21 Jul The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most amazing cities to visit in the world. It’s one of the few places that has an intoxicating, care-free energy you can physically feel. Here you can party til sunrise, sunbathe under colorful umbrellas, surf ocean waves, hike to panoramic views, and dance in the streets with strangers. Zest and adventure are not lost in Rio and there’s so, SO much to do in the marvelous city (Cidade Maravilhosa = Rio’s nickname).
After living there for two months, here are my top recommendations of things to do for tourists visiting Rio de Janeiro.
*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.
1. Marvel at the sunrise views at Mirante Dona Marta
Start your Rio adventures bright and early for some incredible sunrise views. If you’re like most people, waking up that early is a struggle, but I can assure you the view from Mirante Dona Mara is beyond worth the trouble. In general, Rio sunrise is better than sunset because of the city’s geological location; but this viewpoint Mirante Dona Marta is especially impressive. Facing Sugarloaf mountain, you’ll get panoramic views of the whole city. And besides waking up early, you don’t really have to work hard for it since no hiking is involved.
2. Walk Escadaria Selarón (Selaron Steps)
The Selaron Steps are a tourist favorite for instagrammable images, and in my opinion a must-visit even if you’re not interested in photos. Once a diminishing staircase, the rainbow steps were decorated with tiles by a Chilean traveler who moved to Brazil. He began with the colors of Brazil and Chile, then other travelers came and provided unique tiles from their home country. Therefore if you look closely you’ll notice cultural images from around the world represented. It’s pretty amazing to see and the staircase has become a central space for tourists drinking, dancing and eating.
3. Take a Walking Tour of Lapa
No matter the city, I almost always recommend starting with a free walking tour. It’s a great way to get your bearings, learn about some of the culture and history, meet new people, and see some main tourist destinations.
Rio de Janeiro has a handful of free walking tours, including to Copacabana and Ipanema. However, I prefer to experience those places on my own. Lapa and Downtown on the other hand are perfect for a walking tour. You’ll visit Colombo Bakery, the Municipal Theater, the Imperial Palace, XV Square, the National Library, and other historic attractions.
Sign up for your free walking tour here. Make sure to always bring cash to tip your guide!
4. Cheer alongside fans at a Futbol Match
Even if you’re not a soccer fan, going to a futbol match is a must in Rio. Brazilians are passionate futbol fans and experiencing the energy in the stadium is an adrenaline rush in itself. Obviously, if big games are happening, those will be pretty crazy to attend. But if not, at the very least try to get tickets to a Flamengo or Fluminense game – both of which are popular teams in Rio.
As a tourist and/or solo traveler, I recommend booking a tour to a futbol match unless you know a local who can get tickets and go with you. There are several tour options, this is the one I took which is the most budget friendly and Pedro was great to hang out with. Because of it’s cheaper price though, you do need to take the metro yourself and may need to pick up tickets. For an inclusive package check out this tour.
5. Take the cable car up Sugar Loaf mountain
Visiting Sugarloaf Mountain or Pão de Açucar is one of the most popular destinations for visitors in Rio. Although super touristy, it’s one of those experiences you just need to check off your bucket list because it’s such an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and one of the best views in the city, especially if you can time it right to enjoy sunset.
6. Sunbathe at Copacabana and Ipanema beach
When people think of Rio they usually picture one of these two iconic beaches decorated with rainbow umbrellas and swarming with tan, oiled-up people in bikinis and speedos. That’s actually pretty accurate of both Copacabana and Ipanema beach and one of the few travel destinations that really lived up to my expectation of what one might imagine. At both beaches you can eat, drink, play volleyball, sunbathe, and swim.
Both Copacabana and Ipanema are a must visit, and while I personally prefer Ipanema, both are comparable and quality beaches.
7. Ride bikes around Lagoa
Lagoa is a small lake behind Ipanema that has a path hugging it all the way around. A really great way to see this part of Rio is by renting a bike and making your way around the lake. In total, it should take you around 45 minutes (on bike). I recommend renting from Girls Bike or using the local bikeshare Bike Itaú (if its possible, the app does require a CPF and sometimes the machines are not working).
At Lagoa you can also rent a paddle boat, enjoy sunset (one of the best places to enjoy sunset in Rio) and enjoy a cocktail at one of the many lake bars overlooking the water such as Palaphita Kitch.
