24 Best Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Planning a trip to Rio? These are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, from samba classes to world-class beaches.

As one of South America’s most visited cities, Rio de Janeiro is a bustling hot spot full of jungles, golden sand beaches, football, samba, and all round good times. It’s one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and it’s this mix that makes Rio so alive and, well, intriguing!

Rio de Janeiro is brimming with things to do, see, and experience, and its tropical, warm climate makes it a perfect year-round destination. Rio, however, isn’t just about the famous carnival that takes to the streets every February, it’s loaded with nature and hiking, arts, culture, and music as well as history, shopping, and of course beach time.

Rio has something for everyone and truly wows all those who visit- for me at least, it quickly rose into my top 3 cities in the world. So, whether you’re reading this to plan your trip or just looking for some travel inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive straight into this Rio de Janeiro travel guide and those unforgettable things to do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

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Know Before You Go to Rio de Janeiro

↠ Weather: Rio enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round. Summer falls from December- February, when temperature can exceed 40°C, and winter is between June-August where temperatures fall to a minimum of 16°C. Winter is the driest time to visit but bear in mind that it can rain at any time in Rio and it’s generally quite a rainy city.

↠ Transport: Just like most big cities Rio has a good public transport system and the metro, trams, and buses are a great way to get around. For those out-of-reach landmarks and trips after dark, Rio also has Uber providing a fast, cheap, and safe way to travel. Uber is the best way to get around.

↠ Where to Stay: Rio has a number of neighborhoods, excellent for basing yourself in which include Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon and Santa Teresa.  I personally preferred Ipanema as it was close to the beach and not far from the landmarks either and I loved the outdoor fitness vibes in Ipanema.

24 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

1. Visit Christ the Redeemer

Your trip to Rio wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Christ the Redeemer or Cristo Redentor, one of the seven new Wonders of the World. Located on top of Corcovado Mountain the 30 metre statue looks out to sea over the city with outstretched arms.

Construction started in 1922 and it took 9 years to complete the statue as we see it today, a marvelous engineering feat that can only be appreciated when you realize how big the statue is up close. While the statue itself is a reason to come up here alone, don’t miss some of the best views of the city.

From here you can get your bearings and take in the whole city, from the favelas clinging to the hillsides to Ipanema Beach and Sugar Loaf Mountain. As one of the most iconic sights in the city, this is one of the top fun things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

How to Get to Christ the Redeemer Statue

There are many ways to get to Christ the Redeemer, the most popular ways being by Uber/Taxi or private tour or the train through the Tijuca Forest. I would highly recommend the latter as it’s a unique experience allowing you to familiarise yourself with the magnificent forest and views on the way up.

Simply take an Uber to the departure point in Cosme Velho and enjoy what has to be one of the world’s steepest railway lines. Note that the wait for the train during peak hours can be extremely long, especially in high season. Try to book your ticket online or arrive early to avoid the wait.

Top photography tip: Christ the Redeemer is swarmed with people from the minute it opens so to get good, uncrowded photos embrace that double chin and shoot from below. This will allow you to get a shot with yourself and the statue at almost any part of the platform and with few people in it. 

2. Head up Sugar Loaf Mountain

Another unmissable Rio landmark, with exceptional views over the city, is Sugarloaf Mountain or Pao de Azucar. During colonial times Portuguese sailors used this giant rocky outcrop as a way to navigate their way into the city and for them, refined loaf sugar was what it resembled, giving it the name we know today.

Visiting this 396-metre granite peak involves taking two cable cars or a hike and then a second cable car, firstly to Morro da Urca and then onto Sugar Loaf itself. If you fancy hiking the relatively easy first part, the path starts from the beautiful Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) immediately to the south of the hills. 

From the top, you can enjoy views of Rio that stretch as far as the eye can see on a clear day. Look out for Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Dos Irmãos Hill, Christ the Redeemer, and planes taking off uncomfortably close to the Sugar Loaf from Santos Dumont airport. 

3. Enjoy Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches

Beach life and culture are at the root of Carioca life and something that has to be mentioned in a guide about the top things to do in Rio de Janeiro. Walk along the 5-kilometer length of Copacabana beach and take in the beach bars, exclusive hotels, non-stop street food, and bustling beach life.

