10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro? You’re in the right place!

It’s no secret that there is plenty to do in Rio de Janeiro. I’m talking national parks, beaches, local festivals, and everything in between. Believe me, you won’t be bored here.

We’ve spent a lot of time in Rio as tourists, and each time we go, we find something new to fall in love with. However, this is a massive city, and for first-time visitors, it can be overwhelming! This list breaks down the 10 BEST things to do in Rio along with my must-know tips you won’t find anywhere else to help you plan the best trip possible.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

1. Go Hang Gliding

Hang gliding is always fun, but doing it in Rio de Janeiro where the mountains meet the sea? It’s truly on another level. And best of all, you don’t even need any gliding experience for this tandem hang gliding flight! 

We met our instructors down by a beach in Sao Conrado and they drove us up to the launch point. Well, after a safety briefing, of course!

We got a little training up on the mountain before launching off and flying over the city, back down to the sandy white shore. We had amazing views of Rio de Janeiro’s dramatic, steep-sided mountains as we flew over the Sao Conrado area. It was amazing to get a bird’s eye view of the landscape, and talk about an adrenaline rush! 

Flight times do vary according to wind conditions, but ours lasted around 10 minutes, and we loved every second. We both had fantastic flying partners who made us feel very safe, so we could just enjoy the experience. 

This particular hang gliding flight is one of the top-rated in the world, with over 1,000 5-star reviews (that you can read here!)

2. See the most iconic sights in the city

Your first morning in Rio can be a little overwhelming, there’s so much to do everywhere you look that it’s hard to know where to start. Do you head straight for Christ the Redeemer? Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain? Or wander through the colorful streets of Santa Teresa? That’s exactly why this full-day city tour is such a win, it brings all of Rio’s most iconic sights together in one perfectly planned day.

You’ll see everything that makes this city so unforgettable, from the sweeping views atop Christ the Redeemer to the shimmering coastline seen from Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable car ride alone is worth the trip, it’s one of those pinch-me moments that stays with you!

We loved the easy rhythm of the day, with photo stops at the Selarón Steps and Dona Marta Lookout, stories about Carnival and local culture from our guide, and a buffet lunch that turned out to be a delicious highlight (the feijoada was incredible).

By the time the van dropped us back at our hotel, we felt like we’d truly understood Rio, its rhythm, its color, and its spirit. If you want one day that captures it all without the stress of planning or navigating, this is the way to do it.

Related Read: Wondering where to stay while you’re here? Our Rio de Janeiro hotel guide has all the hotels we love and the areas we recommend staying in!

3. Explore waterfalls and caves in Tijuca National Park

Fancy escaping the city for a bit? Well, look no further than Tijuca National Park, which is a huge man made rainforest in the heart of the city. How cool is that?

The forest is huge (in fact, it’s the world’s largest urban rainforest) so we highly recommend visiting with a guide to make the most of your time here! We absolutely love this small group tour, because it visits three stunning viewpoints, two waterfalls, and even a mysterious bat cave! 

This park was developed as part of a 19th century conservation project, and is now home to some incredible wildlife, including ocelots, bush dogs, and howler monkeys. There are also caves and around 30 waterfalls in the park, so it’s a must visit if you love outdoor adventures as much as we do. 

And as if all of that weren’t enough, there are some truly incredible viewpoints. The park is actually above the city, and we just couldn’t get enough of the views of the mountains, ocean, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue.

If seeing more than just the city sounds like your perfect adventure, this tour is for you! And you’re not alone – you can check out over 800 5-star reviews here!

4. Sail into the sunset

If you ask us, there’s no better way to wrap up a day in Rio than with a sunset sail across Guanabara Bay. As the sun dips behind Sugarloaf Mountain and the sky turns gold and pink, the whole city seems to slow down, it’s pure magic.

This small-group sailing tour keeps things relaxed and scenic. You’ll set out from Marina da Glória, glide past landmarks like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Rio–Niterói Bridge, and watch Christ the Redeemer light up in the distance. The crew keeps your glass full with complimentary drinks, and there are light snacks to enjoy while you take in those postcard-perfect views.

