Sun, parties, and a whole pack of fun – that’s what Rio de Janeiro is all about! This jubilant Brazilian town is bursting with colorful festivals, feisty neighborhoods, and exciting everyday life. Besides, it offers a marvelous natural landscape of sandy beaches and rugged mountains. For that reason, it might be challenging to choose only a few things to do in Rio de Janeiro, as the city is packed with awesomeness. Then, we will show you the 15 best things to do in Rio de Janeiro for a trip you won’t ever forget. So, check it out!
Soak Up the Sun on Copacabana Beach
Visiting Rio de Janeiro without stopping at Copacabana Beach is like visiting Paris without seeing Eiffel Tower. This iconic beach offers more than a sandy coastline and sparkling ocean. It is home to the most lively scene in Rio de Janeiro. People sprawled on the beach, having an exciting beach volley game or sunbathing under the sizzling sky. You can hear the melody of bossa nova beating from vendors and the promenade, enhancing the beach’s relaxing vibes. Also, beat the hot weather by having a classic Brazilian caipirinha, a cocktail made of sugarcane alcohol and a splash of lime. Therefore, Copacabana Beach is perfect for looking at Brazil’s vibrant everyday life.
Hop on a Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
It is always a good idea to check out this hottest spot in Brazil. The uniquely-formed mountains are shrouded with deep green vegetation and surrounded by glimmering waters. You can see the incredible mountains of the city or beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana. However, getting close to the mountains will allow you to get the most stunning scene of Rio de Janeiro.
Land on the peak of Pão de Açúcar by riding a cable car. Two cable cars are connecting the city to the mountain’s peak. The rail extends from Praia Verhelma to the summit, which towers 395 meters above Rio. From above, Rio de Janeiro looks undeniably beautiful. The sandy coastline, curves of hills and mountains, and tiny buildings create a breathtaking scene. Not to mention a figurine-size Christ the Redeemer statue from above. Yes, in just one glance, you can see all of Rio!
Go for an Adventure in Tijuca National Park
Why travel to Brazil? – You might ask. Then, one of the best reasons to visit Brazil is its wildlife. As the country with the world’s most diverse species, Brazil’s rainforest and wilderness are worth checking out. Moreover, it’s easy to find gorgeous wildlife in Brazil, even inside the city. Tijuca National Park is located just a few kilometers from Rio de Janeiro. Thus, a full day of exploring it will be one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
Tijuca National Park features an enormous rainforest with thousands of plant species and hundreds of animal species. It will make an outdoor lover go crazy with its lush vegetation and diverse setting. Not to mention all the exciting activities it has to offer. You can go for a long stroll in the park and stumble upon colorful birds or exotic insects. Furthermore, Tijuca National Park is home to Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic landmark, Christ the Redeemer statue. So, if you want to see this Rio’s treasures, go to Tijuca National Park.
Stroll Around Parque Lage
Find a stunning mansion in the middle of the lush jungle of Tijuca National Park. The classic European-styled mansion once belonged to Henrique Lage, a Brazilian industrialist. Now, it is a visual arts school, restaurant, and Tijuca National Park’s gem. The mansion is almost a century old, but it is way far from shabby. It offers a classic, aesthetically pleasing attraction in the middle of a verdant jungle. Thus, it is a great place to explore, sit down, have a picnic, and take Instagram-worthy shots.
Stroll Around Jardim Botânico
Have a slower, more relaxing adventure in Jardim Botânico. It is a botanical garden nestled between the diverse jungles of Tijuca National Park. Moreover, Jardim Botânico stands in a wealthy neighborhood south of Rio de Janeiro. The attraction features well-manicured gardens, opulent tropical plants, and beautiful greeneries. Thus, one of the garden’s main highlights is an avenue lined with palm trees. So, if you want to see Brazil’s diverse flora at a slower, less adventurous pace, this park is for you to visit!
Take an Insta-Worthy Picture in Pedra do Telégrafo
Surprise your Instagram followers with an extreme shot of you hanging from a 300-meter cliff. Although it sounds death-defying, the cliff is actually safe with a ledge below you. This famous photo point is in Pedra de Telégrafo, a mountain on the west side of Rio. Besides its seemingly adrenaline-rushing photo point, Pedra de Telégrafo has an outstanding view of panoramic Rio de Janeiro and its surrounding blue sea.
To reach the iconic photo spot, you need to take a one-hour hike. The trail is not too steep or difficult, so it’s perfect if you want a chill cardio session. Thus, your sweat will be paid off by the magnificent view from the summit.
See the Colorful Selaron Steps (Escadaria Selarón)
Get a teaser of Brazil’s diverse and vibrant communities by seeing Selaron Steps. It is one of the most famous attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Every day, both locals and tourists flock around the colorful stairs. Thus, Selaron Steps or Escardia Selaron are colorful and decorated steps created by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron. The steps are tiled with bright ceramics and multiple patterns, representing around 57 countries around the world. It is surrounded by a classic Brazilian neighborhood, enhancing the feisty and warm local atmosphere. Furthermore, make sure to capture a lot of pictures if you visit this impressive spot.