On every day of the week, you’ll find people of all genders catching rays in tiny swimsuits, kids playing football, and frolicking in the waves. You can either opt to relax in one of the exclusive spots manned by the luxury hotels adjacent to the beach or simply lay out your towel on the sand like all the locals. It’s a great place to people-watch, try some local foods and drinks, and relax in the sun. 

Ipanema Beach, while being half the size of Copacabana is the wellness and fitness hub of Rio. Here you’ll find people jogging, playing beach volleyball matches, beach racket sports, cycling, working out, and skating.

Everywhere you look is a sea of color, life, and movement. Why not join the hundreds of people who go for a run along the beachfront in the morning and evenings?

Top Tip: The beaches of Rio are a hotspot for petty thieves. Don’t leave your belongings unattended at the beach and better still bring only what you really need. 

4. Eat Açai

In recent years this small but potent Brazilian berry has taken the health world by storm. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and contains healthy fats while being low in sugar. Brazilians are crazy about it too and you can find açai stands throughout the city, the beaches included.

It’s served cold, like ice cream and you can get it in a smoothie or bowl form topped with a number of semi-healthy toppings such as granola, chia seeds, peanut butter, and banana. It is absolutely delicious and it was my breakfast and snack staple every day. 

5. Visit a Favela

Favelas are an essential part of life in Rio de Janeiro and visiting one will give you an insight into the lives of regular people, the history of the city, and how favelas originated as well as give you the chance to contribute to the local communities and give back. 

I organised my favela tour with Favela Santa Marta Tour and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience. Felipe, our guide, took us into Santa Marta, a relatively safe and pacified favela and we learned about its history, got the chance to visit a local pre-school and meet the kids.

We also met some local residents and played football with them as well as learning about how favelas have grown to function with little to no government intervention. The tour was a fascinating insight into Rio life and urbanisation and I’d highly recommend you do one.

Top Tip: When visiting a favela, make sure to do it with a tour. Not only can it be unsafe going alone you but you’ll also miss out on the vital information that makes the tour so special. 

6. Visit Real Gabinete Libreria Portugues

For literary treasures in downtown Rio head to Real Gabinete Português de Leitura or the Portuguese Reading Room. This extravagant and highly ornate library of Portuguese literature is the largest outside of Portugal, containing hundreds of volumes by Portuguese authors.

Admire the swirling, golden pillars, exquisitely carved wooden banisters, and ornate marble doorways. This is easily one of the most impressive libraries I have seen to date on my travels, not to mention, that it makes great subject matter for a great shot. 

7. Take in Mural Etnias

For a glimpse of one of the world’s longest mural, 3000m squared to be exact, head to the Olympic Boulevard to Mural Etnias.

This awe-inspiring work of street art was created by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra just before the Olympics and celebrates the diversity of the land and its people. It’s beautiful, colorful, incredibly skillful and really sums up the variety and diversity this city offers. 

8. Take in a Sunrise from Mirante Doña Marta

With the number of rocky outcrops, hills, and mountains around Rio, panoramic views are easily accessible to get to know the city and its coastline and admire this photogenic city. There are many viewpoints in the city such as Christ the Redeemer, Vista Chinesa, Dos Irmãos Mountain, and Mirante Dona Marta.

I visited the latter for some truly spectacular 360-degree views of the city, including Christ the Redeemer, because, while the views at Christ the Redeemer are mind-blowing, you don’t have a view of the Corcovado Mountain.

Mirante Dona Marta allows you to take in and photograph all the landmarks of Rio, at the perfect height, in one place without the crowds. The best time to come is during sunrise or sunset. 

9. Drink a Caipirinha (or a few)

There’s no better sundowner to enjoy when in Brazil than a Brazilian Caipirinha. Order one made from local cachaça (sugar cane liquor), sit back, relax, and take in a sunset, preferably at Copacabana or Ipanema beach. 

10. Marvel at Escadaria Selaron

For a demonstration of passion, lifelong dedication, commitment and love for the people and the country head to Lapa/ Santa Teresa neighborhoods and visit Escadaria Selaron.

This staircase, decorated with over 2000 tiles from over 60 countries is the work of Chilean artist Jorge Selaron, who started trying to rejuvenate this area of Rio in 1990 and continued up to his death in 2013. Many of the tiles contain images, writing, and iconography that are really interesting to look at and guess where they might be from. 

Top tip: The staircase gets really crowded so try to arrive for 8 am to have it all to yourself for that perfect picture. 

