This is the Best Rio de Janeiro Itinerary for 5 Days (2025)

The fun and fabulous city of Rio de Janeiro is home to Brazil‘s legendary carnival. During my month in South America, I spent a week in this vibrant city exploring its beaches and famous sights including Sugarloaf Mountain, the Selaron Steps and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Discover the best Rio de Janeiro itinerary for 5 days, including the top places to stay and things to do. Plus, find out what happened when I tried hang-gliding over the city!

This post may contain affiliate links. That means, if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclaimer.

Quick overview of your Rio de Janeiro 5-day itinerary

• Day 1: See the Metropolitan Cathedral, Selaron Steps and Lapa nightlife
• Day 2: Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue
• Day 3: Beach day at Ipanema or Copacabana
• Day 4: Cable car journey up to Sugarloaf Mountain
• Day 5: See Rio from spectacular viewpoints

Planning your Rio de Janeiro itinerary for 5 days

If you’re wondering what to do in Rio de Janeiro, you’re in for a treat. Visitors are spoilt for choice here, as there are plenty of incredible things to do in Rio de Janeiro. This 5 day Rio de Janeiro itinerary strikes the perfect balance between must-see landmarks and enjoying the magical moments that make Rio special.

You’ll experience the different neighbourhoods, iconic attractions, beach culture that defines this coastal city nicknamed “Cidade Maravilhosa” – the Marvellous City.

I’ve included alternative options for different interests, so you can customise your Rio itinerary to suit your travel style.

Day 1: Metropolitan Cathedral, Selaron Steps and Lapa nightlife

The first day of your 5 day Rio de Janeiro itinerary is about getting acquainted with the city. This route keeps you in the city centre area, so it’s easy to get between attractions, taking the metro or a short taxi ride. You’ll experience three distinct sides of Rio – its spiritual significance at the striking Metropolitan Cathedral, its artistic soul on the world-famous Selaron Steps and its infectious energy in the samba-filled streets of Lapa.

Morning: visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

One of the most impressive things to see in Rio de Janeiro is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. The cathedral is easily accessible by metro – take Line 1 or 2 to Carioca station, then it’s a short 5-minute walk. Alternatively, many buses stop near the cathedral in the city centre.

Named after the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro, this cathedral was constructed from 1964 to 1979. It’s designed to resemble a modern version of the Mayan pyramids. It’s a 75-metre (246 ft) cone with a 8,000 square metre interior that holds up to 20,000 people. The cathedral’s four enormous stained glass windows are impressive at 64 metres (210 ft) from floor to ceiling.

Book a 6-stop guided tour of Rio de Janeiro with lunch including a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Lunch: Grab a bite in the city centre

For a quick lunch near the cathedral, try Confeitaria Colombo, a historic café famous for its Belle Époque interior and traditional Brazilian pastries. Alternatively, head to the nearby Rua da Carioca where you’ll find numerous local restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional feijoada.

Afternoon: Walk up the colourful Selaron Steps

Anyone wondering what to see in Rio de Janeiro would be mad to miss the colourful Escadaria Selarón. Also known as the Selaron Steps, they sit between the neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa. From the cathedral, it’s about a 15-minute walk or you can take a short taxi ride.

It’s the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. He decorated the 125-metre staircase with tiles in the colours of the Brazilian flag, as a tribute to Brazil’s people.

A gregarious fellow with a distinctive handlebar moustache, Selarón would sit on the steps every day and chat with passersby. He’d say the steps were his lifetime’s passion and he would only stop working on them once he was dead. Sadly, in early 2013, Selarón was found laying lifeless on his steps. The Selaron Steps remain his legacy and one of Rio de Janeiro’s most distinctive landmarks.

Reserve your spot on this guided tour of Rio, which takes you to the magnificent Selaron Steps.

Dinner: Traditional Brazilian cuisine in Lapa

For dinner, try Rio Scenarium, a famous three-storey venue a 15 minute walk from the Selaron Steps. It combines dining with live samba music in an antique-filled setting.

Evening: Enjoy the lively nightlife in Lapa

Rio’s central Lapa neighbourhood is famous for its vibrant nightlife. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night. In Lapa there are also two 18th century attractions. The first is an impressive aqueduct called the Arcos da Lapa. There’s also Rio’s first public park, the Passeio Público.

Lapa has been known for its lively cultural scene since the early 1950s. At this time, Brazilian artists and intellectuals would meet in its restaurants and bars. Today, there are still many venues where you can drink caipirinha cocktails or dance to live Brazilian samba music.

If you decide to come here in the evening, locals advise not to carry a bag or phone. Only take a small amount of cash, to avoid being a target for thieves. If you are visiting Rio de Janeiro alone, you might feel safer on an organised Lapa pub crawl.

