Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Local’s guide to the top things to do

Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant city that offers endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment. From its stunning beaches to its lively neighbourhoods, Rio has something for everyone. Rio holds a special place in our hearts, as it was where we first met in the vibrant neighbourhood of Copacabana. Not only that, Vinicius is a native of Rio, and we spent a remarkable 4.5 years living together in the beautiful area of Ipanema. In this guide, we aim to provide you with valuable local insights on what to do and see in Rio, as well as essential tips to enhance your experience before your visit.

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Table of Contents

Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a city that never sleeps, and there is no shortage of things to do. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rio has it all. Here are some of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro:

1. Explore Sugarloaf Mountain

Experience the awe-inspiring vistas of Rio by taking a cable car up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. This magnificent vantage point not only offers breathtaking views but also serves as an idyllic spot to witness the sun gracefully setting over the city.

Morro da Urca view in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If you enjoy hiking, you can hike up to Morro da Urca and then take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain. The hike typically takes around 20-40 minutes, depending on your fitness level.

If you’re in Rio during New Year’s, Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf are great spots to witness the magical fireworks. Don’t miss the New Year’s party there!

2. Walk around Ipanema

Ipanema is known for its beautiful beach, trendy shops and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Take a stroll down the iconic Ipanema Beach boulevard and experience the local culture.

Ipanema rooftop Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In our opinion, Ipanema is one of the best places to stay in Rio. The beach offers stunning views of the Dois Irmãos mountains and is perfect for hanging out. It’s particularly beautiful in the morning when it’s less crowded, but also sunset time is truly magical.

3. Experience the breathtaking sights of Rio on a helicopter ride!

For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, consider taking a helicopter ride over Rio. This is the perfect way to see all the iconic sights of the city from above, including Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Helicopter flight in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

You can choose from different tour packages that range in duration and price, depending on your budget and preferences. But no matter which one you choose, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city that you won’t find anywhere else.

Take a look at voe.flyinrio Instagram. They’re highly professional with competitive prices. We’ve personally used them and highly recommend their services!

4. Visit Christ the Redeemer

No trip to Rio would be complete without a visit to Christ the Redeemer, one of the most iconic landmarks in Brazil. This statue of Jesus Christ stands at 125 feet tall and is located on top of Corcovado Mountain.

christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The best way to see the Christ is from a helicopter. You can fly around it and capture stunning photos without dealing with large crowds.

5. Go for a bike ride around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

For a more active way to take in the sights of Rio, rent a bike and go for a ride around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. This picturesque lagoon is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Lagoa is a great place for riding a bike and running. They also have areas for calisthenics, a skating park, and other sports. Take a break from your workout, enjoy the views, and have some refreshing coconut water.

6. Visit Jardim Botanico

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the peaceful Jardim Botanico. This botanical garden is home to over 8,000 plant species and offers a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.

Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, admire the beautiful flowers, or have a picnic under the shade of a tree.

7. Have a lunch in Parque Lage

After visiting Jardim Botanico, head over to Parque Lage for a delicious lunch. This park is located at the foot of Corcovado Mountain and offers stunning views of the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Enjoy a meal on the outdoor terrace while taking in the scenery, or explore the trails and gardens within the park.

Parque Lage Rio de Janeiro Brazil

8. Sip on caipirinhas at a beachside kiosk

No trip to Rio is complete without trying the national cocktail, caipirinha. And what better place to enjoy one than at a beachside kiosk?

Sit back, relax, and sip on this refreshing drink while taking in the beautiful views of Copacabana or Ipanema Beach.

9. Go to a Brazilian churrascaria and indulge in a meat feast

Brazil is famous for its churrascarias, or all-you-can-eat meat restaurants. Indulge in a variety of grilled meats served on skewers by friendly waiters.

Be sure to try the picanha, a popular cut of beef, and don’t forget to save room for the delicious side dishes and desserts.

Some of the excellent churrascarias in Rio include Mocellin Steakhouse in Barra Da Tijuca and Fogo de Chão Botafogo.

10. Relax on Copacabana Beach

No trip to Rio is complete without spending a day lounging on Copacabana Beach. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, sip on a Caipirinha, and soak up the sun.

