10 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
The best things to do in Rio de Janeiro make it [really!] a wonderful city. The capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro needs no introduction, and it is no surprise that it has this nickname.
There are so many beautiful places that it was difficult to bring these tips with just 10 attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Anyway, for me, the ones I list here are the best places of interest to visit in the city of Rio.
See what won me over, with images, photos, and a little about the history of each of the most visited tourist spots in Rio de Janeiro, all separated to help you find your way around 😉
Free and Paid Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Check out more details about each of Rio de Janeiro’s points of interest and see why they are worth including in your itinerary.
1. Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer)
When we think of Rio de Janeiro, the image of Christ the Redeemer comes to mind, am I right? Elected as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, it is undoubtedly Rio’s top attraction.
The 30-meter-high statue is located at the top of the Corcovado Hill (Tijuca Forest), 700 meters above sea level, and has a breathtaking view. From below, it can be seen almost from the entire city, making up the landscape.
Few people know, but the face of the statue was created by the sculptor Gheorghe Leonida, who was born in Romania in 1893. Another point in common with Brazil is that the Romanian language is also based on Latin.
How to Get to Christ the Redeemer?
There are several options, and among those offered by the Tijuca Forest National Park, visitors can take one of the accredited vans that charge different prices depending on whether it is low or high season.
They depart from various locations, such as Largo do Machado and Copacabana (R$ 61 or R$ 74), Paineiras (R$ 28 or R$ 41), Barra da Tijuca (R$ 90 or R$ 103) or from Corcovado Train (R$62 or R$75), which leaves from Cosme Velho, a historic neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro.
All these prices include transport + entry to the monument, but you must confirm at the time of your trip so you can check that there have been no adjustments.
For the more adventurous, there is a trail that leaves Parque Laje and ends at Corcovado. This climb to it alone is worth the trip, as on the way, we cross the Tijuca Forest, passing through several viewpoints, each one with a view more incredible than the other.
Finally, you can go by car to the Cristo entrance. The entrance fee, in this case, is R$28 in high season.
A crucial tip is: Plan to be the first to get to the top, preferably by car or on foot, to ensure that you will be at the entrance very early, before 8 am.
In addition to having a view of Christ with few people for a few minutes, this is the coolest time of the day, making the tour much more pleasant. If you prefer to go in the comfort of the vans, buy in advance and reserve the first one of the day, which leaves at 8 am.
Be sure to check the weather forecast, as in case of rain, your ticket money will not be refunded, and your view will be compromised.
2. Sugar Loaf
Sugarloaf Mountain is another one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro! The cable car ride is another obligatory cliché for anyone coming to Rio for the first time.
The cost of a complete tram ride varies between R$120 or R$150 for adults in the cheapest cases, or there is even the possibility of paying for an exclusive tram (booking only by email). Children, students, young people, and seniors pay half of the price. You can find more information on the cable car website.
This cable car leaves Praia Vermelha, makes a stop at the top of Morro da Urca, and finally continues towards Morro do Pao de Acucar.
The privileged view of Guanabara Bay, Botafogo Cove, and some beaches in the South Zone are the rewards of the tour. If you can, it’s definitely worth going to enjoy the sunset from above.
The cable car provides 360-degree scenery, and wherever you look, there is a postcard of the wonderful city. You can enjoy the view of the beaches of Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema, Flamengo, and Leblon. In fact, read incredible tips on the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
In addition to seeing Pedra da Gavea, Corcovado, the center, Santos Dumont Airport, Ilha do Governador, Niterói, and its bridge, and even Serra do Mar, with its imposing “Finger of God.”
For those who like walking, a great option is the Morro da Urca trail, which starts from Praia Vermelha. However, to finish the journey and get to Pao de Açúcar, it is necessary to take the cable car anyway.
Remember that all tickets purchased must have a scheduled time. It is a way of controlling the flow of people in the environment, especially if there is a guided tour.
3. Pedra and Praia do Arpoador
Located in Ipanema, Pedra and Praia do Arpoador are two of the most visited tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Its beach, just 500 meters long, is mainly frequented by surfers because of the constant waves.
My suggestion is: don’t forget to climb the rock. From there, you have a great view of the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, and even Morro dos Irmaos. Furthermore, Arpoador is one of the best places to in Rio de Janeiro to enjoy the sunset!