Day 2: Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa

Your second day takes you to Rio’s most iconic landmark before exploring one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods that’s known for its bohemian soul.

Morning: See the Christ the Redeemer statue

No visit to Rio de Janeiro is complete without seeing its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. This captivating statue is the world’s largest Art Deco sculpture and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

At 38 metres (125 ft) tall, it looks down over Rio from the top of Corcovado (“hunchback” in Portuguese) mountain. This is a 710-metre (2,329 ft) granite peak located in the tropical rainforest of Tijuca Forest national park. This means it can be easily spotted from great distances across the city.

To truly appreciate the scale of this monument, you need to climb the mountain and stand at his feet. Luckily, there is transport available to take you up to the peak – you can take the train up Corcovado mountain. It’s best to go in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Book your train ticket to see the Christ the Redeemer statue at the peak of the Corcovado mountain.

Lunch: Local flavours in Cosme Velho

After your morning at Christ the Redeemer, head to Taberna 564 in Cosme Velho at the bottom of the mountain. Here you can enjoy churrasco (grilled beef) and other local dishes in an informal setting. This local favourite is the perfect spot to relax and refuel before your afternoon exploring Santa Teresa.

Afternoon: Ride one of Rio de Janeiro’s traditional yellow trams

From the restaurant, catch the 422 bus from Cosme Velho bus terminal to the Anfilófio de Carvalho stop, a 16-minute journey. From here, it’s a short walk to the Santa Teresa tram station where you can board the historic Bondinho de Santa Teresa.

Rio’s traditional, bright yellow trams are a much-loved local icon, and this journey is an experience in itself. The tram travels over the iconic Arcos da Lapa aqueduct before winding up the hills to the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.

Once you arrive, you can walk along the tree-lined cobblestone streets winding through the hills of Santa Teresa. Key stops include Ruins Park, where you’ll find an art gallery built around the ruins of a mansion, and various galleries showcasing local artists’ work.

Take time to wander its steep streets filled with art studios, quirky cafes and stunning viewpoints over the city.

Book your place on a guided tour of Santa Teresa by tram with a knowledgeable local guide.

Day 3: Beach day

After two days of sightseeing, it’s time to embrace Rio’s legendary beach culture. This is what Rio de Janeiro is famous for – the laid-back lifestyle, beautiful people and stunning coastline that defines the city’s soul. Day 3 of your 5 day Rio de Janeiro itinerary takes you to two of its best known beaches: Ipanema and Copacabana.

Morning: Sunbathe and people-watch on Ipanema beach

Top of the list of cheap things to do in Rio de Janeiro is visiting one of its famous beaches. However, a word of warning: don’t take any valuables or cash, as theft is common on Rio’s beaches.

Ipanema is one of the prettier and quieter beaches. Here, you can people-watch to your heart’s content. Check out the parade of bronzed, toned sunbathers and chatty beach vendors. It’s an inspiring place to be. Lay back and take in the view of the sea, the mountains and the sky. In the sky, buzzing helicopters and birds of prey circle overhead.

This famous Rio de Janeiro beach inspired the Grammy award-winning bossa nova song of the 1960s, The Girl from Ipanema. You can even enjoy lunch at the historic Restaurante Garota de Ipanema, where this song was said to be written.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Ipanema and Copacabana for fascinating insights into daily life there.

Afternoon to evening: Sip caipirinha cocktails in Copacabana

Another world famous beach in Rio that inspired a popular song – this time by Barry Manilow – is in Copacabana. This is one of Rio’s liveliest neighbourhoods.

This crescent-shaped beach runs from Princesa Isabel Avenue until the lifeguard watchtower number Six. After this, there are two small surfer beaches, then the coastline becomes Ipanema. As mentioned before, keep an eye on your belongings while you’re on the beach.

Things to do in Copacabana include eating, drinking caipirinha cocktails until sunset and enjoying the music at one of its many venues.

Book your spot on this unforgettable sunset stand-up paddle session at Copacabana Beach.

Day 4: Sugarloaf Mountain

Day four of your 5 day Rio de Janeiro itinerary combines one of the city’s most iconic experiences with exploring a charming neighbourhood that many visitors miss.

Morning: Explore the Urca neighbourhood

Start your day in the peaceful Urca neighbourhood, one of Rio’s most charming and safest areas. This residential district sits at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain and offers a glimpse into local Rio life away from the tourist crowds.

Walk along the Urca waterfront promenade where locals jog and fish, enjoying the beautiful views of Guanabara Bay. Check out the free Museu de Ciências da Terra (Earth Sciences Museum) which has fascinating exhibits about geology, palaeontology and dinosaurs.