Copacabana beach sidewalk Brazil

11. Explore Santa Teresa

This charming neighbourhood is known for its bohemian vibe and colourful streets. Spend an afternoon wandering through this picturesque hilltop area, browsing local art galleries and sipping on delicious coffee.

12. Visit Prainha beach

Located in the western region of Rio, Prainha Beach is an isolated and secluded paradise that is perfect for a relaxing day trip. Surrounded by stunning hills, this hidden gem is a favourite among locals. It makes you feel like you are not in the big city.

It’s also one of the best beaches to surf in Rio with its constant waves.

The beach is located just around 20 minutes from Barra da Tijuca by car.

Woman at the view point of Prainha beach in Rio de Janeiro Brazil

13. Visit Niterói and Parque da cidade

Take a quick ferry ride or Uber to Niterói, a city located just across Guanabara Bay from Rio. Experience breathtaking views of the Rio de Janeiro from Parque da Cidade.

Parque da Cidade Niterói Brazil

14. Visit the most beautiful beach in Brazil – Itacoatiara

This is Vinicius’ favourite beach. Located in Niterói, Itacoatiara Beach is known for its heavy and challenging waves for surfing and its crystal clear waters and picturesque scenery. Spend a day here relaxing on the golden sand or hiking to Pedra do costão (big rock on the left) for an unbeatable view of the coast.

The most beautiful beach in Brazil Itacoatiara

Itacoatiara hosts the main big wave Surfing competitions in Brazil and also the Itacoatiara Bodyboard Pro.

The beach is a bit further from Rio and the centre of Niterói. The most convenient way to get there is by hiring a driver or renting a car.

15. Hike to the top of Pedra da Gávea

For adventure seekers, hiking up to the top of Pedra da Gávea is a must-do activity in Rio. This challenging hike offers stunning panoramic views of the city and a sense of accomplishment once you reach the top

16. Watch the sunset at Arpoador

One of the best spots to watch the sunset in Rio is at Arpoador, a small peninsula located between Copacabana and Ipanema Beach. Join the locals and tourists as they gather on the rocks to witness the breathtaking view of the sun setting behind Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) mountain.

Please be cautious with your belongings as this area is known for frequent robberies. Occasionally, there are incidents of “arrastão” where large groups steal multiple items simultaneously.

17. Samba at a Carnival Parade

If you are lucky enough to visit Rio during Carnival season (usually February), don’t miss out on the chance to attend one of the famous Carnival parades. Experience the vibrant energy, colourful costumes, and lively music of this world-renowned event.

More than a month before the official carnival begins, you can join traditional street blocos, or street parties, where both locals and tourists dance to samba music in the streets.

18. Attend a Football Match

Experience the passion and excitement of Brazilian football by catching a match at one of Rio’s famous stadiums. The Maracanã Stadium, the largest stadium in Brazil, is a must-visit for all football fans.

19. Hike to Pedra Bonita

Located in Tijuca National Park, Pedra Bonita offers a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning views of the city and coastline. At the top, you can also paraglide or hang glide for a unique and exhilarating experience.

Pedra Bonita Rio de Janeiro Brazil

20. Visit Tijuca National Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. Hike through lush greenery, spot exotic wildlife, and take in incredible views from Vista Chinesa.

21. Join a yoga or fitness class at the beach with the Mude app!

Stay active during your visit to Rio by joining a yoga or fitness class at the beach through the Mude app. This popular health and wellness app offers FREE classes in stunning outdoor locations, including the iconic beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

yoga at the beach of Ipanema Rio de Janeiro Brazil

During the class, teachers speak Portuguese. When Katariina arrived in Rio, she couldn’t understand Portuguese but managed to participate in yoga classes with them.

22. Explore Lapa Neighborhood

Known for its vibrant nightlife, Lapa is a must-visit neighbourhood for those looking to experience the best of Rio’s music and culture. Explore the lively streets lined with bars, clubs, and live music venues, and don’t miss the famous Lapa Arches.

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro?

From luxury resorts to budget-friendly accommodations, Rio de Janeiro offers a variety of options for every type of traveller.

We believe that Ipanema is the ideal place to stay in Rio. It offers easy access to other neighbourhoods and is considered one of the safest areas in the city.

If you’re seeking luxury, consider Hotel Fasano. Additionally, Ipanema offers numerous beautiful Airbnb apartments.

