an art deco depiction of Jesus Christ. The arms stretch 92 feet wide (28 meters). From the city below, you can clearly see Jesus’s arms outreached on top of the mountain. 

There are several ways to get to the top of Mount Corcovado to see the statue up-close. The first is to take the electric, eco-friendly train to the top ( Trem de Corcovado ). This is the route we took, and we absolutely loved it. We were able to travel through Tijuca National Park on our way to the top. The route is filled with lush greenery, and it was a really fun experience. At the time of this writing, an adult ticket during peak season is R$105,50. Trains typically depart every 30 minutes, and the train operates from 8am to 7pm.

When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of Rio de Janeiro, the ocean, and the mountains. It was such an incredible view! We recommend visiting the statue as soon as it’s open for less crowds. It’s also best to visit on a clear day so you can get the best views. Because of our itinerary, we had no choice but to go on a partially cloudy day. We couldn’t even see the statue even though we were standing right at its base! We were disappointed, but grateful we could at least see views of the city. We decided to have a beer at the cafe at the top, and after 30 minutes, the clouds parted and we ran up the stairs to see Christ the Redeemer! Thankfully we were able to see the statue after the clouds cleared!

5. Sugarloaf Mountain

Another site that is emblematic of Rio de Janeiro is Sugarloaf Mountain ( Pão de Açúcar).  This dome-shaped mountain is clearly seen from Copacabana Beach, and you’ll see its profile on postcards and t-shirts throughout the city. The mountain was named “sugarloaf” because sugar cane was often traded and exported from Brazil. The mountain loosely resembles a pile of refined sugar. We also think the views are pretty sweet! The smaller mountain and the base of Sugar Loaf is Morro da Urca.

The most popular way to get to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is by cable car. You’ll take a cable car up to Morro da Urca , and then another up to  Pão de Açúcar . You’ll have exceptional views of Copacabana Beach, the city of Rio de Janeiro, and Guanabara Bay.

We think the best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain is late in the afternoon. You’ll be able to see the views during daylight, as well as during golden hour and potentially sunset. You’ll want to time your visit with the weather. If it’s too cloudy, your views could be restricted.

6. Selaron Steps

Artist Jorge Selarón created the Selaron Steps (Escadaria Selarón). He started the project in 1990 when he began updating the tiles on the staircase directly outside of his home. He replaced the older tiles with brightly colored green, yellow, and blue tiles that reminded him of the Brazilian flag. He slowly started renovating more of the staircase as he was able to purchase more tiles. As the project gained recognition, travelers began bringing him tiles from all over the world. He added red tiles on the side of the stairs to pay homage to his home country of Chile. The stairs are located in the Lapa neighborhood.

7. Santa Teresa Tram & Neighborhood

The yellow Santa Teresa Tram will take you to the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio. The tram is the oldest electric railway in all of Latin America. The Santa Teresa neighborhood is filled with charming mansions from the 19th century, as well as some incredible restaurants and bars. The tram will take you to the town’s main square,  Largo dos Guimarães . You might also want to check out  Parque das Ruinas  and it’s Cultural Centre. 

8. Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow)

The Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) is a science museum located in Rio de Janeiro. The architecture of this building will grab your attention, as white scaffolding juts out into the sky. The museum features a number of exhibitions that center on questions such as “Where did we come from?” and “Where are we going?” The museum has exhibits on the Cosmos, Earth, Anthropocene, Tomorrow, and Us. As of this writing, tickets start at R$ 30,00. 

9. Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden)

The Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro is filled with an abundance of plants, paths, and greenhouses. There are 6,500 species in this 130-acre garden, and it’s a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve. Historically, the garden was established in 1808 by the King of Portugal. It’s been open to the public since 1822.

Highlights of the botanical garden include the Visitor Center (housed in a historic building), the Japanese Garden, the Sensory Garden, the Orchidarium, the Old Academy of Fine Arts Portal, and the Museu Casa dos Pilões. The park is also a great place to go bird-watching. There are over 140 species of birds at the botanical garden.

To visit this park, there is a cash-only admission fee at the park’s entrance. (R$ 67,00 for foreign visitors at the time of this writing.)

10. Tijuca National Park

Want to see a rainforest that’s located in a city? Tijuca National Park is the world’s largest urban rainforest. Admission to the park is free (unless you are planning to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue at the top of Mount Corcovado). There are lots of trails in the park, waterfalls, and hikes. Because the park is so big, it’s not a bad idea to go on a guided tour . There’s all sorts of tour options (like a jeep tour of the rainforest or a guided hiking tour). 

11. Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro (Metropolitan Cathedral)

The Metropolitan Cathedral is architecturally very unique and looks reminiscent of a Mayan pyramid. The building was finished in 1979.

12. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Candelaria Church)

The Candelaria Church, located near the Museu do Amanhã, is a much older church. Construction for the church began in 1775. 

13. Pedra do Telégrafo

Tourists hike here in order to create the optical illusion of hanging from this rock with a view of the ocean in the background. The entrance to the trail is about a 90-minute drive from Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, so definitely allow time in your itinerary for this one. The trail is 2.2 miles roundtrip with 941 feet of elevation gain. ( Trail information linked here .)

14. Ilha Fiscal (Fiscal Island)

Ilha Fiscal is a small island located in Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay. Before Brazil became a republic, the “Last Ball of the Empire” was held on this island. Tickets to the island for guided tours are sold at Espaço Cultural da Marinha . It’s about a 10-minute boat ride to get to the island.

15. Parque Lage

This public park contains a historic mansion that has been featured in a number of musical videos by celebrities. The mansion is now home to the Visual Arts School of Parque Lage as well as a picturesque cafe.

16. Aqueduto da Carioca (Carioca Aqueduct)

This aqueduct was built in the 18th century to provide fresh water to the people of the city. Because it’s located in the Lapa neighborhood, it’s also known as Arcos da Lapa.

17. Mirante do Leblon

At the end of Leblon Beach is a lookout point with views of the city and ocean. This is another great place to watch a Rio de Janeiro sunset.

18. Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theater)

The Theatro Municipal is a historic opera house. Inspired by the opera house in Paris, this theater is very ornate. 

19. Food Tour

One of the best ways to experience Rio de Janeiro is by food tour . There are a variety of food tours available, including a street food tour and a pub crawl tour.

20. Cachaça Tasting

Cachaça is a distilled spirit made from sugar cane. It’s the main liquor in Brazil’s most famous cocktail: the caipirinha. There are multiple tours in Rio de Janeiro that offer Cachaça experiences.

21. View the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Harbor is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It’s the world’s largest natural bay and contains more volume of water than any other bay. The harbor is also known as Guanabara Bay. We think one of the best places to view the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is from Sugarloaf Mountain!

Our Hotel in Rio de Janeiro

Portobay rio de janeiro.

When we visited Rio, we stayed at the PortoBay Rio de Janeiro . We absolutely loved this hotel, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for lodging in Rio de Janeiro. My brother and sister-in-law travel to Brazil as often as they can to visit family, and this is also their preferred hotel. The hotel is located right across the street from the famous Copacabana Beach. Many of the rooms have either excellent views of the beach, Mount Corcovado, or Sugarloaf mountain. Our room had a view of Christ the Redeemer statue, and my family had a view directly of the beach. 

PortoBay Rio de Janeiro also has a lot of amenities. We were greeted with sparkling wine at check-in and they had an incredible rooftop pool. They also have a beach service, transfer service to the airport, and doctor available upon request. For dining options, there’s a rooftop bar, lounge downstairs, and a restaurant on-site. We easily walked to Copacabana Beach, and we were within walking distance of Ipanema Beach. We were really pleased with this hotel and we were glad we chose it for our trip.

Recommended Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

Some places you might want to check out in Rio de Janeiro include:

• Confiserie Colombo: This bakery and coffeehouse has grandiose decor. It’s over 100 years old and it’s one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. 
• Cafe 18 do Forte: This is a restaurant located right at Forte Copacabana.
• Confeitaria Colombo Cafe do Forte: This is where we had lunch right outside Forte Copacabana. We had a gorgeous view of Copacabana Beach! We personally recommend eating here!
• Ristorante Hotel Cipriani: Not staying at the Copacabana Palace? No problem! Have dinner there and enjoy! 
• Churrascaria Palace: This Brazilian steakhouse is one of the best places to try Brazilian barbecue. 

Some of our favorite Brazilian foods and beverages are:

• Cachaça: Distilled spirit from sugar cane juice.
• Caipirinha: A cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar. 
• Pão de Queijo: These small, baked cheese rolls are a personal favorite of mine!
• Brigadeiros: Traditional Brazilian desserts that are similar to chocolate bonbons. 

How to Get There

Rio de Janeiro is located on the southeastern coast of Brazil. The city lies within the state of Rio de Janeiro. (Both the state and city have the same name of Rio de Janeiro). In this article, we’ll be discussing the city.

The city of Rio de Janeiro has water views of both Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Rio de Janeiro is approximately 725 miles (1,167 kilometers) from Brazil’s capital city of Brasilia.

The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is also the world’s largest natural bay . Because of this, the harbor is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World .

To reach the city of Rio de Janeiro, you’ll most likely fly into the main airport of Rio de Janeiro/Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport . (The airport code is GIG). The airport is commonly called by its original name, Galeão International Airport.

The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the airport.

Expect the drive from the airport to take between 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. You can book a taxi for a flat rate inside the airport. This may be slightly more expensive, but if you don’t speak Portuguese and you aren’t as knowledgeable about the area, it’s the most convenient option in our opinion.

8 Tips for Visiting 

• Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. If you don’t speak Portuguese, we recommend downloading the Google Translate app on your phone. We were able to easily translate our sentences to help us get around.
• Download relevant maps you might need on your phone in advance so you can reference them offline if you don’t have cell coverage.
• The official currency of Brazil is the Real . We recommend ordering some Real currency from your bank at home in advance of your trip, that way you have some small bills on hand should you need them. We usually give our bank a few weeks’ notice to do this before a big trip.
• We like to place cash in multiple different places . We never put all of our cash in one place (e.g., a wallet) in case we lose it or it’s stolen. That way, we have some back-up cash in another backpack, piece of luggage, etc.
• Make photo copies of your passport and any other important documentation. Store them securely in another piece of luggage in case you lose your originals.
• Create a master itinerary that includes dates of travel, addresses of all hotels, and relevant confirmation numbers. That way, you have all of your travel details in one place. We also like to give a copy of our master itinerary to a trusted family member at home, should they need to reach us in an emergency.
• Look into getting travel insurance in advance of your trip. (Especially regarding medical coverage.) Don’t travel abroad if you don’t have medical insurance. Make that a priority for your budget.
• If you’re a citizen of the United States, consider signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You’ll register your international trip , and the government will alert you in the event of an emergency.

Nearby Destinations

The following destinations are also located near Rio de Janeiro if you have time to extend your trip:

• Buzios | 113 miles away : Buzios is a popular destination for beaches. We spent several days in Buzios, and it was a relaxing getaway from the city. 
• Prainha Beach | 24 miles away : Prainha Beach is a pristine beach that is very popular. The water is a bright turquoise, and the beach is surrounded by rainforest.
• Angra dos Reis | 103 miles away : This archipelago contains numerous islands that are ideal for a beach vacation. Boats take tourists to some of the most popular island.

We recommend spending at least 3 nights (4 full days) in Rio de Janeiro. We spent two nights and we could have used at least one more day to see more of the sights. With two days, we were able to see Copacabana Beach, Fort Copacabana, Ipanema Beach, and Christ the Redeemer. If we had more time, we would have liked to have visited Sugarloaf Mountain. If you have 4 or more days in Rio, you can also add the botanical gardens and the Museum of Tomorrow.

Visiting Rio de Janeiro is definitely worth it! This trip was easily one of our favorite travel experiences. We truly enjoyed the natural beauty of the beaches, mountains, and rainforests. The people were warm and friendly. The sights in the city were spectacular. We would go back to visit in a heartbeat.

From our personal experience, we had no safety issues while we were in Rio de Janeiro. We visited popular destinations, traveled as part of a group within our family, and we didn’t wear flashy valuables. (I left my wedding ring at home prior to leaving for the trip.) While walking on the street, we used a hand strap for our camera. We didn’t leave any valuables unattended at the beach, and I wore a cross-body purse. 

We hope this article was helpful to you in finding things to do for your trip. This was one of our favorite trips, and it was made even more special by attending my brother and sister-in-law’s wedding. We highly recommend that you add Rio de Janeiro to your bucket list! 

Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

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The Best Things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Updated On 1st May, 2023

Rio de Janeiro is a city of vibrant culture, stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes. It’s no wonder that it is one of the best places to visit in Brazil!

With so much to explore and experience, Rio de Janeiro has something for everyone, especially ocean and nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your visit. In this Brazil travel guide  we will look at some of the best things to do in Rio De Janeiro so that you can make the most out of your trip. From exploring historical sites to relaxing on Ipanema beach, this blog will provide all the information needed to have an unforgettable time in one of the best places to visit in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro is the second biggest city in Brazil and was once the capital of the country. The city is iconic (we’ve all heard the songs about Rio!) and a symbol of Brazil. When you think of Brazil, you think of the Christ Redeemer, the streets of Carnival and the Sugar Loaf, all of which are in Rio.

Rio is located in the Southeast region of Brazil and is home to some of the most stunning urban beaches you will ever see, Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, and Barra da Tijuca Beach, just to name a few. It’s also situated in the middle of the Mata Atlantic rainforest, which is why its coast and surrounding areas are so green and full of life.

Rio de Janeiro is a favourite destination for nature lovers, beach lovers and city lovers. This is why I love it so much; it’s got a bit of everything mixed into one place!

How to get to Rio de Janeiro

Getting to Rio is easy as many airlines fly into Galeão International Airport . Alternatively, if you’re flying internationally, there is the option to get a connecting flight from São Paulo. Flight from Europe costs anywhere between £700-1200.

The most expensive time to fly to Rio is in high season (December-February). During this period, it’s tough to find a direct flight for less than £1000. But it is also the best season to be there, so my advice would be to buy flights well in advance to secure a lower price and look into connecting flights via Lisbon, Switzerland or Germany.

When it comes to getting around in Rio de Janeiro, uber and the metro is your best bet. You can read more about getting around in Rio in this blog post.

The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro

As mentioned above, the best time to visit Rio is during the Brazilian summer, which is from December to February. This is the peak season for travel in Brazil for both local and international travellers.

If you’ve read any of my other blogs, you’ll know that my advice is always to recommend visiting places in shoulder season as, overall, the experience is better, and you won’t need to deal with crowds. But Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro, it’s well worth visiting during the peak period. 

Summer is when there’s New Year’s, Carnival, and longer days with sunshine and good weather. So if you want to experience what Rio is like fully, the best time to visit Rio is in the summer months (which, for travellers coming from the Northern Hemisphere, also means they get some winter sun!)

Naturally, if crowds aren’t your vibe and you want to avoid Carnival, November or April are also good months to visit Rio.

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro may have a population of 6.7 million people, but the area where hotels and accommodation are available for travellers are all in the southern part of the city, known as Zona Sul (translated to South Region).

The most popular neighbourhoods to stay within Zona Sul are:

• Leblon & Ipanema
• Santa Teresa

Where you choose to stay in Rio de Janeiro always depends on your budget and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. 

There are many high-end luxury accommodation options in Rio, like Janeiro Hotel , Hotel Nacional and Santa Teresa Hotel RJ.

But for those seeking more mid-range level accommodation, then hostels and Airbnbs are the best options. You can find recommendations below.

If you’re looking for a hostel, you’ll want to check out the hostel accommodations in Rio de Janeiro below:

• Ipanema Beach Hostel
• Mambembe Hostel
• Selina Copacabana
• Selina Lapa

And for mid-high-range hotels, check out the ones below:

• Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
• Riale Vilamar Copacabana
• Guest House Bianca
• Mercure Rio Boutique Hotel Copacabana

Generally speaking, the more expensive accommodations will be in the areas near the beach (Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana). More affordable options will be in Lapa, Botafogo and Santa Teresa.

Without further ado, here are The best things to do in Rio De Janerio.

The Best Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

1. have brunch at botanico and stroll through the botanical gardens.

The Botanical Gardens in Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places to visit in Rio. Located just off Rua Jardim Botanico, it offers an oasis of calm and relaxation (and shade from the sun from their 30m palm trees!)

For the best experience, we recommend visiting the gardens on a Sunday morning and having brunch at Botanica restaurant which overlooks the gardens.

After you’ve had your fill, take a stroll through the gardens and enjoy the impressive array of exotic plants and trees, especially the Royal Palm tree walkway.

2. Watch the sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain

Aside from the Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain is arguably the second most iconic symbol of Rio (one of the biggest supermarket chains is named after it!). 

Sugarloaf Mountain is part of Guanabara Bay and offers panoramic views of the city. It is particularly mesmerising at sunset, so I highly recommend planning your visit around the latest entry time (6 pm during the summer months).

Again, like with the Christ Redeemer, pick a day with clear skies to take the cable car up to the Sugar Loaf mountain to make sure you get that sunset backdrop with the views at the top.

3. People watch and enjoy the day at one of Rio's many urban beaches

Rio’s urban beaches are literally those that have been put into song lyrics, so you know they’re worth visiting. All my blogs start with going to the beach as one of the best things to do, but honestly, this is one of the best things to do in Rio. 

Copacabana and Ipanema are two of the most popular spots, and they offer great views, people-watching opportunities and plenty of places to eat and drink. These beaches also have a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the other beaches, making them the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the day. 

No matter what time of year you visit Rio, these beaches are always buzzing with life. It’s a great place to meet locals and experience the vibrant culture of Rio de Janeiro. 

4. Take a sunrise hike up to Morro dos Dois Irmãos

For those looking for an active way to start the day in Rio de Janeiro, a hike up Morro dos Dois Irmãos will get your heart racing and calved working. The mountain itself is two peaks, which are actually two mountains connected by a ridge. It’s the mountain you see at the end of Ipanema beach.

The trail up isn’t too difficult (but it’s steep!) and takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit. The views from the top are spectacular, and it’s definitely worth doing if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Rio. 

This trail needs to be done with a guide as it’s a little tricky and starts at the bottom of a favela.

5. Stroll through the Bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a charming neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, full of quaint cobblestone streets, old colonial houses and colourful street art. A perfect place to go for a stroll and take some photos. This is also the area where you get the famous ‘bondinhos’, the trams like the ones you see in Lisbon. It feels like you’re in a different city!

The neighbourhood is also home to many bars and restaurants, making it the perfect spot for an evening stroll or dinner. This post highlights some of the best restaurants in Santa Teresa.

6. Take a surf lesson at Praia da Prainha

Prainha beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio de Janeiro. It’s an untouched piece of paradise, located in the west part of Rio and surrounded by lush vegetation. 

It’s also one of the best spots to take a surf lesson (or practice if you already know how). Prainha beach offers perfect waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike, so it’s a great place to give it a try. 

There are plenty of surf schools in the area, so make sure to check them out if it’s something you’re interested in. They offer classes for all levels and can even provide boards and wetsuits if needed.

7. Watch the sunset at Arpoador

I may be biased in saying this, but this is the best thing to do in Rio de Janeiro. There is nothing like walking along the beach sidewalk as the sun starts to lower after an afternoon spent at Ipanema beach towards Arpoador rock, always looking back to make sure you haven’t missed the shot yet. (This is the rock at the intersection of Ipanema beach and Copacabana).

Sunset at Arpoador is a literal show. There are vendors selling caipirinhas and drinks on the rocks; everyone takes their seat and just waits for the magic to unfold. The second the sun disappears over the ocean, everyone starts to clap and cheer!

This is an unforgettable experience in Rio, so make sure you reserve an afternoon for it.

8. Climb up to take the iconic selfie with the Christ Redeemer

No trip to Rio de Janeiro is complete without heading up to the top of Corcovado hill to take that iconic selfie with the Christ Redeemer statue. It’s one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous landmarks and one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

The 30-minute climb up the stairs can be quite tiring, but when you get there, it’s well worth the effort. From the top, you can get a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro – from its beaches to its towering hills, not to mention the statue itself.

Top tip : check the weather forecast the night before you go to make sure the day you visit is a clear day to avoid disappointment. More often than not, Christ is covered in clouds, which makes it hard even to make out the landmark.

9. Soak in the views at Dona Marta's viewpoint.

Located at the top of Corcovado hill, Dona Marta viewpoint is one of the best places to visit in Rio de Janeiro to get amazing views. The view from here stretches out across Guanabara Bay, and you can even see Sugar Loaf mountain on the horizon. It’s a great spot for photos. 

Top tip : Combine your visit to the Christ Redeemer with this one, as they are in the same area and just a short drive from each other. There are also man tours that include this in their Christ Redeemer tours, so before you book, check or ask whether this is included.

13. Go on a free walking tour

The best things in life are often free, and the free walking tour in Rio does not disappoint! The tour takes you around the city, giving an insight into the history of Rio de Janeiro and teaching visitors about the Brazilian culture and history of the city. It’s a great way to learn more about Rio without breaking the bank.

Free Walker Tours is the best in the business, and they offer three different walking tours:

• The Downtown and Lapa walking tour, which takes you through the most historic parts of Rio (XV Square, Municipal Theatre, National Library and the famous Selaron Steps)
• Copacabana and Ipanema walking tour, taking travellers through the most famous beaches in the world
• The Olympic Boulevard & African Heritage tour, which focuses on the areas that showcase the African influence prevalent in Rio (like Pedra do Sal, Candelaria Church and Mauá Square)

Taking a walking tour is one of the best ways to get to know the city of Rio and learn about its culture, history and architecture. 

14. Have afternoon tea at Confeteria Colombo

If you’re looking for a place to have lunch in Rio, then look no further than Confeteria Colombo. This historic café has been around since the late 19th century, and it’s the best place to sample some traditional Brazilian coffee and desserts.

My favourite things about the men are:

• Bomba de Chocolate

The Confeteria Colombo building is also a beautiful sight to behold, with its towering Neo-classical columns and stained glass windows.

15. Contemplate the Future at The Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow is a science museum in Rio de Janeiro. The main idea behind the museum is to create a space where visitors can learn about sustainable development and how to protect the environment, given the impact climate change could have in the future. It’s also a great way to learn more about Brazilian culture, art and politics. The latest exhibition that was on was by Sebastiao Salgado about the Amazon Forest.

The building itself is also a site to see, so if you’re into modern architecture, it’s well worth a visit and should be at the top of your Rio bucket list!

16. Climb up Pedra da Gavea

Pedra da Gavea is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in Rio de Janeiro.

It’s a difficult climb, and you need to be an experienced hiker to do it, but the views are worth it! From the top, you get breathtaking views of Tijuca Forest, Guanabara Bay and beyond. It takes around 4 hours to complete the climb, and you should always go with a guide, as this hike is not suitable for beginners.

If you’re looking for a challenge and up for some mad views, then this is something that needs to be on Rio bucket list.

17. Admire the world's largest street mural, Mural de Etnias

One of the most impressive pieces of art in Rio de Janeiro is the world’s largest street mural, located in downtown Rio. The mural was painted by Eduardo Kobra and depicted images of native tribes of five different continents. It’s a sight to behold, and it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re into street art or just looking for something unique to do in Rio. 

Itinerary tip: If planning to visit the Museum of Tomorrow, this mural is within walking distance from there, so worth doing both of these on the same day. If you’re after an itinerary, we have a 3-day itinerary that you can read here.

18. Watch the sunset at Paredão da Urca like a local

As a Brazilian, I’ve been to Rio many times and know what “locals” do in the city. And one of those things is watching the sunset at Paredão da Urca (paredão is a wall that everyone sits on). Urca is a neighbourhood in Rio that is filled with street bars and restaurants. 

On the weekend with good weather, everyone gathers here and has a beer with friends while sitting on the wall watching the sun go down.

19. Get the best view of Christ Redeemer with a helicopter tour

One of the absolute best things to do in Rio (or so I’ve heard from friends, as I’m not brave enough to get on a helicopter) is to take a helicopter tour over Rio and the Christ Redeemer. Vertical Rio is one of the best in the business and offers 30mins tours. It’s pricey (R$ 1000 per flight), but it’s worth it. 

The views from a helicopter are insane, and you get to see the city in a way that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. This a must-do if you’re looking for something unique and unforgettable!

20. Explore Tijuca National Park

Tijuca forest is one of the largest natural urban forests in the world, covering an area of 32km². This rainforest is a hidden gem located in Rio de Janeiro, and it’s full of lush vegetation and stunning waterfalls. 

The park has dozens of trails to explore, some of which are quite easy for those who are not so experienced hikers. There are also a few waterfalls, such as Cachoeira da Detenção and Cascatinha da Taunay, where you can take a dip in the cool mountain water. 