4. Selaron Staircase
The famous Escadaria Selaron connects Largo da Lapa to the Santa Teresa neighborhood. It is completely decorated with mosaics made by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron. The panels created by the artist were made with tiles from various parts of Brazil and the world.
Once up there, it’s time to enjoy Santa Teresa, which houses a convent of the same name, many bars, restaurants, artists’ studios, and even more wonderful views of Rio de Janeiro.
5. Morro Dois Irmaos Trail
We are used to seeing Morro Dois Irmaos from the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon, but have you ever thought about reversing the situation and seeing the beaches in Rio de Janeiro from the top of the hill?
One of the coolest things in Rio (for those who like hiking and trails, of course) is to climb the Morro Dois Irmaos trail. It became more accessible after the pacification of Morro do Vidigal, where the trail leaves.
To get to the start of this trail in Rio de Janeiro, you can go up Vidigal on foot, or for those who want to save their legs, take a motorcycle taxi or a van (it’s really worth it).
The trail starts at the top of the favela and has a total distance of around 1.5km. Although it is not long, it is very steep, and the journey takes about 1 hour to reach the top.
Along the way, the incredible views from the viewpoints are worth any effort. The first of them shows the entire Rocinha favela, Sao Conrado beach, and Pedra da Gavea.
At the end of the trail, at the top of the “Big Brother,” you can see Christ, Sugarloaf Mountain, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Guanabara Bay, and the beaches of Leblon, Ipanema, and Arpoador.
6. Catacumba Park
Located on the banks of Lagoa Rodrigues de Freitas, Parque da Catacumba is not one of the most famous attractions in Rio de Janeiro, but it is well worth the visit. In its lower part, there is a permanent exhibition of more than 30 sculptures by various authors.
For those who want to walk, there are trails (very steep) that lead to the Sacopa and Pedra do Urubu viewpoints. In addition, there is an ecotourism and adventure company on site, offering activities for children and adults such as tree climbing, zip lining, rappelling, climbing walls, among others. Entrance is free.
7. Chinese View: One of the Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
This oriental-style building is 380 meters high, right in the middle of the Tijuca Forest. From there, you have one of the most beautiful views of the city of Christ, the Lagoon, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the beaches of the South zone.
Access to Vista Chinesa is through the Jardim Botanico neighborhood. From Rua Pacheco Leao, just follow the signs. For those coming from Barra da Tijuca, the easiest access is via Rua da Boa Vista or Estrada das Furnas. Entry is free.
8. Parque Lage
Located at the foot of Corcovado, Parque Lage is one of the main public parks in Rio Janeiro. The space, full of gardens, has a mansion from the beginning of the century, where the Visual Arts school now operates.
For those who love history, the place also houses an old stone laundry from the imperial period, making it one of the must-see attractions in Rio de Janeiro for historians.
Parque Lage is easily accessible, located on Rua Jardim Botanico, in the neighborhood of the same name. It has a great structure, where families usually have picnics.
There are also several trails leading to viewpoints, waterfalls, and Corcovado. A great tip is to go early and have breakfast at the restaurant located inside the Palacete!
Entrance is free, but for those arriving by car, parking is paid.
9) Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Located in the south of Rio de Janeiro, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is one of the city’s main postcards. It is connected to the sea by the Jardim de Ala canal, which separates Leblon from Ipanema.
At 9.5 kilometers long, it is the setting for the practice of various water sports, such as rowing.
Along its edge, there are also jogging tracks and cycle paths, which are always full of people exercising or just strolling and enjoying the landscape. On the banks of the lagoon, there are several options for bars, restaurants, and kiosks. It is an incredible free tourist spot in Rio de Janeiro.
10. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden: One of the Cool Places to Visit in Rio de Janeiro
Created by Dom Joao VI, the space is the main and largest Botanical Garden in Brazil. It houses around 9,000 plant specimens, was listed by IPHAN, and was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Among its main attractions are the famous boulevard of imperial palm trees and the lake with water lilies. The location is easy to access, with several bus lines passing in front. It is on Rua Jardim Botanico, number 920, and entry costs R$15.
Tips on Tourist Attractions in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is among the most visited tourist destinations in Brazil, and even though it is so well known, everyone always wants to visit. I always say that I would like to live in Rio de Janeiro for a while, do all the trails, and visit less likely places and hidden beaches. Anyway, I still want to experience the Rio that Rio people like to live in.