8. Climb to Pedra da Gávea
If you enjoy a challenge, consider tackling Pedra da Gavea. This is considered the most difficult hike in Rio but will reward you with a birds-eye view of the city beyond. Because the trail involves climbing at some point, I do recommend going with a guide and suggest it only to those at a reasonable fitness level. Otherwise, grab your hiking shoes because this is a wild, wild view.
9. Party!
Although I do not recommend doing this the night before hiking Pedra da Gavea, it goes without saying that you need to party in Rio de Janeiro. In my experience, Brazilians really know how to drink, and in Rio it’s hard to avoid.
Nightlife is basically everywhere with Lapa being a must, but of course there’s also Santa Teresa, Botafogo, Copacabana, and Ipanema. While in Rio, I was there for Carnaval and living in Lapa, so I basically walked out of my apartment into a party. Beyond some places I mention below (which are an experience in themself), if you’re looking for places to party in Rio, start with this Culture Trip article, go on a pub crawl tour like this one or book a stay in a hostel. They always know where the party is at!
10. Stroll through Jardim Botânico
Rio may be a party city, but there are also quiet, serene places like the Botanical Garden to enjoy. At Jardim Botânico you can wander the paths decorated with towering palm trees and floating lily pads. It’s the perfect place for a quiet walk, to enjoy a book, take photos, and even enjoy a coffee at the garden cafe (not to be confused with Plage Cafe though).
The entrance fee to Jardim Botânico is about R$ 60,00 (~ $12 USD) for tourists. Make sure to bring cash, when I visited their card machine was broken.
11. Enjoy a latte at Plage Cafe
Nearby to Jardim Botanico is one of the most picturesque and instagrammable cafes I’ve ever seen: Plage Cafe. The outdoor eatery is within a courtyard to the Plage Mansion, adorned with a blue fountain, classical architecture and a flawless background of Christ the Redeemer beyond. Around the cafe, you can also stroll through the grounds and it’s nearly as pretty as the botanical gardens.
As you can imagine, this cafe does fill up from the moment it’s open and you can expect a line for that perfect photo. That being said, I didn’t feel it was overly crowded when visiting and had a wonderful experience nevertheless. Note, if you’re looking for that perfect lighting and a little less people, I do recommend going right at opening hours and perhaps during the week.
12. Tour Samba City and behind the scenes of Caranaval
Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro is famous worldwide and they take it very, very seriously. The official parades are actually a competition between the best Samba Schools, of which there are more than 70 total in Rio. By taking a backstage tour, you’re able to view the massive floats up close, see costumes in the making, learn about the preparation behind the parade, try on real Carnaval outfits yourself, and more.
For only $15 USD, I think this is one of the coolest tours I went on in Rio. While it’s centered around learning about Carnaval (which is in February), this tour is available year round. Because they’re prepping for the following year the minute a parade is finished, I would imagine this is worth it at all times.
Book Here: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City
13. Take a Samba Class
If you want to really get into the Carnaval mood, try taking a Samba class yourself! Samba is an Afro-Brazilian dance that I think is absolutely hypnotizing to watch. I mean, how do they move both their feet and hips SO fast… You’ll never know until you give it a try. It’s so much fun and in a class they start with the basics, welcome beginners, and even speak multiple languages. So let loose, don’t be scared to look stupid, and go try some Samba (just be ready to sweat!).
Sign up for a Samba Class here
14. Party at Pedra do Sol
Speaking of Samba, you might as well also visit where Samba was actually born: Pedra do Sal. Every Monday night, they have a party with live music, Samba, street food, and lots of drinks starting at 7 PM – late night. Fridays are also worth a visit, but Monday is the most famous night.
If you’re looking for a local party experience, I can’t recommend Pedro do Sal enough. That being said, I do suggest tourists practice some caution by being extra, extra aware of pick pocketing (it is a targeted location) and not staying all night.
15. Eat Acai
A late night munchie, a hangover cure, or just as a regular afternoon snack, Acai is refreshing at all hours. In fact I couldn’t get enough of it in Rio and I still dream about the authentic, creamy treat.
Because Acai originates in Brazil, you don’t have to look far since it’s basically on every corner. Personally, I don’t think there’s one specific “best place” for acai, and I almost always preferred the street carts over the permanent snack bars. But again – you can’t really go wrong. So grab a bowl and try out the different toppings – my favorite is paçoca.