Tijuca forest is an absolute must-visit if you want to explore Rio’s nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

21. Head for a Samba at Pedra do Sal

One of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro is to experience a true Brazilian samba night. There’s no better place than Pedra do Sal, which is literally translated as “rock of salt”. 

The area was settled by African slaves who used it as an open-air market, and it has now become one of the most iconic spots in the city for samba. This Instagram account posts about the different events going on around town, but Mondays are the samba days at Pedra do Sal.

Every Monday night, people gather to listen to samba music and watch dancers show off their moves. It’s a great way to experience Brazilian culture first-hand and get into the rhythm of samba! Definitely, something you want to check off your Rio bucket list.

22. Watch a football game at Maracana Stadium

Maracana Stadium is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world, and going on a tour of the stadium is one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. You can watch a game here or even just take a tour around the stadium to see where all the magic happens. 

Even for those who aren’t that into football, the experience itself is something that should not be missed. The atmosphere at the stadium is electric, and you are guaranteed to have a memorable time! 

That’s all for this Rio de Janeiro travel guide; I hope your time in Rio de Janeiro is as amazing as mine was! Enjoy the beaches, music, vibes and adventure – you won’t regret it!

Have you been to Rio de Janeiro?

What are your top things to do in  Lençóis Maranhenses? Anything you’d add to this Brazil bucket list?

I’m Sté, short for Stephanie. I’m a 27 year-young photographer & travel blogger who travels between places capturing the untold, the unseen, and the stories in-between. Fuelled by creativity and curiosity, my hope is to inspire others to explore the world beyond and within themselves.

See all of Ste’s adventures here.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Rio Revealed: 35 Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro

Are you ready to have fun in Rio? The city is rightfully called “Cidade Maravilhosa,” the Marvelous City, because of the wonderful sights and things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro, with open arms, beckons travelers from around the globe to visit Brazil’s second-largest city on the South Atlantic coast. Its unique and fascinating characteristics make it a popular tourist attraction. The city’s breathtaking landscapes, white sand beaches, and distinctive landmarks, such as the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue sculpted atop Corcovado Mountain, provide a panorama of the vibrant city and its surroundings. 

The warmth and friendliness of the Cariocas, its residents, add to the charm of Rio, making it a perfect destination for a trip to Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro is also renowned for its rich cultural legacy, boasting numerous historical landmarks, museums, and art galleries. For adventurous souls, day tours offer opportunities to discover the city’s natural wonders, from lush rainforests to breathtaking hiking trails. And, of course, don’t forget to witness the world-class surfers riding the waves along the city’s stunning beaches.

Whether planning a romantic honeymoon or seeking an unforgettable travel experience, Rio de Janeiro promises a beautiful and memorable journey. So pack your bags and get ready to embrace the wonders that await you in the marvelous city of Rio.

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – Sights

1. statue of christ the redeemer.

Located on the peak of Corcovado Mountain, this statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms overlooks the city of Rio. Visitors can reach the Statue of Christ the Redeemer by train or van , and admission costs vary based on the mode of transportation. Expect long lines and crowds for pilgrims to one of the World’s Seven Wonders. 

2. Copacabana Beach

One of Rio’s most famous beaches, Copacabana is lined with restaurants, bars, and hotels. Expect crowds and vendors selling food and souvenirs along its three-mile (4.8- kilometer) coastline.

You can relax on the golden sands, swim in the clear blue water, and watch or play beach sports like volleyball and soccer. Enjoy tasty Brazilian snacks and drinks from the beachside kiosks. Take a stroll along the charming promenade for fantastic coastline views. 

Apart from sunbathing and beach sports, visitors to Copacabana Beach can explore Fort Copacabana’s historic military fortress and enjoy breathtaking sunset views from the rocks between Ipanema and Copacabana Beach. 

3. The Selaron Steps 

The Selarón Steps are situated in the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa, known for its lively atmosphere, historic arches, and vibrant nightlife. Created by the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, these mosaic-covered steps are a testament to his passion and creativity. The stairs, consisting of over 2,000 colorful tiles collected from over 60 countries, form a stunning and unique work of art representing the world’s diversity. 

Visitors can stroll up the steps , marveling at the intricate designs and vibrant colors. The Selarón Steps provide a fantastic opportunity for photography and offer a glimpse into the soul of Rio’s artistic culture. 

4. Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

The Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, is a modernist masterpiece in Rio de Janeiro’s heart. The cathedral’s unique conical shape and stained glass windows make it a striking landmark in the city’s skyline. The interior is equally impressive, with soaring ceilings and minimalist decor creating a sense of grandeur and tranquility.

5. The Olympic Boulevard

The Olympic Boulevard is a refurbished section of the port area created for the 2016 Olympic Games. When you stroll along this promenade, you can see art installations, cafés, and museums nearby, and entrance costs vary depending on the activities offered.

6. Santa Teresa Neighborhood 

Santa Teresa, with its bohemian-style enclave, is a historic district with colorful buildings and narrow alleyways beaming with restaurants, clubs, and art galleries. Anticipate uneven terrain and cobblestone streets when visiting this place.

7. Ipanema Beach

Ipanema is another popular beach known for its picturesque setting and good surfing spots. Anticipate crowds as well as food and souvenir vendors at the beach.

8. Jardim Botânico 

The Jardim Botanico offers a delightful escape into nature. Visitors can explore a vast collection of over 6,500 species of plants, including tropical and exotic flora from various corners of the world. Stroll along winding pathways, marvel at the majestic imperial palms, and encounter beautiful orchids and water lilies in the garden’s greenhouse. 

It also houses a fascinating collection of historical monuments, fountains, and sculptures, adding to the allure of this botanical paradise. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or seeking a tranquil retreat, the Jardim Botânico promises a memorable and refreshing experience in Rio de Janeiro. 

The entrance to this garden is 45 BRL ($12) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

9. Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum 

The Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum , also known as MAC Niteroi, is a striking architectural gem across Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this futuristic, saucer-shaped museum is an art piece in itself. Perched on a cliff, it offers breathtaking views of Rio’s iconic skyline and the bay. 

Visitors can explore a diverse collection of contemporary art, showcasing works by Brazilian and international artists. The unique structure and stunning surroundings make MAC Niteroi a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and architecture admirers. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Rio, a visit to this museum promises an enriching cultural experience with a touch of architectural marvel. 

10. Paço Imperial 

Paço Imperial is a historically significant and culturally rich attraction that offers a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. Built in the 18th century as a residence for the colonial governors, this grand architectural masterpiece now serves as a cultural center and art gallery. Visitors can explore the well-preserved rooms, courtyards, and gardens, immersing themselves in the elegant charm of the colonial era. 

The art gallery within Paço Imperial hosts exhibitions featuring contemporary Brazilian and international artists, adding a touch of modernity to the historic ambiance. Entrance costs vary depending on the activities offered.

11. Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park is a sprawling urban forest offering outdoor activities and stunning views . Hiking trails lead to captivating viewpoints like Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea, while the park houses the majestic Cascatinha Waterfall and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. It’s a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and sightseers alike. 

The park is considered safe, but it’s recommended to get there by bus instead of walking on a busy road. Admission is free, but some activities within the park may require fees.

12. Lapa Arches

Lapa Arches is a series of stone arches that were once part of the aqueduct system in Rio. Today, the arches host bars, clubs, and live music venues. Expect lively crowds at night. 

13. Maracana Stadium

One of the world’s most famous soccer stadiums, Maracana has hosted World Cup and Olympic events. Visitors can tour the stadium for 87 BRL ($18). 

Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – Activities

14. ride the sugarloaf cable car.

Another iconic attraction, the Sugarloaf Cable Car , takes visitors to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views of the city. Expect crowds and consider visiting early in the morning. A round trip would cost 164 BRL ($34).

15. Samba Lesson and Show 

Experience the heartbeat of Brazil with a Samba lesson and show in Rio de Janeiro. Learn the vibrant dance moves from professional instructors and then be mesmerized by a dazzling Samba performance. Shows like Ginga Tropical and Trapiche Gamboa offer incredible displays of this iconic Brazilian dance, with skilled dancers in dazzling costumes. 

Costs and time needed vary depending on the company and location.

16. Hang Gliding

For the adventurous, hang gliding over Rio offers a unique and thrilling way to see the city. Prices and time requirements vary according to the company and the duration of the experience.

17. Take a Favela Tour

Although favelas (shanty towns) in Rio de Janeiro have a reputation for being dangerous, many tour companies offer safe and informative tours of these vibrant communities. A guided tour can offer insight into the history and culture of favelas, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from atop the hills where they are situated.

18. Trek at Vista Chinese

If you seek breathtaking vistas, you must trek the Vista Chinese. This wonderful tiny Chinese temple was constructed in 1903 and is situated 1,247 ft (380 m) above the Tijuca National Forest.

19. Visit the Royal Portuguese Reading Room

The Royal Portuguese Reading Room is a beautiful downtown Rio de Janeiro library. The library houses one of the largest collections of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal, and the building’s architecture is breathtaking. Entrance to the library is free, and the recommended time to tour the library is around one to two hours.

20. Take a Street Art Tour

Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the world’s most vibrant and colorful street art. Taking a street art tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s creative side while also learning about the culture and history behind the art.

21. Attend a Football Game

Football (soccer) is a major part of Brazilian culture, having nurtured the talents of world-class players such as Pele, Neymar , and Ronaldinho. So, attending a game is a must for sports fans. Costs and time needed vary depending on the team and game.

22. Visit the Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow is a science museum in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The museum’s exhibits focus on sustainability and the planet’s future, and visitors can enjoy interactive displays and immersive experiences. The entrance fee is 30 BRL ($6) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – Food

23. feijoada.

The Brazilian dish feijoada is a must-try in Rio de Janeiro. It consists of black beans, meat, and pork and is served with bacon, sausages, and other meats. Several restaurants in Rio de Janeiro serve feijoada, with prices varying from restaurant to restaurant.

24. Coxinha

Coxinha is a popular Brazilian fried food. It resembles a chicken drumstick and is made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and additional ingredients, such as herbs or vegetables, wrapped in dough and deep-fried. Coxinhas are widely available in Rio de Janeiro’s cafes and snack bars.

25. Brigadeiro

A classic Brazilian dessert that originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brigadeiro is fashioned into little balls using condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. Brigadeiros are available in numerous bakeries and confectioneries in Rio de Janeiro.

26. Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo is a typical Brazilian cheese bread made with cassava flour, eggs, and cheese. In Rio de Janeiro, it is typically eaten as a snack or for breakfast. Pão de Queijo can be found in various bakeries and cafes throughout the city and costs approximately 1 BRL ($0.20).

27. Churrasco

A Brazilian barbecue method in which meat is skewered and grilled over an open flame, Churrasco is frequently accompanied by rice, beans, and farofa. Numerous churrascarias (Brazilian steakhouse) restaurants in Rio de Janeiro prepare this delicious feast.

28. Empadão

Empadão is a Brazilian pie filled with chicken, cheese, or other ingredients. It is often served as a snack or for lunch. 

A popular Brazilian snack similar to an empanada, Pastel is a deep-fried pastry with various fillings, including meat, cheese, and vegetables. Pastel can be found in many street markets and snack bars throughout Rio de Janeiro. Prices usually start at 4 BRL ($0.82).

30. Bolo de Rolo

Bolo de Rolo is a traditional Brazilian cake made by rolling thin layers of cake with guava paste filling. It is often served for special occasions and celebrations. Bolo de Rolo can be found in many bakeries and cake shops throughout Rio de Janeiro. 

31. Açaí 

A popular fruit in Brazil, açaí is commonly served as a dessert. It is a dark purple berry blended with other fruits and served as a thick smoothie in a bowl. Visitors can find açaí in many juice bars and cafes throughout Rio de Janeiro. 

32. Tapioca

Tapioca, a popular Brazilian snack made from cassava flour, is a gluten-free treat that can be filled with sweet or savory fillings such as cheese, coconut, or chocolate. Tapioca can be found in many cafes and street food vendors throughout Rio de Janeiro.

33. Frango à Passarinho

The Brazilian version of fried chicken is called frango à passarinho. This dish comes in bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in oil and garnished with garlic crumbs and lime. It is frequently consumed and makes for a delicious weekend or late-night snacks.

34. Guarana

This popular Brazilian drink is available across the city. Guarana, a fruit that resembles a red eyeball, is the primary flavoring agent in the soda. It has a sweet, somewhat sour flavor that resembles ginger ale.

