What to do in Rio de Janeiro? First of all, once you’ve chosen Rio de Janeiro as your travel destination, get ready for an enchanting experience in one of the world’s most vibrant cities!
With its paradisiacal beaches and rich natural and cultural scenery, Rio offers a multitude of activities and attractions to suit all tastes. That’s why, in this blogpost, we’ve put together valuable tips so that you can make the most of your stay, guaranteeing memorable experiences in the Wonderful City. Take a look at what awaits you:
Famous tourist spots
First things first: if you’re planning to visit this carioca paradise, check out the 5 sights of Rio de Janeiro that are most loved by tourists. Let’s get to know them, shall we?
Cristo Redentor
First of all, located at the top of Corcovado Hill, Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is one of Rio de Janeiro’s main tourist attractions. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the 30-meter-high building offers spectacular views of the city.
It’s also worth mentioning the trail to the top, which allows you to get closer to nature.As such, the postcard of the wonderful city, located in the Tijuca National Park, allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of Rio’s fauna and flora. Tickets to visit Christ the Redeemer currently range from R$30.50 to R$122.50 depending on the means of transportation, the point of embarkation, the period you are visiting or your age.
Pão de Açúcar
Famous for its cable car that takes visitors to one of the best views of Rio, the Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Cable Car) was the first of its kind in Brazil. Like Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), the park is made up of the Urca and Pão do Açúcar hills which, linked by the cable car, allow visitors to see new angles of the wonderful city from a height of approximately 396 meters above sea level.
It’s a great place to watch the sunset and take incredible photos! So, opt for sunny days too, so you can enjoy the main beaches of Rio de Janeiro’s south zone, the outline of the mountains and the beauty of the city’s architecture from above.
Four times considered Rio’s most beloved tourist attraction, Pão de Açúcar will guarantee a unique experience for your trip. The Bondinho Ticket is the regular ticket for the cable car and costs R$185, including the round trip from Praia Vermelha to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Arcos da Lapa
Surprisingly, as one of the most iconic tourist spots in Rio de Janeiro, the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches) attract visitors for their architectural beauty and the vibrant nightlife around them. With bars, restaurants and an intense cultural scene, the area is perfect for those who want to enjoy the energy of Rio.
In addition, the arches are a free stroll and are close to other attractions, such as the Escadaria Selarón (Selarón Staircase) and the Bonde de Santa Teresa (Santa Teresa Tram), making it a great starting point for exploring the Lapa neighborhood and its delights. A unique opportunity to experience this lively part of the city!
Jardim Botânico
Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden is, above all, a refuge of tranquillity and beauty among the hustle and bustle of the city.
In addition to its rich biodiversity, Jardim Botânico offers charming trails and paths that allow visitors to explore its various areas, such as the Lake of the Victoria Regias and the impressive Palm Tree Alley. It’s the perfect place for relaxing walks, picnics and moments of contemplation.
So if you’re looking for a moment of peace and connection with nature in Rio de Janeiro, this is the place for you! The entrance fee is R$73.00, but on the website you can find incredible guided experiences available for purchase.
Rio de Janeiro’s natural scenarios
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Surrounded by mountains and with a breathtaking view of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, Lagoa is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most beautiful postcards. Approximately 7 kilometers long, it is a popular place for outdoor activities such as walking, running and cycling along its bike path.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Lagoa offers leisure options such as pedal boats and water sports. It is also a meeting point for picnics and moments of relaxation in its grassy areas. At sunset, the lagoon is transformed into a magical scene, attracting locals and tourists alike. Another special stop for those looking for a free program to relax in nature while enjoying spectacular views!
Parque Lage
Known as “Christ’s armpit” because of its privileged location to the right of the statue’s right arm, Parque Lage is ideal for those who want to have direct contact with nature. In addition, Parque Lage also has various cultural programs, as it is part of the Parque Lage School of Visual Arts. Another free tour to make your trip memorable!
Trilha Pedra Bonita
This tip is for those who enjoy a good hike! From the top of the rock, after a 20-minute walk, you have a spectacular view of the São Conrado neighborhood and parts of Rio’s South Zone, as well as Barra da Tijuca.
The trail is of light to moderate difficulty. So there you can enjoy a lovely view while taking care of your body and mind. All for free! And Pedra Bonita is also home to one of the most famous and busiest free flight ramps in the world!
Beaches
The beaches are certainly one of the main tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, they need to be part of your travel itinerary!
Our coastline has 86 km of beaches to suit all tastes! For those who want to relax, for example, Leme is ideal. For those who prefer a trendy beach surrounded by beautiful people, Copacabana beach, which is also famous for its promenade that simulates the waves of the sea, is the ideal destination, as is Ipanema beach.
