Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Copacabana Beach which includes a sunset, mist or fog and a sandy beach
Copacabana Beach featuring a sandy beach
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro featuring a river or creek
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Top places to visit

1. Copacabana Beach

Gleaming hotels and forested hills line the perfectly curved 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Abutting one of Brazil’s highest density residential areas, this beach is nearly always filled to capacity, but that’s part of its charm. Swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic amongst thousands of other visitors, join in a game of soccer on the sand or just sit back on a beach chair and order snacks from a beach vendor and watch the passing parade.
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2. Ipanema Beach

When you visit Rio, set a day aside to spend on the beach. Vendors wander along the sand selling fresh coconut, beer and cachaca – Brazil’s national drink and an essential component of the caipirinha cocktail. Although Ipanema Beach is less busy than adjacent Copacabana, it is an excellent place to sip a drink and people watch. Ipanema is one of the most chic – and therefore most expensive – places in Brazil.
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Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro

3. Christ the Redeemer

Corcovado rises majestically out of the dense green rainforest that makes up Tijuca National Park, situated just west of central Rio. As the world’s largest urban forest, the national park itself is breathtaking, as is the 710-metre high granite mountain. It is the open arms of the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue at the mountain’s summit, however, that welcomes the 2 million visitors that travel here every year. Open to the public since 1931, the statue is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is an essential part of any trip to Rio.
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Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro city skyline in Brazil, Shutterstock ID 1033504918, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Faa Praharnpap, Other: Hcom budget

4. Sugar Loaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is named after the mounds of sugar produced by traders in the 16th century, during the boom of Brazil’s sugar cane industry. The mountain’s cone-like shape resembles the sugar loaves, fashioned before sugar was offered in the granulated or cube forms we know today. The mountain is, in fact, made of granite, and stretches 396 metres into the air.
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Sugar Loaf Mountain

5. Maracanã Stadium

No arena is more central to the history of Brazilian soccer than Maracanã Stadium. The location of the final matches in both of Brazil’s FIFA World Cups, this stadium has hosted all the great names in Brazilian soccer. Watch one of Rio de Janeiro’s “Big Four” teams play a game, or take a guided tour of this iconic stadium and you’ll soon understand just how large soccer looms in the Brazilian psyche.
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Maracana Stadium featuring modern architecture and interior views

6. Avenida Atlantica

No Rio de Janeiro holiday is complete without a visit to Avenida Atlântica. This avenue is famous for its events year-round, including a massive New Year’s Eve celebration covering the entire avenue and Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the avenue’s promenade to experience Rio’s lively beach culture and oceanfront events.
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Sao Conrado Beach featuring a sandy beach

What to do in Rio de Janeiro

Popular places to visit

Copacabana Beach featuring a sunset, general coastal views and a beach

Copacabana Beach

4.5/5(132 reviews)

More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.

Copacabana Beach
Ipanema Beach which includes mountains and a beach as well as a large group of people

Ipanema Beach

4.5/5(71 reviews)

Join Brazil’s rich and famous for a day at Rio’s most stylish beach.

Ipanema Beach
Corcovado featuring a sunset, a statue or sculpture and religious aspects

Christ the Redeemer

4.5/5(93 reviews)

Gaze out over panoramic views of Rio from the site of Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

Christ the Redeemer
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach

Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach

3.5/5(8 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Flamengo Beach

Flamengo Beach

4/5(23 reviews)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Flamengo Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Take in the art scene and sunsets in the area.

Flamengo Beach
Sugar Loaf Mountain showing mountains and a sunset

Sugar Loaf Mountain

4.5/5(92 reviews)

For a breathtaking blend of cityscapes, rainforest vistas and beautiful beach views, take a trip to Rio’s sweetest attraction.

Sugar Loaf Mountain
Avenida Atlantica

Avenida Atlantica

4.5/5(51 reviews)

Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue.

Avenida Atlantica
Maracana Stadium featuring modern architecture and interior views

Maracanã Stadium

4/5(42 reviews)

To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.

Maracanã Stadium
Praia da Barra da Tijuca

Praia da Barra da Tijuca

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Praia da Barra da Tijuca during your trip to Rio de Janeiro? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Praia da Barra da Tijuca

Areas of Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana

Copacabana

4/5(169 area reviews)

Mingle with the local residents on one of the world’s most famous beaches, admire art deco buildings and party until dawn in this effervescent neighborhood.

Copacabana
Ipanema which includes markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Relax on beautiful beaches, shop for fashion and revel in the nightlife of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most stylish areas.

Ipanema
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Barra da Tijuca

4/5(12 area reviews)

Rio de Janeiro’s longest beach, a sprawling shopping mall and some of the city’s best seafood restaurants and bars await in this relaxed neighborhood.

Barra da Tijuca
Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Centro

4/5(19 area reviews)

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Rio de Janeiro Centro
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Leblon

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.

Leblon
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Botafogo

4/5(6 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travellers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.

Botafogo

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Rio de Janeiro is explore Copacabana Beach. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's coastal beaches and views.
How do I spend a day in Rio de Janeiro?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer. Then, check out other areas of Rio de Janeiro for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro?
The top tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana Beach, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Rio de Janeiro?
Three days in Rio de Janeiro is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers spend four days on average. Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer and Ipanema Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Governador Island.
Is Rio de Janeiro a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Rio de Janeiro. Several key attractions, such as Flamengo Beach and Museum of Tomorrow, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rio de Janeiro's neighbourhoods, Rio de Janeiro Centro is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Santa Teresa is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids?
Deciding what to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Rio de Janeiro, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Avenida Atlantica or Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí.
Are there free things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
In Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Beach is a must-see spot for anyone planning to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Rio de Janeiro.