35. Caldo de Cana

This creamy, greenish-yellow beverage, a sugarcane juice served foamy and ice cold, has a sweet and pleasant flavor. It is commonly consumed with pastels in fruit markets. One cup typically costs approximately 4 BRL ($0.82).

How To Get to Rio de Janeiro

Depending on your location and budget, there are several ways to get to Rio de Janeiro. If you’re coming from the United States , Delta Airlines has a direct route from New York City’s JFK Airport to Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport. 

If you’re coming from within Brazil, the main airlines, GOL, Azul, and Latam, often have promotions for flights from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, a popular route. Expect to pay around 200 BRL ($41) for a domestic flight.

Rio de Janeiro has an extensive bus system, with many long-distance buses arriving at the Novo Rio Bus Station from various parts of Brazil. The city also has a subway system and taxi services for convenient travel within Rio.

Getting Around in Rio de Janeiro

Several options to get around Rio de Janeiro include public transportation, private taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify. 

The cost of public transportation varies depending on the route and time of day, ranging from 10 BRL ($2) to 50 BRL ($10). The buses are frequent depending on where you’re going but can take very long depending on the traffic. The metro is a convenient way to travel within Rio de Janeiro, but not all places are equally reachable. You can even tap your credit or debit card in the metro. No need to charge a metro card anymore.

We also opted for Uber rather frequently, as this is often much quicker and less expensive if you share the ride with more than one person.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Accommodations 

Several accommodation options are available in Rio de Janeiro, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Listed below are just some of the options to consider. 

Massape Rio Hostel is a popular hostel located in the Centro neighborhood. It offers the following amenities. 

• Air conditioning
• Business services
• Housekeeping
• 24/7 front desk

The Rondônia Palace Hotel is situated in Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Sul neighborhood, close to the airport and the beach. The hotel provides the following services.

• Breakfast included
• Pet-friendly
• Parking available
• Room service

Located in Rio de Janeiro’s Centro neighborhood, the Arosa Rio Hotel is close to the airport and the metro. The Municipal Theater and National Fine Arts Museum are nearby cultural attractions. Other important monuments in the neighborhood include the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro and the Arcos da Lapa. The hotel offers the following:

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Rio de Janeiro – Weather

Rio de Janeiro is noted for its warm and tropical environment, with temperatures averaging 72 to 79° Fahrenheit (22 to 26° Celsius) year-round. However, it is crucial to remember that the city might endure heavy rain and humidity occasionally.

The greatest time to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and March. During these months, temperatures are at their highest, and the city is buzzing with festivals and activities. It is also the peak season for tourists, and therefore rates for lodging and activities tend to be higher.

While preparing for a trip to Rio de Janeiro, it is essential to bring lightweight, breathable clothing and suitable walking shoes for the city’s hills and beaches. In addition to swimsuits and beachwear, sun protection items such as sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are required.

It is essential to have insect repellent , as mosquitoes can be common in certain Rio de Janeiro areas, especially during the rainy season. In addition to cash and a credit card, travelers should bring a valid ID, passport, and other essential travel documentation.

Important Travel Tips to Stay Safe and Enjoy Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Here are some important travel tips for enjoying your stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Although Rio de Janeiro is generally considered safe for traveling, it has a high crime rate, so it is essential to take safety precautions. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. It is also recommended to use official taxis or take a Uber, especially after dark.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing , which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

It is essential to avoid mosquito bites as Rio de Janeiro is in a region with a risk of Zika virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya. Use insect repellent , wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and make sure you stay in accommodations with air conditioning.

Brazil’s currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). It is recommended to carry small denominations of cash and use credit cards in more established places. ATMs are widely available, but be cautious of skimming scams.

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, and English is not widely spoken. Learning some basic Portuguese phrases before traveling to Rio de Janeiro is helpful.

• Transportation

Rio de Janeiro has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, subways, and taxis. However, it is recommended to use official taxis or ride-sharing services for safety reasons.

Rio de Janeiro is a beach town, so casual and comfortable clothing is recommended. While we were there, it was not acceptable to walk around without a shirt, except for beach areas. It is also important to respect the local culture and to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

• Solo Travelers and Women

While Rio de Janeiro is a relatively safe destination, you should still avoid walking alone at night and be aware of your surroundings. If you’re a solo traveler, ensure you know where you’re going and avoid flashing your valuables. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro 

What is rio de janeiro famous for.

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its stunning natural scenery, including beautiful beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema and iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain. Rio is also known for its vibrant Carnival celebration, attracting millions of visitors yearly. 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Rio de Janeiro?

The time spent in Rio de Janeiro depends on individual preferences and travel goals. Still, most visitors recommend staying at least 3-4 days to fully experience the city’s highlights. However, a longer stay may be necessary for those interested in exploring more of Rio’s surrounding areas or attending major events like Carnival.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Rio?

The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner. 

However, due to major events like Carnival, the peak season of December to February, when the weather is hot and humid, is also a popular time to visit. Visitors should remember that Rio experiences heavy rainfall in April and May and cooler temperatures in June and July.

What Are the Most Popular Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro with Kids?

Some popular activities for families visiting Rio de Janeiro with kids include visiting the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, riding the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain , exploring the Tijuca Forest and its many waterfalls, and visiting the Rio Zoo or the Museum of Tomorrow. 

Families may also enjoy taking a bike tour of the city or attending a samba show. It’s important for families to prioritize safety when traveling in Rio and to be aware of potential risks in certain areas.

Conclusion – Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

The magic of Rio de Janeiro comes from a unique blend of fortuitous geography, rich history, diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and famous landmarks that enchant its visitors, making them come back for more. Regardless of what type of traveler you are, Rio offers everything (and more!) to delight and satisfy everyone. From exploring the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Copacabana Beach to immersing yourself in the energetic festivities of the Rio Carnival and visiting the renowned museums and galleries, there is never a dull moment in this marvelous city. 

You will not regret spending a long vacation in Rio de Janeiro, as it promises an unforgettable experience when visiting Brazil.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

Skyscanner is my trusted ally for booking flights, guiding me to the perfect travel options while making the journey planning process a breeze with its user-friendly interface and extensive search capabilities.

12Go Asia is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights, ensuring every adventure unfolds smoothly and effortlessly.

Booking.com is my ultimate lodging partner. It offers many accommodations worldwide and simplifies my travel experiences with its user-friendly platform and unbeatable deals.

Get Your Guide is my go-to for personalized travel experiences, enriching my journeys with unique tours and activities curated to my interests, making every adventure unforgettable and tailored to my preferences.

SafetyWing is my peace of mind on the go, offering comprehensive travel medical insurance with affordable plans and hassle-free claims, ensuring I can explore the world worry-free, knowing I’m protected wherever I roam.

LifeStraw Go Bottle is my trusted hydration companion for outdoor adventures, filtering water on-the-go to keep me safe and hydrated, ensuring every hike or travel experience is worry-free and enjoyable.

If you have enjoyed today’s travel guide, make sure to also check out our similar guides to other amazing South American destinations:

• Guide To An Amazing Natural Wonder: Iguazu Falls Argentina and Iguazu Falls Brazil
• 32 Best Places To Visit In South America – In 12 Countries

Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter

Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents. Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University. Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.

Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Striking coastlines and exotic forests, thriving nightlife and mesmerizing samba schools – these are just some of the unique elements of Rio de Janeiro, a city with a startling identity unlike any other in the world. If you want to experience its giddy blend of bustling metropolis and tropical landscapes, read on for our list of the city’s 20 must-visit attractions.

1. arcos da lapa.

Architectural Landmark

The famous white arches span the entrance to Rio’s buzzing nightlife spot, Lapa . What was once an active aqueduct supplying fresh water to the city in the 18th century is now the track for the famous bonde (the street tram) that leads up to Santa Teresa, and also a key meeting spot before diving into Lapa’s party scene.

2. Parque Lage

Park, School

3. Parque das Ruinas

The skeleton of a former mansion makes an impressive host for this public park and cultural center. Its location in Santa Teresa allows visitors to enjoy the low-key restaurants and bars in this bohemian area of Rio, before heading to Parque das Ruinas to enjoy the various temporary art exhibitions and the stunning views over Guanabara Bay.

The beaches

Copacabana and Ipanema are Brazil’s most visited tourist beaches, and the ones that feature in the majority of travel photos of Rio, yet just a bus ride away are two other sensational beaches that avoid the tourist hordes. Prainha is known for its excellent surf and less crowded beach, while Joatinga, with its surrounding forest and white sandy shores, is the ultimate retreat.

Natural Feature

A natural lake in the south zone of the city, Lagoa is known for its tranquil setting, stunning natural scenery, and breathtaking sunsets. The 7km (4.3mi) cycle path that follows the perimeter of the lake is popular among the city’s workout enthusiasts. Settle on a patch of grass to enjoy a picnic, or head to one of the lakeside bars to make the most of Rio’s outdoor lifestyle.

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5. Ilha Paqueta

This idyllic retreat is just a short boat trip away from the city center and is known for its tranquil setting. The island of Ilha Paqueta is fringed with quiet beaches and traditional bars that cater to visitors who stop by to enjoy a city getaway minutes from Rio. With a strict no-motor rule, transport around the island is simply on foot, by bike or on horseback.

6. Museum of Modern Art (MAM)

Museum, Park

Vidigal represents the most successful outcome of Rio’s 2011 favela pacification projects. Nowadays, it is home to upcoming bars, musicians, artists, and fashion designers, while its creative and artistic vibe define the community as Rio’s current hotspot. From Vidigal, you can reach the summit of the Dois Irmaos peaks and enjoy the superb views over the city before heading to Alto Vidigal at the top of the favela for some of Rio’s best music and parties.

Baixo Gavea

Whereas Lapa hogs the spotlight for nightlife, for parties Baixo Gavea is where it’s at. The square here is filled with thriving bars and hordes of people spilling out onto the pavements to form spontaneous street parties – a cheaper drinking option that attracts the city’s students, both Brazilian and international. Later on in the night, those with stamina head to popular nightclub Zero Zero.

7. Forte de Copacabana

Rio’s military base is also home to a fascinating museum that explores the history of the Brazilian military and its involvement in world affairs throughout the years. It’s also home to Confeitaria Colombo, an elegant café with exceptional food options and delicious coffees. Take a seat outside to enjoy the pleasant views of Copacabana Beach and the ocean.

8. Mirante Dona Marta

From Mirante Dona Marta, you can enjoy phenomenal panoramic views across the city. It’s the best place to see Rio’s most significant landmarks, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Head to the parking spot by taxi and walk the rest of the way to the top. You’ll be well rewarded if you go at sunset.

9. Institute of Research and New Black Memory

One of the most important historical points in Rio, the lesser-known Institute of Research and New Black Memory ( Cemitério dos Pretos Novos ) depicts the history of the slave trade in the city, providing an eye-opening glimpse into the past that is largely kept under wraps. The venue is also the final burial ground for thousands of enslaved Africans who died on the way over to Rio.

10. Vista Chinesa

This large Chinese-style gazebo sits next to the Estrada da Vista Chinesa that winds through the Tijuca Forest. The gazebo can be accessed by car or by walking up the steep road. The views overlooking Lagoa, the striking coastline and the twinkling sea are glorious.

11. Cachoeira do Horto

Tucked away in the heart of the Tijuca Forest , this breathtaking waterfall can be accessed by intrepid travelers who veer off the main Estrada da Vista Chinesa road to take the short hike through exotic vegetation. Small enough to stand under, the waterfall sees many a visitor take a shower under the bracingly cold waters before lazing in the pool in front with views over the forest canopies.

12. Pedra da Gavea

Rio de Janeiro is blessed with dozens of incredible hikes , each one with stunning views that show the sheer size and complexity of the city. A great hike is Pedra da Gávea, one of the highest mountains in the world that ends directly by the ocean. The hike includes a tricky climb, so do it in a group, though the rewards of this three-hour adventure are sensational views of the ocean, the forest and the city.

13. Pedra do Sal

Historical Landmark

To experience a samba-fueled night like a local, head to Pedra do Sal on a Monday evening. Groups of samba bands come together to perform improvised jamming sessions (known as roda de samba ) to a buzzing crowd that mingle, sip on caipirinhas, and dance until the early hours of the morning. The casual event takes place in the main former square of the slave trade, now considered a cultural heritage site.

14. Museum of Tomorrow

Building, Museum

15. Escadaria Selaron

This colorful mosaic is the work of Chilean-born Jorge Selarón who dedicated his life to decorating the stairway in honor of the city that he considered his home. The vibrant Escadaria Selarón is one of Rio’s most beloved and visited attractions, and starts in Lapa before leading up to Santa Teresa.

