The Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2025)

During my month in South America, I spent a week in the ‘party city‘ of Rio de Janeiro. Home to Brazil‘s legendary carnival, this city has famous beaches and sights including Sugarloaf Mountain, the Selaron Steps and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. From sipping caipirinha cocktails to hang-gliding over the city, here are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro based on my experience there.

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Quick overview of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

• Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue
• Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views
• Explore the colourful Selaron Steps
• Ride the yellow trams through bohemian Santa Teresa
• Relax on world-famous beaches at Ipanema and Copacabana
• Dance samba in Lapa’s nightlife district
• Try hang-gliding over the city for unforgettable aerial perspectives
• Discover the local neighbourhoods

Discovering the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

I adored Rio and you will too – its vibe and scenery is unmatched. Sitting on Ipanema beach with the view of Sugarloaf Mountain is just incredible.

I’ve organized this guide into categories to help you plan your Rio adventure. We’ll start with the iconic landmarks that define Rio’s skyline, then move to its famous beaches. After that, I’ll cover adventure activities like hang-gliding, which I did, despite being afraid of heights! Then we’ll look at the best neighbourhoods, nightlife, entertainment and restaurants. Finally, we’ll explore day trips from the city. Each section includes my personal recommendations and tips from my time in Rio.

Rio’s iconic landmarks and attractions

Rio’s dramatic skyline is defined by world-famous monuments that you’ve probably seen in photos a thousand times. But standing beneath the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer or riding the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain is completely different. These are the landmarks that made me fall in love with Rio – each one more impressive in person than I’d imagined.

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 (I don’t recommend walking up, it’s not always safe). 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.

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.

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.

Enter the Metropolitan Cathedral

One of the first things I did when I arrived in Rio was to take a tour so I could get my bearings and see the main sights.

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 your place on a hugely popular guided tour of Rio de Janeiro with lunch including the cathedral.

Beach activities

Rio’s famous beaches are the heart and soul of the city. I spent hours people-watching on Ipanema, taking in the parade of tanned locals playing volleyball, vendors selling caipirinhas, and the stunning backdrop of mountains meeting the sea. Just remember the golden rule: never take valuables to the beach. Theft is common, so leave your phone and camera at your accommodation and just bring enough cash for a drink or two.

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.

Sunbathe on 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.

Adventure activities

Rio is a playground for adrenaline junkies. The combination of mountains, rainforest and ocean means you can try activities here that you won’t find anywhere else. I’m terrified of heights, but I still went hang-gliding over the city – and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my entire South America trip. If I can do it, you can too. Here are the best ways to get your heart racing in Rio.

Go hang-gliding over the city

One of the most thrilling activities in Rio de Janeiro is to go hang-gliding over the city. 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. Rio’s upmarket São Conrado neighbourhood is the city’s hang-gliding hotspot.

My hang-gliding experience

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.

Take a helicopter tour

For those who prefer a less adrenaline-fuelled aerial experience, a helicopter tour is an excellent alternative to see the city from the sky. You’ll see all of Rio’s major landmarks from above, including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the famous beaches.

Trek to Pedra do Telégrafo

Pedra do Telégrafo has become one of Rio’s most Instagram-famous spots. This hiking and beach trip takes you to a rocky outcrop where you can capture the illusion of dangling over a cliff edge, with stunning ocean views as your backdrop. The hike itself takes you through beautiful coastal scenery.

Hike to waterfalls and caves in Tijuca Forest

One of the most highly-rated nature activities in Rio is hiking through Tijuca National Park to discover hidden waterfalls and caves. The park is one of the world’s largest urban forests and this guided hike takes you through lush rainforest to stunning natural features away from the tourist crowds.

Book your Tijuca Forest waterfalls and caves hike with a knowledgeable guide here.

Neighbourhoods to explore

Beyond the famous landmarks, Rio’s real character lives in its neighbourhoods. Each one has its own distinct personality – from the bohemian hilltop charm of Santa Teresa to the samba-filled streets of Lapa. I loved wandering these areas on foot, stumbling upon street art, local bars and impressive viewpoints.

Ride traditional yellow trams through 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.

Dance the night away in Lapa

Rio’s central Lapa neighbourhood is famous for its 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, join an organised Lapa pub crawl.

Day trips from Rio de Janeiro

If you have time, why not go on a day trip from Rio 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.

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Some of the best accommodation in Rio can be found near the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. 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.

Check out all the best accommodation in the Ipanema area of Rio de Janeiro using the map below:

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

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). This is also the month when its famous carnival is held. 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. I went in November and the weather was perfect, otherwise April is pleasant too.

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).

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.

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

Frequently asked questions about visiting Rio de Janeiro

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 things to do in Rio de Janeiro

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 list of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro 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.

Now, discover the Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder of the world spanning Brazil’s border with Argentina.