20 Amazing Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro: Best Beaches & Neighbourhoods

I've visited Rio de Janeiro twice, and on my most recent trip, I spent three weeks exploring the city. I even celebrated New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach, which was one of my favourite celebrations ever.

What I love about Rio is that there's so much more to it than the famous postcard views. Of course, you should see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, but I also love the viewpoints, the neighbourhoods and the simple pleasure of spending time by the ocean because the Rio vibe is just something you don’t get anywhere else.

Whether you're visiting Rio for the first time or returning to discover more of the city, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. These are my recommendations for the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, including the famous sights and some more secluded spots I don’t think you should miss.

20 Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Rio de Janeiro. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need, including personal tips to help you experience the city beyond the obvious.

Visit Christ the Redeemer

No list of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro would be complete without Christ the Redeemer. Standing with its arms outstretched above the city, this enormous statue is one of Brazil's most famous landmarks and one of the first places you should visit.

Getting there is an experience in itself, and as you travel up through the rainforest before reaching the viewing area you can get some really nice views across Rio's beaches, mountains and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Although the statue is why people come here, I would also allow some time to appreciate the setting and view. Rio's landscape is what makes this city so special, and seeing the mountains and coastline from above is really a spectacular sight.

There are various ways to visit Christ the Redeemer and if you want all the practical details you can read my guide on that here. But in short I recommend either booking tickets for the Corcovado train as early as humanly possible to avoid the crowds and heat, or book a helicopter ride that takes you around the statute itself.

If you have the time and budget, both are of course the best combo, but pick the one that suits your travel style and budget the best.

Take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain

If you're looking for another incredible view of Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain should be high on your list.

You’ll start by taking a cable car up to Morro da Urca before continuing to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. From the top, you can see Copacabana, the city centre and the mountains surrounding Rio. The perspective is very different from Christ the Redeemer so I absolutely think it’s worth visiting both. If you want to visit them both and have it all organised, I recommend checking out this tour.

My personal recommendation is to time your visit to Sugarloaf Mountain in the afternoon so you get to see it both before and during sunset. If you have time there’s also a Sunset Party there a couple of times a week thats worth checking out.

Peoplewatch on Copacabana Beach

Copacabana is probably one of the most famous beaches in the world, and for good reason. Its long stretch of sand, busy promenade and backdrop of high-rise buildings and beautiful mountains make it instantly recognisable.

Even though it can be a bit busy during high season it never feels too crowded because if its size. So just bring a towel, sit down and relax. Order a caipirinha from one of the stalls and watch people play football.

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Relax on Ipanema beach and watch the sunset at Arpoador

While Copacabana is the beach most people know, Ipanema is another essential stop on any Rio itinerary, and my personal favourite beach. It's known for its beautiful setting, lively atmosphere and views of the Dois Irmãos mountains.

The whole area feels a bit more upscale than Copacabana and the cafes and restaurants around here are a bit more expensive. However, I personally think the setting is even more stunning than Copacabana.

It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours, whether you want to swim, relax on the sand or walk along the waterfront. Different sections of the beach have their own atmosphere, so it's worth walking along the beach to find a spot you like.

One of the best things to do here is head towards Arpoador, the rocky area between Ipanema and Copacabana to watch the sunset.

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Hike to Dois Irmãos for one of Rio's best views

If you enjoy hiking even a little bit I highly recommend adding the Dois Irmãos hike to your itinerary.

Morro Dois Irmãos, also called Two Brothers Hill, is one of Rio's most recognisable natural landmarks and you can see its distinctive twin peaks from both Ipanema and Leblon. However, the view from the top is even better.

From the summit you get a stunning views of the beaches, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, the surrounding mountains and the Vigidal favela.

The trail begins in Vidigal favela which is why I ended up doing the hike with a guide. That way I had a local who could show me around the favela at night after the hike.

You can do the hike on your own, but I personally loved adding the experience of exploring Vigidal afterwards, which I personally wouldn’t do without someone who knows the area.

If you want to do it on your own you can see all the practical info you need in my Guide to Dois Irmãos. If you want to add a visit to Vigidal after the hike I highly recommend doing the same guided tour I booked.

Visit a favela in Rio de Janeiro

Even if you don’t do the hike above, I recommend you visit one of the favelas in Rio.