16. Sugarloaf Mountain

One of the most famous attractions in Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain is accessible by cable car and offers extraordinary views over Rio and the seemingly endless ocean. During the day, the views can stretch for miles, yet the real joy is witnessing this scene at sunset.

17. Christ the Redeemer

Forest, Park

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3 Days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil an Itinerary for First-Timers.

Planning to spend 3 days in Rio de Janeiro? In this guide, you will find the best things this amazing city has to offer in only 3 days including where to eat and where to stay.

Rio de Janeiro, or simply Rio, is the second-most populous city in Brazil and the sixth-largest city in the Americas. It is famous for its towering sculpture of Christ the Redeemer, the Sugarloaf Mountain, its beaches, and its favelas, as well as its street art and dance scene. Rio was founded by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century, though native tribes lived in the region long before that.

The city grew quickly and became one of the largest and most prosperous cities thanks to its port and trade links with Portugal and the rest of Europe. When the Portuguese royal family fled Lisbon ahead of Napoleon’s invasion in 1808, the city became the only European capital outside of Europe. 

Brazil declared independence from Portugal in 1822 and Rio remained the capital. Until the early 20th century much of the city was concentrated in the Centro around Guanabara Bay, but by 1910 neighborhoods had built up in the south in Botafogo and Copacabana (Zona Sul), and to the north (Zona Norte) which now encompasses most of the great metropolitan area. Zona Oeste, or the West Zone, lies west of Ipanema and Copacabana and the main neighborhoods here are Cidade de Deus and Barra de Tijuca.

Rio is no longer the capital of Brazil, that honor having been given to newly built Brasilia in 1960, yet it is one of the most visited cities in Brazil. The population of Rio is estimated at around 6 million in the city itself and over 13 million in the greater metropolitan area.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

How to Get To and From the Airport

Rio de Janeiro’s airport, also known as António Carlos Jobim/Galeão International Airport, is located 12 miles north of the city. The airport is linked with the subway system via the TransCarioca bus line; travelers wanting to connect with the city’s subway must get off the bus at Vincente de Carvalho station. There are also airport express buses that connect travelers with the city center. All bus and train tickets can be purchased inside the arrivals terminal.

A taxi or private driver is the most convenient way to get from the airport to your accommodation; taxis can be booked at the arrivals hall. Private drivers are the most expensive way to get into the city but will meet you inside the arrivals hall and escort you to the car. These must be booked in advance.

Click here to book your shuttle from the airport to your hotel. 

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro in 3 days 

3 days in rio – day one, christ the redeemer.

High atop the Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the city of Rio, is the Cristo Redentor statue. Built between 1922 and 1931, the sculpture rises 38 meters above the mountain. Christ’s arms stretch 28 meters wide. From the top, you have panoramic views of the city, the bay, and  Sugarloaf Mountain. The most traditional way to reach the top is by cogwheel train, which winds through the forest to the base of the statue. This is a popular way to get there, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance. 

Click here for more information and to buy your priority tickets for Christ the Redeemer.

Copacabana is synonymous with Rio. Its wide white sand beach lined with the distinctive Portuguese tiled promenade and hotels draws millions of people each year. The neighborhood begins at Princess Isabella Avenue and continues to Posto Seis; Fort Copacabana is beyond this and Ipanema Beach is beyond that.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you can experience FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup matches, free concerts, or New Years’ Eve fireworks. Year-round, head for this iconic stretch of coastline for people watching at the beach, souvenir shopping, and caipirinhas. Fort Copacabana is also worth a visit.

Built-in 1914 to protect the entrance to the harbor, it is still an active military base. Visitors can tour the fort and explore the Army Historical Museum.

Ipanema Beach

Further down the coast from Copacabana is Ipanema Beach. Famous because of the song The Girl from Ipanema, it is now one of Rio’s most expensive neighborhoods.

The beach and wide streets of Ipanema attract surfers and beach lovers as well as those in search of good food and local drinks. Stop at Carretao Churrascaria for lunch or dinner; the menu features Brazilian steak as well as an open buffet. Ipanema also has a large counter-culture, centered around Posto 9. 

Leblon Beach

Adjacent to Ipanema is Leblon, Rio’s ritziest and trendiest neighborhood. Akin to London’s Chelsea neighborhood, Leblon is where you can find boutique shopping, French bistros, and upscale eateries. 

3 days in Rio – Day Two

Sao conrado beach.

Begin your second day in Rio at Sao Conrado Beach, west of Leblon. Another expensive neighborhood (home to celebrities and Rio’s mayor), it is home to the Fashion Mall, with over 150 upscale shops.

Sao Conrado is also extremely popular for hang gliding, paragliding, and surfing! Located at the base of Gavea Rock, Sao Conrado is also near the Rocinha favela.

Interested in a Hang Gliding Tandem Flight? I recommend this one, check here for more information. 

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain rises nearly 1300 feet above the Rio harbor on a peninsula that juts out into the ocean. It is known for its hundred-year-old cable car that runs between the peak of Sugarloaf and the nearby Morro da Urca.

Passengers get on at the ground station at Morro da Babilonia and change at Morro da Urca. 

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is located in the Zona Sul at the base of Corcovado Mountain. It was commissioned in 1808 by the king of Portugal and was originally intended to grow spices. Today it contains more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants. The garden is open every day except Christmas and New Year.

Visit a Favela 

The best way to experience a favela, one of Rio’s infamous slum neighborhoods, is on tour with a local who lives in that favela. This way, the money you spend on a tour will go to the community you visit. Our guide lived in the Babilonia Favela, but another good choice is the Rocinha Favela .

Visit the Maracana Stadium

Maracana Stadium played host to the 1950 World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay, the attendance at which remains the largest in the world at just under 200,000 attendees. The stadium today is where the Brazil national team plays select matches.

A behind the scenes tour of the stadium is the best way to experience the history and culture of Brazilian soccer. If you happen to be in town during a match, you can experience the mania for yourself.

Rio Scenarium 

Dance the night away Rio-style at the Rio Scenarium. Once the house of a local family, it’s now a three-story dance hall and antique museum (they rent out personal furniture to television and film sets). The interior rooms are divided into dance rooms, lounges, and cocktail bars, all filled with personal objects from the family.

3 Days in Rio – Day Three

Escadaria selarón .

The Escadaria Selarón, also known as the Escalera, is a vibrant work of art by Chilean street artist Jorge Selarón in the Lapa neighborhood. It began as a project to beautify the staircase which connects the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods. Over the years, people have sent tiles to him for them to be added to the staircase.

Today there are tiles from over 60 countries on the staircase, and according to Selaron, it is an evolving project that changes every so often as more tiles arrive from around the world.

Carioca Aqueduct

Built-in the early 1700s, the Carioca Aqueduct, or Arcos de Lapa, was designed to bring in drinking water from freshwater sources like the Carioca River. It was shut down in the late 1800s and in 1896 was repurposed to carry the tram from Santa Teresa.

Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro

The Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop in Rio and replaced the Old  Cathedral upon its completion in 1979.

The cathedral is built in the style of a Mayan pyramid, though with a modern Le Corbusier twist, and has four floors to ceiling stained glass windows.  The Modernist-style cathedral can hold 20,000 standing congregants, making it one of the largest cathedrals in the world. 

Royal Portuguese Reading Room

The Royal Portuguese Reading Room is one of the most impressive libraries in the world. Built-in 1822 by Portugues immigrants and filled with texts from Portugal, the library was opened to the public in 1887.

The interior is a Gothic-Renaissance style and rises three stories above the central reading room. Today there are over 400,000 works of literature and art, and the library is considered one of the best accumulations of Portuguese history and culture.

Cinelândia Square 

Cinelândia Square is a principal meeting place in Rio. The square’s official name is the Praça Floriano Peixoto, though locals do not refer to it as such. Cinelândia Square was built in the early 20th century as Rio began to construct monumental buildings in its status as the capital of Brazil.

Today, the only significant buildings that remain are the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, and the Fundação Biblioteca Nacional.

Praça Quinze de Novembro

Praça Quinze de Novembro is an old square in the center of Rio. It was named for the date of Brazil’s independence. Some of the surrounding buildings include the Imperial Palace Cultural Center, and Arco do Teles. The square hosts an antique market on Saturdays.

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro

The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro is a cultural center. There are cultural Bancos in São Paulo, Brasilia, Rio, and Belo Horizonte; the one in Rio is the largest. The museum is located within an Art Deco building and houses several galleries, theatres, and cinemas.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária, or Candelária Cathedral, is a Baroque cathedral in the old center of Rio. A small chapel was supposedly named in the 1600s as gratitude for the survival of a small ship, the Candelaria, and was enlarged over the centuries into the Baroque cathedral it is today.

São Bento Monastery

The São Bento Monastery is located in downtown Rio. It was founded in 1590 by Benedictine monks from Bahia, Portugal, and is still operational today. The monastery and adjacent college and seminary are fine examples of Portuguese colonial architecture.

Museum of Tomorrow

The futuristic Museum of Tomorrow is located at the waterfront in the old city center.  Designed by neo-futuristic architect Calatrava, the museum takes visitors through our history through innovative interactive exhibits that are more about ideas than about objects. There are five main areas: Cosmos, Earth, Anthropocene, Tomorrow, and Us, all designed to introduce us to the future of an ecological world. 

Rio Art Museum

The Museum of Art showcases Brazilian art, from sculptures to photography. In addition to permanent exhibits of local artists, the museum also offers temporary exhibitions. It is located in a series of three buildings along the waterfront that were repurposed and interconnected to form this fascinating museum.

Largest Street Art Mural in the World

The Largest Street Art Mural in the World is a remnant of the 2016 Olympic Games. It is located along the Rio waterfront and stretches for nearly 560 feet. The mural by Eduardo Kobra was commissioned by the IOC and depicts a person from the indigenous communities in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania.

The title, We Are One, or Etnias (Ethnicities) reminds us that we as humans are all connected. 

Confeitaria Colombo

While in the center you can have a fantastic, inexpensive, lunch at the Confeitaria Colombo. Located at  R. Uruguaiana, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, the Confeitaria has been a Rio institution for over 100 years. In addition to the lunch buffet menu, there is also a breakfast buffet and a tea schedule. All menus change daily.

A guided tour that takes you to most of the above-mentioned places including the murals, the museum of tomorrow, and more is this one, click to have a look.

Where to Stay in Rio

Windsor Excelsior Hotel

The Windsor Excelsior Hotel is located at Copacabana Beach within walking distance to all the major attractions. The four-star hotel features spacious and comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests may also use the pool, fitness center, sauna, and beach facilities.

Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Belmond Copacabana Palace

The Belmond Copacabana Palace is an Art Deco jewel and grande dame of Copacabana. Opened in 1923, the hotel has long entertained the rich and famous. In addition to the five-star service and room selection, the hotel also has the best seat in the house for all of Copacabanas’s vibrant events.

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10 Of The Best Places To Visit In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

22 Nov 10 Of The Best Places To Visit In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Looking for the best places to visit in Rio de Janeiro? The beautiful Rio de Janeiro is the second-largest city in Brazil and it has amazing spots to explore.

It is famous for its natural scenery and attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ The Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, and Ipanema Beach, which are very popular destinations among visitors.

That’s right: a postcard from Rio de Janeiro is a must-have souvenir from Brazil!

This metropolitan hub has much to offer for those who want a taste of South America without traveling too far into the continent.

I recently visited Rio and was blown away by everything this city has to offer and, of course, by its beauty.

In this post, you will find the 10 top places to visit on a trip to Rio de Janeiro. These places are a must on any first-timer’s Rio itinerary.

Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has a sub-tropical climate, which means it is hot and humid all year round.

The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro depends on what you prefer. If you love the sun and plan on staying for Carnaval, then go in summer (December through February).

On the other hand, visiting during the low season (May, October, and November) might be a good idea if you like fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

Avoid visiting Rio de Janeiro between June and August as this is the period of greatest rainfall in the city.

How many days in Rio de Janeiro?

Whether you want to explore the beaches, mountains or enjoy city life in Rio de Janeiro, five days is the perfect length of time for a holiday here.

This gives enough time to explore at least one of these attractions with some free time to wander around and explore your surroundings too.

However, keep in mind that Rio is one of those places where you could stay for months and still find brand new things to do every day.

What to pack for Rio de Janeiro

Most people visiting Rio de Janeiro will be staying by one of the beaches. If you plan to be near the beach all day, then wear comfortable clothes suitable for hot weather and bring plenty of sunscreens.

