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Planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Well, you’re in for something special!
Rio is one of South America’s most vibrant cities, but we also know that planning a few days here can feel overwhelming. With mountains, beaches, and culture in spades, we just didn’t know where to start when we first touched down in Rio! But now, after exploring every corner of the city, we’ve put together a fun and stress-free 3-day itinerary to introduce you to the Brazilian capital. We’ll cover all the must-sees, while making time for samba, street food, and local experiences.
Buckle up, because this guide is here to help you make every moment count in Rio de Janeiro. 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 was this full-day Rio tour! We saw the city’s highlights, including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, historic buildings, and local culture, all led by our amazing local guide.
Check out the 2,400+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Itinerary Overview
To make the most out of your time in Rio de Janeiro, we strongly suggest staying in the Copacabana area. It’s iconic, and it also puts you right in the middle of the action, so you’ll have beaches, restaurants, and nightlife right on your doorstep – what’s not to love?
You can explore the most popular areas on foot during the day, and we recommend using the metro to get around the city. It’s fast and affordable, and means you can avoid getting stuck in Rio’s notoriously congested traffic. The metro connects all of the major tourist areas, including Copacabana, Ipanema, and the city center, but you can also use it to get to farther-out areas like Barra da Tijuca. Finally, you can use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber at night, and to reach places that aren’t served by the metro.
Day 1: Kick off your Rio adventure with a full-day sightseeing tour covering the city’s most famous landmarks, including Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Then in the evening, enjoy a classic Brazilian dinner before heading out to experience the rhythm and energy of a live samba show!
Day 2: Spend your morning exploring Rio’s wilder side with a guided hike through Tijuca National Park or take a favela walking tour to learn about local life. Refuel with lunch by Copacabana Beach, then relax on the sand or stroll over to Ipanema. In the evening, we’ll dive into Rio’s flavors on a lively food and bar tour.
Day 3: Begin your final day with a peaceful walk through the Botanical Garden, then spend the afternoon soaring above the city on a scenic helicopter ride before unwinding on a sunset cruise across Guanabara Bay. As night falls, bid farewell to Rio with samba and street food at the famous Pedra do Sal.
Day 1
Full day – See Rio’s Top Sights
There’s no better way to kick off your trip than with this full-day guided tour that hits all of Rio’s biggest highlights! But first, have a quick bite to eat near your hotel to get you going for the day before pickup at 8:30 am.
The tour lasts for about 8 hours, so it will wrap up at around 4:30 pm. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which also means that you’ll have plenty of time to freshen up back at base before dinner. We highly recommend booking the all-inclusive option that includes lunch and cable car tickets, as it makes everything easier and it’s great value for money – that’s what I call a win-win.
We think that this tour’s itinerary is just fantastic. First up, it takes you through Tijuca Forest to reach Christ the Redeemer, which is so famous that it barely needs an introduction! Then, it’s onto Maracanã Stadium, Brazil’s most iconic soccer arena where the city’s two major soccer teams, Flamengo and Fluminense (aka Fla and Flu), battle it out on a regular basis!
Later, you’ll visit the colorful Selarón Steps in Lapa, which is a vibrant mosaic masterpiece made from tiles contributed by visitors from over 60 different countries. All of this exploring certainly works up an appetite, but luckily you’ll get to indulge in an all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue lunch before visiting the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Here, you’ll get to ride the cable car up and enjoy panoramic views over the city’s jaw-dropping skyline.
I think that this tour is the perfect introduction to the rich and vibrant city of Rio. It’s an easy, all-in-one way to experience the very best of Rio without the hassle of planning every stop yourself. And you don’t just have to take my word for it – you can read thousands of 5-star reviews here.
Book this epic full-day sightseeing tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours beforehand!
Dinner – Churrascaria Palace
Your dinner plans today are at a classic Rio spot! And luckily, you don’t have to venture too far from your hotel if you’re staying in Copacabana, as Churrascaria Palace should be just a few minutes’ walk away. We recommend making a reservation for around 6 pm so that you’ll have time to freshen up after the tour, savor your meal, and then make tonight’s samba show for 9 pm.
Churrasarcia Palace is a Rio de Janeiro institution, so it’s THE place to sample famous Brazilian-style meats. I reckon every tourist who visits the city should have this super-popular restaurant on their itinerary.
It’s been around since 1951 and is considered Rio’s most traditional steakhouse. It’s most renowned for its “rodízio,” aka all-you-can-eat service, where waiters bring around meat and side dishes constantly. You won’t be able to say no when you see all the mouthwatering meats! Our favorites from here were the butterfly picanha cut and the prime ribs.
