Things to do in Sao Goncalo

Activities, attractions and tours

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

2. 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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Corcovado featuring a sunset, a statue or sculpture and religious aspects

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

4. 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

5. 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 showing mountains and a sunset

What to do in Sao Goncalo

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Anhembi Sambadrome which includes signage and a city

Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí

4/5(8 reviews)

Catch an event at Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's mountain views.

Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí

Areas of Sao Goncalo

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Neves

While Neves may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Plaza Shopping Niteroi and Icarai Beach.

Neves
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Itauna

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Itauna and surrounding area, you can visit Praia das Gaivotas and Praia das Pedrinhas.

Itauna

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Rio de Janeiro showing mountains, general coastal views and a sunset

Rio de Janeiro

Niteroi

Niteroi

Frequently asked questions

Is Sao Goncalo worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Sao Goncalo. Be sure to discover the area's blend of awesome sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Sao Goncalo?
Start your day with a visit to Icarai Beach and Paqueta Island Beach. Then, tour other parts of Sao Goncalo for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sao Goncalo?
You can't leave without visiting Icarai Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Sao Goncalo.
Is three days enough to stay in Sao Goncalo?
If you just want to check out the leading attractions, three days is more than enough time for a getaway in Sao Goncalo. Stay for a week or more for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby hotspots and discover a few hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Sao Goncalo with kids?
Planning what to do in Sao Goncalo with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Sao Goncalo for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are loads of things to do in Sao Goncalo for adults including Image and Sound Museum.
Are there free things to do in Sao Goncalo?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Sao Goncalo. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Ilha de Itapacis is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.