Flip-flops and hats are also a must.

If you plan on doing any outdoor activities or climbing Sugarloaf Mountain, then pack comfortable shoes as well as a light jacket if it’s wintertime – although there is not really such thing as winter in Rio.

How to get around Rio de Janeiro

There are several ways to get around Rio de Janeiro.

First of all, you can take a tour with a coach company that will give you a guided tour and drop you off at your destination.

This is probably the easiest way for most people to explore Rio de Janeiro as it is comfortable and doesn’t require much planning beforehand.

The second option would be to take public transport. There are buses throughout the city linking it with other areas in Rio de Janeiro state and beyond too. The metro system in Rio de Janeiro is also affordable but doesn’t go everywhere yet, so if you plan on going back and forth from somewhere far away from the city center, this might not be ideal for you either.

Another option – which is the one I recommend the most – is simply getting around with Uber.

Calling an Uber in Rio is very affordable and a safe way of getting anywhere you want to go in the city.

For safety purposes, I would avoid walking all around Rio, with the exception of the neighborhoods of Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema, and Barra da Tijuca – these are perfectly safe.

10 Best places to visit in Rio de Janeiro

1. christ the redeemer.

Christ the Redeemer is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro and is also one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.

It can be visited by train, van, or with a guided tour. My favorite option is the train, which offers incredible views of the Atlantic Forest on its way up Corcovado Mountain.

A visit to Christ Redeemer can be combined with other activities such as taking cable cars up Sugarloaf Mountain, visiting Corcovado’s observation deck for views over the city, or walking around Tijuca National Park.

You can read more about visiting Christ The Redeemer here .

2. Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and attracts nearly 4 million visitors every year.

There are plenty of things to do at Copacabana, such as sunbathing, swimming, watching a game of “fut-volley” or having an ice-cold caipirinha.

Also, if you are looking for a little bit of glamour, it is possible to visit the iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel by visiting one of its restaurants or even getting a pool day pass.

Ipanema is an upmarket district with many high-rise buildings and fancy restaurants overlooking the famous Ipanema beach.

The district also offers museums, art galleries, and shops for those who want to explore more than just sand and the sea.

4. Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)

A visit to Pão de Açúcar is a must for those wanting an incredible panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro.

To get to the top of the mountain, you can take the “Bondinho do Pão de açucar,” also known as the Sugarloaf cable car.

This is a must on any trip to Rio!

5. Jardim Botanico – Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is the largest in Latin America and has over 6,000 species of plants from around the world.

This garden is a cool, serene place to visit in the middle of scorching summer. Here you will get to observe a part of Brazil’s rich flora.

6. Maracana Stadium

A visit to the Maracana Stadium is a must for all sports and football fans.

This iconic stadium hosted 7 FIFA World Cup games, including Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Italy in the final match of the 1950 World Cup.

Tours of the stadium are available every day, but if you can catch a game, then that’s even better!

7. Selarón Staircase at Lapa

The Selarón Staircase is an 18-flight staircase in the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa that has been covered with over 2,000 tiles created by artist Jorge Selaron. This colorful mural covers both sides of the steps up to Santa Teresa and gives a great view over Rio de Janeiro.

8. Parque Lage

Parque Lage is a small park located in the Jardim Botanico area that feels like an oasis in the middle of the. The park contains a historic mansion with a coffee shop, bookshop, and art exhibitions on display throughout the year.

This is also a lovely place to have breakfast!

9. Copacabana Fort

The Copacabana Fort is one of several forts in Rio de Janeiro that were built along the entrance of Guanabara Bay to protect the city from pirates and foreign invaders during colonial times.

This fort has now become a military museum where visitors can discover more about its history.

10. Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is one of Rio’s most charming neighborhoods. Here you will find many cool bistros, retro thrift shops, and cool bars to go out at night.

Also, there are some beautiful art galleries with unique pieces by Brazilian artists.

Wrap-up: The best places to visit in Rio de Janeiro

That’s a wrap! Now that you know all the best places to visit in the city, you might also enjoy this post about 10 great reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro .

I hope you enjoy this wonderful city as much as I did and have a lot of fun.

This is a post by Guest Contributor Camila Neves from www.travelcami.com .

Guest Contributor

Latinas Who Travel accept travel stories from the members of our bilingual community. In addition, we occasionally accept guest posts from fellow travel bloggers, experts and friends within the travel industry.

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10 of the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro, from party houses to beach boltholes

Whether you’re looking to stay on the coast or in the city, Rio's hotel scene offers plenty of choice, from party houses to beach boltholes.

Few cities are as naturally spectacular as Rio. Flanked by the Atlantic and Guanabara Bay, backed by jungle-furred peaks and strung together with miles of creamy sand, this is a place of singular beauty. The beachside neighbourhoods are the obvious areas to stay: legendary Copacabana, quieter Leme and trendier Ipanema, the gateway to Rio’s western beaches. Don’t write off inland, though — over the past decade, a new, boutique-style hotel scene has emerged. High above the historic centre, Santa Teresa is Rio’s boho bastion. Directly below is nightlife-central Lapa.  

1. Hotel Santa Teresa

Best for: boho style When Amy Winehouse picked a hotel for her Rio stay, she passed up the city’s super-luxe beachfront properties for this coffee farm-turned-relaxed retreat in arty Santa Teresa. Sacks of coffee beans sit in the corridors, trees brush against the windows and in the simple bedrooms, cow hides cover the floorboards. In a garden bursting with tropical greenery, you’ll find a pool and a bar terrace overlooking Rio’s historic centre and Guanabara Bay. The hotel spills down the hillside, and one level below is pan-South American restaurant Térèze and the atmospheric Bar dos Descasados. Here, banquettes shelter behind a rustic stone colonnade and guests enjoy live comedy, jazz and Brazilian music. Note that there are no lifts. ROOMS: From R$1,670 (£265), B & B.

2. Arena Leme

Best for: beach The streets and sands of lovely Leme are in far less demand than those of neighbouring Copacabana, meaning better value when it comes to hotels. This glass tower block, which opened in 2015, is a brilliant midrange choice. Most of its elegant rooms have panoramic images of the Rio landscape spread out behind each bed, as well as peerless views of the real thing. It’s situated at the eastern end of the neighbourhood, which means it’s further from the heart of the beach scene but you’ll have fewer people to share the sand with. And if it ever gets crowded outside, there’s a rooftop pool terrace to retreat to.ROOMS: From R$700 (£110).

3. Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

Best for: views Unquestionably the best digs on Copacabana, the Fairmont opened in 2019, turning the former Sofitel — two conjoined beehive-like tower blocks — into a world-class hotel. All 375 rooms have balconies, and even the entry level ‘city view’ categories snatch glimpses of the ocean. Rooms are classic discreet luxury, with polished wood floors, a mid-century feel to the furniture, and a few marine accents in the headboards or armchairs, echoing the view. Breakfast is served poolside, looking across the curve of Copacabana towards Sugarloaf Mountain. In addition to the two pools, there’s a beach club just across the street, where the quietest and cleanest part of Copacabana meets Ipanema. Upgrading to a Fairmont Gold room (from around £50) nets you access to a VIP lounge with free evening food and drink. ROOMS: From R$1,680 (£270), B & B.

4. Selina Lapa  

Best for: party fiends Bang in the middle of party neighbourhood Lapa, just below Santa Teresa, the Selina has its own radio station — the sound of samba greets you when you enter the lobby — and even a cinema. This ‘poshtel’ (posh hostel) combines dorms and snug but smart en suite rooms, with clashing colours on the walls, murals galore and record players in the ‘private plus’ rooms. Suites and ‘large suites’ are gorgeous, with antique shutters doubling as headboards, high-arched windows and the odd exposed-brick wall. Come sunset, DJs take to the rooftop bar, with its views of Lapa and Rio’s UFO-like cathedral. You’ll find the Selina’s colourful sister hotel on Copacabana.ROOMS: From $70 (£55), B & B.

5. Casa Amarelo

Best home-from-home Laurent Gelis fell in love with Rio on his first visit from France and, in 2006, he converted a Santa Teresa gingerbread house. Built in 1904, it’s now an atmospheric hotel, its seven rooms squeezed into turrets and eaves. Behind its yellow facade, original elements get a contemporary makeover, from antique armchairs clad in paint-spattered textiles to colour-doused beams and patterned bedspreads. Outside, there’s a pool and small garden. ROOMS: From €90 (£77), B & B.

6. Jo & Joe Rio de Janeiro Largo do Boticário  

Best for: budget   On a quiet, cobbled cul-de-sac at the foot of Corcovado, with Christ the Redeemer looking down from on high, this is another poshtel that does Rio cool on a budget. As well as dormitories, there are en suite doubles, twins and quadruple rooms, which are perfect for families. Everything feels brand new — French group Accor renovated the 1830s mansion in 2022 — and you’ll find murals behind the beds and tropical canopy views through the huge windows. Downstairs is a stylish restaurant, where sofas and banquettes surround long tables, while outside is a compact pool bar.ROOMS: From R$220 (£36), B & B.

7. Vila Galé  

Best for: history A sprawling 19th-century pink villa in heritage-rich Lapa channels Argentina’s presidential palace from the front, and the mansions of New Orleans at the back, with its frilly wrought-iron balconies. Together with a 13-floor tower block, it forms the whopping 292-room Vila Galé. Poolside ‘Preserved’ rooms in the original villa have an old-school feel with high ceilings, lots of wood and classic window shutters, while standard rooms in the newer tower block, away from the road, pick up antique touches.ROOMS: From R$550 (£87), B & B.  

8. Fasano  

Best for: design buffs Facing Ipanema’s sands, the Fasano became an instant classic when it opened in 2007, with 1950s-style interiors designed by Philippe Starck and owner Gero Fasano. Walls are clad in pau ferro, a non-endangered wood from the Amazon; Gaetano Pesce’s voluptuous Up armchairs sit in the corridors; and rooms have furniture and feature walls carved from Brazilian timber. All 89 rooms have balconies — choose one with an ocean view. Italian restaurant Gero has an outdoor patio, and the rooftop pool has views across Ipanema. ROOMS: From R$2,880 (£460).  

9. La Suite by Dussol  

Best for: art lovers Cantilevered over the coast, a beautiful mansion in the hills between Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca has been converted into eight super-luxe suites. Each is named and themed by colour, from the sexy Red suite with its whirlpool bath to the Black, whose walls of glass overlook the sea and the peaks of Dois Irmãos. While the original Warhol lithographs, contemporary sculptures and mid-century furniture from Brazilian designers are all bound to impress, the pool area is the real-jaw dropper. ROOMS: From R$931 (£150), B & B.  

10. Ipanema Inn

Best for: sustainability Owner Daniel Gorin’s grandparents opened this place in 1976, and in June 2023, the hotel became the first in Rio to be certified as zero-waste. Organic matter is composted and used in its bountiful planters, empty wine bottles become restaurant beakers, old linen is used to make toiletry bags — even the bins are made from recycled toothpaste tubes. And there’s no single-use plastic in sight. A block back from Ipanema Beach, it has light-filled rooms upstairs and a lobby that blends into the Quitéria Café downstairs.ROOMS: From R$750 (£120), B & B.  

Related Topics

• BEACH ACTIVITIES
• AFFORDABLE TRAVEL

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6 Passeios baratos e incríveis para fazer no Rio de Janeiro

De norte a sul, o Brasil tem lugares lindos e cheios de surpresas. Um deles, sem dúvidas, é a cidade maravilhosa. E engana-se quem pensa que é preciso desembolsar muito dinheiro para explorar a capital. Existem muitos passeios baratos para fazer no Rio de Janeiro. Neste conteúdo, vamos mostrar alternativas incríveis não só de lugares para conhecer, como também para você se hospedar com todo conforto.  Tudo isso com economia, vale ressaltar! Aproveite as dicas! 

1. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

A Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, localizada na zona sul, é um dos cartões postais da capital fluminense.  O mais interessante é que você pode aproveitar toda a natureza e a beleza do local sem pagar nada. Faça uma caminhada, ande de bicicleta, pedalinho e, claro, tire muitas fotos!

2. Floresta da Tijuca

Outro dos passeios baratos para fazer no Rio de Janeiro é representado pela Floresta da Tijuca.  Não deixe de conhecer a imensa área verde, fazer trilhas, tomar banho de cachoeira e se impressionar com lindas paisagens!

Impossível falar sobre a cidade maravilhosa sem citar praias. Aliás, 10 delas estão no ranking das 25 melhores do Brasil.  As mais lindas e, consequentemente, preferidas dos turistas são as de: Prainha, Grumari, Arpoador e Barra da Tijuca. 