I was a bit hesitant about it and didn’t do it on my first visit to Rio. I was afraid it would feel a bit strange to just walk around and see how people live. But it turned out to be one of the coolest experiences I had in Rio, especially since I had a guide who showed me around to the best viewpoints, the coolest bars and where to grab some really good food.

The favelas are residential neighbourhoods with their own histories, communities and cultures, and many have in recent years become passified and welcome more tourism as a new way to earn money.

Rocinha and Vigidal are the two favelas I would recommend visiting. Rochina is one of Rio's largest favelas, while Vidigal is known for its location with amazing views and also as the starting point for the hike to Dois Irmãos.

If you'd like to visit, I recommend booking a tour with a reputable local guide who lives in or has strong ties to the community. This helps you learn about the area's history and everyday life while supporting local residents. Remember that favelas are people's homes, not tourist attractions, so be respectful, ask permission before taking photographs and follow your guide's advice about where to go.

Visit Mirante Dona Marta

Another place I'd recommend for spectacular views is Mirante Dona Marta. This viewpoint sits on a hillside above Rio and offers amazing views of spots like Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay and the city below.

This spot is a particularly popular spot to come and watch the sunrise which is what I did. I joined this sunrise tour that just took med here and back, but it’s also popular do combine it with an early visit to the Christ statue if you have shorter time in Rio.

The reason I recommend doing it as a tour and not on your own is simply because there’s no signal at the top. So unless you have your own car it can get a bit tricky to get back down again. I’d read about this before I went and I experienced the same thing.

So either do a tour, have your own car or arrange for an Uber driver to actually wait for you while you’re up there. However, that might end up costing the same as a tour which is why I was happy doing it.

Ride the historic tram through Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is one of my favourite neighbourhoods to just wander around in. It also shows you a very different side of Rio. It's known for its old houses, leafy streets, artistic atmosphere and views over the surrounding neighbourhoods.

One of the best ways to get there is by riding the historic yellow tram from Lapa. The tram crosses the famous Lapa Arches before climbing into the hillside neighbourhood, making the journey an attraction in its own right.

Once you arrive in Santa teresa, take some time to simply wander around rather than heading straight back down. The neighbourhood has small cafés, restaurants, art studios and colourful streets that are best enjoyed at a slower pace. So just explore without a huge plan and relax at a cafe and people watch for a while.

If you want to learn more about the area, I recommend this guided tour of Santa Teresa and Lapa.

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Climb the colourful Selarón Steps

The Selarón Steps is one of Rio's most photographed attractions. This colourful staircase connects the Lapa and Santa Teresa areas and is covered in a huge variety of ceramic tiles with different colours and patterns.

The staircase was created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who began decorating the steps in the early 1990s. Over time, it developed into a large-scale art project featuring tiles from Brazil and countries around the world.

This is one of those spots that get incredibly crowded during the day, but I still think its worth a visit. If you want fewer crowds either come early or walk further up the stairs towards Santa Teresa.

It’s perfect to combine with a visit to Santa teresa. Either take the tram up and walk down again via the Selarón steps, or go the opposite way if you want to explore the steps early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Explore Lapa and experience Rio's nightlife

Lapa in itself is a fascinating neighbourhood that absolutely deserves some exploring. However, I have to say that it’s the only area in Rio where I felt a bit unsafe at times. At one point Adrian was hit by a homeless person who seemed to be having an episode, and at another point the police came and told us to leave the area since we had a camera with us. I’m not saying this to make you not want to visit, I’m just saying it so you make sure to take some extra precautions when you do.

Some of the most famous things to see here is the Arcos da Lapa and the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. Other than that, you can just wander around and explore without a huge plan.

If you don’t want to visit during the daytime, I still recommend coming here after dark. That’s when the area really comes alive and everyone comes here to dance and drink at the various samba venues. It’s honestly so much fun.

If you want to learn more about the historic area in Rio, I recommend this tour

Party at Pedra do Sal

If you want to experience a different side of Rio's nightlife, head to Pedra do Sal, a historic spot in the Saúde neighbourhood that's often considered one of the birthplaces of samba.

This is where locals gather for open-air samba sessions with live music, dancing and plenty of people enjoying a drink in the streets. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and it's a fun way to experience Rio's music culture without going to a formal concert or nightclub.

The main event is on Mondays, but there’s often a huge party on Fridays as well. It can get quite crowded so I'd recommend arriving in the early evening, grabbing a caipirinha if you fancy one and staying for a while to soak up the atmosphere.

