Top 10 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a beautiful city with endless possibilities and activities for all types of travelers. There is a lot to explore and do in this vibrant city so it is important to plan your visit accordingly in order to make the most of your trip. Here is our guide to the top 10 best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for an unforgettable experience.

1. Visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue

One of the most iconic sights in Brazil is the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city from Corcovado Peak. The impressive statue has become a global symbol and as such, visiting it should definitely be at the top of your list when planning your visit to Rio de Janeiro. It cannot be missed, as it is even visible from the beachfront. Taking a cable car up to Corcovado will give you amazing views of the city below, while at the top, you can admire the grandiose Christ the Redeemer Statue.

2. Enjoy a day on Ipanema Beach

One of Rio’s most famous attractions is, without a doubt, its beaches. There are a few beachfront neighborhoods in the city, but Ipanema beach is one of the best for people-watching. Itf here you can observe locals playing sports, socializing, or simply soaking up the sun. Additionally, there are several food stands and local restaurants along the beachfront promenade, perfect for grabbing something quick to eat or drink between beach visits. Ipanema Beach is also a safe place for swimming and relaxation as it has lifeguards on duty all day long with lifesaving boats patrolling the area close by.

3. Explore the National History Museum

The National History Museum of Rio de Janeiro is an absolute must-visit when you’re in town. This museum consists of several buildings with different floors each dedicated to various topics such as ethnography, arts, costumes, anthropology, and science. Inside you can find amazing artifacts from Brazil’s past as well as interactive displays and educational activities for all ages. The museum offers guided tours in English and Portuguese, so you can learn even more about the history of this wonderful country while visiting.

4. Climb Morro da Urca

One of the best ways to get to know Rio de Janeiro is by hiking Morro da Urca, which is considered one of the city’s most popular attractions. It is located close to Sugarloaf Mountain in the city’s bustling neighborhood Copacabana. From up here, you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city and Copacabana Beach below. Take your time exploring the area, with plenty of opportunities for great photos of Copacabana Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain from up above. Plus, there are plenty of trails that lead from Morro da Urca up to Sugarloaf Mountain if you’re up for a longer hike!

5. Take a Stroll Along Copacabana Beach

No visit to Rio de Janeiro would be complete without strolling along Copacabana Beach. This four-kilometre-long beach is located near most of Rio’s nightlife and restaurants as well as its famous sites like Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Peak Pier. It is especially beautiful at sunset when the colors of the sky make it look like a painting in motion. Additionally, there are plenty of trails along Copacabana Beach which offer different experiences while still taking advantage of some incredible views.

6. Walk Along Lapa Steps

Lapa Steps were created in 1895 with 197 steps and they are considered one of Rio de Janeiro’s must-see attractions. These steps are part of a narrow alley between two parts of Lapa that can only be accessed by climbing them up or down in order to reach either side. At one end of these stairs begins busy Rua Joaquim Silva street lined with antique shops and art galleries, while at the other end visitors can take in the stunning views of Rio’s mountaintops and Guanabara Bay from above.

7. Experience the Street Art of Santa Teresa

Near downtown Rio de Janeiro lies Santa Teresa neighborhood; an area known for its art galleries and vintage boutiques as well as its vibrant street art scene. However, one thing that sets Santa Teresa apart from all other areas in Rio de Janeiro is its picturesque surroundings – cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses that seem to cascade down the hillside towards downtown’s iconic sights like the Christ the Redeemer Statue and Sugarloaf Mountain in its vicinity. Exploring this area on foot is one of the best ways to take in all its beauty and one suggestion would be to make time for an Artwalk where you can explore the local murals from some talented street artists that adorn damp alleyways and closed off building fronts!

8. Visit Olinda City

Although Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant metropolis center known for its abundance of attractions and sights, there are plenty of places close by worth exploring if you have the time! One such place is Olinda City – formerly Brazil’s first colonial capital – located just 24 kilometers north of downtown Rio de Janeiro. Here, you can explore centuries-old Baroque churches, lush rainforest parks with their towering waterfalls, and discover quaint colonial homes along cobblestone streets among other hidden gems worth discovering!

9. Enjoy at Jardim Botânico

Jardim Botânico in Rio de Janeiro (Botanical Garden) is also a must-visit spot when you’re visiting this vibrant city! Located in Lagoa neighborhood, it spreads over hundreds of acres and offers a unique opportunity to walk among tropical vegetation, palms, lagoons, and fountains – all surrounded by lush green hills on both sides – without ever leaving downtown! Jardim Botânico is perfect for taking some time off from sightseeing and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet among nature without ever leaving downtown!

10. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Rio de Janeiro

No better way exists to take in Rio de Janeiro’s sights than through a helicopter tour! These flights take visitors above world-famous attractions such as Corcovado Peak (Christ Teh Redeemer Statue) and Sugarloaf Mountain which offer amazing views from up high. Plus drone flights allow passengers to capture unforgettable shots of these landmarks which they may not be able to get anywhere else! Pilots provide narrations about the history and culture behind each attraction along with tips about what to do during your stay in Rio de Janeiro! For a birds-eye view of this amazing city from above, you can’t go wrong with experiencing it through a helicopter tour!

Rio de Janeiro offers countless activities and attractions that will surely leave you feeling satisfied upon departure. From cultural tourist attractions that local’s love like visiting Corcovado Peak or exploring Ipanema Beach to more adventurous activities like Morro da Urca or Jardim Botânico, every traveler will find something special to suit their interests when visiting this amazing city! For more information about what to see and do when you’re in Rio de Janeiro take-a-look at the official tourism website Rio De Janeiro Turismo.