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Looking for the best things to do in Rio? Then you’ve come to the right place. After extensively exploring Rio de Janeiro, we have found the absolute best things to do, from hidden gems to popular attractions. Read about them below!
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!
I understand how you are feeling, but don’t worry! 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!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Check out our list of our absolute favorite things to do in Rio de Janeiro:
- View the city from the water on this yacht sailing experience
- Explore the beautiful Tijuca National Park on this half-day tour
- Tap into your adventurous side and go hang gliding!
- Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
- 1. Go Sailing on a Yacht
- 2. Go Hang Gliding
- 3. Explore waterfalls and caves in Tijuca National Park
- 4. Hike Pedra da Gávea
- 5. Helicopter Ride over Rio
- 6. Visit the Christ the Redeemer
- 7. Take in the Street Art in Lapa
- 8. Tour through Rocinha Favela
- 9. Take the Gondola up Sugarloaf Mountain
- 10. Arraial do Cabo
- Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
1. Go Sailing on a Yacht
A sailboat tour is a relaxing way to go sightseeing or a nice recovery from a lot of days spent walking around Rio.
On this 3-hour Sailing Experience, you’ll get to enjoy Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf with a unique new viewpoint from out in Guanabara Bay and the open seas. Plus, gaze out at Rio’s fabulous skyline as you sip on your welcome drink and munch on snacks! I couldn’t believe how gorgeous these views were the first I went on a cruise in Guanabara Bay – I know you’ll be blown away too!
The yacht you will board is 12 meters (40 feet) long and only will board up to 20 passengers at a time. We love that this is a smaller tour, which makes it feel much more relaxed and personalized. Our server, Bruno, was always ready to put a Caipirinha in my hand!
The cost for this highly-rated tour (check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here) starts at only $55 USD per person. There are two different cruise options offered throughout the day, one at 11 am and a sunset option starting at 3 pm.
Reserve this day of luxury here with FREE cancellation options when you book in advance!
2. 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!
Remember Tijuca National Park that we talked about above? Well, this flight actually launches from a ramp inside the park! We actually 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!)
Flights usually cost $200 USD, and then we had to pay $21 USD on the day for insurance. The price of this flight also includes GoPro footage of the flight. And come on, you’re definitely going to want to show this off on your social media!
Check availability for hang gliding in Rio here (it usually does book up!)
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?
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!
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 (one of which we got to swim in), and even a mysterious bat cave! Honestly, it was an absolute blast and the tour meant we didn’t have to worry about getting to the park or finding our way around.
The waterfalls and caves tour that we did costs $135 USD for a solo traveler or $76 USD for groups of 2 or more. Honestly, we think that price is very hard to beat, but you can also upgrade to a VIP tour starting from $105 USD per person. Browse all options here!
Alternatively, there’s the option to do the epic Parrot’s Beak Hike from $85 USD per person. This is a difficult hike so it’s well worth going with a guide, but I promise it will be worth it when you reach what has to be one of the best viewpoints over Rio and take in those epic views!
Check availability for this top-rated Tijuca National Park tour here!
4. Hike Pedra da Gávea
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 dangerous 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 as I did. This specific tour includes all your transport, safety equipment, and health insurance for $88 USD.
I loved how there was a maximum of only 6 people on this tour so that the guide could easily help each of us when needed. We also had the chance to take a dip in a waterfall if we wanted – it really made 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 8 hours. Prices start at $65 USD per person and go up depending on if you require hotel transport or would prefer a private tour.
Just make sure you are physically fit before attempting this trek!
Book this guided hike before you go with FREE cancellation options.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Helicopter Ride over Rio
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.
In many places around the world, helicopter tours can be quite expensive but this tour is only $293 USD which from my experience is a very good price. 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!
Secure your spot on this helicopter flight here, with reserve now, pay later options!
6. Visit the Christ the Redeemer
Did you know that Christ the Redeemer is one of the 7 Wonders of the World? This massive statue of Jesus Christ is a must-see attraction in Rio de Janeiro as one of Brazil’s most famous landmarks.
There are three ways to visit Christ the Redeemer. The first is by taking the bus or train to the top. This is a very convenient and easy option as you get dropped right at the entrance gates. You’ll just need to get yourself to the lower starting point. You can purchase skip-the-line admission tickets in advance, which will save you time and is honestly way more convenient – as you can imagine, the lines are quite long here!
