With a tropical climate, kilometres of gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, extraordinary architecture, vibrant culture, and one of the world’s most famous carnivals, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is one truly spectacular city. Here you will find a plethora of plenty to keep you occupied for days on end – from sightseeing to partying. Whether you’re searching for serene spots of natural beauty, compelling monuments, or a front-row look at the carnival culture, you will have plenty of options to choose from.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
Visit the Beaches
No trip to Rio de Janeiro is complete without paying a visit to the city’s world-famous beaches. Whether you’re looking to grab an umbrella and lounge on the beach for the day or for a more action-packed destination, the coastline of Rio de Janeiro offers something for everyone.
The most well-known beach is Copacabana, legendary for its white sands, palm-tree lined promenade, and evergreen esplanades. The beach also plays host to a huge range of art, music, theatre, and religious festivals. With plenty of bars, cafes, and kiosks serving up iced-cold caipirinhas, it’s easy to understand why this beach is Rio’s most popular.
Flee the hustle and bustle of the city by heading up to the chic neighbourhoods of Ipanema and Leblon. Here you will find white sands, blue sea, and a quieter atmosphere, with sun-kissed locals sprawled out on towels while they enjoy their lunch.
If you’re after an even more tranquil setting, take a trip over to the verdant paradise of Grumari Beach. Here you will find powdery sands, lush jungle, and a more low-key atmosphere, making for a perfect day-trip away from the chaotic city.
Explore the City Highlights
Rio de Janeiro’s numerous attractions and activities are always sure to keep you entertained, with popular places like the gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer providing impressive views over the entire city and the Ilha Fiscal, an eclectic building that is the perfect example of French-influenced architecture.
The City of Samba is also very well known for being home to some remarkable museums such as the Museu de Arte Moderna and the National Historical Museum. Here you will get to explore Rio’s culture and history even further, saving time for the edgy and ever-changing neighbourhoods of Lapa.
Also, don’t miss Pão de Açúcar, the iconic half-mountain with some of the most spectacular views of Rio de Janeiro. Just remember to start your climb early, as traffic can get hectic as the sun sets.
Carnival Time
The most important event of the year in Rio de Janeiro, of course, is the beloved Carnival. The Carnival of Brazil is the world’s biggest party, attracting thousands of visitors each year. This amazing festival is all about two weeks of non-stop celebration, full of music, dance, colour and pageantry.
During Carnival, the streets are pulsing with thousands of people from many different backgrounds and nationalities all dressed up in traditional costumes. Rehearsals, parades and street parties with live samba and funk bands from every corner of the city will be taking place every day. And if you’re up for an extra special experience, you can join the elite samba schools and parades for a real taste of Brazilian culture.
The Bar and Nightlife Scene
Rio de Janeiro’s streets are lined with countless bars, pubs and clubs, so the choices may be daunting. House music and hip-hop dominate the nightlife scene, so plan on visiting one of the famous clubs to hear samba, funkeiro and rambunctious funk carioca music.
No night out in Rio would be complete without a visit to Lapa. Here you’ll find a great variety of bars, pubs and clubs, along with live street parties, packed with crazy people until sunrise.
Fine-dining restaurants also abound in Rio de Janeiro, serving up a mixture of international and Brazilian cuisine. If you’re searching for a more relaxed dining experience, pop along to the iconic Dois Irmaos-Leblon for a delicious selection of seafood and globe-spanning dishes.
Adventure Activities
If you’re looking for adventure in the city, Rio is full of activities for nature and adventure lovers. Take a surf lesson on Ipanema and Leblon beaches at one of the nearby schools, or make your way to the Cagarras Islands, where many Brazilian surfers go to hang ten.
You can also go kitesurfing in the free breezes of Arpoador or make your way to the beaches of Barra da Tijuca and Urca, an excellent spot to take a dip and explore the region’s wildlife.
For a truly unique experience, you can take a trip to Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban forest, featuring stunning vistas of the city and a stunning array of wild animals and plants.
Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful city that offers something to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking for some quality beach time, want to explore the city highlights, or join in the biggest party on earth during Carnival, Rio de Janeiro provides a wonderfully colourful and exciting experience that you’re sure to never forget. From its stunning beaches to its exotic rainforest and iconic cityscape, this Brazilian gem offers plenty of ways to make your time in Rio exciting and unforgettable.
