This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
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!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Rio was this full-day sightseeing experience. With hotel transfer included, as well as all entrance fees, sightseeing really doesn’t get any easier than this!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
- 1. Go Hang Gliding
- 2. See the most iconic sights in the city
- 3. Explore waterfalls and caves in Tijuca National Park
- 4. Sail into the sunset
- 5. Take to the skies on a helicopter tour
- 6. Visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue
- 7. Learn to cook like a local
- 8. Go hiking
- 9. Join a samba class
- 10. Celebrate with a dinner show
- 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 Hang Gliding
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Time: Multiple times available between 8:30 am and 2 pm
- Highlights: Take off from Pedra Bonita ramp and soar over Rio’s famous coastline, enjoy panoramic views of Tijuca National Park, Christ the Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain, and land right on São Conrado Beach
- Inclusions: Certified level 4 instructor, safety equipment (helmet, flight belt, carabiner, parachute), one GoPro video, hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!)
Check availability for hang gliding in Rio here (it usually does book up!)
2. See the most iconic sights in the city
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Time: 7 am, 7:30 am
- Highlights: Visit Rio’s most iconic landmarks in one unforgettable day, including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, Sambódromo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, your professional guide, buffet lunch, live commentary, entrance fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check 3,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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.
Don’t miss out on Rio’s best sights (including Sugarloaf Mountain!) – check availability here!
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
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 7:15 am, 1 pm, other times available for private tour option
- Highlights: Discover Rio’s wild side on a guided hike through Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban rainforest, visit caves and waterfalls, spot tropical wildlife, and take in sweeping city views from stunning lookout points
- Inclusions: Professional multilingual guide, round-trip transportation from select areas, entrance tickets to Tijuca National Park, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rating: 5 stars (check 820+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation:
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Check availability for this top-rated Tijuca National Park tour here!
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.
4. Sail into the sunset
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Watch the sun set over Rio de Janeiro from the water on this small-group sailing tour through Guanabara Bay, glide past landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Rio–Niterói Bridge
- Inclusions: Your professional skipper, drinks, bottled water, light snacks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Check availability and book with FREE cancellation here!
5. Take to the skies on a helicopter tour
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Time: Multiple times available between 8 am and 5:30 pm
- Highlights: See Rio de Janeiro from above on a breathtaking helicopter flight over its most famous landmarks, including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema, and the Tijuca Forest
- Inclusions: 30-minute scenic flight, professional pilot and guide, bottled or filtered water, coffee or tea
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Secure your spot on this helicopter flight here, with reserve now, pay later options!
6. Visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 7:30 am, 9 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm,
- Highlights: Visit Rio’s two most famous landmarks, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, in one efficient half-day tour, enjoy early access to beat the crowds, scenic drives through Tijuca Forest, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city
- Inclusions: Professional bilingual guide, hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas, deluxe air-conditioned van, optional entrance fees to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Time: 10:45 am, 12 pm
- Highlights: Dive into Brazilian culture through food in this hands-on cooking class, learn to prepare nine traditional dishes, master the art of Brazil’s iconic caipirinha
- Inclusions: Professional instructor, all cooking ingredients, unlimited caipirinhas, bottled water and soft drinks, recipe e-book and photos, optional market tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Check availability for the best cooking class in Rio here!
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
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Time: 7 am, 7:45 am
- Highlights: Conquer one of Rio’s most thrilling hikes with a full-day trek to Pedra da Gávea. Journey through the Tijuca Rainforest, climb a short rock face with guidance from an expert instructor, and take in jaw-dropping views over the city, beaches, and rainforest from the summit
- Inclusions: Professional trilingual guide, safety equipment, entrance fees to Tijuca National Park
- Rating: 5 stars (check 190+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Book this guided hike before you go with FREE cancellation options.
9. Join a samba class
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 7 pm
- Highlights: Learn Brazil’s most famous dance in a fun beginner samba class in Ipanema, then head straight to a local samba club with your group to dance the night away to a live band
- Inclusions: Professional instructor, 1-hour samba and forró class, tour guide, express club entry, transfer to
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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.
Check out the glowing reviews and secure your spot on this popular tour here!
10. Celebrate with a dinner show
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Time: Wednesday through Sunday from 7 pm
- Highlights: Spend an unforgettable evening at the acclaimed Roxy Dinner Show, named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Places in the World 2025, enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner inspired by Brazil’s diverse regions
- Inclusions: Three-course dinner (with vegan options), live show “Aquele Abraço,” choice of starters, mains, and desserts
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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.
Check availability and reserve your table for an unforgettable evening 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. 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.
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