14 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue can be seen from just about anywhere in Rio de Janeiro. Located on top of Corcovado Mountain, the 38-metre-tall sculpture reigns as the world’s largest Art Deco statue. It’s worth getting up early to hike up to the summit before it gets too hot or crowded. If you don’t feel up to the hike, you can take a train all the way to the top, or a cab to the car park and take a shuttle bus from there.

Sugarloaf Mountain is a landmark granite peak that juts out precariously from a peninsula in Guanabara Bay. The picturesque, conical pinnacle is one of Rio de Janeiro’s top sites, attracting over 1 million visitors each year. From its 396-metre summit, you can take in views of the city, stunning beaches, forests, and mountains.

Most visitors reach the peak via a tourist-orientated cable car, which departs every 20 minutes from Praia Vermelha. If you’re feeling energetic, a 30-minute hike leads to Urca Mountain, from where a funicular proceeds onto the peak (buy your tickets below.). Alternatively, adventurers could sign up for a rock-climbing expedition to reach the mountaintop. 

Copacabana Beach has been a tourist favourite since the 1960s, as you get to enjoy sunbathing and water sports during the day, and party at lively beachfront bars in the evening. The 4 km beach is divided by 6 postos (lifeguard stations), each offering different sightseeing opportunities and outdoor activities for beachgoers. The sections running from Copacabana Palace to JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro are often packed in summertime, as there are plenty of beach kiosks, ball courts, and live shows taking place well into the night.

Santa Teresa is a hilltop neighbourhood that’s known for its 19th-century plantation mansions, winding cobblestone streets, and picturesque views of Rio de Janeiro. Many tourists get to this area from the city centre on the Santa Teresa Tram, a historic tramway system that’s been operating since 1877. Explore the neighbourhood on foot to see artistic landmarks such as the Escadaria Selarón, a staircase decorated with hundreds of colourful mosaic tiles. Check out free and family-friendly events at Parque das Ruinas, a cultural centre and art gallery about 800 metres southwest of the stairway.

Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park is home to the largest urban rainforest in the world. Located 45 minutes from Copacabana Beach, this lush 32 sq km expanse is a popular spot for nature-loving visitors and locals. Most come to traverse its vast network of hiking trails, which pass gushing falls, scenic lookouts, and lofty mountain peaks.

Out of the 30-odd waterfalls cascading down these rugged hills, Cachoeiro do Horto is the pick of the bunch. Peak baggers could embark on a strenuous uphill journey to one (or all) of the park’s 3 famous mountains: Pico da Tijuca, Pedra Bonita, Pedra da Gavea. Overlooking the verdant, biodiverse expanse sits Rio’s most recognisable landmark: Christ the Redeemer.

Ipanema Beach, located in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro, spans over 2 km of clean sand and water. This popular coastline is flanked by art galleries, clubs and bars, as well as retail outlets selling beachwear and souvenirs. Like most beaches in Rio, postos divide Ipanema into several sections. Posto 10 is usually where sports lovers enjoy volleyball and frescobol (beach tennis), while families get to enjoy a quieter setting at the section between posto 11 and 12.

Feira Hippie de Ipanema features over 500 stalls selling…well, basically everything! This open-air market takes place nearby Ipanema Beach, attracting many beachgoers (usually tourists) with its extensive range of swimwear, flip-flops, jewellery, and Brazilian handicrafts. There are also plenty of food stalls around the perimeter of Feira Hippie de Ipanema. Try street foods such as acarajé (shrimp and black-eyed pea croquettes), bolinho de bacalhau (salt cod fritters), and açai bowls.

Parque Lage is an English-style garden dating back to the 1840. Surrounded by the Tijuca Forest, this 128-acre green space is decorated with beautiful fountains, walking paths, and colourful plants. The most impressive highlight is the majestic 19th-century mansion, which houses an art school and café overlooking a courtyard pool and surrounding foliage. Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage (Visual Arts School) hosts art exhibitions, youth programmes, and music concerts in conjunction with national celebrations.

Pedra da Gávea is one of many summits you get to hike to enjoy expansive views of Rio de Janeiro. Standing at an impressive 840 metres, this mountain ends directly by the ocean and is surrounded by Tijuca Forest. Depending on your fitness level and which trail you use, the hike can take about 3 hours and, on some routes, you have to use rappelling equipment to climb up a steep rock formation that’s about 30 metres in height.

Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish consisting of black beans and pork (or beef) stewed in a clay pot. Typically eaten for lunch on weekends, it’s often paired with rice, potatoes, sliced oranges, salad greens, and salsa. You’ll find many restaurants in Rio de Janeiro adding additional ingredients, such as smoked pork sausages and trotters. As this dish is rather decadent, finish off your feijoada with something sweet, like caramelised banana pâté or brigadeiro (chocolate fudge balls).

Quinta da Boa Vista is one of the biggest municipal parks in Rio de Janeiro. Spanning a whopping 155,000 square metres, these lush leafy parklands once housed the lavish palaces of the Portuguese Royal Family. These days, the park is one of the city's premier recreation spaces.

Famed French landscaper Auguste Glaziou designed its elegant gardens in the 19th century, and you can still admire his original vision today. Sadly, Quinta da Boa Vista’s big-ticket attraction, the National Museum, burnt down in a 2018 fire, though a few of its collections remain.

Maracanã is a must-visit for football fans in Rio de Janeiro. This 78,000-capacity complex was constructed to host Brazil’s 1950 World Cup, making it the world’s largest stadium at the time. It's officially renamed Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho, but practically everyone continues to use the original name.

Travellers can snag tickets to see home teams Flamengo or Fluminense in action – purchase them online or at the ticket booth. Expect an electric atmosphere comprised of frantic chanting, incessant drumming, and an exuberant passion for football during games. If neither team is playing during your visit, opt for a 40-minute guided tour to explore the stadium. Sessions take place daily at 9 am and 4 pm.

Pedra do Sal – also called Small Africa – is the birthplace of samba, with live bands livening up the streets with music and dance every Monday evening. Located 1.5 km north of central Rio de Janeiro, this historical village has a thriving African culture dating back to the early 17th century. Today, it’s a popular spot to enjoy caipirinhas (Brazil's national cocktail) and see locals dancing samba until late.

Lapa is what locals call Rio de Janeiro’s bohemian district, where you get to party at some of the city’s busiest samba and choro bars. You also get to enjoy street parties at Arcos De Lapa (Carioca Aqueduct). Dozens of makeshift stalls serve caipirinhas and cocktails, while local DJs play club beats well into the night. If you prefer a more subdued evening, check out samba jamming sessions at intimate venues such as Beco do Rato and Carioca da Gema.