16. Hike Morro Dois Irmãos
If you’re going to do only one hike in Rio, this is the one I recommend. Dois Irmãos (aka the Two Brothers), are the two iconic peaks you see at Ipanema Beach. The hike itself is only about 45 minutes uphill, a nice but doable workout, and ends with some of the most incredible views of the city – in fact, probably my favorite viewpoint.
I imagine the view from here is mind-blowing at any time of the day, but I went for sunrise and can’t recommend it enough. From Dois Irmãos you get a bird’s eye view of the sun coming over the horizon and get to watch the entire city slowly light up.
Getting to the hike is a little different than you expect since the trailhead begins in a favela which requires getting a mototaxi to the top. But don’t worry, it just adds to the adventure.
17. Snap a photo at the Royal Portuguese Reading Room
Some say the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It has the most valuable Portuguese literature outside of Portugal itself and is famous for its majestic look. The grandiose chamber is well worth the visit just to see with your own eyes and snap a few photos.
18. Drink Cachaça
Cachaça is the local spirit liquor in Brazil made from fermented sugarcane juice. It tastes best in Brazil’s national cocktail: a Caipirinha.
While in Rio you can find cachaça almost anywhere, but it’s worth it to also go to a cachaça bar and try it in its many forms. At Casa da Cachaca in Lapa, a hole-in-the wall bar, you can sit outside and order mini shots of various cachaca flavors including coffee, corn, licorice and more for 7 BRL each.
19. Get up close to Christ the Redeemer
The iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer can be seen from almost anywhere in Rio. But seeing it towering above you and the view of the city from where it stands is an experience in itself. Admittedly, I wouldn’t know because when I visited it was so foggy I couldn’t see it 
From what I hear though, it’s absolutely worth it!
There’s a few ways to get to Christ the Redeemer including by van, train, and hiking.
20. Walk the Santa Teresa neighborhood
Santa Teresa is one of the most charming areas in Rio. The cobbled-streets are lined with corner cafes, boutique shops, some quaint homes and other elegant mansions. From an elevated point you’ll also see beautiful bay views.
I suggest exploring here relatively aimlessly, but it’s worth noting that it is a hilltop neighborhood. Which means you’ll usually have to walk on a steep incline or decline. For that reason, if you’re Ubering from elsewhere I would set your destination somewhere in the mid-top area such as to Mo Cafe. From here you can walk around before making your way down to Gloria.
Some places I suggest checking out in Santa Teresa are:
- Mo Cafe
- Cafe do Alto
- Bar do Mineiro
- Cassa Nossa Lounge
- Parque das Ruinas
- Largo do Curvelo (the tram station)
- Alda Maria Doces PortuguesesU
21. enjoy Sunset at Pobreta da Urca
To enjoy a picturesque sunset, grab a beer and head to Pobreta da Urca. Here you can sit on the stone walls and watch the sun descend over the sailboats in the bay, with of course Christ the Redeemer far in the distance. This is a great place to enjoy with friends or even on a date.
There’s also Mureta da Urca which has a restaurant on the water, but it tends to be crowded and I prefer the less formal experience of sitting on the railing with a beer and snacks.
22. explore the Museum of Tomorrow
You may not naturally think to visit a museum while in Rio, but I really loved this one think it’s worth adding to your list. Museu do Amanhã or Museum of Tomorrow is most recognizable for its exterior – which makes a great photo opportunity! Inside, you’ll learn about how our earth is changing, what makes us human, and what tomorrow may look like – all in an immersive, artistic experience. Museu do Amanhã combines facts with art and technology so guests emotionally feel what they’re learning. I really loved it, so if you’re looking for a quiet activity, give it a go.
23. Day drink at Bafo da Prainha
It’s a sunny Saturday in Rio de Janeiro..what should you do? Absolutely gather some friends and head to Bafo da Prainha to drink beer, caipirinhas and enjoy some authentic Brazilian dishes. This is your typical Brazilian place to be on a Saturday afternoon with tables scattered across the cobbled street, live music playing, and people dancing with a drink in hand.
Cachaça is the local spirit liquor in Brazil made from fermented sugarcane juice. It tastes best in Brazil’s national cocktail: a Caipirinha.