Night – Brazilian Samba and Folklore Show
Tonight, it’s time to get your fix of Brazilian culture with this samba and folklore show! This show has been delighting audiences for over five years with its interactive storytelling. But not only is it a lot of fun, it’s also an engaging way to learn about Brazil’s heart and soul.
The show runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights. If your first day in Rio falls on a different day of the week, you might need to swap days one and two around to ensure you can make the show.
The performance begins at 9 pm, so we recommend taking an Uber or a taxi to the theatre after dinner. The car ride takes about 20 minutes. Then, the show lasts for 1.5 hours, finishing between 10:30 and 11 pm. So while it’s a late night, we think it’s totally worth it!
During the show, the performers will combine Capoeira, frevo, and other dance forms before breaking into their Carnival-inspired finale. Trust me, it will take your breath away! And best of all, audience members are invited to join the performers in the samba at the end of the show, which is so much fun.
Read the great reviews and book this famous samba show here!
Related Read: Looking for more fun activities? See our list of the top things to do in Rio and add a few more to your itinerary!
Day 2
Morning – Explore Tijuca National Park OR Rocinha Favela
Option 1: Explore Tijuca National Park
Would you be surprised to find a massive tropical rainforest lying in the heart of Rio? We couldn’t believe it either! But Tijuca National Park, aka the biggest urban forest in the world, is nestled in the mountains surrounding the city.
We couldn’t resist the chance to see this world-famous sight, so booking this guided tour was a no-brainer. We were also happy to have a local guide navigate Rio’s hectic traffic and help us escape to the mountains!
We recommend booking the 8 am tour. It includes pick-up from most hotels in Copacabana (as well as several pick-up points in the city center), and it lasts for 5 hours in total, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the beaches this afternoon.
We loved this tour because we got to visit all the best spots in the park, including
Pedra Bonita (a stunning summit) and Cascatinha Taunay (the largest waterfall in the park). One of the most unique stops was definitely the Bat Cave – no, you won’t turn into Batman, but walking through this super long cave is a really memorable experience.
Not only do you get to experience the beauty of the park on this tour, but it’s also a great way to learn about the history and significance of the area. And trust me, having a driver and guide makes visiting a million times easier!
Read hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this seamless Tijuca Forest tour here!
Option 2: Explore a favela with a local guide
If you’re going to be experiencing a lot of nature on the rest of your travels through Brazil, then you might want to focus on Rio’s urban side while you’re in town. And in that case, we can certainly recommend this 3-hour walking tour of the Rocinha favela! The tour starts at 9:30 am, and you’ll be picked up from a meeting point in Copacabana.
Rocinha is the largest favela in Latin America and the second-largest in the world. It used to be very dangerous, but these days it has become much safer for visitors to come and learn about its history and culture.
One thing that we love about this tour is that it’s led by a Rocinha local, so you’ll get the real insider scoop on what life is like here. Plus, it means that booking this tour is a great way to support the community.
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. It does an incredible job of showcasing the darker side of Brazil, although it’s also a testament to the resilience and compassion of the people who live in Rocinha. If you’re interested in seeing life in Rio away from the glitz and glamor of Copacabana, this is the tour for you this morning!
Secure your spot on this popular tour here, before it sells out!
Lunch – Joaquina
By the time your morning tour wraps up at either 12:30 or 1 pm, you’ll be ready for a good meal, and we’ve got just the spot for you! Joaquina is a beautiful open-air restaurant just steps away from Copacabana Beach, and it serves up delicious local comfort food. If you’re a seafood lover like me, I highly recommend trying the moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew), and if you’re thirsty, they make great caipirinhas here – well, when in Copacabana, right?
Afternoon – Visit Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach
Epic beaches and Rio de Janeiro go hand-in-hand, so spend some time checking out the two most iconic ones this afternoon! After a full day of exploring yesterday and a busy morning, I think that some R&R at the city’s two best beaches is the least you deserve!
The two beaches are handily located right next to one another and are only separated by a peninsula break. They’re two of the most famous beaches in all of South America.
Ipanema is perhaps slightly less well-known – as in, there’s not a famous pop song about it – but it’s still pretty iconic. It’s a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) white sand beach that’s the perfect spot to relax before you head over to experience the hustle and bustle of Copacabana. It’s also considered the “cooler” of the two by those in the know!
However, you can’t miss out on the chance to visit Copacabana. When you’ve had your fill of Ipanema, take a 15-minute stroll along the promenade over to Copacabana. This is locally known as the calçadão, and it’s one of the most famous beach walks in the world!
When you get to Copacabana Beach, you’ll find it abuzz with activity. At any time of day, there are locals playing soccer, tons of beach vendors, and lots of tanned tourists enjoying caipirinhas from the kiosks dotted along the sand. Some sections of the beach are more relaxed, but for a real party vibe, you should head to the part that’s opposite the Copacabana Palace.
