Samba beats, jaw-dropping viewpoints, street art that could rival any gallery, and beaches that are calling your name: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the kind of place that sticks with you long after you’ve brushed the sand off your feet. Whether you like hiking, beach-hopping, art-spotting, or just vibing with a caipirinha in hand, this vibrant city is a top spot for tropical magic in every sense. Ready to dive into Rio? Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, from iconic landmarks to hidden local hot spots, all guaranteed to leave you saying “just one more day…” over and over again.
Marvel at Sugarloaf Mountain
You can’t talk about Rio without giving Sugarloaf Mountain its due. Rising 396m (1,299 ft) above the city, this granite peak offers a front-row seat to some of the best views in Brazil. The real fun? Getting up there. You hop on two glass-walled cable cars that swing you above the rainforest canopy, with 360-degree views of the coastline, the city, and the Christ the Redeemer statue keeping you company along the way. While adventurous souls can also hike part of the way, you’ll want to do this with a guide for safety. Try to time your visit with sunset when the sky turns pink and the lights of Rio start to twinkle. Sometimes, you’ll also find DJ sets up here at this time.
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Enjoy Copacabana’s atmosphere
This world-famous beach is more than just a pretty face (though it is a very pretty face). With its 4km (2.5 mi) stretch of golden sand, iconic black-and-white tiled promenade, and constant buzz of activity, Copacabana is a must on any Rio itinerary. Go for a swim, join a beach volleyball game, feast upon Brazilian street food, or sip coconut water while watching the world go by — speedos, samba dancers, and all. In the evenings, beach bars kick into gear, and the sounds of music, laughter, and waves mix into a perfect Rio soundtrack.
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Gaze at Christ the Redeemer
Towering 30m (98 ft) high atop Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — and for good reason. While it might look tiny from the below, you’ll be surprised how huge it is up close. With arms stretched wide as if hugging the entire city, this iconic statue is a symbol of Brazil and a must-see on any trip to Rio. The train ride up through Tijuca National Park is an adventure in itself, winding through the jungle with occasional views peeking through the trees. Once at the top, you get panoramic vistas of the city, Guanabara Bay, and the surrounding mountains that’ll take your breath away. Go early to avoid the crowds and snag the best photo ops.
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Wander the Rio Botanical Garden
If you’re looking to slow things down and swap city buzz for a more tranquil backdrop, the Rio Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) is your answer. This lush 140-hectare (346-acre) garden is home to more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including royal palms, colourful orchids, and the famous Amazonian water lilies. Founded in 1808, this garden is home to more than just pretty plants — there’s also colonial architecture, quiet walking paths, and a surprising amount of wildlife. Keep an eye out for toucans and monkeys! It’s the kind of place where you can wander for hours and still stumble on hidden corners. Bring a book, a camera, and maybe a picnic — this garden is one of the most peaceful places to recharge in the city.
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Dance until late in Lapa
Looking to celebrate Carnival? Brazil has plenty of options, but if you’re heading to Rio, you’ll almost definitely end up in Lapa. Known for its historic aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa) and wild nightlife, this neighbourhood is the heart of Rio’s samba scene. Come in the evening when the streets come alive with dancing, live music, and packed bars spilling out onto the sidewalks. Grab a caipirinha from a street stall and follow the music. Chances are you’ll end up in a samba circle before the night’s through.
Top tip: Lapa is grittier than some other Rio neighbourhoods, so head out in a group of friends and be cautious in the early hours.
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Climb the Escadaria Selarón
Welcome to one of Rio’s most Instagrammable (and colourful) spots: the Escadaria Selarón. This world-famous staircase was a passion project by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who spent years transforming 215 steps into a kaleidoscope of more than 2,000 tiles from 60-plus countries. It started as a tribute to the Brazilian people and ended up as a living, ever-evolving piece of art. Located between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighbourhoods, it’s a must-visit for photographers, street art lovers, and anyone who appreciates a good story behind the scenery. Feeling hungry? There are some great restaurants (we love the Indian place right at the top on the right) and coffee shops dotted on either side of the staircase.
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Hike in Tijuca National Park
Ready to escape the city without actually leaving it? Tijuca National Park is your lush, green, adventure-filled answer. As one of the largest urban rainforests in the world, it’s home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife galore, including toucans, monkeys, and even sloths if you’re lucky. It also houses Rio’s most famous peaks, including the one crowned by Christ the Redeemer. For a true adventure, hike up to Pico da Tijuca or Pedra Bonita for stunning views (and fewer tourists). If hiking in Rio de Janeiro isn’t your vibe, wander the lower trails or take a dip beneath the Cascatinha Waterfall. It’s wild, tropical, and surprisingly close to the city, and it feels like stepping into a different world.
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Feel the rhythm at Pedra do Sal
Want to experience authentic samba? Brazil has plenty of places for that, but you’ll find it in its most joyful form in Rio. Head to Pedra do Sal on a Monday night. This historic square in the Saúde neighbourhood was once a meeting point for enslaved people from Africa and later became a cradle of samba music. Today, it’s one of the best places in Rio to experience a roda de samba, an informal jam session where musicians gather in a circle and play their hearts out while the crowd dances, drinks, and sings along. The setting is special, too: cobblestone steps carved into a black rock (hence the name Salt Rock) and murals celebrating Afro-Brazilian culture all around. If you’ve learned any Portuguese, this is one of your best opportunities to practice it with locals (and maybe a little Dutch courage).