We like that the pace is unhurried, you’ll have plenty of time for photos and sightseeing, but also to simply relax and chat with the crew or fellow guests. The boat is modern and comfortable, with shaded seating and plenty of open deck space for those who want to stretch out and enjoy the breeze. It’s a fun, social way to see Rio’s landmarks from the water without feeling rushed.

What we love most is how peaceful it feels. With a maximum of 14 guests on board, it’s never crowded, just the sound of the waves, good company, and Rio’s skyline glowing in the evening light. For an easy, unforgettable evening on the water, this one’s hard to beat!

5. Take to the skies on a helicopter tour

Dare to experience one of the most exhilarating ways to see Rio? Booking a helicopter tour is one of the best things to do in Rio for thrill-seekers.

This specific 30-minute helicopter flight is one of the top options in Rio! You’ll be in safe hands with the expert pilots and learn a ton about the sights from their commentary. We’ve taken scenic flights all over the world, but none as iconic as this one!

You’ll be able to see aerial views of Rio’s top landmarks on your flight path including but not limited to Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Maracanã, the Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. It’s easy to say that those 30 minutes will be jam-packed with impressive sights.

With hundreds of 5-star reviews, it doesn’t get any better than this, so definitely take advantage and book this tour while in Brazil!

6. Visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue

There’s nothing quite like seeing Christ the Redeemer up close for the first time. Perched high above the city on Corcovado Mountain, the 30-meter-tall (98 ft) statue seems to float between the clouds and the ocean. From its base, Rio spreads out in every direction, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the forested slopes of Tijuca, and the curve of Guanabara Bay.

If seeing Christ the Redeemer is at the top of your list and you’d like to avoid the crowds for tickets, this half-day tour is ideal. It takes you straight to the heart of the experience, combining the city’s two most iconic sights, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, without the long travel times or commitment of a full-day tour. The early morning start means fewer crowds, cooler air, and the best light for photos.

You’ll travel comfortably through Tijuca Forest, ride the official park vehicles up to the summit of Corcovado, and later take the cable car to Sugarloaf for another incredible view over Rio. It’s efficient, scenic, and perfectly timed so you’re back by early afternoon, having checked two of the world’s greatest viewpoints off your list.

7. Learn to cook like a local

Rio might be famous for its beaches and views, but its food scene deserves just as much attention. If you love food (and a good caipirinha), this cooking-class is one of the most fun experiences you can have in the city. Instead of just tasting Brazil’s famous dishes, you’ll actually learn how to make them in a relaxed, hands-on cooking class set in Ipanema.

Under the guidance of a friendly local chef, you’ll cook nine classic dishes, from creamy seafood moqueca and juicy picanha steak to pão de queijo and brigadeiro fudge. The best part? The drinks flow freely, and you’ll learn to shake up your own as you go. The atmosphere is casual, social, and full of laughter, with music playing and everyone chatting like old friends.

You can also upgrade your experience with an optional market tour, where you’ll explore Rio’s colorful produce stalls and learn about the tropical ingredients that make Brazilian cuisine so special. By the end, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations with your classmates, and probably start planning your next dinner party.

For food lovers, culture seekers, or anyone craving a taste of real Brazilian hospitality, this is an absolute must-do!

Related Read: If you’d rather have us plan the best trip for you, our 3-day Rio itinerary hits all the highlights from tours to restaurants!

8. Go hiking

One of the best but lesser-known hikes in Rio de Janeiro is Pedra da Gávea. 

Known as the highest peak in Rio, this short 5 km (3.1 miles) out-and-back route is a challenging hike that is famous for its epic views over the city. The trail is all uphill, and the last section is a little more challenging and aided with the use of ropes. However, the challenge becomes all worth it once you see the magnificent views.

You can hike the trail on your own. However, since this is such a challenging and technical hike, I highly recommend going on an organized tour. This guided hike up Pedra da Gávea includes all your transport, safety equipment, and health insurance!