Evening – Eat your way through the city on a food and bar tour
Two of my favorite things about visiting Rio are the food and the nightlife, and this food and bar tour combines them both! It’s so much fun, because you get to go to traditional bars with a local and try a ton of different snacks – enough to add up to a full dinner, in fact.
The tour starts at 7 pm and it lasts for 3 hours, but you may well carry on with your newfound friends afterwards – we’ve found that that’s often the case with these types of experiences. It meets outside of a central hotel in Copacabana, and you should have some time to head home and shower after the beach before heading out again.
What really makes this tour stand out is that it avoids the tourist hotspots and takes you to authentic Rio bars that locals actually drink at – and trust me, no one knows how to party like Cariocas do! You’ll also get to learn more about the city’s party culture and hear lots of colorful stories that will put a smile on your face. We love the fact that all of your drinks and snacks are included, too.
Ready to experience Rio’s lively side? Book this food and bar hopping 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.
Day 3
Morning – Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro
There’s been a lot happening so far on this trip, so this morning we’re taking it easy with a gentle walk through the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro. As you can imagine, it’s a peaceful and scenic spot to explore in the southwest part of the city.
The gardens open at 8 am every day, except on Wednesdays when they open at 11 am. We recommend giving yourself a couple of hours to spend here, as there’s a lot to see. In fact, these UNESCO-listed gardens are home to over 6,500 species of plants!
These gardens showcase the diversity of local flora, but there’s also a huge collection of international plants here. For us, one of the most impressive sections of the garden was the extensive line of giant royal palms, which were all generated from the same mother plant.
Other worthy sections to wander through here include the sensory garden, the Amazon garden, the Japanese garden, the desert garden, and the orchid house. There are also a series of small exhibits and museum spaces to enjoy.
If you choose to visit on your own, the Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro are just a 10-minute Uber ride from the Copacabana area, which is the quickest way to get there. The entrance fee for foreigners to visit the gardens is around 80 BRL (around $15 USD), and it’s cash only.
Lunch – La Bicyclette
After exploring the Botanical Garden, head next door to La Bicyclette, a charming French-style café and bakery. They’ve got sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and strong espresso on order, so it’s the perfect spot for a pick-me-up before your helicopter tour. Speaking of which, the helicopter meeting point is about 35 minutes away, so we suggest getting to La Bicyclette at around 11 am so that you don’t need to rush.
Afternoon – Helicopter ride over Rio
Now, we believe that your last day should always be the most exciting! And while you’ve seen most of Rio’s top attractions by now, you’ll get to see them from a whole different perspective this afternoon – that’s right, I’m talking about flying over Rio in a helicopter!
There really is no better way to see Rio than from high above, and this 30-minute flight is the most reputable option. We suggest booking it anywhere from 12 to 1 pm so that you’ll have time to catch the sunset cruise back in Copacabana. It takes about an hour to get from the heliport to Copacabana, and then you might just have time for a quick change before you head to the marina to catch the boat, which should take another 15 minutes by taxi.
During the flight, you’ll pass over Rio’s top landmarks, like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, and the Maracanã stadium. Rio has such a rich and diverse landscape, and flying over it shows you just how incredible it really is. I don’t think there’s another city out there like it, so if you’re going to do a helicopter tour anywhere in South America, I recommend that you do it here.
Read the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and reserve this scenic helicopter flight here!
Late Afternoon – Relax on a sunset cruise
Can you imagine any better way to wrap up your time in Rio than this sunset cruise across Guanabara Bay? Taking in the city views, as the sky flashed brilliant colors of orange and pink, is something I’ll never forget!
It departs from Marina da Glória at 3:30 pm, and it lasts for 3 hours, meaning that you’ll wrap up at around 6:30 pm. During that time, you’ll cruise past some of Rio’s most iconic landmarks, including Sugarloaf Mountain, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Rio–Niterói Bridge, as well as the Flamengo and Botafogo beaches.
We had such a great time on this cruise because it was a pretty intimate experience with a limited number of people on board. The crew was super friendly and they kept the drinks flowing, so you can expect fresh caipirinhas and cold beer, or soft drinks if you prefer. They shared a few stories about Rio’s history with us and provided a fresh fruit platter for us to enjoy midway through the cruise.
The crew also played some upbeat music, and we were free to just sit back and relax as we took in the views. They would have been spectacular at any time of day, but watching the sunset on board made it even more special. Plus, there was a stop near Sugarloaf Mountain where some passengers hopped into the water for a swim!
All in all, we think this cruise is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Rio’s scenery, without having to lift a finger! And we’re not the only ones who loved it – check out 900+ glowing views here.
Ready to set sail? Book this top-rated sunset cruise here!