The neighbourhood also has a small beach, Praia Vermelha (‘red beach’), tucked between rocky cliffs – perfect for a peaceful morning stroll.

Afternoon to evening: Ride the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain

Riding the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain is also one of the top things to do in Rio de Janeiro. This is an excellent way to enjoy panoramic views over the city and beyond.

This renowned Rio de Janeiro mountain of granite and quartz strikingly rises 396 metres (1,299 ft) above Guanabara Bay. Its name comes from its resemblance to the cone-shaped blocks of refined sugar. These were one of Brazil’s most recognisable exports from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The mountain is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy the sights from the cable car, then take your time with a cocktail at a bar on the summit at sunset. Here, you can appreciate the incredible 360-degree views.

Save time and reserve your ticket for the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain in advance.

Day 5: See Rio from spectacular viewpoints

Your final day in Rio calls for something truly spectacular. This is your chance to see the city from an entirely new perspective, soaring through the skies or hiking to incredible vantage points that showcase Rio’s natural beauty. I went hang-gliding (more on this below), while other options include a helicopter tour or stunning panoramic views on a guided hike.

My hang-gliding experience

One of the most thrilling activities in Rio de Janeiro is to go hang-gliding over the city. It’s an incredible way to conclude a 5 day Rio de Janeiro itinerary.

Rio’s upmarket São Conrado neighbourhood is the city’s hang-gliding hotspot. With a group of other travellers from my Rio de Janeiro accommodation, I headed to Pedra Bonita. This is the main hang-gliding take-off point, in nearby Tijuca National Park. We were nervous but excited.

We were each assigned a tandem pilot. Clinging on, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. Off the wooden platform and the mountainside, and into thin air. I don’t like heights, so it was scary, but an amazing experience. Once airborne, the hang-glider caught a wind current. We soared like a bird, swooping gently over São Conrado’s decadent hotels and pools and sculptured greenery.

By contrast, looking far left we could see Rio’s favela, where 100,000 people live crammed into tightly packed homes on the hillside. Far beyond that, we could make out the statue of Christ the Redeemer perched atop his hill. Finally, we landed safely on São Conrado’s Praia do Pepino beach.

Book your Rio de Janeiro hang-gliding tandem flight to see the city from a bird’s-eye view.

Day trips from Rio de Janeiro

If you have more than 5 days in Rio, why not go on a day trip to see more of Brazil’s natural beauty and rich history.

Arraial do Cabo – for beach and nature lovers

Just two and a half hours from Rio, a day trip to Arraial do Cabo will show you some of Brazil’s most stunning beaches, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand. The area’s microclimate and underwater currents makes the sea as clear as the Caribbean, making it a paradise for beach lovers and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Petrópolis – for history fans

Escape Rio’s heat on a day trip to Petrópolis, a charming mountain town where Brazil’s royal family once spent their summers. Sitting 838 metres above sea level, here you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and stunning mountain scenery.

The town is famous for its German heritage, excellent breweries and beautiful gardens. You can visit the Imperial Museum (housed in the former summer palace), the Crystal Palace and the Gothic Revival Cathedral of São Pedro de Alcântara. You’ll learn about Brazil’s fascinating imperial period while strolling through tree-lined streets filled with colonial architecture.

Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande – for island hoppers

This is a stunning coastal region has over 365 islands with pristine beaches and Atlantic rainforest. Angra dos Reis is the gateway, while Ilha Grande is the crown jewel.

A day trip to Ilha Grande takes you along hiking trails through the rainforest, to historic ruins from its days as a prison island and on boats to islands with some of the most spectacular beaches in Brazil.

Búzios – for sophisticated urbanites

The upmarket resort town of Búzios is about two and a half hours northeast of Rio. It combines sophisticated dining and nightlife with over 20 beautiful beaches, each with its own character. Take a day trip to Búzios to enjoy scenic drives along the coast and boat tours to the area’s best beaches.

These are the best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro

You will find lots of enticing accommodation options in Rio de Janeiro. The best area to stay in Rio depends on your preferences. Do you want to be close to the coast? Or near the nightlife? Some of the best accommodation in Rio can be found near the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. The lively bohemian neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa are also some of Rio de Janeiro’s best places to stay.

Ipanema

When I first arrived in Rio de Janeiro, I stayed in Ipanema, a couple of blocks from the beach. I loved this area.

A fabulous hotel in Ipanema is the beachfront Hotel Arpoador which has comfy beds, stunning sea views and an on-site restaurant and cocktail bar.

The best beach hostels in Rio’s Ipanema neighbourhood include the boutique-style Ipanema Beach House which an outdoor swimming pool. Alternatively, the Mango Tree Ipanema has a beautiful garden and terrace.

Copacabana

Many beach-loving visitors to Rio head straight for the popular Copacabana neighbourhood.