Os museus também representam passeios baratos para fazer no Rio de Janeiro.  Alguns com entrada gratuita são os seguintes: Museu da Vida, Museu Conde de Linhares, Museu Aeroespacial, Museu do Meio Ambiente, Museu Cidade Olímpica. 

5. Jardim Botânico e Parque Lage

Aqui estão mais dois cartões postais do Rio de Janeiro. No Jardim Botânico, você vai se encantar com a natureza e com a beleza do Cristo Redentor (ainda que vista de longe).  Já no Parque Lage, é possível tomar um delicioso café ou um suco refrescante para amenizar o calor carioca. 

Por fim, mas não menos surpreendente, fica aqui a sugestão para você conhecer e amar as trilhas cariocas.  Algumas das mais desejadas são a da Pedra Bonita, Vista Chinesa e Pedra do Telégrafo. 

Hotéis baratos no Rio de Janeiro para se hospedar

Bom, agora, vamos aos hotéis confortáveis e com excelente custo-benefício para aproveitar o Rio de Janeiro! 

ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont

O ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont tem uma localização bem estratégica. Isso porque ele fica no centro da cidade.

Mais do que isso, a apenas seis minutos a pé do Aeroporto Santos Dumont e a 25 minutos de carro da Rodoviária Novo Rio. 

Assim, fica muito fácil se locomover até o hotel e, claro, garantir os passeios baratos para fazer no Rio de Janeiro. 

Para poder almoçar, jantar e tomar café da manhã, conte com o restaurante do hotel, chamado  ibis Kitchen .

Também é importante dizer que os quartos são muito confortáveis, com TV, ar-condicionado, mesinha, Wi-Fi gratuito e banheiro privativo. 

ibis Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca

Já para quem quer ficar pertinho, por exemplo, da praia, indicamos o ibis Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca . 

Ele fica a poucos metros da belíssima Praia da Barra da Tijuca. 

Você poder acordar e ter uma vista deslumbrante, tomar o seu café da manhã no hotel e, depois, já ir dar um mergulho no mar. 

Aproveite para conhecer ou revisitar a Floresta da Tijuca, também, que está pertinho desse ibis.  Se você for se hospedar com a sua família ou amigos, saiba que os quartos têm ótimo espaço… 

Com duas camas de solteiro ou uma cama de casal ou uma cama de casal e uma cama infantil. O ibis Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca também possui o restaurante Kitchen Pasta & Grill , que seve pratos regionais deliciosos. 

Aproveite uma das melhores regiões da cidade maravilhosa !

ibis Styles Rio de Janeiro Botafogo

Que tal ficar próximo a um dos cartões postais da cidade? O ibis Styles Rio de Janeiro Botafogo está próximo à Praia de Botafogo. 

Na mesma região, os turistas também contam com muitas opções de ônibus e metrô para poder se deslocarem facilmente aos passeios baratos. 

Outro ponto muito legal é que Botafogo tem uma vida noturna intensa , com ótimos bares e baladas. 

Também experimente os pratos do restaurante ibis Kitchen . Além disso, o hotel ainda tem um bar aberto 24 horas. 

Para relaxar, fique à vontade para escolher um entre os quartos com uma cama de casal ou duas camas de solteiro ou uma cama de casal e outra infantil.

Ah, mais um ponto bacana: esse hotel tem academia para você poder se exercitar e cuidar da sua saúde, mesmo fora de casa. 

ibis budget Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

Outra solução para quem deseja o clima e os passeios baratos para fazer no Rio de Janeiro é este hotel: o ibis budget Rio de Janeiro Copacabana . 

A hospedagem fica a cinco minutinhos da Praia de Copacabana e da Avenida Atlântica. Além disso, a região tem grande circulação de ônibus e metrô para você chegar aos ótimos passeios.  O bacana, ainda, é que, nesse hotel, até o seu animal de estimação tem lugar, sabia? A hospedagem é pet friendly

  Aproveite os quartos modernos e compactos com uma cama de casal ou duas camas de solteiro. 

Também não podemos deixar de comentar que o hotel tem uma loja de conveniência 24 horas com petiscos, doces e bebidas deliciosos. 

ibis Rio de Janeiro Centro

Outra alternativa para ficar na parte central da capital fluminense é o ibis Rio de Janeiro Centro .  A seis minutos do Aeroporto Santos Dumont e a nove minutos da Rodoviária Novo Rio, é possível chegar a esse hotel facilmente. 

O bacana é que, ao estar no centro da cidade , fica mais prático e rápido chegar às mais diversas praias , aos museus e em tantos outros passeios baratos. 

O hotel também tem quartos climatizados, até porque, o Rio de Janeiro é quente mesmo.  E por falar em calor, que tal se refrescar com os bons drinks do bar do hotel? Se bater a fome, também saboreie os pratos da cozinha internacional do próprio restaurante desse ibis. Tudo realmente perfeito para você se divertir!

ibis Rio de Janeiro Nova América

O ibis Rio de Janeiro Nova América fica em uma região de fácil acesso, por exemplo, para a Barra da Tijuca. Assim, fica fácil curtir um dia inteiro na praia, não é mesmo?  

Falando ainda sobre a localização, o metrô fica a um minutinho desse ibis, perfeito para você andar para lá e para cá com rapidez e, claro, economia. 

Sem contar que o hotel também fica ao lado do Shopping Nova América. 

Agora, falando sobre a hospedagem em si, a composição dos quartos varia. Uns têm uma cama de casal, outros contam com uma cama de casal e uma infantil, e também tem aqueles com duas camas de solteiro. 

Fique tranquilo, porque essas acomodações ainda oferecem TV, banheiro privativo e mesinha.  Sem contar no restaurante com café da manhã e no Bar ibis Lounge, que serve drinks perfeitos.  

Conheça o programa de Fidelidade da rede Accor!

Todos os hotéis ibis fazem parte da Rede Accor, que traz uma vantagem incrível para os seus clientes: o programa de fidelidade ALL - Accor Live Limitless .

A cada hospedagem, você acumula pontos que, posteriormente, podem ser trocados por ofertas em novos hotéis, descontos e mais vantagens incríveis.  Aproveite! 

Todos os hotéis oferecidos pela Novotel

Viva a sua aventura com ibis budget.

Inspire-se e prepare-se para sua melhor viagem com ibis budget.

Como viajar gastando pouco?

Quer saber como viajar gastando pouco? Confira neste artigo como passar as férias economizando, além de dicas para juntar dinheiro para viajar!

3 roteiros para fazer compras em Aracaju que você vai adorar!

Confira os principais locais para fazer compras em Aracaju: artesanatos, especiarias, roupas, acessórios e muito mais!

25 de Março: Guia de Compras, Melhores Lojas e Horário de Funcionamento (2022)

A Rua 25 de Março é famosa no Brasil inteiro como um centro de compras. Veja neste guia completo as lojas mais recomendadas e horário de funcionamento.

Você também pode gostar destas ofertas

Cliente VIVO Valoriza se hospeda com até 25% OFF!

Cliente Vivo Valoriza se hospeda nos hotéis ibis com até 25% de desconto. Aproveite!

Nossos hotéis recebem o seu melhor amigo.

Seu cachorro ou gato são bem-vindos nos hotéis das marcas ibis da América do Sul!

Confira a programação e se divirta pelo hotéis ibis no Brasil!

Melhores hotéis

ibis Belo Horizonte Liberdade

O nosso hotel possui a certificação ALLSAFE contra a COVID-19. Dispõe de uma localização privilegiada num local histórico cuja fachada data de 1935. Aceitamos animais de estimação (taxas aplicáveis) e os nossos quartos dispõem de casas de banho privativas com secador de cabelo. Inclui pequeno-almoço. Também oferecemos serviços de lavandaria e um parque de estacionamento (taxas aplicáveis). Dispomos de espaços de Coworking by Wojo (privados ou partilhados).

A partir de -- *

O ibis Betim oferece uma excelente localização para negócios e lazer, no distrito industrial próximo de Contagem. Os quartos dispõe de ar condicionado, WIFI, Smart TV, WIFI e um cofre. O restaurante serve o pequeno-almoço da manhã, almoço e jantar, para além de um bar aberto 24 horas, um centro de negócios e estacionamento gratuito. Existem dois salões de eventos para até 50 pessoas cada, em configuração auditório. O nosso hotel aceita animais de estimação (taxa adicional).

ibis Uberlandia

Ibis Uberlândia oferece conforto e estrutura para as suas necessidades de negócio, a um preço excelente. Os quartos com ar condicionado têm acesso WIFI gratuito e janela insonorizada. O pequeno-almoço inclui vários pratos típicos de Minas, especialmente pão de queijo, e dois espaços para eventos para 140 pessoas e preparados para as suas conferências. Estão disponíveis estacionamento e bar 24 horas por dia. Este hotel em Uberlândia recebe também o seu cão (taxa adicional).

ibis Contagem Ceasa

O ibis Contagem Ceasa é perfeito para uma estadia de negócios ou simplesmente para visitar esta cidade em Minas Gerais. Os quartos acomodam casais e solteiros e oferecem WIFI gratuito e A/C. No restaurante, encontra o pequeno-almoço e o jantar, com o melhor da cozinha mineira. Este hotel em Contagem também tem estacionamento 24 horas e não se preocupe: o seu cãozinho é bem-vindo (taxa adicional).

ALL - Accor Live Limitless

PROGRAMA DE FIDELIDADE

Que tal reservar com desconto em mais de 3.000 hotéis ao redor do mundo desde a primeira reserva? Ao se associar ao programa de fidelidade ALL você aproveita esse e muitos outros benefícios!

15 things to do in Brazil that will amaze you

Sep 28, 2023 • 12 min read

Experiencing Rio’s Carnaval should be on everyone's list of the top things to do in Brazil © A.PAES / Shutterstock

Whether you prefer wilderness or dense cities, the call of frogs in the rainforest or the beat of samba drums,  Brazil  has an experience lined up for you.

The country’s status as a natural paradise is impossible to deny. While superlatives simply don’t do it justice, this continent-sized nation is home to the largest rainforest, the most sprawling wetlands, and more known species of plants, freshwater fish and mammals than any other country in the world.

Brazil is also home to a myriad of indigenous and immigrant cultures, each with their own unique languages, foods and music. Get a taste for Afro-Brazilian heritage by eating acarajé in Salvador, dance samba in Rio de Janeiro, or move to the sounds of frevo  in Olinda during Carnaval. The Amazon, too, hosts some of the biggest parties in Brazil.

If you think you’ll be ready for another vacation at the end of all that, look no further than Brazil’s tropical islands for some downtime. To help you write up your shortlist of must-dos, here are the top things to do when you visit Brazil.

1. Admire the view in Rio de Janeiro

Beaches, architecture, museums, waterfalls, nightlife...there are dozens of good reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro . But if this city has one essential thing to do, it’s getting up high to admire the view. From above, Rio’s dramatic topography is revealed in all its splendor – forest-covered mountains plunging down to the ocean with urban sprawl jammed in between. 

Visitors jostle for selfie space at two of the city’s most popular tourist spots, the 710m-high (2329ft-high)  Christ the Redeemer statue and Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which both offer spectacular 360-degree views.

To avoid the crowds, a splurge on a helicopter tour is worth every real. A stunning vista is the reward at the end of hikes in the Tijuca National Park – one of Brazil's best national parks . The views from the Pico da Tijuca and Pedra da Gávea peaks are particularly breathtaking. 

2. Spot whales in Praia do Rosa

Once a sleepy fishing hamlet, Praia do Rosa is now a top surf destination, with charming guest houses and hotels tucked into the hillside above a bay. In the winter months (June to November), surfers are joined by another type of visitor playing in the waves: southern right whale calves. 

Whales were hunted in these waters as far back as the 1700s and were widely thought to be extinct by the 1970s. Despite making a comeback, they’re still highly endangered. The whales migrate here from Patagonia every year to breed, and a marine reserve stretching 130km (80 miles) along the coast was established to help protect them.

Only masochists will want to swim in the sea this far south in the winter, but the beach is a beautiful destination for windy walks and whale spotting year-round. Boat tours can also be booked for a closer look.

3. Watch birds in the Atlantic Forest

Bird-watching enthusiasts will want to trek to some of the most spectacular off-the-beaten-path spots in the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest). One of Brazil’s six biomes, the Atlantic Forest is a hot spot for birding – it's home to nearly 900 bird species, a quarter of which don’t live anywhere else, including three-toed jacamars and kaleidoscopic green-headed tanagers.