Secure your skip-the-line tickets before you go here!
The second is to join this full-day guided tour that visits the highlights of Rio including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Maracana, and Selaron. The tour includes a yummy BBQ lunch and your entrance fees for Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer for only $146 USD. It’s excellent value and is the most booked tour in Rio de Janeiro with over 2,000 raving reviews. I recommend this tour to anyone who has a couple of days in Rio as you cover a lot of ground and learn all about the city!
The third, and the way I visited Christ the Redeemer, was by hiking up through the forest of Corcovado Mountain. This hiking trail starts in Parque Lage and takes around 2 hours to complete. The trail is mostly uphill, but walking through the forest is beautiful. Along the way, we even saw monkeys swinging from the trees.
Entrance to the Christ the Redeemer is about $55 BRL (about $10 USD) depending on the season, and you can only pay with cash at the top. Once you visit the statue, you’ll be able to get that iconic photo, which although cringe-worthy, makes for a great memory of Rio!
Sure, you can do this hike on your own, but there have been reports of people getting robbed on the trail. For this reason, we recommend joining this guided hiking tour instead. You will have an expert guide and a small group of fellow hikers for safety in numbers!
Check prices and availability for this guided hike here!
7. Take in the Street Art in Lapa
If you’re expecting great street art in Rio de Janeiro… you’d be right! Graffiti has been legal here since 2009 and so the city is covered in vibrant pieces, but Lapa is the epicenter of the street art phenomenon. And while it’s fun to wander around by yourself and check out the murals, we highly recommend booking this private street art tour!
We were interested in this tour because we wanted to learn more about the stories behind the murals and, of course, the artists. And trust me, our amazing guide, Wellington, more than delivered on that front! He told us so many incredible stories about the pieces that we saw, and helped us to find murals that we wouldn’t have discovered on our own.
On the tour, we visited the Selaron Staircase, which is one of Rio’s most famous Instagram spots, and the Olympic Boulevard, where Wellington told us about the history of slavery in Brazil and how it has shaped its capital city. We were so glad to have a guide with us to teach us about the context of the artwork we saw.
This tour costs $51 USD per person, which we think is amazing value for a private tour. We think it’s a must-do to really get to know the history and character of Rio de Janeiro. It definitely made us fall even deeper in love with the city!
Check availability for the best street art tour in Rio here!
Related Read: If you love graffiti, checking out amazing graffiti is also one of the best things to do in Sao Paulo, Brazil!
8. Tour through Rocinha Favela
Rocinha is the largest favela in Latin America and the second-largest in the world. Although Rocinha used to be a very dangerous place, these days the favela has become much safer and now visitors can learn about the culture and history of these communities.
This guided tour is run by a Rocinha resident and includes pick-up from your hotel for $37 USD. On the tour, you’ll be guided around the favela to learn about the daily life of the residents and the hardships and difficulties they have faced. Along the way, you’ll admire unique street art and part of the tour price goes toward helping the residents of Rocinha.
The purpose of the tour is education and to give the residents here a voice. Although this tour might not be for everyone, those who want to learn about the darker side of Brazil, as well as the beautiful side, will enjoy it.
Check out the 500+ positive reviews and secure your spot on this popular tour here!
9. Take the Gondola up Sugarloaf Mountain
I’ve had the chance to take many gondola rides around the world. Some were great, and others not so much. But if you asked me which gondola ride was my favorite, I would have to say the ride up Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro is definitely one of the best!
Sugarloaf Mountain is the large peak you’ll see in just about every photo of Rio de Janeiro, and taking the gondola to the top is one of the best attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Once at the top, you can wander around and enjoy the views and even a meal or drink. I will warn you though, the restaurants at the top are very expensive, so if you’re on a budget, eat before you go.
I went up Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset and loved it. If the photo above doesn’t tell you just how beautiful the view is, I don’t know what will!
You can book your cable car ticket in advance at no extra cost for $34 USD, which will simply make your visit smoother! If you want a “skip the line” ticket, you can get those for $53 USD. After visiting for ourselves, we know how busy it can get so the extra cost for the “skip the line” ticket can definitely be worth it, especially if you are short on time or visiting during peak season!
Book your cable car tickets before you go here or save time and skip the line here!
