10 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro [2025]
Rio de Janeiro is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world — and after spending a month there, I can see why. From world-famous beaches and a stunning harbour to vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit.
During my time in Rio, I explored the city, soaked up the local energy, and enjoyed plenty of unforgettable activities. To dive even deeper, I teamed up with fellow travel blogger Tess Kazenoff, a Brazil expert who has visited Rio several times and often writes about it on her blog, Tess The Traveler.
Together, we’ve pulled together this list of the very best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, you’ll find inspiration here to help you plan the perfect visit.
Chasing Chanelle contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust. Read our disclaimer for more information.
10 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
By Tess Kazenoff from Tess The Traveler
There’s no need to choose between adventurous nature experiences, world-famous beaches, a tropical atmosphere, or rich culture when it comes to Rio de Janeiro.
Dubbed the “marvelous city,” or “cidade maravilhosa,” Rio de Janeiro is not only the second largest city in Brazil, but it’s the heart of so many Brazilian cultural cornerstones – from samba and bossa nova to Carnival. In short, Rio de Janeiro truly has it all, making it one of the best places to visit in Brazil.
So, here are the 10 best things to do in Rio de Janeiro to get you started with exploring this magical city.
1. Visit Christ the Redeemer
One of the best ways to experience Rio de Janeiro is from above, and there’s no better place to do it than from one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic sites. Not only has Christ the Redeemer, or Cristo Redentor, become a symbol of Rio, but it’s even one of the world’s seven wonders. But ultimately, it’s just an amazing way to get a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, allowing you to bask in the city’s insane natural beauty.
You have a few options for visiting: you can take a train, hike, or take a car. The train is the most scenic method, and ticket prices fluctuate depending on the season, but it’s currently R $122.50, or $22.02 USD for both the train ride and entrance to the statue.
It’s easiest to book a tour that includes your train and entrance fee, as the line to purchase your ticket at the statue’s entrance is often very long, and cash-only. Also be warned that Cristo Redentor gets super crowded really quickly — while crowds will be pretty tough to avoid altogether, I suggest getting there first thing in the morning.
2. Experience Sugarloaf Mountain
This is Rio de Janeiro’s other most famous destination, and it’s not hard to figure out why. The view from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, Pão de Açúcar, is truly unbeatable, especially when experienced at sunset — the 360-degree view of Rio is really out of this world.
To get to the top, you’ll want to take two three-minute cable cars, first to Morro da Urca, then up to the top of Sugarloaf. Sugarloaf’s cable cars opened back in 1912, making them the first cable cars in the country, and third in the world. Currently, the trip costs R $185, around $33 USD.
3. Explore Jardim Botânico
Rio de Janeiro is a giant city, but Jardim Botânico, a botanical garden, is one of the most peaceful places in Rio.
Founded in the early 1800s by the Portuguese king, João VI, today, the garden is one of the city’s most popular destinations. You may have seen photos of the garden’s famous palm-tree-lined road, but it’s also so much more than that — with 350 acres, over 7,000 types of tropical plants from both Brazil and abroad are housed here. There’s plenty to explore, so plan to spend at least a couple of hours here.
For foreigners, entry to the garden is R $73 and must be paid in cash.
4. Wander around Parque Lage
Parque Lage is a true gem in Rio de Janeiro loved by nature and architecture buffs alike.
Situated between the Botanical Garden and the Christ the Redeemer statue is a gorgeous public park with a historic Roman-style mansion, which you may recognize from a Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams or Black Eyed Peas music video. Inside the mansion is a beautiful courtyard pool — although the park is free to explore, to get seated at a table by the pool, you do have to purchase something from the restaurant. To get to the top of the mansion (which gives you a great view), you also have to purchase something from the gift shop.
From this area, you could even hike up the Christ the Redeemer statue, if you’re up for a somewhat challenging hike.
5. Visit The Museum of Tomorrow
Museu do Amanhã, or the Museum of Tomorrow, is an awesome science museum in Downtown Rio focused on technology and the future, all from a sustainable lens. You can expect lots of immersive and interactive exhibits, and impressive architecture as well. With the exception of one video presentation, everything has English translations available.
To avoid waiting in line, reserve your tickets in advance online for R $30. The museum is closed on Mondays, and free on Tuesdays.
6. Listen to Samba
This is an essential activity for experiencing a taste of Brazilian culture. Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the birthplaces of samba, an Afro-Brazilian music style that has a fast tempo and usually comes with dancing!
While there are plenty of ways to listen to samba during your time in Rio, one of the most fun ways is by going to Pedra do Sal, a historic and religiously significant area in Rio’s “Little Africa” neighborhood, where you can enjoy the music for free every Monday night. Street vendors will be selling caipirinhas (a classic Brazilian cocktail similar to a mojito), beers, and street foods like espetinho, which is usually barbecued meat or cheese on a stick.
7. Walk up Escadaria Selarón
Maybe you’d recognize this staircase, also known as the Lapa Steps, as the setting of music videos for artists like Snoop Dogg and U2, but nevertheless, it’s another one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic locations and a great place for photos.
Decked out in over 2,000 tiles from around the world, Escadaria Selarón connects two neighborhoods, Lapa and Santa Teresa, which are both worth a visit on their own. Lapa is a popular nightlife destination, and Santa Teresa is a bohemian neighborhood as well as a hub for Afro-Brazilian culture.
8. Visit Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
This is a free cultural centre in Downtown Rio de Janeiro that has a number of interesting exhibits on display. Exhibits range from Brazilian to international artists, and you can easily spend an hour or so wandering through. Plus, this is another spot with gorgeous architecture, making it a great spot for photos.
Although, keep in mind that the CCBB is closed on Tuesdays.
9. Hike in Tijuca Forest
Tijuca Forest is considered one of the world’s largest urban forests, and there are nearly endless options of trails and hikes you can explore here. Discover hidden waterfalls, see animals like monkeys and birds, and get even more breathtaking views of Rio (which just never gets old).
One of the best hikes to go on in Tijuca Forest is Pedra Bonita. It’s relatively easy, while giving you a gorgeous view of the city at the top. This is also a popular spot for hang gliding and paragliding!
It’s easiest to take an Uber to the entrance of this hike, but just know that cell reception can be spotty, making it difficult to call an Uber when you’re ready to leave. However, there are typically drivers around who you can negotiate with for a drive back down to the city. You can also arrange round-trip transportation ahead of time.
10. Relax at the beach
Of course, no visit to Rio de Janeiro would be complete without a visit (or multiple) to the beach. The most famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro are located in the South Zone, and include Ipanema and Copacabana. Both offer stunning views of the nearby mountains, and are also in super walkable neighborhoods, with lots of bars, restaurants, and shopping options nearby.
Right between Copacabana and Ipanema is also Arpoador, which is a popular spot to watch the sunset. You’ll see locals here every night!
If you’re looking for a beach that’s a little less touristy and more on the relaxed side, head a little farther west to Barra da Tijuca. This is a favourite among many locals for its beauty and calmer atmosphere.
Final Thoughts – Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Amazing either on its own or as a stop in a larger Brazil itinerary, Rio de Janeiro is more than worth a visit. With an abundance of nature, museums, cultural destinations, and much more right at your fingertips, you could easily spend weeks here without getting bored.
We hope this article has helped give you some ideas for the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. These 10 activities are essential for any first-time visitor and are the perfect introduction to the city, so you can see just how incredible Rio is.
Want to find read more about travel in Brazil? Check out some of my other Brazil content.
