Rio takes its sunsets seriously. Every evening, people stop what they're doing, find a spot facing west, and watch the sky turn orange and pink behind the mountains. On a clear day at Arpoador, the whole crowd breaks into applause when the sun disappears. It's one of my favorite rituals in the city, and it's completely free.
Here are the best places to watch it, from the classic to the quiet.
Arpoador: The Classic
The rock between Ipanema and Copacabana is Rio's most famous sunset spot, and for good reason. The sun drops behind the Dois Irmãos mountains at the end of Ipanema beach, the sea turns gold, and when it's gone, everyone claps. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to get a good spot on the rock, bring a canga to sit on, and keep a firm hold of your phone, because it gets very crowded.
Mirante do Leblon: The Quieter Alternative
At the far end of Leblon beach, a small lookout sits at the foot of the mountain, with a view back along the whole curve of Leblon and Ipanema. It's calmer than Arpoador and lovely as the beach lights come on.
Sugarloaf: The Big One
Take the cable car up Pão de Açúcar in the late afternoon and you get the whole show: the sun setting behind the mountains and Cristo, then the city lights switching on below you. Buy your ticket in advance and go up at least an hour before sunset, since the queues can be long.
Mureta da Urca: The Local Favorite
In the small, quiet neighborhood of Urca, at the foot of Sugarloaf, locals sit on a low sea wall, the mureta, with snacks from the little bars across the street, watching the boats and the sunset over the bay. It's relaxed, very Carioca, and a perfect way to end a Sugarloaf visit.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas: The Active Option
The lagoon behind Ipanema is ringed by a path of about 7.5 km, popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. Rent a bike, walk a stretch, and watch the sun set behind the mountains reflected in the water. There are kiosks along the way when you need a break.
Parque das Ruínas: The Arty One
In Santa Teresa, the ruins of an old mansion have been turned into a small cultural center with a terrace overlooking Centro and the bay. The late afternoon light here is beautiful. It closes early, so check the opening hours and plan it as a golden-hour visit rather than a full sunset.
Niterói: Rio From the Other Side
For something different, take the ferry across the bay to Niterói and watch the sun go down behind Rio's skyline and mountains. It's one of the best views of the city, precisely because you're not in it. The ferry ride back after dark, with the city lit up, is a bonus.
With a Guide: Morro Dois Irmãos
The hike up Dois Irmãos, starting in Vidigal, ends with one of the most spectacular views in Rio, looking down over Leblon, Ipanema and the Lagoa. A sunset hike means coming down in the dark, so go with a local guide and bring a headlamp.
Sunset Tips
- Check the time. The sun sets around 6:30pm in summer and around 5:15pm in winter. Arrive at least half an hour early.
- Watch the weather. A few clouds make the best sunsets. A fully grey sky means you'll see nothing, so have a backup plan.
- Keep your phone safe. Crowded sunset spots are where phones go missing. Take your photos, then put it away. Our safety guide has more tips.
- Plan your way home. Know how you're getting back before it's dark, especially from the viewpoints and hikes.
Make a Day of It
My favorite kind of Rio day: a slow morning, a few hours customizing your own bikini at the Carioca Bikini Co workshop in Botafogo, an afternoon on the beach wearing it, and then the walk to Arpoador for the sunset. It's hard to beat.
However long you're in Rio, give yourself at least one evening with nothing planned except watching the sun go down. And when the crowd starts clapping, join in.
— Mel