To experience the best of Ipanema, consider staying near Nossa Senhora da Paz, Rua Garcia D’ávila, and Rua Maria Quitéria. These areas are home to many top-notch restaurants, convenient shopping options, and a fantastic beach. We used to live in this area, and it was definitely the best place to live in Rio!

During Katariina’s first visit to Rio, she stayed at Hotel Miramar By Windsor in Copacabana. It’s a fantastic hotel with a stunning rooftop swimming pool that offers breathtaking views of Rio.

Hotel Fairmont is situated in Copacabana, close to Ipanema.

Barra da Tijuca has some nice hotels, but getting around usually requires a car or using Uber. That’s why we believe it may not be the best location to stay, depending on your preferences and activities in Rio.

Where to eat in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of restaurants serving delicious Brazilian and international cuisine.

In Ipanema, there are many restaurants near Nossa Senhora da Paz. Walk in the streets of Rua Garcia D´ávila and Rua Maria Quitéria. Some of our favourites are here:

Nusa Café Bistrô – The best brunch in Rio!

Bisou Bisou -Their octopus is truly amazing!

Spicy Fish -Japanese food

NOSSO – Great drinks!

Maria e Boi – Fantastic Argentinean steakhouse

Botequim do Itahy – Local food

Venga – Tapas

Alessandro e Frederico

Mäska

Temakeria & Cia – Sushi

Our favourite sushi restaurant, located in Copacabana, is one of the best in Rio. Don’t miss out on trying Haru Sushi Bar!

Some of the excellent churrascarias in Rio include Mocellin Steakhouse in Barra Da Tijuca and Fogo de Chão Botafogo.

When should I visit Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a year-round destination, with warm temperatures and sunshine throughout the year.

We believe that the best time to go is April and May. The weather is pleasant and usually not as hot as from December to March, and there are not as many tourists during that time.

In winter (June to September), most days are still warm (or hot), making it possible to go to the beach. Generally, beaches are less crowded during this time. However, there are some colder days when you may need a light jacket and long pants.

The peak season is from December to March, during summer in Brazil, when it’s hot and humid. This is also when most tourists visit Rio, so expect crowded beaches and higher prices for accommodation. During the peak season, there are heavy rainfalls that can lead to significant flooding. Additionally, there was an increase in robberies during this time.

If you enjoy partying or experiencing carnival, Rio is a must-visit during the peak season.

How long to stay in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio is a large city with plenty of activities, so we suggest staying for at least 10 to 14 days to fully experience everything it has to offer.

If you only have a few days, you still have enough time to visit some of the main attractions and enjoy the beauty of Rio.

How to get to Rio de Janeiro?

Rio has two airports: Galeão International Airport (GIG) and Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). Numerous flights arrive from around the world every day.

How to get around Rio de Janeiro?

The best way to get around Rio is by using ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99, which are widely available in the city and inexpensive. The metro is also a good option, depending on your destination. Buses have regular incidents of robbery, so we do not recommend them, but it also depends on the specific route you are taking.

Around Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana, it’s convenient to walk or ride a bicycle during the day. However, it’s advisable to avoid walking alone late at night, after 8-9 pm.

Is Rio de Janeiro a safe city?

Rio de Janeiro has a reputation for being dangerous, but as long as you take the necessary precautions and use common sense, it can be a safe city to visit.

Safety tips for Rio de Janeiro:

  • Avoid walking alone at night! Once it gets dark, the streets become emptier and it becomes more dangerous to walk around, even in safer neighbourhoods like Ipanema. It’s advisable to take an Uber, even for short distances.
  • During peak season, it is advisable to enjoy Rio in the morning since most crimes and robberies tend to occur in the afternoon or at night.
  • Do not leave your belongings unattended at the beach. In Arpoador and Copacabana, there are occurrences of “arrastãos” where groups of people run and steal whatever they can.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets.
  • Use only marked taxis or ride-sharing apps. Avoid getting into unmarked taxis, as they can be dangerous.
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash or expensive items. Leave them in a safe place at your accommodation.
  • Stay away from favelas (slums). Unless you are on a guided tour with a trusted company.
  • Do not walk around with your cell phone in your hand. Robberies can happen quickly. It is also not advisable to leave your valuables on the table in restaurants near the road.

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