3 perfect days in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro isn’t for the faint of heart. The highs are high—both literally and figuratively. It’s the perfect destination for mountaintop views, see-and-be-seen beaches, and thumping nightlife. Sure, Carnival and New Year’s Eve are popular party seasons, but there are quieter times when you can escape the noise and crowds. (There’s no avoiding the humidity, so consider yourself warned.)

This three-day itinerary will help you find the best stretches of sand and take in some of the most spectacular scenery in the hemisphere. And to make sure you take full advantage of your days, we’ve incorporated Tripadvisor reviews and ratings, too.

Rio isn’t a sit-around kind of city, so don’t waste time on a leisurely breakfast. Do what the cariocas do and grab a freshly squeezed juice and a creamy açaí bowl topped with granola and honey from any corner coffee shop. Head straight to Sugarloaf Mountain—the earlier, the better—so that you can avoid the crowds and beat the haze. Two cable car rides zip you to the top so that you can take in the sweeping views of the city, the beaches, and the silhouette of the 124-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer Statue in the distance.

After you’ve soaked in the breathtaking scenery, you’re ready to join the crowds at the region’s best beaches.

Afternoon is usually the most crowded time at Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, but by this point you’re probably ready to dip your toes in the water. (The water is swimmable, but beware of the riptides and mind the lifeguards.) Copacabana is the rowdier of the two, and the nearby bars and restaurants add to the party atmosphere. Ipanema is more family friendly (but still a scene) and home to glitzier boutiques and restaurants. The beaches are organized by lifeguard post numbers. Head to Post 7 for surfing, Post 9 for a party scene, and Post 10 if you have little ones in tow.

Lunch? Stick with beach fare. Don’t give up your patch of sand. Let a vendor come to you and stay cool with a refreshing mate con limão (a lemony tea) while you snack on some queijo coalho (grilled cheese kebabs drizzled with honey and seasoned with oregano). Sand volleyball is a fun way to spend the afternoon, but remember that Brazilians use their hands and feet to play.

Stay on the beach until the sun sinks below the horizon. The most popular place to watch the show is at Arpoador, the rocky outcropping that divides Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. From there, you can watch the sun descending over the twin peaks of Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers).

One block off the beach, between Post 9 and Post 10, you’ll find Zaza Bistro Tropical. Tucked inside a bright blue mansion, this popular spot blends Brazilian and Asian influences. Cocktails and desserts hone in on more tropical flavors. Dine on the outdoor patio or sit on cushions on the floor.

With dinner done, go back to Copacabana for your first taste of Rio’s nightlife. Bip Bip is a tiny bar with plenty of entertainment, including samba dancers on Sundays. If you’re looking for somewhere to dance until the sun comes up, Pink Flamingo is a local favorite known for its cheap drinks and drag shows.

It’s easy to focus on Rio’s beautiful beaches, but it would be a shame to miss Jardim Botanico and its more than 7,000 indigenous and exotic species of flora. The botanical gardens were created in 1808, and they remain a great way to get away from the crowds. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the on-site restaurant.

After meandering through the gardens, take a tram or a taxi to the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Charming doesn’t begin to describe it. You’ll encounter cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and views from every corner. It’s also loaded with boutiques, galleries, and tiny bars where you could easily lose a few hours. Must-sees include the hippie-chic handicrafts at Favela Hype, a great place for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. For lunch, Bonde Boca serves Brazilian meat and seafood dishes on a picturesque patio.

For dinner and bar hopping, head to the neighborhood of Lapa, known for its interesting eateries and lively bars and clubs. Stop by the Selaron Steps for a photo opp along the way. Festive pretty much covers the Lapa vibe. Expect open windows, blaring music, and packs of revelers. Locals flock to Lapa for botecos (typical Brazilian bars), street performers, and samba dancing.

For food and a festive atmosphere, head to Carioca da Gema. Live samba performances pair well with Brazilian food. End the night (seriously, you could stay until the next morning) enjoying craft cocktails on three levels at one of Rio’s most beloved bars, Rio Scenarium. You’ll love the rotation of samba and other Brazilian music.

The only danger in saving a visit to the Christ the Redeemer Statue for the last day is that the weather makes all the difference. Check the forecast and rearrange your schedule, if necessary. Otherwise, get up as early as possible to climb the 220 steps up the Art Deco statue, a symbol of faith for the people of Rio. Giving it a “best of the best” review, Tripadvisor readers agree that the statue has the “best panoramic view of Rio.”

Lovingly called the city’s “green lungs,” Parque Nacional da Tijuca is so much more than the home of the Christ the Redeemer Statue. One of the largest urban rainforests in the world, Tijuca National Park is one of the most beautiful spots in Rio. Whether you’re a birder, hiker, or just want to see some marmosets or other types of monkeys racing through the trees, it’s a completely different side of the city.

Don’t consider leaving Rio without heading to a churrascaria for a meat-centric meal. Churrascaria Palace didn’t reinvent grilled meat, but for the past 70 years it has served unlimited cuts of beef and succulent seafood. The chefs here definitely know what they’re doing. The variety and the quality are definitely hard to beat.