Things to do in Rio de Janeiro State
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Rio de Janeiro State
Things to do
Christ the Redeemer & Rio de Janeiro Half-Day City Tour
P4,501
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail
P1,836
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Museum of Tomorrow Guided Tour Admission & Transfer
P3,126
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour
P5,113
per adult
Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island
P3,956
per adult
Day Tour to Trindade: Nature and Sea Adventure from Paraty
P2,313
per adult
Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro - Rio Samba Bus
P2,203
per adult
Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight
P18,343
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Walking tour in Rio de Janeiro Historical Center.
P1,805
per adult
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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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2. 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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3. Rua das Pedras
Rua das Pedras is the most famous street in the picturesque resort town of Búzios. Come here to shop for souvenirs in independent stores and galleries, sip coffee outside pretty cafés and experience Búzios’ lively nightlife.
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4. 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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5. Geriba Beach
Geriba Beach is a large stretch of golden sand with bars serving shrimp and empanadas. The tranquil sandy haven has warm water and fairly large waves that lure surfers to its shores. Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to join your fellow watersports enthusiasts on the waves.
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6. 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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7. Forte Beach
Long, scenic Forte Beach is the main strand of Cabo Frio. The busy bay, which takes its name from its historic fort, is packed with huts, lodgings and stores. Come here to enjoy stunning views of the verdant promontories overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
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8. João Fernandes Beach
Praia de João Fernandes, or João Fernandes Beach, is one of the best-loved stretches of sand in the resort town of Búzios. Choose your spot here on the golden sand beneath a brightly colored beach umbrella. Prepare for a day of basking in golden sunlight, swimming in clear blue waters and taking photo after photo.
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9. Ferradura Beach
Praia Ferradura, or Ferradura Beach, is an idyllic crescent of sand on Búzios’ least busy coast, to the southwest. Located in one of the resort town’s wealthiest and most stylish neighborhoods, this glamorous beach is rumored to be a favorite with celebrities. It’s also an excellent place for a family day out. Bring or rent snorkeling masks and spend hours exploring the calm turquoise waters of this lovely cove.
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10. Avenida Atlantica
No Rio de Janeiro holiday is complete without a visit to Avenida Atlântica. This avenue is famous for its events year-round, including a massive New Year’s Eve celebration covering the entire avenue and Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the avenue’s promenade to experience Rio’s lively beach culture and oceanfront events.
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What to do in Rio de Janeiro State
Stay near popular Rio de Janeiro State attractions
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro State
Find the best Rio de Janeiro State areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
Copacabana
Copacabana is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Copacabana Beach and Bairro Peixoto. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station.
Ipanema
Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo are top sights in Ipanema, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station to see more sights in the area.
Barra da Tijuca
Visitors often come to Barra da Tijuca for its beaches, but many stay to explore sights like Barra Shopping Mall and Reserve Beach. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Jardim Oceânico Station.
Rio de Janeiro Centro
You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Botafogo
Botafogo is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.
