Things to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Rio de Janeiro State

Types of activities

Where to stay

Rio de Janeiro State Travel Guide

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

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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 which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

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. 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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Sao Conrado Beach featuring a sandy beach

7. 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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Maracana Stadium featuring interior views and modern architecture

8. 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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What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Popular places to visit

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.

Ipanema Beach

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

Geriba Beach

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

Aerial View of Recreio dos Bandeirantes Region in Rio de Janeiro City

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.

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.

Avenida Atlantica

Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue.

Maracanã Stadium

To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.

Sugar Loaf Mountain

For a breathtaking blend of cityscapes, rainforest vistas and beautiful beach views, take a trip to Rio’s sweetest attraction.

Areas of Rio de Janeiro State

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.

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.

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.

Leblon

Travelers choose Leblon for its beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station and check out top sights like Ipanema Beach.

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.

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.