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Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Destination Guide

Rio De Janeiro

Brazil

Best things to do in Rio De Janeiro

35 curated attractions in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

September - November

Average temp

24°C/75°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Take care

About Rio De Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, a Brazilian coastal city known for its dramatic topography shaped by mountains and beaches, offers a striking mix of urban life and natural beauty. The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue towers over the city, with Sugarloaf Mountain providing panoramic views that attract millions. The city is home to lively neighborhoods and renowned cultural sites, from the grand Royal Portuguese Reading Room to the cutting-edge Museum of Tomorrow. The lush Tijuca National Park brings greenery to the heart of the city, while Copacabana's beach draws sun-seekers year-round. People come for the culture, the festivals like Carnaval, and of course, the views that seem to be on a constant loop of Instagram updates. Just remember, amidst the beauty, it’s wise to keep your street smarts on.

Who it's for

Those who enjoy a mix of culture, nature, and beach life will appreciate Rio. However, if you're looking for a quiet retreat or dislike crowds, this city may not suit your tastes. The busy streets and tourist hotspots can be overwhelming, especially during peak seasons.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • Walking from Copacabana to Ipanema is about twenty minutes along the beach promenade
  • The metro from the city center to Botafogo takes around fifteen minutes and is reliable
  • Taxis are also widely available, but be wary of traffic during rush hours, which can add unexpected time to your journey
  • The airport, Galeão, is about a thirty-minute drive from downtown in light traffic
Lagoa

Lagoa

Lakes
Forte de Copacabana

Forte de Copacabana

Forts & citadels
Santa Teresa Neighborhood

Santa Teresa Neighborhood

Streets & neighbourhoods
Ipanema

Ipanema

Beaches
Arpoador

Arpoador

Beach
Pedra Bonita

Pedra Bonita

Mountains & volcanoes
Pedra do Telegrafo

Pedra do Telegrafo

Scenic viewpoints
Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer

Monuments & memorials
Joatinga Beach

Joatinga Beach

Beaches
Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Mirante Dona Marta

Mirante Dona Marta

Natural Wonders
Royal Portuguese Reading Room

Royal Portuguese Reading Room

Historic libraries & universities
Pedra da Gávea

Pedra da Gávea

Natural Wonders
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

Lakes
Pão de Açúcar

Pão de Açúcar

Mountains & volcanoes
Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande

Islands
Parque das Ruínas

Parque das Ruínas

Historic houses & mansions
La Vereda

La Vereda

Urban Attractions
Museum of Tomorrow

Museum of Tomorrow

Science & natural history museums
Maracanã Stadium

Maracanã Stadium

Stadiums & sports venues
Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach

Beaches
Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach

Beaches
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Parque do Flamengo

Parque do Flamengo

City parks
Dois Irmãos

Dois Irmãos

Outdoor Adventure
Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

Mountains & volcanoes
Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum

Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum

Art museums & galleries
Itaipu Beach

Itaipu Beach

Beaches
Parque Lage

Parque Lage

City parks
Feira da Glória

Feira da Glória

Food
Selarón Steps

Selarón Steps

Fountains, statues & public art
Quinta da Boa Vista

Quinta da Boa Vista

City parks
Pedra do Sal

Pedra do Sal

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Carioca Aqueduct

Carioca Aqueduct

Bridges
Havaianas Flagship Store

Havaianas Flagship Store

Shopping and Markets

Where to eat in Rio De Janeiro

The places worth planning a meal around.

Bar do Mineiro

Bar do Mineiro

Brazilian

★ 4.4 · 3,561 reviews

Vaca Atolada

Vaca Atolada

Brazilian

★ 4.5 · 3,131 reviews

Amazonia Soul

Amazonia Soul

Brazilian

★ 4.1 · 498 reviews

Pagode da Garagem

Pagode da Garagem

Brazilian · $$

★ 4.6 · 10 reviews

Cipriani

Cipriani

Italian · $$$

★ 4.8

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