You can explore Atlantic Forest habitats in dozens of national and state parks as well as hundreds of private nature reserves. Itatiaia , established in 1937 as Brazil’s first national park, is a birding paradise. Further south, among the mangroves and salt marshes of Superagui National Park and the Sebui private nature reserve, other Atlantic Forest species such as scarlet ibis and the red-tailed Amazon parrot fill the skies at sunset as they come in to roost for the night. 

11 incredible places to visit in Brazil

4. Soak up the energy at a soccer game

It’s impossible not to know when there’s a big soccer game playing in Brazil, as every screen in every bar will have it on, with shouts ringing out across neighborhoods when goals are scored. Join in the action by booking tickets to see a game, where the passionate supporters can be as much of a spectacle as the game itself. 

The Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro is legendary, and it hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics. SR Flamengo is the biggest club in Rio and you can expect excited crowds when the team goes head-to-head with any of its local rivals.

In São Paulo, SE Palmeiras and Corinthians both have gleaming modern stadiums, and the latter in particular is famous for its passionate supporters. The city’s Pacaembu Stadium is an art deco jewel, although it hosts fewer games these days. The soccer museum underneath the stadium is a monument to Brazil’s greatest passion.

5. Get soaked on a speed boat under Iguaçu Falls

The thunder and roar of 396,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of water pouring over the edge of Iguaçu Falls every second is a thrilling, visceral experience. Dozens of activities in and around the falls will keep visitors occupied for days, from hiking and cycling in the surrounding national park to feeding the birds at the Parque das Aves bird and wildlife sanctuary. 

There’s a good chance you’ll get wet at some stage during your visit, so why not submit to the deluge in the most adrenaline-fueled way possible, with a speedboat ride right under the falls? Turbo-dinghies with 500 horsepower outboard motors pass right beside the falls, where it’s so loud no one will hear your shrieks. The nearby Itaipú Dam – the world’s second-largest – is well worth a visit, too, and accessible via Brazil or Paraguay . 

The best times to book a trip to Brazil

6. Dance during Carnaval 

For one hot, sweaty but utterly thrilling day of your life, you can feel like a star as you don an enormous costume and join a samba school to parade down the Sambódromo during Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. Broadcast live on national television, with many thousands of spectators cheering from the grandstands, this parade is a fierce competition that’s taken extremely seriously by the samba schools that prepare for it year-round.

But Carnaval is not all about Rio. Each corner of the country celebrates in its own way, and one of the most traditional can be found in the coastal city of Olinda. Instead of samba, the rhythms of frevo , maracatu and afoxé ring out across the hilly streets of this charming town. Local bands playing percussion and brass draw huge crowds of excitable revelers trying to keep pace.

7. Kitesurf on Brazil’s northeast coast

Some of the world's most respected kitesurfing champions are from Brazil – no surprise given the country’s thousands of miles of windswept Atlantic coastline. Ceará in northeastern Brazil has some of the best kitesurfing hotspots, including Cumbuco (a playground for some of the top athletes) and the coastal hubs of Icapuí and Preá.

A little farther north in Piauí state, Barra Grande is an up-and-coming spot for the sport. In Maranhão , lagoons in Atins offer up wind without the waves and the bonus of being on the doorstep of the desert-like Lençois Maranhenses National Park . 

How to get around Brazil

8. Contemplate the origins of life at Serra da Capivara 

The culmination of a lifetime’s work for Brazilian archeologist, Niède Guidon, the Museu da Natureza (Museum of Nature) opened in late 2018. A spiral-shaped building at the edge of the Serra da Capivara National Park , the museum explores the history of humans and other species from their earliest known existence.

Highlights include saber-toothed cat teeth and a 6m (20ft) life-size model of the giant sloth Eremotherium , fossils of which were found in the park. Serra da Capivara has an astounding 300 archeological sites where fossils, ceramics, bones and tens of thousands of examples of cave art – the largest collection in the world – have been found over the decades.

These discoveries suggest that humans settled here as far back as 50,000 years ago, challenging the mainstream theory about human settlement in the Americas. An airport was built near the Serra da Capivara in 2015, but the only commercial flights run from Petrolina and Recife; most visitors drive or catch a bus from Petrolina or Teresina.

9. Understand Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador

Chili, coconut, coriander, dried shrimp, dendé palm oil...the ingredients of Bahian cuisine make for some of the tastiest dishes in Brazil, showing the strong African influences in the city of Salvador .

A popular street food is acarajé , a deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea paste stuffed with a dried shrimp stew and condiments. The dish is traditionally made by baianas , descendants of African women; it was even given protected cultural heritage status in 2005. Acarajé is just one of the  baiana -made foods connected to the worship of orixás , deities of Yoruban origin. 

Salvador is the best place in Brazil to immerse yourself in Afro-Brazilian culture and religion. The Caminho dos Orixás do Oxum is a tour of the city’s sights run by an agency specializing in Afro-Brazilian culture. Viare Travel also organizes tours tailored around Afro-Brazilian heritage. 

10. Float down the river in Bonito

An ecotourism boom town near the Pantanal wetlands, Bonito is a giant aquarium and a playground for lovers of nature. The clear waters here spring up through a limestone base that acts as a water purifier, allowing for astounding underwater visibility. Visitors will come face to face with all sorts of fascinating fish while floating down the Rio da Prata. Alternatively, rafting down the Rio Formoso provides a chance to look out for fish and birds while you navigate the rapids.

11. Party on at festivals in the Amazon

Trees, not people, are what dominate the Amazon in the popular imagination. But the world’s largest rainforest is home to more than 30 million people and they throw some pretty spectacular parties (they’re Brazilian too, after all). Boi Bumbá is a folk festival held in June in Parantins that recounts the death and resurrection of an ox, with music, fireworks, dancing and glittering costumes. 

The biggest Amazonian festival is Círio de Nazaré, a Catholic celebration that attracts more than a million devotees each October. Devout locals file through the streets of Belém , at the mouth of the Amazon River, in a cathartic throng. Some 966km (600 miles) upriver, the town of Maués throws a festival every December to celebrate the harvest of its energy-boosting guaraná fruit. Locals dance on the beaches of the Maués-Acú River until the early hours. 

12. Visit a cachaça distillery 

Also known as pinga  (among dozens of other nicknames), cachaça is an exclusively Brazilian distilled sugarcane spirit that can range from cheap rocket fuel to an expensive, aged artisanal delicacy. It’s also the main ingredient in the unofficial Brazilian national drink, the caipirinha . Bars can provide an easy education in the delights of cachaça – but better still is a distillery tour. 

The Mapa da Cachaça website is a great resource, mapping out distilleries across the country. Minas Gerais is the main cachaça-producing region in Brazil and home to the oldest functioning distillery, Engenho Boa Vista, which has been in business for more than 260 years.

Overlooking the sea, the Maria Izabel distillery is a must for any visitors to Paraty . Rio Encantos runs a cachaça tour in Rio, taking in the historic center of the city and finishing up a cachaça tasting. 

13. Track jaguars in the Pantanal

The largest cat in the Americas, the jaguar is a rare and elusive creature. These famed big cats roam far and wide across Brazil, and despite game hunting being illegal since 1967, jaguars are still poached. Add in habitat loss – exacerbated by recent fires and the expansion of cattle ranching – and the result has been a decline in their population, placing these magnificent animals at risk of extinction.

One of the best habitats for spotting jaguars is the Pantanal , the world’s largest wetland, especially during the dry season (April to September). Conservation NGO Onçafari was set up in 2011 to help protect the jaguars through research and ecotourism. The group runs jaguar safaris from its base at the Caiman Lodge , a private nature reserve. A number of local tour operators also run jaguar safaris, and the deeper you get into the wetlands, the better chance you have of spotting one.

Brazil's best hikes from beaches to rainforests

14. Relax on a tropical island

Brazil has thousands of beaches along its coastline, but you can side-step the difficult task of choosing one by escaping to a tropical island instead. Ilha Grande , south of Rio de Janeiro on the Costa Verde, has warm seas and white sandy beaches fringed by the forests of the Mata Atlântica. Ilhabela combines good restaurants for the São Paulo weekenders with hiking trails and guest houses hidden away in dense, jungle-covered hills. 

Smaller Ilha do Mel in the south of Brazil near  Paranaguá feels more remote, with just a handful of accommodation options, plus a lighthouse , fort and caves to explore. The Bahian coast is a safe bet for sunshine, and Boipeba has more than 20km (12 miles) of palm-lined beaches and a castaway vibe. 

15. See street art in São Paulo 

A maze of underpasses and overpasses, sidewalks cracked by tree roots, and steep hills make walking in São Paulo something of an adventure sport. But the reward is a wealth of murals and graffiti daubed across the city’s urban sprawl, all the more striking against the city’s ubiquitous gray concrete.

The colorful Beco do Batman (Batman’s Alley) is a top spot for street art and a tourist honeypot. In Centro, artist Felipe Yung’s 10,000 sq m (107,639 sq ft)  Aquarium covers the facades of 15 buildings. The 3.5km (2.2-mile) Minhoção – officially Via Elevada Presidente João Goulart – is closed to traffic at night and at weekends, making it the perfect place to stroll while taking in artwork by such artists as Speto, Zezão and Mag Magrela.

Cambuci, in the southeast of the city, was the stomping ground for the world-famous duo OsGemeos in their youth, and it’s the best place to see their art outside of museums. In northern São Paulo, the Museu Aberto de Arte Urbana (Open Museum of Urban Art) brings together street art by dozens of creators on the huge columns underneath a metro line.

This article was first published Jan 5, 2022 and updated Sep 28, 2023.

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All About Rio Carnival Festival. February 28th to March 8th, 2025. Guide, Program and Tickets to Sambadrome Parades.

Grandstands.

The most lively seats. Large concrete bleachers with a great view of the parade.

Allocated Chairs

Assigned seats with a great view, only available in Sector 12 of the Sambadrome.

Located on the ground level, in four rows of boxes. The closest seats to the runway.

Covered Box

Located in Sector 7, the Covered Boxes offer a higher view over the other front boxes.

Folia Tropical

Ideal for party people who want to enjoy the parade and have a VIP club experience at the same time.

Super Folia

The greatest Carnival VIP experience. Exclusive services, privacy and comfort with all the Folia Tropical fun.

Camarote Maravilha

The Camarote Maravilha is the celebration of the Carioca spirit at the heart of Carnival.

Learn More About Rio Carnival

Rio Carnival is the greatest show on Earth and the biggest event of the Brazilian cultural calendar. The parades at the Sambadrome are the main attraction of the entire celebration. Before you come, get to know a bit about "el carnaval".

• What is Carnival in Rio
• Rio Carnival Dates and Events
• Types of Sambadrome Parades
• Choosing Your Parade ticket

Book Your Rio Carnival Ticket Safely.

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How to Get to the Sambadrome.

The Best Street Parties during Carnival time in Rio de Janeiro

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How to get to the Sambadrome

You can go to the sambadrome in many ways. Our Transfer service is the most convenient way to get to the Sambadrome, but you can also go by subway or authorized taxi. Here you will find information about all transportation options.

What are the best tickets in the Sambodromo?

How to get my tickets, how old a children can watch the parade, what is the difference between the parades of the special group, access group, and champions, what time should i arrive, what can i bring to the sambadrome.

Here is the list of what is allowed and what is not allowed to bring:

ALLOWED: - Each person may bring up to two food items (sandwiches, fruits, cookies) - Each attendee may carry a maximum of two plastic bottles of any beverage, each 500 ml - The use of rain ponchos is allowed

NOT ALLOWED: - It is not permitted to enter with dangerous objects such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, flares, fireworks, sharp objects, and firearms - Umbrellas are not allowed - Objects that can carry other items, such as coolers and bags, are prohibited - Bringing cameras with attached lenses, tripods, drones, or professional filming and photography equipment is not permitted.

Is it possible to buy food and drinks at the Sambadrome?

Yes. There are several kiosks and vendors on-site. Payments are accepted via credit card, debit card and cash.

How to go to and from the Sambadrome?

We recommend that you go to the Sambadrome by taxi, subway, or transfer. We do not advise taking conventional buses as many routes change during the parade days. We also do not recommend going by private car as there is no nearby parking, and the streets around the Sambadrome are blocked, making access difficult.

To learn more about all transportation options to the Sambadrome, visit: https://www.carnivalbookers.com/rio-de-janeiro/transportation/how-to-get-to-the-sambadrome-in-rio

How does the transfer service work?

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