11. Take a Stroll through Parque Lage

For a moment of silent calm amid the busy city, head to Parque Lage. Located at the base of Corcovado Mountain with Christ the Redeemer looming overhead, this tranquil, lush oasis is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Make sure you check out all the unique, tropical vegetation from this part of the world as well as the main park building. It’s a beautiful neoclassical structure with a gorgeous courtyard in the center, which you’ll probably already recognize.

The mansion, built by an Italian architect is now home to a wonderful cafe and the School of Visual Arts.

12. Explore Downtown Rio de Janeiro

Downtown Rio is packed with fascinating sites, unique architecture, bustling markets, and historical landmarks, making it an area that’s definitely worth exploring. Known as “Centro,” this part of Rio offers a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.

A few must-see spots include the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian (more on this later), the Carioca Aqueduct (or Arcos da Lapa), which stands as a relic of Rio’s colonial past, its graceful white arches now serving as a bridge for the iconic Santa Teresa tram.

Take a break at Confeitaria Colombo, one of Rio’s most beloved historic cafés. This café, dating back to 1894, boasts elegant Belle Époque décor with massive mirrors, intricate woodwork, and a ceiling that seems to soar above you. Here, you can indulge in traditional Brazilian pastries, savoring both the flavors and the timeless ambiance.

Just a short stroll away, the Municipal Theatre is another architectural gem, inspired by European opera houses with opulent interiors and grand, gilded details that reflect Brazil’s early 20th-century grandeur.

Each of these sites is conveniently located within a 10- to 20-minute walk from one another, allowing you to explore much of downtown on foot. They can also be combined with a visit to Escaderia Selaron and Real Gabinete Librería Portugués both of which are nearby.

For a deeper understanding of the area’s history and cultural significance, a guided tour of downtown Rio, Santa Teresa, and Lapa is highly recommended; local guides can provide fascinating insights and stories behind these celebrated landmarks.

13. Visit the Botanical Gardens

A visit to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is a must for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape within the city. Founded in 1808, this lush 350-acre garden showcases an impressive array of over 6,500 species of plants, including towering imperial palms, vibrant orchids, and a stunning variety of Amazonian flora.

Wander along shaded pathways flanked by palms, explore serene lakes filled with giant water lilies, and discover tranquil nooks perfect for quiet reflection.

The garden is also home to an extensive bird population, making it a haven for birdwatchers. With the Tijuca Forest as a backdrop and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue perched above, the Botanical Garden offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

14. Go for a Hike in Tijuca National Park

Rio de Janeiro may be the only city in the world with a national park at its heart, and Tijuca National Park provides the perfect retreat from urban life.

This lush, 12-square-mile rainforest is packed with endemic flora, vibrant wildlife, and serene, uncrowded trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints.

The park offers a variety of hikes for all levels, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging trails. Popular routes include the Pico da Tijuca trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the city and Guanabara Bay from the park’s highest peak, and the Pedra Bonita trail, which is known for its magnificent views of Pedra da Gávea and the coast.

For a more secluded experience, the Cascatinha Taunay trail leads to one of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls, where you can relax to the sound of cascading water surrounded by tropical greenery.

15. Shop for Havaianas

No trip to Rio is complete without picking up a pair of Brazil’s iconic Havaianas flip-flops. Known for their bright colors, comfortable fit, and laid-back vibe, Havaianas are a staple in Brazilian culture and make for a perfect souvenir.

Head to one of the many Havaianas stores around the city to browse an array of styles and designs, from classic looks to unique prints inspired by Rio’s vibrant spirit.

16. Tour the Maracanã Stadium

A tour of Maracanã Stadium is a must for sports fans and history enthusiasts alike. One of the most iconic football stadiums in the world, Maracanã has hosted countless memorable matches, including World Cup finals and Olympic events.

The tour takes you through the players’ tunnel, locker rooms, and VIP areas, offering an insider’s look at the storied venue where legends like Pelé and Zico left their mark. You can even step onto the pitch and imagine the roar of 78,000 fans.

This experience not only celebrates Brazilian football’s vibrant history but also showcases the passion and pride of the nation’s sporting culture.

17. Visit the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)

The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) in Rio is a cultural gem, housed in a stunning neoclassical building. This dynamic arts center offers rotating exhibitions, theater performances, films, and workshops, showcasing both Brazilian and international artists.

