Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Activities, attractions and tours

A panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro at sunset, featuring the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the cityscape with cable cars.
A beach volleyball game with a net labeled 'Stam' and a mountainous background.
A crowded beach with people in bikinis and swim trunks, umbrellas, and tall buildings in the background.
A coastal cityscape with dense urban buildings, a large body of water, and a prominent hill with greenery.
A beach with people walking and swimming in the water.

Things to do

Plaza Premium Lounge at RIOgaleao-Tom Jobim Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)

P1,957
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari

Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari

P2,461
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari
Tijuca Forest and Botanical Garden

Tijuca Forest and Botanical Garden

P3,782
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Tijuca Forest and Botanical Garden
Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro – Rio Samba Bus

Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro - Rio Samba Bus

P2,168
per adult
Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro - Rio Samba Bus
Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard

Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard

P3,071
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard
Daylong Excursion to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour

P4,678
per adult
From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour
Visit FIFA Street Field & Explore Tavares Bastos Favela

Visit FIFA Street Field & Explore Tavares Bastos Favela

P2,409
per adult
Visit FIFA Street Field & Explore Tavares Bastos Favela
Christ the Redeemer

Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket

P2,824
per adult
Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket
Rio de Janeiro: Sightseeing Helicopter Flight

Rio de Janeiro: Sightseeing Helicopter Flight

P9,082
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rio de Janeiro: Sightseeing Helicopter Flight
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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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A beach with a road running parallel to it, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

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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A beach with palm trees, ocean waves, and mountains in the background.

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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The Christ the Redeemer statue on a mountain peak, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

4. 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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A large, empty stadium with blue and yellow seats and a green field.

5. 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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A beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and buildings in the background.

6. 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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A cable car system, a large rock formation, and a coastal view.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro

Stay near popular Rio de Janeiro attractions

A beach with a road running parallel to it, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

Copacabana Beach

9.0/10 (5,319 reviews)
Stroll along the iconic black-and-white wave-patterned promenade of Rio's most famous beach. Sunbathe on golden sands, watch local footvolley matches, or sip coconut water from beachfront kiosks.
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Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Find the best Rio de Janeiro areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rio de Janeiro
Learn more about Rio de Janeiro
A coastal cityscape with a beach, water reflections, and a hill in the background.

Copacabana

Copacabana is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Copacabana Beach and Rua Barata Ribeiro. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station.

A beach with a patterned walkway, ocean, and mountains in the background.

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.

A coastal cityscape with a prominent mountain peak, a beach, and dense urban buildings.

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.

A yellow tram on tracks, surrounded by trees and a stone wall.

Santa Teresa

The mountain views and monuments are just a few things visitors like about Santa Teresa. Largo do Guimarães and Selarón Steps are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Largo do Guimarães Tram Stop or Largo do Curvelo Tram Stop to get around the larger area.

A city street with pedestrians, a yellow taxi, and historic buildings.

Lapa

You'll enjoy the churches and live music in Lapa. You might want to make time for a stop at Circo Voador or Arcos da Lapa.

A coastal cityscape at sunset with illuminated buildings, a calm bay, and prominent mountain ranges.

Niteroi

A waterfall cascading over rocks surrounded by dense green foliage.

Mangaratiba

A Gothic-style church with a tall spire, surrounded by lush greenery and a red bridge.

Petrópolis

An aerial view of a coastal city with a long beach, dense urban area, and surrounding hills.

Marica

A coastal town with a church, boats, and mountains in the background.

Paracambi

A river winding through lush green hills with a clear sky and a power line tower in the distance.

Rio Bonito

Frequently asked questions

Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Rio de Janeiro is explore Copacabana Beach. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's coastal beaches and views.
How do I spend a day in Rio de Janeiro?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer. Then, check out other areas of Rio de Janeiro for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro?
The top tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana Beach, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Rio de Janeiro?
Three days in Rio de Janeiro is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travelers spend four days on average. Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer and Ipanema Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Governador Island.
Is Rio de Janeiro a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Rio de Janeiro. Several key attractions, such as Flamengo Beach and Museum of Tomorrow, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rio de Janeiro's neighborhoods, Rio de Janeiro Centro is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Santa Teresa is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids?
Deciding what to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're traveling with little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Rio de Janeiro, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Avenida Atlantica or Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí.
Are there free things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
In Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Beach is a must-see spot for anyone planning to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Rio de Janeiro.