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Spend a morning in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

If you need a break from the crowds and busy streets, the Botanical gardens is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. It’s not a must visit if you’re short on time, but if you prefer a slower pace and somewhere a bit more quiet this is perfect.

It’s quite big so you can easily spend a couple of hours just walking around here, or bring a book and relax at one of the benches for a while.

Explore Parque Lage

Not far from the Botanical garden you’ll find Parque Lage, another beautiful green escape in Rio.

It’s a bit smaller than the botanical garden, but here you’ll find a beautiful old mansion that’s quite popular for photography or if you just want somewhere to relax for a bit.

Discover Rio's food and drink culture

One of the best ways to get to know Rio is through its food, and there is so much delicious food to try!

Start with a pão de queijo, the small cheese bread that's popular throughout Brazil, or try a pastel, a crispy pastry often filled with cheese, meat or other savoury ingredients. A freshly made tapioca crepe is another good option if you see it being prepared at a market or food stall.

For something more substantial, look out for Brazilian classics such as feijoada, a hearty black bean and meat stew traditionally served with rice, farofa, greens and orange slices. You'll also find churrasco, the Brazilian style of barbecue, as well as plenty of seafood and regional dishes.

And then there are the drinks. A cold coconut water on the beach is a classic Rio experience, while a caipirinha, Brazil's famous cocktail made with cachaça, lime and sugar, is worth trying if you drink alcohol. It’s usually pretty strong, but so delicious!

If you're interested in Brazilian food, consider taking a cooking class like this one to learn more about the dishes and ingredients you'll encounter during your trip.

Experience New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro

If you're lucky enough to visit Rio at the end of December, consider staying for Réveillon, the city's famous New Year's Eve celebration. I celebrated New Years here and it was one of the best New Years Eve celebrations I’ve ever had! So if you’re wondering where to go for New Years, Rio is somewhere I highly recommend.

The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s one of the busiest times in Rio so if you go, make sure to book everything way in advance and be prepared for higher prices.

Celebrate Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

I haven’t personally been in Rio for Carnival, but I’m still adding it because it’s something that should be one everyones bucket-list, at least it’s on mine.

This is one of the biggest celebrations in the world, with colourful costumes, samba music, street parties and dancing that seems to go on everywhere. The famous Sambadrome parades are a must if you want to see the spectacular performances by Rio's samba schools, but you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy Carnival.

Hang glide or paraglide over Rio

I personally didn’t do this so I can’t come with any personal tips, but I know people love it, so if you want a different experience this is something to check out.

Rio is considered one of the best places in the world for hang gliding and paragliding and if you choose to do it you’ll launch from Pedra Bonita and fly above areas like Tijuca Forest, Rios beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, mountains and endless coastline.

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Visit some of Rio’s less famous beaches

While Copacabana and Ipanema are the beaches everyone knows, Rio de Janeiro has plenty of other beaches worth exploring if you want to escape some of the crowds.

Some of my favourites are:

• Praia Vermelha
• Praia da Joatinga
• Praia de Grumari

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Explore Tijuca National Park

If you have an extra day in Rio, Tijuca National Park is the perfect addition to any trip.

Inside the huge national park you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints and opportunities to experience the natural environment beyond the beaches in Rio. You can also be lucky and spot some wildlife like monkeys and toucans for example.

The national park is best explored with a guide, and I highly recommend this guided tour that takes you to all the best spots.

Watch a football match at the Maracanã

Football is a huge part of Brazilian culture, and the Maracanã is one of the country's most famous stadiums. So if you’re a football fan, going to one of the matches is a really fun experience in Rio.

What Is The Best Area to Stay in Rio de Janeiro?

Ipanema: Overall best area for couples, solo travellers and first time visitors

Copacabana: Great for first-time visitors, beaches and nightlife

Leblon: Great for luxury travellers, families and quieter stays

Lapa: Best for nightlife, samba and budget travellers

Santa Teresa: Best for boutique hotels and culture

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a relaxing, but fun stay in Rio.

Hotel Arpoador

This hotel has a much more relaxed boutique atmosphere than the larger luxury hotels while still offering incredible ocean views. The rooms are bright and modern, and downstairs you'll find one of the city's most popular beachfront restaurants. And the location is hard to beat.