It’s a perfect spot to experience Rio’s rich cultural scene, and with free or affordable admission, it’s an accessible attraction in the heart of downtown. Visit the CCBB website to check what’s on during your visit.

18. Take in the Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro

The Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião, or Rio’s Metropolitan Cathedral, is a striking departure from traditional cathedral architecture making it one of the most unique Cathedrals in the world. Its modern, conical shape rises 75 meters into the sky, designed to resemble a Mayan pyramid.

Inside, the cathedral is bathed in colorful light streaming through four towering stained-glass windows that stretch from floor to ceiling, creating a serene, almost mystical atmosphere.

Built in the 1970s, this unique structure honors Saint Sebastian, Rio’s patron saint, and stands as an emblem of the city’s blend of faith, modernism, and artistic expression.

19. Spy Art at the Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro

The Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) in Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit for art lovers, showcasing an impressive collection of Brazilian and international modern art. Located near Guanabara Bay, MAM is known for its minimalist architecture, designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy, which seamlessly complements its lush surroundings.

Inside, you’ll find works by renowned Brazilian artists like Tarsila do Amaral and Cândido Portinari, alongside a rotating selection of contemporary exhibits.

The museum’s sculpture garden, designed by Roberto Burle Marx, offers a tranquil space to reflect, making MAM a unique blend of art, nature, and innovative design.

20. Hike Pedra da Gavea

For adventurous hikers, hiking to Pedra da Gávea is one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. It offers one of Rio’s most exhilarating experiences.

This towering monolith, rising 2,769 feet above sea level, is the world’s largest coastal granite rock and provides sweeping views over Rio, including landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue and Ipanema Beach.

The hike is challenging, with steep sections and a bit of rock climbing near the top, often referred to as the “Carrasqueira” section. For those who brave the ascent, the summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramas that few visitors get to see. A guide is recommended for safety and navigation on this thrilling trail.

21. Take a Photo at Pedra do Telegrafo

Perched high above the coastline, Pedra do Telégrafo is famous for its dramatic, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. The rock juts out over a steep drop, creating the illusion of a daring cliff edge when photographed from certain angles, making it popular with thrill-seeking visitors.

Located in the Pedra Branca State Park, the hike to reach it takes about an hour and a half and winds through beautiful forested trails with views of Rio’s coastline and nearby beaches.

At the summit, you’ll find stunning scenery and a unique photo op that captures the adventurous spirit of Rio de Janeiro. It’s now really popular so be prepared to queue for that photo.

22. Take a Helicopter Ride

For one of the most unforgettable things to do in Rio de Janeiro, a helicopter ride over Rio de Janeiro offers a breathtaking perspective of the city’s iconic landscape.

Lasting about 20 minutes, these tours take you above Rio’s most famous sights, from the curves of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches to the towering Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Soaring over the lush green mountains, sparkling coastline, and vibrant urban areas provides a unique view of the city’s beauty and diverse geography.

It’s a thrilling way to capture Rio’s incredible scenery from a new angle, creating memories and photo opportunities like no other. Book your helicopter ride here.

23. Visit the Museum of Tomorrow

A visit to the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro is an immersive journey into science, sustainability, and the future of our planet. Housed in a stunning, futuristic structure designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this innovative museum uses cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits to explore themes like climate change, biodiversity, and the impact of human activity on Earth.

Located on the revitalized waterfront of Praça Mauá, the museum invites visitors to reflect on the challenges and possibilities of tomorrow through thought-provoking displays and immersive experiences. It’s an inspiring destination for all ages, blending art, science, and technology in a truly engaging way.

24. Go on a Sunset Sail

A sunset sail in Rio de Janeiro is the perfect way to end a day, offering stunning views of the city’s coastline as the sun dips below the horizon.

As you cruise along Guanabara Bay or around the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, you’ll witness the city’s landmarks bathed in the warm glow of dusk. With the mountains silhouetted against the fiery sky and the lights of Rio beginning to twinkle, the experience is both peaceful and unforgettable.

It’s a serene escape from the bustling city, providing a magical perspective of Rio’s natural beauty.

We signed up for this Sunset Sailing Tour in Rio de Janeiro and joined a small group on a small catamaran with drinks included. It was the perfect way for us to end the day in Rio de Janeiro.

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