If you want a more in-depth experience, you can also join this full-day guided tour to Sugarloaf Mountain and other top Rio sights. On it, you will also get to see the iconic Christ de Redeemer and cruise around downtown past some of the city’s most spectacular landmarks. Tickets for this tour begin at $72 USD, which is great value considering lunch is also included!
Don’t miss out on Rio’s best sights (including Sugarloaf Mountain!) – check availability here!
10. Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo is a small beach town that Brazilians consider to be the Caribbean of Brazil. Your jaw might just drop when you see the almost blinding white sand and bright turquoise waters. The water here is unbelievably clear!
Arraial do Cabo is about 2 hours away from Rio, but is a must-see if you are a beach or ocean lover. To get there, book this private transfer..
Once in Arraial do Cabo, there are many things to do! One of the most popular activities is this half-day boat tour which goes to some of the most beautiful beaches in Arraial. You’ll beach hop, enjoy the relaxed vibes on the boat, and get a chance to stop and enjoy the blue water by swimming and other activities.
Plus, they have an adorable dog on board who loves meeting new friends! This boat trip is 4.5 hours and only $28 USD per person. Please note that it doesn’t include transportation to/from Rio, so this tour is a great option if you are planning to stay in Arraial do Cabo or feel comfortable organizing your own transport.
This boat tour only has positive reviews – check them out here and book your spot now!
Arraial do Cabo is also one of the top 5 dive sites in Brazil. This scuba dive day trip is a great option for all levels, from certified divers to complete beginners!
They make it really easy by providing included transportation to/from your accommodation in Rio and all your scuba gear, so you can simply enjoy the experience. I can’t think of a better way to experience the Caribbean of Brazil!
Don’t miss out on this bucket list experience – check the availability here!
Of course, we recommend spending a few days here, but if you are short on time you can do this organized full-day trip from Rio instead. It’s a long day at around 12 hours, but you will be able to get a taste of many of the highlights in the area.
This boat tour includes 40 minutes of swimming at both Ilha do Farol and Prainhas do Pontal, photos at Blue Grotto, Fenda de Nossa Senhora, Pedra Perfil do Gorila, and a final 20-minute stop at Forno Beach before enjoying lunch at a local buffet. Costs start around $66 USD and include roundtrip transportation to/from your hotel in Rio.
This is a super popular tour and can fill up – so make sure to check availability here!
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. Each location offers its own unique stay, with Copacabana and Ipanema being close to the beach and Lapa and Santa Teresa in the more historical part of the city.
Copacabana
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.
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 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 is 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.
Ipanema
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is another fantastic option for luxury travelers. You can’t get any closer to the water and with a rooftop pool and all the facilities you’d expect such as a wellness center offering massages with a gym and sauna, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, a sunroom, and a nightclub – it’s perfect! A bed here will set you back $630 USD but your room will have modern furnishings, a minibar, robes, and a TV – some even have a seating area and a bathtub. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com!
For medium-budget travelers, Arena Ipanema Hotel is a beachfront property with stunning views, a restaurant and bar, and a rooftop pool with lots of lounge chairs to work on your tan. There is a fitness center and sauna that all guests are welcome to use as well as a 24-hour help desk if you need anything. For the price of $180 USD a night, it’s a great value. You can book this hotel on Booking.com.
Ipanema Beach House is the best budget option with dorm beds starting at $16 USD in a very safe neighborhood of Rio. It’s only 2 blocks to reach the beach and also has a pool at the Ipanema Beach House just a block from the main building which is also where the metro station is if you need to use it! The other more popular beaches aren’t as close, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away. It’s also easy to book on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Lapa and Santa Teresa
The Mansion Aline is located in Santa Teresa and would suit the medium to high-end budget. The hotel has a rooftop jacuzzi as well as breathtaking views over the city. The deluxe suites have their own spa baths, a patio, and a private kitchen with a minibar and coffee maker. All rooms have a view of the city and river/garden views. One night here will average $169 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com.
I love the Sociatel Lapa for budget travelers. Rooms are air-conditioned and you can choose a dorm room for around $20 USD or a standard private room for $70 USD. The property is close to nearby happening bars and restaurants but Sociatel’s restaurant is loved by its guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or for coffee from the coffee house – give it a try! You can reserve a room on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
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:
What to know before backpacking in Brazil