The beachfront Arena Copacabana Hotel is a modern hotel with a rooftop pool, gym, sauna and a fine-dining restaurant. The Pestana Rio Atlantica hotel also has a rooftop pool and lounge bar with panoramic ocean views.

If you’re on a budget, check out the excellent Chez Zany Boutique Hostel, just a few minutes’ walk from the sand.

Santa Teresa

In the pretty Santa Teresa neighbourhood, you will find some beautiful accommodation among its green hills. It’s cool to wander around the steep cobbled streets of this artistic area and hang out in its cafes. I stayed in this area for a few days and I loved its bohemian vibe.

The superb Villa Laurinda hotel gives you boutique comfort in a historic colonial building. There’s a free daily breakfast, a sauna, garden, lounge and a lovely outdoor pool.

Top Rio hostels here include the wonderful Castelo dos Tucanos Hostel. It’s a literal castle, has a pool and serves a delicious breakfast.

Lapa

Lapa is a popular place to stay for nightlife lovers thanks to its many samba parties.

Check out the fabulous Hotel Regina, set in a classical house with pale pink exteriors. It has an on-site restaurant, room service, gym, sauna and hot tub.

The area’s best hostels include Books Hostel. It is a lot of fun, thanks to its charismatic host and on-site bar.

Check out all the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro here.

When is the best time to go to Rio de Janeiro?

If you are coming to Brazil to party, you may be wondering when is carnival in Rio? The world famous Rio de Janeiro carnival takes over the city every February.

In terms of weather, Rio de Janeiro has a warm and humid tropical climate. February is the hottest month in the city, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). December is often the wettest month of the year. The peak tourist season in Rio runs from December to March. However, some people may find this time of year too hot.

Therefore, the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro for your 5 day itinerary is in the transitional months of November (like I did) or April.

Getting to Rio de Janeiro

International flights to Rio de Janeiro land at its Antonio Carlos Jobim/Galeão International Airport (GIG). The city has a second airport for domestic flights, the RJ Santos Dumont airport (SDU).

To avoid the taxi queues or the hassle of public transport, you can book a private or shared airport transfer to Rio de Janeiro.

If you are travelling overland, you are most likely to arrive by bus. There are long-distance bus services all over Brazil, such as from the country’s famous Iguazu Falls.

When you first arrive in Rio, be careful of the traffic. The city’s streets are often full of cars and the drivers have a reckless disregard for pedestrians.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Rio de Janeiro

Is 5 days enough for Rio de Janeiro?

Yes, there’s so much to do in Rio that you should spend at least four or five days here. Five days will give you an excellent introduction to Rio’s highlights as well as time to enjoy the city’s beach culture and lively nightlife. A week or more will allow you to take day trips and spend more time relaxing on the beaches.

How much should I budget for 5 days in Rio de Janeiro?

Budget backpackers can expect to spend around £30-50 per day including hostel accommodation, street food and public transport. Mid-range travellers should budget £80-150 daily for hotel stays, restaurant meals, and guided tours. Luxury travellers can expect to spend £200+ per day for high-end accommodation, fine dining, and premium experiences like helicopter tours.

Is Rio de Janeiro safe for solo travellers?

Rio requires sensible precautions, especially for solo travellers. Avoid carrying valuables on the beach, don’t flash expensive items, and stick to well-lit areas after dark. Many solo backpackers visit Rio safely by staying alert, joining group tours for evening activities, and following local advice. The tourist police are helpful and visible in main areas.

What should I pack for Rio de Janeiro?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, strong sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes. Bring flip-flops for the beach, a waterproof bag for valuables and modest clothing for visiting churches. A small day pack, reusable water bottle, and portable charger are essential for exploring the city.

Do I need to speak Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro?

No, you don’t need to speak Portuguese. Many people in tourist areas speak basic English. However, learning to say simple Portuguese phrases like bom dia (good morning/good day) and thank you, which is obrigada if you’re female or obrigado if you’re male, is polite and will be much appreciated by locals.

Final thoughts on the best Rio de Janeiro itinerary for 5 days

Rio is a city full of passion, drama and excitement that will leave you with wonderful travel memories for life. Couples kiss in the street as if their lives depended on it, while the street samba parties entice you to join in.

This Rio de Janeiro 5 day itinerary gives you the perfect introduction to Brazil’s most charismatic city. This place knows it is something special. From watching the sunset on Sugarloaf Mountain, to dancing to samba in Lapa or simply people-watching on Ipanema beach, Rio guarantees to blow you away with its infectious energy and natural beauty.

Start planning your Brazilian adventure today – Rio de Janeiro is waiting to work its magic on you.

Ready to explore more of Brazil? Next up, discover the Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder of the world.