While in Rio you can find cachaça almost anywhere, but it’s worth it to also go to a cachaca bar and try it in its many forms. At Casa da Cachaca in Lapa, a hole-in-the wall bar, you can sit outside and order mini shots of various cachaca flavors including coffee, corn, licorice and more for 7 BRL each.
24. Try surfing at Arpoador Beach
Surfing is a way of life for many in Rio, so why not give it a go at Arpoador Beach, the birthplace of surfing in RDJ. If you’re a beginner, head to Mandala Rio Surf School for lessons, they’re the highest rated school in the city and offer lessons in Spanish and English (in addition to obviously Portuguese).
25. Eat traditional Brazilian food
Brazil has hearty dishes of meats, seafood, rice, beens, stews, pastries, and more. Some of the staples dishes of Brazilian cuisine is feijoada, moqueca, acarajé, pastels, pão de queijo, coxinha and picanha.
You can find snacks like pastels, coxinha and pão de queijo at almost any cafe; feijoada at Casa de Feijoada or Bar do Mineiro; moqueca at O Peixe Vivo; and picanha and other barbecued meats at any steakhouse like Braseiro da Gávea and Churrasqueira.
26. Tour Favela Rocinha
Favelas are all over Rio and mostly, you’re told to avoid them due to crime. However, the culture within favelas is a massive part of Rio (and honestly Brazil) and in a guided tour you’re safe to go and experience it yourself.
This was actually the first thing I did while in Rio and it was so fascinating. We learned about the infrastructure of the community, the history and the gang prevalence, enjoyed live music, walked through the favela, and even stopped to enjoy a football match at a bar. Throughout the tour I felt very safe. Tours are common, and with a guide from the neighborhood absolutely no one will both you.
There are a few favela tours but the one I recommend most is Favela Rocinha. This is the largest favela in all of South America and its pretty famous. Many international tourists know it from the movie City of God.
Book your Favela Rocinha Tour Here
26. Hang glide over the city
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try hang gliding from Pedra Bonita mountain, over the city and to the coast. You’ll get incredible views of Rio and check one more thing off your bucket list.
Book your hang gliding tour here
27. Go sunset sailing
If you started your trip with a sunrise, what better way to end but with a private sailing tour for sunset. You’ll sail around Guanabara Bay, enjoy Rio from the water and even pass by the three fortresses.
Book your sunset sailing tour here
As you can see, there is so much to experience in Rio which makes it one of the most amazing places to visit. I’ve given you more than enough to have a jam-packed itinerary, but check out the below resources to further plan your trip to the Marvelous City.
More Resources for Your Trip to rio:
Planning your own trip? Here’s everything I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through Brazil.
Hostels
If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others, Hostelworld is the best place to search. Discovery Hostel is the highest rated in Rio, but if you’re a digital nomad like me I suggest Selina Lapa or Selina Copacabana. Search for more hostels in Rio here.
Hotels
Booking.com has so many options from affordable stays to more luxurious. If you’re looking for stunning views, I recommend Rio 144 and Vila Santa Teresa.
Flights
Flights to Brazil and within Brazil can be pricey if not booked ahead of time. To get the best prices I recommend using Skyscanner. You can fly directly to Rio at GIG (Tom Jobim International Airport). There is another airport in Rio but it’s only domestic flights.
BUSES
No matter the destination, I always check Rome2Rio to see options on how to travel. However I found using Brazilian bus companies to book could be a pain because you need a CPF often. The most useful sites to me were BusBud & FlixBus.
Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for every trip, and I highly recommend it for Brazil. My go to is always WorldNomads which has a generous coverage and is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here.
Tours & Experiences
There’s a lot of free thing to do in Rio but joining a tour does have its advantages, and if you’re a solo traveler looking to meet people then tours are a great option. In Rio you can find awesome experiences on GetYourGuide, Viator, & Airbnb Experiences (hit or miss but mostly good).
Safety
Read this blog post about how to stay safe in Brazil.
Liked this post? Pin it!
Related posts
-
Carnival Rio de Janeiro 2024: Your Guide to the World’s Largest Party
Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s biggest parties! Brazilians in costumes dance in th...
Brazil -
21 Dos and Don’ts to Travel Safe in Brazil
When I mention that I traveled to Brazil (majority of the time alone) one of the first questions I a...
Brazil Solo Travel -
The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most amazing cities to visit in the world. It’s one of the few......
Brazil
No Comments