Discover and enjoy Rio de Janeiro
We have highlighted some recommendations to help you choose activities in Rio de Janeiro, with essential attractions and tours for your trip. Check them out below!
Cristo Redentor
With open arms, Christ the Redeemer, at the top of Corcovado Mountain, welcomes thousands of tourists from all over the world every day. To get there, you have to climb 700 meters to the peak, where the famous statue stands, a true postcard of the city. Located within Tijuca National Park, Christ the Redeemer can be reached in two ways: by authorized vans that leave from various points in Rio, or by the Corcovado train.
Praias do Rio de Janeiro
The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are one of the city's biggest attractions, attracting tourists from all over the world. The vast Rio de Janeiro sea is the region's main attraction and is part of the travel itinerary of everyone who visits the city. The region's warm and pleasant climate invites you to take a refreshing dip.
In the South Zone, there are some of the most famous and sought-after beaches among visitors: Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. Each of them offers a unique experience, with options for various activities, from a nice dip in the sea to walks or bike rides along the coast, always with the stunning view and the sound of the waves.
Sugarloaf
O Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar é um dos principais atrativos turísticos do Rio de Janeiro. Inaugurado em 1912, foi o primeiro teleférico do Brasil e o terceiro do mundo. Ele faz a ligação entre o Morro da Urca e o Morro do Pão de Açúcar, e já transportou mais de 40 milhões de pessoas.
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De lá de cima, a vista é simplesmente espetacular, com uma panorâmica incrível da cidade, incluindo a enseada de Botafogo, a orla de Copacabana e a entrada da Baía de Guanabara. Não deixe de incluir esse famoso cartão postal no seu roteiro de viagem.​
Selarón Staircase
The Escadaria Selarón, located between the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa, in Rio de Janeiro, is a vibrant work created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who considered it a tribute to the Brazilian people.
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The visit is free and the place is truly worth appreciating, as it is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. In addition, the staircase has become famous worldwide, appearing in several music videos by renowned artists, such as U2 and Snoop Dogg.
Lapa
Lapa is a lively, bohemian neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, famous for its traditional bars, nightclubs with live music, dance halls and open-air samba circles under the Arcos da Lapa, a Roman-style aqueduct that is perfect for photos.
There are options for all tastes and budgets. You can buy a caipirinha at street stalls for R$15 or opt for a drink at a more sophisticated bar in the area.
Be careful! During the peak summer season, many people look for a bar with a cold beer to cool off, and demand for tables can be high, so reservations are required.
Dona Marta Viewpoint
They say it is one of the places with the most stunning views of Rio de Janeiro. Access is via the same route that leads to Corcovado, just follow the signs to the viewpoint.
There is no police presence at the site, so it is recommended to visit during the day, when there is more activity.
In the same space, on the opposite side of the viewpoint, there is a heliport, which also offers a breathtaking view.
Lage Park
Parque Lage, located at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, is a charming space with 52 hectares of lush nature, culture and art.
Its structure is charming, surrounded by a green landscape and animals native to the Atlantic Forest.
Entry is free and, just like visitors, even the little monkeys roam freely around the park, creating a unique and charming atmosphere.
Museum of Tomorrow
Opened in December 2015, the Museum of Tomorrow has already attracted more than 3 million visitors, becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro.
Focused on science and technology, the museum addresses the challenges and opportunities that humanity will face in the coming decades, with an emphasis on sustainability and coexistence.
Sunset in Arpoador
Arpoador, located in the Ipanema neighborhood, is both a beach and a rock formation, famous for offering one of the most beautiful sunsets in Rio de Janeiro. The beach is small, about 500 meters long, which makes the space more restricted.
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Cazuza used to sing about the "Arpoador rocks", referring to this magical place with a breathtaking view. Take advantage of your visit to climb the rocks on the left and, in addition to enjoying the landscape, enjoy an unforgettable sunset. It's an experience that will give you goosebumps!
Maracanã Stadium
Maracanã, the venue for some of the world's greatest football classics, has become one of Rio de Janeiro's main tourist attractions, carrying a rich history of unforgettable moments, such as Pelé's thousandth goal, scored in 1969.
If you're a soccer fan, you can't miss Maracanã on your itinerary. You can take a guided tour or even watch a match, which also gives you access to the stadium and the thrill of experiencing a live game. For an even more exciting experience, watch a Rio de Janeiro classic!
Botanical garden
Founded in 1808 by D. João, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden began as a plant acclimatization project and is now an important center for research in botany and biodiversity conservation.
The garden is home to a variety of species, including rare species from the Amazon Rainforest and the Atlantic Forest, as well as an orchid garden, a cactus garden and themed gardens, such as Japanese and Mexican. Comfortable sneakers are recommended for exploring the area.
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas offers more than 7 km of cycle path, a perfect invitation to cycle and explore the place.
As you progress, you will discover stunning angles of the lagoon and pass a variety of people: couples, hikers, people relaxing on the grass, having a picnic or walking their dogs.
AcquaRio
AquaRio, located in Rio de Janeiro, is the largest aquarium in South America, with an area of 26,000 m², five floors and 28 tanks totaling 4.5 million liters of salt water. The aquarium is home to around 3,000 animals from 350 species, representing diverse marine ecosystems.
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The main attraction is the Oceanic Area, with 3.5 million liters of water and seven meters deep. In this space, visitors can go through an underwater tunnel and even dive with fish, rays and sharks, living a unique experience.
Hang gliding in Pedra Bonita
Rio de Janeiro's beautiful landscape makes it the perfect place to hang-glide, which allows you to enjoy the view from above. The Pedra Bonita ramp is chosen by many people who want to enjoy the city from this perspective.
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The flight costs approximately R$600 per person, for a ride that lasts between 8 and 12 minutes. The time may vary, after all, the actual duration is determined by the wind conditions. The price usually includes photos and videos taken with a GoPro. Confirm everything, especially updated prices, with companies that specialize in hang gliding services.
Ferris wheel
Rio de Janeiro is home to the second largest Ferris wheel in Latin America, the Yup Star, at 88 meters high, second only to the one in São Paulo, at 91 meters.
While the view isn’t as iconic as Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf Mountain, the ride offers a unique perspective of the city. Plus, it’s worth it for the experience of being on one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels. The location also allows for easy access to other nearby attractions, such as AquaRio and the Museum of Tomorrow.
Gigoia Island
The island, famous for its restaurants, bucolic climate and tranquility – in contrast to its surroundings, the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood – is an excellent place to spend a weekend.
Surrounded by canals and mangrove vegetation, the island has a cool climate and incredible views that are much appreciated from any point you look.
Leisure options include bars and restaurants, most of which are located around the island, overlooking the lagoon, and many offer live music.
There is also the possibility of taking a walk, doing water sports and visiting the other islands in the lagoon. You can do all of this in a day or a weekend if you stay on the island, which offers several great accommodation options.
