Things to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Activities, attractions and tours

Ipanema Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden featuring a park as well as a couple
Copacabana Beach featuring a sandy beach, mist or fog and a sunset
Rio de Janeiro which includes a city and heritage elements
Rio de Janeiro showing a square or plaza, a city and a high rise building
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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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Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro

3. 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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Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro city skyline in Brazil, Shutterstock ID 1033504918, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Faa Praharnpap, Other: Hcom budget

4. 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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Geriba Beach featuring waves, general coastal views and surfing

5. 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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Rua das Pedras showing night scenes and a small town or village

6. 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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Joao Fernandes Beach which includes a beach and general coastal views

7. Sugar Loaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is named after the mounds of sugar produced by traders in the 16th century, during the boom of Brazil’s sugar cane industry. The mountain’s cone-like shape resembles the sugar loaves, fashioned before sugar was offered in the granulated or cube forms we know today. The mountain is, in fact, made of granite, and stretches 396 metres into the air.
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Sugar Loaf Mountain

8. 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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Forte Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Popular places to visit

Copacabana Beach featuring a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views

Copacabana Beach

More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.

Copacabana Beach
Ipanema Beach which includes a beach and mountains as well as a large group of people

Ipanema Beach

Join Brazil’s rich and famous for a day at Rio’s most stylish beach.

Ipanema Beach
Corcovado featuring a sunset, religious aspects and a statue or sculpture

Christ the Redeemer

Gaze out over panoramic views of Rio from the site of Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

Christ the Redeemer
Geriba Beach which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

Geriba Beach

Revel in the lively ambiance of the bars and restaurants of one of the most popular beaches in the Búzios region.

Geriba Beach
Rua das Pedras showing night scenes and a small town or village

Rua das Pedras

Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the charming stores, galleries and cafés of this busy and colorful street, or head to one of the bars here that come alive after dark.

Rua das Pedras
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach

Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Joao Fernandes Beach which includes a beach and general coastal views

João Fernandes Beach

Lose track of time on this picturesque beach, where the waters are calm, the views are glorious and everything you could possibly need is close by.

João Fernandes Beach
Flamengo Beach

Flamengo Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Flamengo Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Take in the art scene and sunsets in the area.

Flamengo Beach
Forte Beach which includes surf, surfing and general coastal views

Forte Beach

Visit a quaint 17th-century island fort, take a banana boat out on the ocean and fill up on tasty snacks from the stalls.

Forte Beach

Areas of Rio de Janeiro State

Copacabana which includes a coastal town, mountains and a sandy beach

Copacabana

5/5(1 area review)

Mingle with the local residents on one of the world’s most famous beaches, admire art deco buildings and party until dawn in this effervescent neighborhood.

Copacabana
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Barra da Tijuca

Rio de Janeiro’s longest beach, a sprawling shopping mall and some of the city’s best seafood restaurants and bars await in this relaxed neighborhood.

Barra da Tijuca
Ipanema which includes markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

5/5(1 area review)

Relax on beautiful beaches, shop for fashion and revel in the nightlife of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most stylish areas.

Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro showing modern architecture and a pond

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.

Rio de Janeiro Centro
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Penedo

Travelers like the parks in Penedo, and Pequena Finlândia is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Penedo
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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.

Botafogo
Rio de Janeiro which includes a sunset, mountains and general coastal views

Rio de Janeiro

Niteroi

Niteroi

Angra dos Reis featuring boating, a sunset and a bay or harbor

Angra dos Reis

Mangaratiba

Mangaratiba

Prainha Beach showing general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

Búzios

Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and a garden

Petrópolis