Fondly called Cidade Maravilhosa or Marvellous City, Rio de Janeiro certainly lives up to this hype. The bustling metropolis is home to over 6.3 million people and miles of natural beauty. It offers a unique, if somewhat chaotic, blend of scenic landscapes, thriving culture and arts, mouthwatering cuisine, and unapologetically loud music.
Most travelers make their way to the golden city from January to March, which is when the annual Carnival is also held. However, there is really no bad time to visit Rio. You can find a multitude of fun and exciting things to do at any time of the year.
Tap into the electric energy of this vibrant and culturally-rich city with the list of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
1. Be enthralled by Christ the Redeemer
Aerial view of Christ the Redeemer | dislentev, Getty Images
While you can spy the huge monument from almost any part in the city, it is a must to see Christ the Redeemer up close. Hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer is Rio’s best-known landmark. At 125-feet tall, the Art Deco statue sits atop the 2,300 foot tall Mount Corcovado and towers over the city.
Be mesmerized by the statue, an amazing feat of human engineering, as well as the panoramic views of the city of Rio stretching below.
Christ the Redeemer
Parque Nacional da Tijuca – Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
Admission: $46 per person for adults; $23 per person for kids (6-12 yrs)
Ph: 021-2217-7575
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Rayzes Rio (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Olympe (4.5/5 stars, French, $$)
• Guacamole Jardim Botânico (/5 stars, Mexican, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Christ the Redeemer.
The best hotel to stay near Christ the Redeemer based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro (8.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Schmooze at Ipanema Beach
Morning sun on Ipanema Beach with city panorama in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil | marchello74, Getty Images
Ipanema beach was brought to the world’s consciousness through the hit bossa nova and jazz song, “The Girl From Ipanema” by Antônio Carlos Jobim. Located in the Ipanema neighborhood, the eponymous beach evokes the same relaxed and sultry vibe of the song. Today, the gorgeous 2-kilometer stretch of beach is popular with the younger crowd. Most beach-goers flaunt their bodies in attractive swimwear while chatting with others. Beauty attracts beauty, after all.
Ipanema Beach
Av. Vieira Souto – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Mercearia da Praça (4.6/5 stars, Portuguese, $$$)
• Satyricon (4.6/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$)
• Le pulê (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Ipanema Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Ipanema Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Miramar Hotel by Windsor (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Have fun in the sun at Copacabana Beach
Famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | marchello74, Getty Images
A trip to Rio de Janeiro is defined by a day on the beaches it is famous for. This means you simply cannot miss out on Copacabana, the most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro. The 2.5 mile stretch of sweeping golden sand shoreline with glistening blue waters is favored by groups and families. On this world-famous beach, people love to play beach football and volleyball, catch waves, or simply soak in the sun from the lounge chairs.
Copacabana Beach
Av. Atlântica, s/n – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22070-000, Brazil
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• PoKee-se (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Alfaia Restaurante (4.6/5 stars, Portuguese, $$)
• Restaurante Pérgula (4.7/5 stars, Brunch, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Copacabana Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Copacabana Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Zone out at Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
Palm tree path at Botanic Garden Rio de Janeiro | andremarinst, Getty Images
Located in the heart of the city near the Maracana Stadium, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro is easily accessible. The best known botanical garden in Brazil spans 350 acres and is home to over 9,000 species of exotic flora and fauna. Founded in 1808 by Brazil’s Prince Regent, the garden is also home to one of the leading research institutes for botany and biodiversity conservation.
The garden has a special Historical Trail where you can learn about the history of the gardens as well as advances in botany.
Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
R. Jardim Botânico, 1008 – Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22460-030, Brazil
Admission: R$ 15.00; 50% reduction for students (present id); free for children up to 5 years old
Ph: +55 21 3874-1808
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Prana (4.7/5 stars, Vegetarian, $$$)
• Coletivo 147 (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Rubaiyat (4.5/5 stars, Buffet, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro.
The best hotel to stay near Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Gran Meliá Nacional Rio de Janeiro (8.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Chase waterfalls at Tijuca National Park
Rio De Janeiro Brazil Waterfall in Tijuca Forest | Laszlo Peto, Getty Images
Rio de Janeiro’s distinct charm is that natural wonders are never far from this modern city. Tijuca National Park, home to Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban forest, is right in its backyard. This natural conservation reserve protects the first replanted forest in the world where the reforestation efforts started in 1861. The lush Atlantic rainforest features breathtaking views, exotic trees and wildlife, and over 30 waterfalls. It is the best place in the city to experience nature.
