As I sit here writing my list of the top 17 things to do in Rio de Janeiro, I think of how fortunate I was to be able to visit in February 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic overtook the world. It’s somewhere that has been calling my name for many years and this was finally the time for us to meet!

Read more:   Travel during COVID-19 pandemic

Rio is a huge city in Brazil on the Atlantic ocean. It’s best known for Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana beach and the world’s largest celebration, Carnival. 

But it’s much more than that! Discover and get hypnotized to the rhythm of Bossa Nova and Samba. Meet some Cariocas (Rio locals) and feel their love for their city and their soccer teams. Try an ice cold Caipirinha or a juicy Picanha.  Its stunning setting with the ocean on one side and tropical forests and mountains on the other, easily make it one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the world. You will never run out of things to see, do and experience in Rio de Janeiro.

Keep reading to learn more about…

The Top 17 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer has been on my bucket list for a long time. And when I finally got to see this iconic Art Deco statue in person it lived up to all my expectations. This 30m/98.5ft tall statue on Corcovado Mountain dominates the Rio skyline. But be prepared for crowds!

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Tijuca Forest National Park

Tijuca Forest National Park is a tropical rainforest located right in the city of Rio de Janeiro. As you are on your way to Christ the Redeemer you will pass through a small part of this vast urban forest, spanning around 32km². We saw a ton of monkey’s (I think they were marmoset’s) up close.

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Maracaná Stadium

Opened in 1950, Maracaná Stadium is the largest football stadium in Brazil. In the past it has seen over 150,000 spectators but now capacity has been reduced to nearly 80,000. Opening and closing ceremonies for the 2016 Summer Olympics took place here. Unfortunately after the Olympics, the stadium fell into disrepair and is now a historical site. Get your pic taken in front of the stadium with the huge statue of Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini, one of Brazil’s soccer greats.

Maracaná Stadium
Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, Portáo 3 – Maracaná
Rio de Janeiro

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Sambodromo da Marquês de Sapucaí

Since we were in Rio a few days before the beginning of Carnival 2020, we weren’t able to visit the Sambodromo da Marquês de Sapucaí as they were getting ready for the Carnival celebrations. 

The Sambodromo is an area built specifically for the yearly celebration and holds up to 90,000 people. During Carnival, Samba schools parade around down the 700m of Marques de Sapucaí street lined with permanent bleachers on both sides for spectators. At the end of the street is Apotheosis Square where the samba schools march to. This is also where you will find the Samba Museum where you can learn more about Carnival and its history, view old costumes and pictures from past celebrations, and purchase souvenirs. For a fee, you can even try on costumes. 

Sambodromo da Marquês de Sapucaí
R. Marquês de Sapucaí – Santo Cristo
Rio de Janeiro
Open 10am-5pm, Monday – Friday

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

From the outside this cathedral doesn’t look like much, just a large pyramid of concrete but the inside is pretty amazing! It’s certainly not your typical Cathedral.

Named after Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. It’s pyramid shape was inspired by Mayan pyramids of Mexico. At the point of the pyramid is a cross lit up. From each arm of the cross runs 64m/210ft of stained glass all the way down to the floor. It’s quite spectacular, almost like beams of light shooting out.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
Av. Chile, 245 – Centro
Rio de Janeiro
Open for visiting everyday from 7am-5pm
Sunday Mass – 10am

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Escadaria Selarón

Escadaria Selarón or Selarón Steps are an incredible set of steps found in the Santa Teresa and Lapa neighborhoods. These famous steps in Rio were created by Jorge Selaron when he decided he wanted to make his neighborhood nicer. 

It began as a small project of the Brazilian flag but expanded to cover a larger area. The 215 steps are covered in colorful tiles, mirrors and ceramics from around the world. It’s a busy area, with a line of people wanting to get their picture taken from the best view point.

Make sure to get a Caipirinha from the vendor at the bottom of the stairs. It’s so refreshing on a hot day and he certainly wasn’t shy with his pour! Well worth the $5BRL/$1USD.