And for those who never miss an opportunity to contemplate a beautiful sunset at dusk, you need to experience this natural spectacle at Arpoador!
Rio’s cultural scenes
Museu do Amanhã
Located in the downtown area of Rio, at Praça Mauá, the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) is a fascinating space dedicated to science and innovation. Tickets cost R$30 and can be purchased at the box office or online via this link.
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
Also located in downtown, the CCBB offers art exhibitions, theater and cinema in a welcoming and inspiring environment. Admission is free and tickets for each exhibition can be picked up on the website or at the box office.
Museu de Arte do Rio
Neighboring the Museu do Amanhã, MAR has engaging exhibitions that celebrate the city’s art and history. Tickets are R$20 and you can buy them through the totems located at the entrance to the Museum or via the link. And on Tuesdays, the entrance is completely free.
Casa França Brasil
As you can see, downtown Rio is full of wonderful cultural programs, right? Casa França Brasil also deserves a mention and is located just a few steps away from the CCBB, making it a great option for a double outing. The space is a reference in contemporary art, showing a variety of exhibitions, as well as hosting courses, seminars and other cultural events. Building itself is an incredible tour! The entrance is completely free.
Rio’s Historical Scenarios
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
One of Brazil’s most important theaters is home to major music, ballet and opera shows that take place in Rio de Janeiro and tickets can be purchased at this link. You can also take a guided tour inside the theater, which is a spectacle in itself!
Santa Teresa
One of Rio de Janeiro’s most charming neighborhoods, Santa Teresa is the perfect place for those who love history and culture. With its cobbled streets, old mansions and the famous cable car, the area has a warm, bohemian atmosphere. It’s worth exploring the art studios, cozy cafés and incredible views of the city. In addition, the neighborhood hosts cultural events that bring life to the area, making Santa Teresa an obligatory stop for those who want to feel the essence of Rio de Janeiro.
Praça XV
Located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, XV Square is a true historical landmark that deserves to be explored. Surrounded by colonial buildings and monuments, the square is a great starting point for learning about the city’s history.
You can relax on its benches, admire the architecture, enjoy the antiques market on Saturdays and even take one of the boats to Ilha das Cobras (Snake Island) or Ilha Fiscal (Fiscal Island). With its vibrant atmosphere, XV Square is perfect for those who want to experience the carioca culture and immerse themselves in the history of the place.
Cais do Valongo
Cais do Valongo is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most significant places, full of history and memory. It was the main port of entry for enslaved Africans to the Americas and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Recently revitalized, the site hosts exhibitions and events that revive an important part of history. In addition, a stroll along the Pier is an opportunity to better understand the country’s past and recognize the influence of Afro-Brazilian culture in shaping Rio’s identity. It’s worth a visit: the Instituto dos Pretos Novos offers guided tours, as well as exhibitions and authentic samba circles.
Trendy streets for nights out in Rio
Rio de Janeiro is full of famous and iconic streets with a wide variety of bars and restaurants. So you have a wide range of options for incredible places to party the night away in Rio. Take a look.
Dias Ferreira Street
Connecting the neighborhoods of Gávea and Leblon via Bartolomeu Mitre Avenue, this place has a wide range of bars and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. As well as a lot of Brazilian cuisine, you’ll find restaurants with oriental, Italian and French cuisine, among others. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a post-beach drink or a happy hour with the crew.
Baixo Gávea
An emblematic stretch of Rio’s South Zone, Baixo Gávea, or “BG” for short, lies between Marquês de São Vicente Street and Oitis Street. The place is a major meeting point for Rio’s nightlife and gastronomic scene. This is where modernity and tradition meet, forming a gastronomic and cultural hotspot that you need to get to know!
Arnaldo Quintela Street
Voted the 8th coolest street in the world by Time Out magazine, this effervescent street in Botafogo has super cool bars and restaurants that guarantee a unique nightlife experience on your visit to Rio de Janeiro. We’ve already given you some tips on places to visit there. Click on the link to check them out!
Glória neighborhood
The neighborhood in Rio’s South Zone was recently voted one of the coolest according to Time Out magazine. That’s because it has programs that reflect the carioca soul very well, such as the bars on Santo Amaro Street, lunch at Braseirinho da Glória or Labuta Mar, and, of course, the city’s largest street market – Feira da Glória!
In conclusion, Rio de Janeiro stands out as a destination that offers options for all visitor profiles. Whether you’re a lover of nature, culture or gastronomy, you’re sure to find tours here that suit your interests very well. Our wonderful city, full of a thousand charms, promises memorable experiences for every type of traveler. In short, get ready to explore all that Rio has to offer!