Spoil your Artsy Side at the Museum of Modern Arts (MAM)
Indulge in Brazil’s artistic side by visiting the Museum of Modern Arts (MAM) in Guanabara Bay. The museum is home to modern and contemporary art from the 20th and the 21st centuries. It features collections of top-notch Brazilian artists, such as Tarsila Amaral and Roberto Burle Marx. From the outside, you can sense how trendy the museum is. It has a sculpturesque design with pale façades to complement the aquamarine surroundings. Inside the museum, you can find around 15,000 masterpieces that will inspire the artist inside you.
Pay a Visit to Parque das Ruinas
An impressive secret is hidden behind these ruins of a building. Parque das Ruinas is not just a ruin but a memorial of Brazil’s advancement in art and science. A century ago, Parque das Ruinas belonged to Brazilian art mecenas Laurinda Santos Lobo. It is her private mansion, where she invited intellectuals and artists for gatherings. Thus, the mansion was abandoned for around 40 years until it was transformed into a public art gallery. So, between pieces of bricks and pillars of steel, you can find a small artistic spot. Moreover, Parque das Ruinas also hosts a bar and occasional outdoor concerts. It is one of the most interesting cultural spots in the Santa Teresa neighborhood that is worth visiting.
Watch a Soccer Game at Maracanã Stadium
You are officially visiting Brazil if you have indulged in its jubilant football culture. Then one of the best ways to do so is to watch a game at a stadium. You can book a ticket to a soccer game in Maracanã Stadium, the biggest stadium in Rio de Janeiro. It gives you a hint of how passionate Brazilians are about soccer. You will see the stadium tremble with people cheering and roaring, supporting their favorite team. Thus, we recommend seeing a match between Flamengo and Fluminese, the major teams in Rio de Janeiro. It will be a game you won’t ever forget!
Enjoy Sizzling Barbeque in Brazilian Churrascaria
Barbeque in Brazil is amazing. We guarantee that! In Brazil, barbeque and grilled meats are served in an all-you-can-eat style in restaurants called churrascarias. The meats are perfectly seasoned and grilled in large steel sticks. Then, the waiters will circle around the restaurant and cut the meat for you. You can enjoy the juicy meat with side dishes like salad and corn. Also, try some grilled pineapple, a perfect side for your savory mains. Therefore, make sure to feast with your travel buddies in Rio de Janeiro in a churrascaria.
Join Euphoric Parties in Pedra do Sal
If you are a party animal, Brazil will make you feel at home! Everyone in Brazil knows how to party. Moreover, this vibrant country also offers a scene of Latin’s America hottest nightlife. Then, one of the best places for parties in Rio de Janeiro is Pedra do Sal.
Pedra do Sal is an important neighborhood in Brazil. As the birthplace of Samba, it is exciting both during the day and night. In the daytime, you can stroll along the villages and religious sites in the neighborhood. Then, as the sun goes down, the area turns into a thrilling nightlife venue. You can see traditional samba shows, as well as dance all night long to its catchy beats. Also, grab some cocktails or caipirinha to spice up the night!
Dance the Night Away in Lapa
Another place to enjoy Rio’s vibrant nightlife is in Lapa. The neighborhood is home to Rio’s hype nightclubs and feisty bars. You can hear the beats of samba everywhere in Lapa as the night comes. Clubs, live music, and tapas bar light up every single night, offering parties and fun times you will hardly forget. Some popular nightclubs in Lapa are Lapa 40 Graus and Rio Scenarium. They offer an impressive setting, delicious drinks, and a night full of fun.
Get a Bite of Local Produce in Feira Livre da Glória
Visiting local markets is the best way to see everyday life in a city or country. Thus, this is also valid for Rio de Janeiro. Head to Feira Livre da Glória or Gloria Market on Sunday morning and enjoy a vibrant scene of everyday life in Rio. The Sunday market is lined with various vendors, from fruit sellers to street food stalls. So, if you want to sample Brazil’s exotic produce, such as jabuticaba, you can do it in Feira Livre da Glória. Also, it is a great place to find authentic Brazilian street food. Whether you want to munch on sizzling beef pastels or gulp down pineapple juice, find them in Feira Livre da Glória.
Spend a Day in Ilha Grande
Dreaming of a splendid tropical paradise? Then, you should check out Ilha Grande! The small island is located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. Pristine beaches, glimmering blue waters, and untouched landscapes are what you can find in Ilha Grande. There are various activities you can do on this island. Whether you want to dance with the waves on your surfboard or see the marvelous underwater life, you can do it in Ilha Grande. Moreover, this island will make your dream vacation comes true!
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