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Stroll through Quinta da Boa Vista
Once the grounds of the Brazilian imperial palace, Quinta da Boa Vista is now one of Rio’s most picturesque public parks and a great off-the-tourist-trail spot to explore. The name translates to Estate of the Good View, and that’s too humble for what you’ll find here. This sprawling green space is perfect for a relaxed afternoon picnic, boating on the lake, or strolling through gardens lined with mango and jacaranda trees. The park is also home to the National Museum, and its impressive history makes it a dream for architecture and history buffs. It’s a favourite local hangout on weekends. Pack some snacks and join the laid-back vibe for a glimpse into Carioca park life.
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Sip sunset drinks at Mureta da Urca
It may sound a little underwhelming when compared to other things to do in Rio de Janeiro, but stick with us. This low stone wall along the waterfront in the quiet Urca neighbourhood is where locals gather for golden-hour drinks, sunset chats, and front-row views of Guanabara Bay. Grab a cold beer and a pastéis (a fried pastry pocket) or açai from nearby Bar Urca, perch on the wall and soak up one of Rio’s most laid-back experiences. You’ll spot Sugarloaf Mountain across the water, boats bobbing gently in the bay, and maybe a friendly dog or two hoping for snacks.
Cheer at Maracanã Stadium
Even if you’re not a soccer fan, it’s hard to avoid the energy of the sport in Brazil, and Maracanã Stadium is practically a cathedral in this city. One of the most famous stadiums in the world and an unmissable item on any self-respecting things to do in Rio de Janeiro list, Maracanã has hosted everything from Pelé’s 1,000th goal to World Cup finals and unforgettable local tournaments. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just along for the atmosphere, catching a game here is electric: think drums, chanting, and a sea of team colours. Not in town during a game? No problem. Take a guided tour to explore the locker rooms, walk through the players’ tunnel, and stand on the field where the legends have played.
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Unwind on Ipanema Beach
If Copacabana is Rio’s glitzy poster child, Ipanema is the effortlessly cool sibling everyone secretly wants to be. This beach is where locals (Cariocas) go to chill, chat, surf, and show off their beach volleyball skills, all with a hard-to-beat mountain-meets-ocean backdrop. Rent a chair and an umbrella, order an agua de coco (coconut water) or a caipirinha from the beach vendors, and settle in for a perfect beach day. Don’t skip Posto 9, the most popular stretch, where you’ll see everything from soccer matches to impromptu samba sessions. On Sundays, the nearby Feira Hippie de Ipanema (a local artisan market) is the perfect spot to pick up colourful souvenirs.
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Soak up Santa Teresa’s charm
Perched on a hill above Lapa, Santa Teresa feels like a village within the city: bohemian, artsy, and beautifully crumbling in the best way. Once home to Rio’s elite, the neighbourhood is now a haven for creatives, with colourful murals, art studios, and cool cafés on every corner. Ride its historic yellow tram up the winding streets — the only one of its kind still operating in Brazil — and spend the day wandering from indie boutique to cute coffee shop. Don’t miss Parque das RuÃnas, a part ruin, part cultural centre with incredible views over downtown Rio. Santa Teresa’s charm is in its slow pace and artistic flair. It’s the kind of place where you stop for a quick coffee and end up staying all afternoon.
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Soar over Rio’s skyline
If you’re going to throw yourself off a cliff, let it be in Rio — with a glider, that is Hang gliding from Pedra Bonita is one of the most iconic and downright thrilling experiences the city has to offer. You’ll run a few steps off the mountain, catch the wind, and then boom — you’re soaring above Rio’s scenery. The glide ends with a smooth landing on the beach, and you’ll walk away pumped full of adrenaline. Not one for the faint of heart, but totally worth the leap.
Step into the Royal Reading Room
Whether you’re a bookworm or not, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. This 19th-century gem in downtown Rio is packed from floor to ceiling with more than 350,000 books. The stained-glass skylight, carved wood details, and towering bookshelves make it feel more Hogwarts than library. It’s quiet, calm, and an unexpected escape from Rio’s buzz. As a bonus, entry is free, and it’s the perfect spot to cool down while pretending you’re in a dramatic historical novel.
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Cycle Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
If Rio had a chill-out zone, it would be Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. This peaceful lagoon between Ipanema, Leblon, and the base of Christ the Redeemer offers postcard views in every direction and a whole lot of ways to enjoy them. Rent a bike and cruise the 7.5km (4.7 mi) path around the water’s edge, or grab a stand-up paddleboard and float your way across.
Prefer land over water? Pack a picnic, claim a shady spot under a palm tree, and soak up the local vibes. Plenty of street carts are dotted around the lake to grab drinks and snacks. On weekends, the area comes alive with even more food stalls, live music, and families out for a stroll. It’s equal parts laid-back and lively — very Rio, very worth a visit.
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