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Copacabana Palace

Opened in 1923, this historic Art-Deco hotel on Avenida Atlântica 1702 is often described as the grand dame of Rio hotels. With marble-laced interiors, famed restaurants, top-tier service and an ultra-premium price tag, it’s ideal if you want a truly memorable stay. Expect luxury at its best.

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Santa Vista Rio

This hotel offers some of the best views in the entire city. It's perched high on the hillside, overlooking both Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, making it one of the most photogenic places to stay in Rio. It also features a rooftop terrace, infinity pool, spa, and gourmet restaurant.

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Map of the Best Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Rio de Janeiro to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

How Many Days Do You Need in Rio de Janeiro?

I'd recommend spending at least four or five full days in Rio de Janeiro if it's your first visit. That gives you enough time to see the famous landmarks, enjoy the beaches, explore a few neighbourhoods and fit in an outdoor activity without rushing from one attraction to another.

If you have three days, you can still experience many of the highlights, but you'll need to be selective. With a week or longer, you can explore at a slower pace, spend more time at the beach and discover places beyond the usual sightseeing route.

If you need help planning your itinerary check out my 7 Day Rio de Janeiro Itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting?

Absolutely. Rio de Janeiro is one of those places that combines so many different experiences that it's difficult to get bored. You have famous landmarks, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, lively neighbourhoods, excellent viewpoints and a strong music and food culture, all within the same city.

Having visited twice and spent three weeks there on my most recent trip, I can say that Rio is a place where you can easily fill your days without feeling that you need to spend every minute sightseeing. Some of the highlights are the big attractions, but others are much simpler like walking along the beach, watching the sunset at Arpoador or spending a few hours exploring a neighbourhood you hadn't planned to visit.

My advice is to make time for the famous sights, but don't try to fit everything into a rigid schedule. Rio is a city best enjoyed with a little flexibility, especially if you want to balance sightseeing with time by the ocean.

Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or spending a week exploring Brazil's most famous city, I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that includes a little bit of everything that makes Rio so special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rio de Janeiro

What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro for first-time visitors?

For a first visit, I'd prioritise Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, the sunset at Arpoador and the Santa Teresa neighbourhood. If you enjoy hiking, the Dois Irmãos trail is another excellent addition.

What is Rio de Janeiro most famous for?

Rio is best known for Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, its spectacular beaches, Carnival and the huge New Year's Eve celebrations at Copacabana. The city is also famous for samba, football and its dramatic combination of mountains, rainforest and coastline.

Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists?

Rio requires the same kind of awareness you'd use in any large city, but it's important to take local safety advice seriously. Keep phones and valuables out of sight when possible, avoid isolated areas, use trusted transport at night and research the neighbourhoods you plan to visit.

When hiking or visiting hillside viewpoints, check current access conditions and use a reputable guide or transport provider where appropriate.

And don't forget travel insurance! it's one of those things you hope you'll never need, but you'll be incredibly grateful to have if things doesn't go as planned. We personally use SafetyWing and I highly recommend them for every kind of trip.

What is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

Rio can be visited throughout the year. December to March is generally hotter and more humid, with the added excitement of summer events and Carnival season. The cooler, drier months are often more comfortable for sightseeing and hiking. If you're visiting for New Year's Eve or Carnival, book accommodation well in advance.

Can you visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in one day?

Yes, it's possible to visit both in a single day. I'd aim to visit Christ the Redeemer in the morning and Sugarloaf Mountain later in the afternoon. However, if you have enough time, spreading them across two days gives you more flexibility in case of cloudy weather.

Is Rio de Janeiro expensive to visit?

Rio offers options for different budgets. You can enjoy the beaches, viewpoints accessible by road and many neighbourhood walks for little or no money, while the major attractions, guided hikes and organised tours add to your costs. Accommodation prices also vary significantly depending on the area and season, with New Year's Eve and Carnival among the busiest periods.

What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro?

Pack lightweight clothes, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. If you're planning to hike Dois Irmãos or explore Tijuca National Park, bring proper walking shoes and a refillable water bottle. A light layer can also be useful in air-conditioned spaces or on breezy evenings.

Plan Your Trip to Rio de Janeiro

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan what to do in Rio de Janeiro. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Hotels.com

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

Brows the best tours on Get Your Guide here

Compare eSIM plans with Airalo here

Get travel insurance from SafetyWing here

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!

If you have any questions about travel in Brazil, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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