Check out Cachoeira das Almas and Cachoeira do Horto, where the water cascades into pools that visitors can bathe in.
Tijuca National Park
Est. da Cascatinha, 850 – Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20531-590, Brazil
Admission: starts at R$36.60
Ph: +55 21 2491-1700
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Ladeira Do Moreira (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Barão da Muda (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Usina de Sabores (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Tijuca National Park.
The best hotel to stay near Tijuca National Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Windsor Barra Hotel (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Dance the night away in Lapa
Rio De Janeiro nightlife (Lapa District) | Travelsthenix, YouTube
Samba is the language of Rio de Janeiro’s soul. To experience the heart-thumping rhythm of Rio, head to Lapa, the city’s buzzy nightlife destination. At night, the area comes alive with rowdy bars, loud nightclubs, and boisterous street parties. The atmosphere in the area embodies the lively spirit of samba.
Stumble into a fun street party at Arcos De Lapa, the gateway to the night festivities. Don’t forget to hydrate with the refreshingly mega-sized caipirinhas and cocktails sold around the area.
Lapa
Av. República do Paraguai, 395 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20031-180, Brazil
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• La Bocca Bar & Trattoria (4.7/5 stars, Italian, $$$)
• restaurante Cortiço Carioca (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• SABOR PERUANO (4.7/5 stars, Peruvian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Lapa.
The best hotel to stay near Lapa based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• MGallery Santa Teresa Hotel (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Chill out at Prainha
The beautiful little beach (Prainha) in Rio de Janeiro | Leoaraujo7, Getty Images
Far from the dizzyingly busy center of Rio de Janeiro, Prainha offers a necessary relief. Like the other popular beaches in Rio, it is saturated with the natural beauty of pristine aquamarine waters and powdery white sand with impressive green mountains hugging the scenery. However, because it is far from the city, it draws fewer crowds. Perfect for relaxing, it is a secluded beach and located in a protected area.
Prainha
Av. Estado da Guanabara, S/N – Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22790-877, Brazil
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Meu Lugar Preferido (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Restaurante Galdino’s (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Açaí Grumari (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Prainha.
The best hotel to stay near Prainha based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. See the Sugar Loaf Mountain
Sugar Loaf bondinho, cable car travelling between stations over Urca | pabst_ell, Getty Images
Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of Rio’s most iconic landmarks. This pointed mountain is famous for its singularity, towering over the surrounding land like pieces of brown sugar, thus giving it its name. While not the highest point in the city, at 1,299 feet above the sea, it still offers panoramic views of the city’s beaches, cityscapes, and forest.
You can get to the mountain through a cable car or on foot through the available trails where you can see rustic pathways and resident waterfalls.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Urca, Rio de Janeiro – State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Admission: R$ 52.20 to R$198
Ph: +55 21 2546-8433
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Julíus Brasseríe (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Julieta Restaurante (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Gurumê (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Sugarloaf Mountain.
The best hotel to stay near Sugarloaf Mountain based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Discover artsy Santa Teresa
People at the Selaron area connecting Lapa and Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro | Meinzahn, Getty Images
Santa Teresa, a hillside neighborhood, is considered the bohemian region of the city. The captivating district flourished because of the artists, writers, musicians, and patrons of the arts who lived there. The hip artistic retreat features 19th-century mansions transformed into spaces celebrating the arts.
Time your visit during Arte de Portas Albertas, a weekend festival where visitors can mingle with local artists in their homes and studios.
Santa Teresa
R. Alm. Alexandrino, 630 – Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20241-260, Brazil
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurante Mama Shelter (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• La Bocca Bar & Trattoria (4.7/5 stars, Italian, $$)
• Térèze (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Santa Teresa.
The best hotel to stay near Santa Teresa based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Scorial Rio Hotel (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Shop in Barra da Tijuca
Barra da Tijuca | Dario Bittencourt Franco, Wikimedia Commons
The western district of Rio is Barra da Tijuca, usually referred to Barra, is known for its assortment of shops, ranging from high-end to low-end. Barra Shopping, one of the largest shopping centers in Latin America, is the popular destination. The mall draws over 20 million people yearly. It has over 600 stores as well as facilities for entertainment and commercial services.
