Rio de Janeiro is one of the most vibrant cities in the world — and while most visitors stick to the postcard highlights, there's so much more to discover beyond Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, this guide covers the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, from iconic landmarks to local experiences worth booking in advance.
1. Take the Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain
No trip to Rio is complete without the view from Sugarloaf. Take the gondola in two stages — first to Morro da Urca, then to the summit — for panoramic views of the bay, city, and coastline. Go at sunset for the best light.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip the queue.
2. Visit Christ the Redeemer at Sunrise
The iconic statue atop Corcovado mountain is best experienced early, before the crowds arrive. Take the cog train from Cosme Velho for the most scenic route up.
Tip: Check the weather before going — clouds can completely obscure the view.
3. Spend a Day at Ipanema Beach
Ipanema is more than a beach — it's a social hub. Each section (or "posto") attracts a different crowd. Posto 9 is the most famous, known for its mix of locals and travelers. Rent a chair, order água de coco from a vendor, and stay for sunset.
4. Explore the Santa Teresa Neighborhood
Rio's bohemian hilltop neighborhood is full of art galleries, street murals, colonial architecture, and excellent restaurants. Walk the cobbled streets, visit the Parque das Ruínas, and stop at Bar do Mineiro for a classic feijoada.
5. Take a Samba Lesson
Samba isn't just something you watch in Rio — it's something you participate in. Many local studios and cultural centers offer beginner classes. Even a single lesson will completely change how you experience the music and nightlife.
6. Walk Across the Selaron Steps
This world-famous mosaic staircase in Lapa was created over decades by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who covered each step with tiles collected from around the world. It's free, photogenic, and just a short walk from Santa Teresa.
7. Hike in Tijuca National Forest
One of the world's largest urban forests sits right inside Rio. Hike to Pedra da Gávea, explore the Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, or take a guided trail through the Atlantic rainforest — a surprising contrast to the beach city below.
8. Make Your Own Brazilian Bikini at a Carioca Bikini Workshop
One of Rio's most unique hands-on experiences is learning to make a traditional Brazilian bikini at the Carioca Bikini workshop. You'll spend a few hours with a local designer, learning the techniques behind the famously minimal and beautifully crafted Rio-style swimwear — and you leave with a piece you actually made yourself.
It's a perfect activity for solo travelers, couples, and groups, and a genuinely memorable alternative to another afternoon on the beach.
9. Visit the Lapa Arches by Night
The Roman-style aqueduct in Lapa transforms into the heart of Rio's nightlife on weekends. Street vendors, live samba, and open-air bars fill the surrounding streets from Thursday through Saturday nights. Free to attend — just bring cash for drinks.
10. Try Açaí the Brazilian Way
Açaí in Brazil is nothing like the smoothie bowls you've seen abroad. In Rio, it's served thick, near-frozen, and usually topped with granola and banana. Find it at almost any juice bar or beachside kiosk — the perfect post-beach snack.
11. Take a Ferry to Paquetá Island
Escape the city heat with a short ferry ride to this car-free island where you get around by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. It feels like a completely different era.
12. Watch a Football Match at Maracanã
If you're visiting when a local derby is on, getting a ticket to Maracanã is one of the most electric experiences Rio offers. Stadium tours are worthwhile even on non-match days.
13. Explore the Botafogo Food Scene
Rio's dining scene has quietly become world-class. The neighborhoods of Botafogo and Humaitá are packed with excellent restaurants, craft beer bars, and cafés that locals actually frequent — far less touristy than Ipanema.
14. Visit the MAR (Museu de Arte do Rio)
Overlooking Praça Mauá in the revitalized port district, MAR is one of Rio's best modern art museums with strong collections focused on Brazilian and Latin American art. The rooftop café has excellent views of Guanabara Bay.
15. Catch Sunset from Arpoador Rock
Between Ipanema and Copacabana, the rocky outcrop at Arpoador is where locals gather every evening to watch the sun go down. When the conditions are right, the crowd applauds as the sun hits the horizon. No ticket required.
Plan Your Trip to Rio
Rio rewards those who go beyond the tourist trail. Mix the classics with local experiences — like the bikini workshop or a late-night samba bar in Lapa — and you'll leave with a very different city in your memory than the one in most travel guides.
Looking for something unique to take home? The Carioca Bikini workshop is one of the few experiences in Rio where you create something yourself and bring it back with you.