Escadaria Selarón
R. Manuel Carneiro – Santa Teresa
Rio de Janeiro
Open 24hrs

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Morro da Urca & Sugarloaf Mountain

The views of Rio from the top of Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain are spectacular, so unless you are afraid of heights, this is something you need to experience. If possible, try to visit on a clear day.

First, you need to take the cable car ride to the top of Morro da Urca. For the adventurous, you can also hike to the top.

The views from here are pretty amazing but they are going to get better!

Next you need to take another cable car up to the top of Sugarloaf. Once you get there, 396m in the sky, you are in for some more amazing panorama views  (if you are there on a clear day). The day we were there it was cloudy but once on top of Sugarloaf, we were above the clouds and in the distance we could see Christ the Redeemer peaking over the cloud cover. It was pretty cool. There is also a trail you can follow around the top of the mountain.

Price at time of writing is 110 Brazilian Reals or around $30USD. Purchase tickets at the cable car station located at Praia Vermelha.

Sugar Loaf Cable Car
Av. Pasteur, 520 – Urca
Rio de Janeiro
Sunday – Saturday: 9:00am – 9:00pm

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Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Copacabana Beach

While you are in Rio, make sure to spend some at its beaches. Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous in the world. It spans over 2 miles along Av. Atlantico and is lined with lively bars, restaurants, hotels, and apartment buildings. Take a stroll down the promenade, which features a black and white tiled wave design, as seen in many pictures. You’ll find vendors selling everything from beachwear to Caipirinhas. Be prepared for it to be busy especially on the weekends. And beware of pickpockets! . 

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Feira Hippie de Ipanema (Hippie Fair)

Open Sunday’s only, the Hippie Fair is a great place to spend a couple hours. It has a wide variety of stalls selling quality clothing, jewelry, leather goods, and other arts and crafts at a reasonable price.  It’s a great place for unique gifts or souvenirs. Make sure to haggle and have cash on hand to get the best prices.

Feira de Arte de Ipanema
Praça General Osório – Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro
Every Sunday: 8:00am – 6:00pm

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Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Ipanema Beach

Another beautiful beach of Rio, Ipanema runs along Av. Vieira Souto. Every Sunday one lane of the road closes to make room for pedestrians to ride bikes, roller skate and skateboard, and to just hang out. You’ll find beach goers playing beach volleyball and football on the white sand. Be sure to stop and get your picture taken with Estátua de Tom Jobim, a life size statue of Tom Jobim, the composer of Garota de Ipanema.

On the Sunday I was there, just before Carnival started, it was PACKED. There were bands playing and it felt like 1 great big party.  

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Garota de Ipanema Restaurant & Bar

While you are down at Ipanema Beach, not far off Av. Vieira de Morais, is Garota de Ipanema Restaurant & Bar, the exact location where Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes co-wrote the famous song Garota de Ipanema (Girl from Ipanema), about Helô Pinheiro. The story goes that the 2 were taken with her beauty, and everyday as they sat in the bar, they would watch as she strolled by.   

Garota de Ipanema
Rua Vinicius de Moraes, 49 – Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro
Monday – Sunday: 11:30am – 1:00am

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Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Restaurante Vinícius e Bossa Nova Bar

Across the street from Garota de Ipanema Restaurant, this restaurant and Bossa Nova Bar has some of the best live samba in Rio and will keep you entertained through the evening!

Restaurante Vinícius e Bossa Nova Bar
Rua Vinícius de Moraes, 39 – Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro
Monday – Sunday: 11:30am – 11:00pm

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Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Leblon

Leblon is situated right next to Ipanema, separated only by a small canal. It’s a more exclusive neighborhood, compared to its neighbor, filled with beautiful people, amazing restaurants and bars, and another stunning beach. When we were there it seemed to be slightly quieter compared to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.

Located in Leblon, Brewteco is the perfect spot to sit down and enjoy a nice cold beer after a day on the beach. Even though Brewteco is small (there is only a handful of tables), they have a great selection of craft beers and some great empanadas!  

Brewteco
Rua Dias Ferreira, 420 – Leblon
Rio de Janeiro
Mon-Wed: 10am-midnight
Thurs-Sat: 10am-1am
Sun: 3:30pm-midnight

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Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Carnival

Rio’s Carnival is probably the most famous celebration in the world. Every year over half a million tourists descend on Rio to experience this magnificent spectacle with drinking and partying at restaurants, nightclubs, beaches and throughout the streets. All around the city, you will find many balls and street parties.