Bring home distinct Brazilian souvenirs as a memento of your trip. One of the popular choices is Cachaça, a spirit made from sugar cane extract, and Havaianas, the iconic flip-flops.
Barra da Tijuca
Av. das Américas, 4666 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22640-102, Brazil
Admission: Free
Ph: (21) 4003-4131
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Maccherone Barra da Tijuca (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$$)
• Shiso (4.6/5 stars, Japanese, $$)
• Delírio Tropical (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Barra da Tijuca.
The best hotel to stay near Barra da Tijuca based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Windsor Oceânico (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Get tanned at Grumari Beach
Grumari beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Ranimiro Lotufo Neto, Getty Images
About 30 miles from the center of Rio, Grumari makes for an idyllic day trip outside the city. Located in an environmental protection zone, Grumari Beach has pristine shores that attract fewer crowds. This is partly because there is no public transportation to get to the beautiful beach. You need to arrange for private transport or a taxi.
Tucked in one end of the beach, you can find Abrica, the nudist section of the beach where sunbathers can tan in the nude.
Grumari Beach
Grumari, Rio de Janeiro – State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Tempero Da Familia (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Raul Rei da Sardinha (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Kiosque do Orion (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Grumari Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Grumari Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• CDesign Hotel (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Find culture at Ilha Fiscal
The historical building and Fiscal Island (Ilha Fiscal) | FabioVolu, Getty Images
Once host to grand balls, the Ilha Fiscal is now a museum that offers a glimpse into the rich history of the city. The ornate neo-gothic palace sits on an isolated island out on Guanabara Bay. It is a beautiful and striking piece of architecture that serves as a memento of the extravagant eras of the city.
Take a guided tour around the grand interiors of the cultural museum and learn about the fascinating history of Rio de Janeiro.
Ilha Fiscal
Centro, Rio de Janeiro – State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Admission: $25 reais with discounts offered for seniors, teachers and students
Ph: +55 21 2104-6025
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Magna Cozinha Vegana (4.9/5 stars, Vegan, $$$)
• Restaurante Marius Degustare (4.7/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
• Alfaia Restaurante (/5 stars, Portuguese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Ilha Fiscal.
The best hotel to stay near Ilha Fiscal based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Arena Copacabana Hotel (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. Be amazed at the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura
Reading room of the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading | dabldy, Getty Images
A Mais Bela Biblioteca do Mundo – Real Gabinete Português de Leitura | Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, YouTube
One of Rio de Janeiro’s hidden gems is actually in plain sight, as it is located in the heart of the city center. The Royal Portuguese Reading Room houses the biggest collection of Portuguese literature within three levels. Built in the 1880s, the library is evidence of the splendor of those times. It features an ornate chandelier, stained glass ceilings, and delicately hand-crafted shelves housing multitudes of manuscripts and novels. Even if you can’t read the texts in the Portuguese language, the spectacularly dramatic sight of the library is well worth a visit.
Royal Portuguese Reading Room
R. Luís de Camões, 30 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20051-020, Brazil
Admission: Free
Ph: +55 21 2221-3138
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Adega do Pimenta (4.6/5 stars, German, $$$)
• Hamburgueria Tiradentes (4.8/5 stars, Hamburger, $$)
• Padaria Bassil (4.7/5 stars, Middle Eastern, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Royal Portuguese Reading Room.
The best hotel to stay near Royal Portuguese Reading Room based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
14. Experience the legendary Carnival
Samba school presentation in Sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro carnival | FernandoQuevedo, Getty Images
Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular annual Carnival is the stuff of legends. The famous party, held for five days every February, is a national pride. Locals and visitors alike look forward to the exciting celebrations in the streets. This means non-stop dancing, drinking, and partying. It is considered the biggest carnival in the world, with over two million people taking the festivities to the streets.
Don your costume and embrace the joie de vivre that the city effuses during this time. For a less intense Carnival experience without missing the lively beats, check out the competitive parades that pit Rio’s best samba schools against each other. You’ll be dancing in your seat in no time!
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