Evening – Pedra do Sal
It’s your last night in Rio, so end your trip with a true taste of Rio’s nightlife at Pedra do Sal. This is a historic square in the Saúde neighborhood that’s known as the birthplace of samba. Every week, locals and travelers gather here for open-air samba sessions that spill into the early morning hours. The atmosphere is electric, and you really can’t miss it!
Getting to Pedra do Sal is easy. You can either jump in a taxi or an Uber, but if you want to save some money, you can always get the metro to Cinelandia station and exit via Exit C (Pedro Lessa Street). Then, hop on the tram heading in the direction of Praia Formosa and jump off at Parada dos Museus. You’ll hear the music from here, so follow your ears to the best party in Rio de Janeiro.
Oh, and come hungry, because Pedra do Sal is also a great spot to grab dinner from the street food stalls that line the square. You’ll find everything from grilled skewers and pastel pastries to cold beers and strong caipirinhas, all served up with the kind of warmth and energy Rio is famous for.
The main samba night happens on Mondays at 8 pm, but there’s a smaller, more intimate event on Fridays.
Alternate evening option
Samba at Pedra do Sal only happens on Mondays and Fridays, so if you’re last day falls on any other day of the week, we have another lovely way to wrap up the evening.
After your sunset cruise, you can make your way to Bota, a high-end Italian and Mediterranean restaurant just steps from Marina da Glória. Grab a seat on the patio and take in the last moments of sunlight as the marina begins to light up. They are known for amazingly fresh seafood dishes and a wide drink selection, so relax into your evening over a leisurely dinner!
If you’re keen to experience some of Rio’s samba scene, you can do so even if Pedra do Sal is quiet! Rio Scenarium is a historic nightclub with several levels of music, dancing, and a fun atmosphere. It’s open from Wednesday through Saturday and just a 10-minute Uber from Bota. There are many other samba bars in the city, so you can do a quick search to see what will fit your vibe for the evening!
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
Now that you know what to get up to in Rio, it’s time to think about where to stay! The best area is Copacabana, right on the city’s most famous beach. Staying here puts you within easy reach of the sand, and it’s also a convenient base for exploring the rest of the city. A lot of the attractions and activities we’ve talked about in this itinerary are in Copacabana, and most of the tours offer pickup from here, too – it just makes sense to stay here!
Because Copacabana is such a popular area for visitors, it offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget, from modern hotels to boutique stays with ocean views. To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up our top picks below.
Luxury – $$$
Luxury travelers should stay at Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro! It’s an upscale beachfront hotel that offers everything you’d expect from a Hilton: sleek rooms, top-notch service, and incredible views. The highlight here is the rooftop pool and bar, where you’ll get sweeping panoramas of the ocean and Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s the ultimate spot for sunset drinks!
The rooms are modern and spacious, with many featuring sea views. There’s a spa, gym, and two on-site restaurants, making it a great option if you’re looking for a resort vibe. Plus, it’s located right on Avenida Atlântica, steps from the sand and close to restaurants and shops.
Rooms here start at $200 USD for a twin or double, and range up to $750 USD per night for an ocean view suite. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Miramar By Windsor Copacabana is a beachfront hotel that offers great value for money. It’s right on Copacabana’s main promenade, and many rooms have stunning ocean views! The rooftop infinity pool is a major highlight, or you can enjoy lounging on the beach itself, with complimentary parasols and loungers.
The rooms here are clean, stylish, and comfortable, and the service is so warm and friendly. The on-site restaurant, Alloro El Miramar, is another standout. The fresh seafood is out of this world! All in all, this hotel is perfect for travelers seeking beachfront luxury at an affordable price.
Rooms here start at $165 USD per night, while the most luxurious executive suites go for $500 USD and up. Browse all room categories and book your stay here!
Budget – $
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay in the heart of Copacabana, Riale Vilamar is a great option. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and close to the metro, so getting around the city is easy. The rooms are simple yet modern, with all the basics covered, like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and comfortable beds.
There’s also a small rooftop pool and fitness center, which is a nice bonus at this price point. It’s not fancy, but for budget travelers who want a clean, central place to sleep between beach days and sightseeing, Riale Vilamar hits the mark.
Rooms here cost between $115 and $165 USD per night. Find the best prices on Booking.com!
Related Read: Looking for more options? Our guide on Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro includes the best areas to stay in and our recommended hotels, to make your planning seamless.
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Three days is the perfect amount of time to experience Rio! This city is lively and full of culture, so you’ll have no shortage of things to do. Hopefully this guide is helpful as you plan your trip, so you can simply enjoy your travels and not stress about the logistics – we’ve got you covered!
Before you take off, check out all of our Brazil blogs. We’ve had the pleasure of traveling throughout this country and have put together guides to help you plan your vacation. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!
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