Check out parades of elaborate floats, dancing and loud music, down Marques de Sapucaí street, with Samba schools dancing and parading their most beautiful costumes. If you will be visiting during this time and want to partake in the festivities you can actually buy a costume and walk in the parade along with the Samba Schools. Click here for more info.

The dates are different each year with the celebrations beginning the Friday before Ash Wednesday and finishing on Ash Wednesday.

We were there just before Carnival but left Rio a couple of days before it started but everywhere you could see and feel the build up of this amazing celebration. 

Image by Pat Scrap from Pixabay

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Experience a Brazilian BBQ

The Braziian BBQ, also called Churrasco, is basically an all you can eat ‘meat feast’! Huge pieces of meat are grilled on large skewers. There are also some salads and rice but the ‘star of the show’ really is the meat! 

When we were seated at our table, we were each given 2 circular ‘cards’, one red (stop) and one green (go!). The servers then come around with the skewers of meat and slice a piece for you right at the table. If you want more meat you turn the green side up when the server comes around with the meat, and if you have had your fill, turn up the red side. 

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro – 

Sip on a Caipirinha

Caipirinha is the ‘national’ drink of Brazil, made with cachaça, sugar and lime. Make sure you try 1 (or more!) of this delicious and refreshing beverage.

They taste like heaven on a hot, sunny day!

Where to Stay

We chose to stay at the Sheraton Grand Leblon mainly due to its location. Still situated in Leblon, it’s at the far west end, on its own little ‘cove’, and therefore quieter. The fact that it has direct beach access is a bonus! We absolutely loved it. 

The hotel has over 500 rooms, with a variety of types available from classic rooms with mountain view to oceanfront suites. Dining is not a problem either with 3 restaurants and a lobby bar to choose from. 

Enjoy a day at their newly renovated pool offering direct beach access. For some pampering check out Shine Spa with treatment rooms featuring floor to ceiling windows and stunning ocean views. 

The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, so you can have the best of both worlds. 

Sheraton Grand Leblon
Av. Niemeyer, 121 – Leblon
Rio de Janeiro    

Is Rio Safe for Tourists?

All these amazing things to see and do in Rio do not take away from the fact that petty crime is an ongoing issue for tourists here. Everywhere you travel in the world you need to be mindful of your surroundings but this is especially true in Rio. And while security has improved over the years, pick pockets and street muggings are still common. We didn’t have any problems but we did meet a few couples at our hotel who had been pickpocketed. 

Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Don’t wear expensive or flashy jewellery.
• Leave valuables in the safe of your hotel room.
• Carry minimal cash. Use credit and debit cards. Consider leaving a 2nd credit card in the safe of your hotel room.
• Leave your passport in the safe of your hotel. Carry a photocopy of your passport in case you are asked for ID.
• Take only what you need to the beach and never leave your belongings unattended.
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
• Avoid walking around in the evening; take a taxi or Uber.

Other Information

When to Visit

I don’t think there is a really bad time to visit Rio, but some are a little better than others, especially depending on what you want to do with your time here. I visited Rio in the summer and I loved it. Don’t get me wrong, it was pretty hot, but it was also perfect for sitting on the beach with a light wind coming off the ocean. 

What time is good for me to go may not be best for you, it really depends on what you plan to do when you are there. 

Summer (December – March)

Temperatures can get over 104F/40C so be prepared. If you don’t like heat and humidity summertime may not be best for you. Afternoons tend to be rainy. Summer is peak vacation season for locals so it can be busy with crowded beaches and higher prices especially New Year’s Eve and Carnival. 

Autumn (April – June)

Cooler temps than summer and lower humidity, with almost no rain. Average temperature 80F/26C. Beaches are less crowded and prices start to drop. 

Winter (July – September)

Winter is perfect for beach time with little rainfall and high temperatures around 75F/24C. It’s also the best time for surfing. As it’s low season, you’ll find prices are also lower too.  

