Paradise beaches, breathtaking views and a culture that will thrill you: nicknamed the “Marvelous City”, Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s second most populous city and home to Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, as well as the world’s most famous carnival. If you want to lose yourself in its music-filled streets and enjoy its gastronomy, read on to find out what things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
As you may already know, Passporter helps you create your travel itineraries quickly and easily. You can also draw inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most and add them to your route.
Things to see on your trip to Rio de Janeiro
The Marvelous City, Rio de Janeiro, is an enclave full of contrasts. Here you can go from the festive bustle of the city’s streets to immersing yourself in its vast urban jungle, as well as observing the city from the heights as you watch the sun set over the beaches of Rio de Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer: the emblem of Rio de Janeiro
If there’s one thing you can’t miss on your trip to Rio de Janeiro, it’s the Christ the Redeemer. Whether you’re a believer or not, this immense 38-metre-high statue, which crowns the pilgrimage site on the Morro de Corcovado hill, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World (and rightly so). It has been a hallmark of Rio de Janeiro since it was inaugurated in 1931.
You can see it from almost anywhere in the city. But if you decide to go up for a closer look, you can also enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city. The top of Corcovado Hill is more than 700 metres high and offers splendid views of the city.
To get to the top, one of the options is to hike to the top in a tour that takes about 3 hours. Although, the most popular option (for the views and comfort it offers) is the Corcovado Railway. You can catch a train which costs about 100R$ for adults in the Cosme Velho neighbourhood every 30 minutes. You can also take a taxi, hire a tour or go up in a van that makes several stops at viewpoints before reaching the top.
Once you reach the top, it’s just a short walk to Christ the Redeemer and its beautiful views of the city. In general, we recommend you make the visit in good time, as it’s an iconic site that’s usually packed with visitors.
The Lage Park and Botanical Gardens
If you enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do, you’ll love these two locations.
And whether you’re visiting the area around Corcovado Hill or Christ the Redeemer, Lage Park and the Botanical Gardens are two places to enjoy a fairy-tale experience.
The Lage Park is a must-see on your trip to Brazil. It boasts European-style gardens surrounded by jungle scenery, with breathtaking views of Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer.
You can spend the afternoon after visiting the immense statue, getting lost among its variety of plants. Visit one of the exhibitions offered by the Institute of Fine Arts (which has been housed in the park since 1966). Or simply have a coffee inside the park.
Also, if you have more time, the Botanical Gardens are right next door and feature a wide variety of flora characteristic of Brazil’s rainforests. You’ll feel like you’ve lost yourself in the jungle without leaving the city.
Copacabana Beach
Known as one of the most famous beaches in the world. The six-kilometre-long Copacabana Beach is home to both the city’s festive atmosphere and a landscape that leaves us with unforgettable sunsets. Without a doubt, one of the stops you have to make on your trip if you love to feel the sea breeze while enveloped in the rhythm of the city.
Along the promenade you can see how, despite being one of the most touristy places in Rio, you can feel immersed in the local culture. Sip a caipirinha or coconut water at one of the many beach bars. Don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine at any of the kiosks that adorn the promenade.
Furthermore, Copacabana is home to both the festive atmosphere of the city and the cult of football that is so representative of Brazil. A must-see place to visit on your trip to this country.
Sugar loaf Mountain
Continuing with the city’s iconic stops, the Sugar loaf (Pão de Açucar to locals) of 369 metres high is located on Guanabara Bay. The spot hosts one of the most famous sights in Rio de Janeiro. Catch its famous cable cars in such a picturesque place.
And this crag, or morro, is believed to have earned its name from its distinctive shape, reminiscent of the moulds used to bake sugar loaf. Without a doubt, it is one of the must-see sights here if you want to enjoy an excursion that offers incredible views.
The best way to get there is by bus to the Urca neighbourhood. There you can take the famous cable car that connects the Urca hill with Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s definitely worth a visit if the sky is clear, and you’ll be pleased with some incredible sunsets.
The Barrio de Santa Teresa
If you enjoy wandering through narrow streets full of art and life, the Santa Teresa neighbourhood is one of the must-see spots in Rio de Janeiro.
This neighbourhood, with its bohemian touch, offers both reminders of the city’s colonial era, as well as emblematic places. Among them, as the picturesque Selaron staircase, an indisputable symbol of the neighbourhood’s artistic and urban soul.
Besides the art-filled streets and parks, you can also reach the 18th-century aqueduct that separates the Santa Teresa neighbourhood from the Lapa district. Without a doubt, this neighbourhood is one of the must-see places on your list of things to see and do on your trip to Rio de Janeiro.
Maracanã stadium
As we pointed out, football is part of the essence of the country. And the Maracana Stadium is a representation of the cult of the sport in Rio de Janeiro.
For a long time the largest football stadium in the world, the Maracana was the venue for the 2014 World Cup. The 8,800-seat stadium has also hosted major international artists who have filled the impressive and iconic place with music and life.
And if that wasn’t enough, the area around the stadium has a walk of fame to commemorate some of the greatest footballers in history.
If you get the chance to catch a game during your stay, you will no doubt be able to immerse yourself even more in the football culture of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil: a unique spectacle.