I love how there was a maximum of only 6 people on this tour so that the guide could easily help anyone when needed. You’ll also have the chance to take a dip in a waterfall if you want – it really makes the difficulties of the hike not seem so bad after all!

The trail begins a short bus ride out of Ipanema near the Rio Beach Club, and the walk-up takes around 2 to 3 hours, but the entire tour experience lasts around 6 to 7 hours. Just make sure you are physically fit before attempting this trek!

9. Join a samba class

You can’t visit Rio without experiencing samba, it’s the heartbeat of the city! This evening experience combines a relaxed dance class with a night out at a real samba club, so you can go from learning the steps to dancing alongside locals in just a few hours. It’s fun, energetic, and absolutely packed with that unmistakable Carioca spirit.

The night starts in Ipanema with a beginner-friendly class where you’ll learn the basics of samba and forró. No partner or experience is needed, the instructors make it lighthearted and easy to follow, and before long you’ll be moving to the rhythm like you’ve been doing it for years. It’s the perfect warm-up for what comes next.

After class, you’ll head straight to one of Rio’s best samba clubs with your guide. Skip the line, grab a drink, and hit the dance floor while a live band keeps the music going. The atmosphere is infectious, everyone’s smiling, dancing, and fully immersed in the rhythm of Rio.

If you’re looking for an authentic night out that combines culture, fun, and a little confidence boost, this is it.

10. Celebrate with a dinner show

If you’re looking for an unforgettable night out in Rio, the Roxy Dinner Show is where dining meets pure spectacle. Recently named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Places in the World 2025, this experience brings together incredible food, live performance, and the infectious spirit of Brazil, all under one glittering roof.

The evening begins with a beautifully crafted three-course dinner that celebrates the country’s diverse regions. Each dish blends international flair with Brazilian essence, from mignon filet with jabuticaba sauce, moqueca made with plantain and coconut rice, and desserts infused with tropical flavors like passion fruit and Brazil nuts. Vegan options are also available, and the presentation is as impressive as the taste.

Once dinner is served, the lights dim and the show begins. The exclusive performance, Aquele Abraço, is a vibrant journey through Brazilian music and dance, with dazzling costumes, powerful vocals, and live choreography that pays homage to the country’s rich traditions. It’s part cabaret, part cultural celebration, and completely captivating.

For a night that blends fine dining with pure art, the Roxy Dinner Show delivers in every way.

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

As you can imagine, Rio de Janeiro is filled with unique places to stay all over the city. However, the three most popular areas to stay in are Copacabana, Ipanema, and Lapa/Santa Teresa. If we had to pick one area though, it would be Copacabana, which is close to the beach with easy access to the city!

Luxury – $$$

Luxury travelers should stay at PortoBay Rio de Janeiro. It’s a 4-star beachfront hotel with a rooftop pool, gym, spa, and sauna. You can book a room with a sea view for around $200 USD. It is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and popular bars.

The on-site La Finestra restaurant serves really delicious Brazilian dishes as well as other international cuisine. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-Range – $$$

Nacional Inn Rio Copacabana is a moderately priced hotel, just a few blocks from the beach, and has a pool with an excellent view. Although the rooms are on the small side that shouldn’t matter too much if you plan to spend most of your time outside of the hotel.

They offer a fresh breakfast, an on-site bar, and a sauna. You can book this stay on Booking.com!

Budget – $

Budget travelers will love Pura Vida Hostel. It’s clean and social with lots of space to party just like a local, and dorm beds start around $22 USD per night. It’s only 2 blocks away from Copacabana Beach and a 15-minute walk to Arpoador which has plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies.

The staff are warm and welcoming and makes your stay even more fun with their social personalities! You can book a room on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Thanks for reading!

Rio de Janeiro is truly a magnificent place to visit filled with amazing things to see and do. Reading this blog sure makes me miss the city! For those of you lucky enough to be heading to Rio I truly hope you enjoy yourself and make the most of your visit using this travel guide.

Thanks so much for reading! If you have any questions at all just leave us a comment below! Also, check out all our other Brazil blogs here or these related articles below:

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