Spring (September – November)

Spring time in Rio is lovely with little rain and low humidity. Temperatures around 79F/26C. It’s good for beach time and seeing beautiful and colorful flowers.

Carnival

If Carnival is on your ‘must do’ list, make sure you check the dates ahead of time as they vary each year. Usually occurring late February – early March, the celebrations begin the Friday before Ash Wednesday and finish on Ash Wednesday.

Getting There

There are 2 commercial airports in Rio. If you are arriving directly on an international flight you will most likely be landing at Galeão as Santos Dumont receives only domestic flights. If you have the choice, I would choose Santos Dumont due to its logistics.

Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim – Galeão, Rio’s main airport, is located about 25km from the city centre, and receives international and domestic flights. There are buses, taxis and private transfer companies offering shuttle service to the centre of the city. 

Santos Dumont – Santos Dumont is located next to Rio’s city centre, making it extremely convenient. If possible I would recommend flying into Santos Dumont however this is only possible if you are arriving on a domestic flight. We arrived from Argentina via Sao Paulo so this was perfect for us. 

Getting Around

We did a 1 day tour of Rio which took us to most of these locales. The other days we either walked or took taxi’s and Uber. Taxi’s and Uber are fairly cheap. I don’t recommend walking at night but during the day in the tourist areas it is, for the most part, safe.

If you want to do a tour, I highly recommend the tour we did. Cost was around $90USD per person and included Brazilian BBQ lunch. Click here to check it out.

From Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim

• BRT Bus – The BRT Busses run on exclusive lanes so this is a faster option. In Terminal 1, the station is located at door H or in Terminal 2 at door D. If you are going to Copacabana, Ipanema or the South Zone you will need to get off at Vincente de Carvalho Station and transfer to the metro. The cost for the metro is around $5BRL/$1USD.
• Executive Bus – An Executive Bus is a bit more pricey but still an affordable option. They depart every 20 min to Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. Cost is around $19BRL/$4USD per person and takes about 1.5hrs.
• UBER – Around $50BRL/$10USD or more depending on surges.
• TAXI – You have the option of a regular taxi or a cooperative. A regular taxi will cost around $100BRL/$20USD, whereas a ‘cooperatives’ will cost around $140BRL/$27USD. Cooperatives use a pre-payment system done at an airport kiosk making it easier if this is your 1st time in Rio so that you know exactly how much your trip will cost and don’t have to worry about paying later. 

From Santos Dumont

• Taxi – Taxi’s are available and cost is around $60BRL/$12USD.
• UBER – The cost for an Uber will be around $44BRL/$8USD or more depending on surges.
• Light Rail – Light Rail, or VLT is available to the downtown area. The station is located just outside the Arrivals Hall to the left. It’s a cheap option, $4BRL/$1USD, however I don’t recommend using this option with luggage Mon-Fri 5-7pm as it’s super busy with people finishing up work. Also, you will most likely need to connect to the Metro depending on your final destination.
• Bus – Busses are available to Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon and cost around $5BRL/$1USD.

Language

Brazil was discovered by the Portuguese in the 1500’s and therefore it’s official language is Portuguese. You will find that not many people speak English, or Spanish, even though Spanish is so widely spoken in the rest of South America.

Try to learn some basics of Portuguese before you go. Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are 2 tools that I find useful. Also, make sure to download Google Translate on your phone. It could be a life saver!

Currency, Credit Cards, and ATM’s

The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real. At the time of writing the exchange rate was around $1USD=$5BRL. Credit cards are widely accepted, however it’s best to have some cash on you as some smaller shops may not accept them. ATM’s are common. We found costs to be quite low, and taxi’s to be very economical.

Overall

Rio de Janeiro has been on my bucket list for a L O N G time and when I finally made it there in February 2020, it lived up to and exceeded my expectations. You know when you build something up so much, but then because of your high expectations it sometimes ends up being a let down? Well, this was not the case with Rio. It was everything I imagined it to be plus more, and I know you will love it too!

I hope you found this list of the top 17 things to do and see in Rio de Janeiro helpful in planning your trip. If you’ve already been there, let me know in the comment section below what you loved and didn’t love about Rio!

Tchau for now!

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