Las Favelas
Something different and indispensable. If you want to get to know all the parts that make up the essence of the capital, visit the favelas. These places capture much of the city’s authenticity. Nowadays, it’s safe to visit those in more touristy areas, such as the favela of Santa Marta.
In the favela of Santa Marta you can find a sculpture and a mural of Michael Jackson. In the streets of this favela the famous artist filmed one of his music videos.
Other favelas you can visit are Vitigal, Rocinha, Tavares Bastos and Cantagalo favelas. You can visit them on your own (always with caution) or go on organised tours.
The Forest of Tijuca
Without a doubt, one of the places we can’t leave unmentioned is the Tijuca Forest. This is the largest urban jungle in the world, as well as being recognised as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
At more than 3,900 hectares, this national park plays a crucial role in the area’s ecosystem, as well as being home to a multitude of animal and plant species.
A perfect place to wander and lose yourself admiring the rivers, waterfalls and natural formations that give life to this treasure of Rio de Janeiro. You can take advantage of your visit to Christ the Redeemer – visit the area, given its proximity to Corcovado Hill.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What things to do around Rio de Janeiro
If you have more time to visit other places, there is plenty to do in and around the city.
Petrópolis
About 70 km from the capital is Petrópolis, a city worth visiting for its vestiges of Brazil’s colonial era. Palaces and mansions adorn the city, making it a destination worth wandering through, as if you were a member of 19th-century high society.
You can reach it by bus from Rio de Janeiro. It will take you approximately 5 hours with a ticket costing around R$55.
Niteroi
If you prefer to continue enjoying the fantastic beaches of Brazil, Niteroi is located just 14km from Rio de Janeiro.
This city, besides offering wonderful beaches and views of the Marvelous City, is also home to famous architectural works and has the largest number of forts and fortresses in the country. A destination with a difference and very close to Rio de Janeiro, it’s well worth taking the time to visit.
Paquetá Island
Very close to Rio de Janeiro we find Paquetá Island. It’s a small haven of peace that can be reached by ferry from the city of Rio.
On this approximately one-hour ride, you can enjoy beautiful views of the bay, as well as the beaches and mountains in the area.
What to see and do in Rio de Janeiro in 5 days
First day:
- Copacabana Beach
- Maracana Stadium
Second day:
- Sugar Loaf
Third day:
- Corcovado Mountains and Christ the Redeemer
- Lage Park
Fourth day:
- The favela of Santa Marta
- Botanical Garden
Fifth day:
- The Tijuca Forest
- The neighbourhood of Santa Teresa
Where to stay on your trip to Rio de Janeiro
It is true that security in Rio de Janeiro has improved in many of its locations over the years. Despite this, the most recommended areas to stay in are Copacabana and Ipanema. Both for their safety and value for money.
There are plenty of hotels and flats in Copacabana, as well as being the nerve centre of the city of Rio de Janeiro, from where you can connect to many parts of the city and make it easy to get around.
In this area, for stays of 5 days, prices range from €35 for shared rooms to €160 on average in hotels for single rooms.
Where to eat in Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian cuisine is unique in the world and something you can enjoy on your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Feijoadas, roasts, fish stews and various sweets make up a list of dishes that you can sample during your stay.
Some recommendations for doing so are to visit the buffet-style bars, which are a great way to try a bit of everything on the cheap (around R$25)
The feijoada, the quintessential Rio de Janeiro dish, can be enjoyed in any bar, especially on weekends. This stew with a base of meat, black beans and rice (among other things) is a real treat.
A good option to try it is the Os Ximenes restaurant, where you can enjoy it for around R$60, as well as having other options such as picanhas and churrasco (steak).
If you want to try Brazilian meat specialities in a Brazilian rodizio, I recommend you visit Porçao, where you can eat a variety of cuts for an average price of R$112. It also has more dishes for those who don’t enjoy meat as much.
Another gastronomic option on your trip to Rio de Janeiro is to try the food at the street stalls, where you can eat for prices around R$10.
How to get to Rio de Janeiro
The easiest and most comfortable way is to take a flight, which usually stops in São Paulo and from there, you will arrive at Rio de Janeiro’s Santos Durmont airport.
Once you arrive at the airport it is best to take a taxi to get to your accommodation.
Tips about your trip to Rio de Janeiro
- You should think carefully about the time of year you travel. May to October is best for pleasant temperatures, although if you want to see the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, you’ll need to visit the city between February and March.
- Protect yourself adequately from the sun and mosquitoes.
- It is advisable to get a SIM card to keep in touch during your trip.
- Find out in advance about any vaccinations you may need for your trip.
- Remember to change your money in advance or use cards with lower fees.
How to organize what things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Rio de Janeiro.
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Rio de Janeiro
It is highly recommended, among other things for possible medical expenses that could be incurred in an emergency.
Safety in Rio de Janeiro is much improved, and you can travel with peace of mind, bearing in mind that the safest times are during the day. It is advisable to visit sites such as favelas with a tour guide and not to show valuables such as cameras or mobile phones in less crowded areas.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, which is very well-connected and costs around R$3,70. There are also options such as the railways and, as a more comfortable option, taxis.
For travel as a tourist from Spain, no visa is required, as long as you are staying for less than 90 days. For the citizens of other countries, it’s better to check the official requirements.
No Comments