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Places to visit in Rio de Janeiro

THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Places to Visit in Rio de Janeiro

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach, Beaches, City Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Iconic landmark set atop a lush peak with panoramic city views and a serene chapel. Early visits recommended for serene ambiance and smooth train access to this cultural marvel.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Sunny beach with a relaxed vibe, known for scenic views, clear waters, and beach sports. Enjoyable sunset at Arpoador Rock and a mix of local commerce line the pedestrian walkway.
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Sweeping beach with clear waters and white sands, ideal for sunbathing, volleyball, and enjoying local snacks from beachside bars. Lively atmosphere with a scenic mountain backdrop.
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Passionate football atmosphere with a historic touch, featuring a museum and live match seating. Includes a chance to score a goal.
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Lush urban park featuring historic chateau with rooftop views, adventurous "caves" and "castle" for kids, and a trail leading to iconic landmarks.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Vibrant staircase adorned with a mosaic of international tiles, reflecting the area's cultural diversity. Steep climb rewards with views and photo opportunities.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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Other Top Attractions around Rio de Janeiro




*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • blessed116
    London, UK162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Superb and not to be missed. Simply get a taxi to the station, avoid the chatter that says it is the last train and you should pick up a van to meet the train halfway up. The trains run regularly. We caught the 5 pm and it took 20 minutes to go up. Had plenty of time to see the spectacular views and marvel at the sunset before going down. If you want a taxi at a reasonable price once you have descended, I suggest you walk away from the site so that you get a reasonably priced Uber.
    Written 26 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David N
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ipanema hostel, best hostel in town, amazing people, definitely an amazing stay here. Latisha one of the best host, she makes one of the best Caipirinhas I've had 👌
    Written 6 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • UpperCapeResident
    Boston, MA258 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice and clean beach with lots of activities. Walking distance to lots of food options and beverages. Love it. Very good for winter retreats
    Written 9 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan K
    New York City, NY1,190 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    UNfortunatley we arrived out of season so there was very little color and trees in bloom. They did offer a senior discount, as well as have discounts for local residents. WE found it easy to just take an Uber from our hotel. Remember to get a map at the entrance. They do have a hop on hop off train/car that goes to 7 stops for an additional cost, but the gardens are not that large and you can easily walk to all the stops.
    Written 27 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Archie
    Glenmoore, PA7,760 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed our visit near copacabana Beach. We walked through an access point that took us to rocks. We climbed up for lovely scenery . It does smell bad unfortunately. The local kids were enjoying jumping into water. There was a little cove to swim. Wear sturdy shoes. Lovely views all around.
    Written 25 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jac
    Glasgow, UK39 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great visit to the stadium. The only small negative comment I would have is the length of time taken in the queue for taking the penalties. It is mostly children who use this option so going forward I think they should think about a quicker way to do this. We waited over half an hour with 7, 5 and 3 year old children who were very restless. Overall we enjoyed the experience and the staff very very welcoming.
    Written 6 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • namabeer
    Toronto, Canada549 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was amazing even if we didn't understand Portuguese for the initial video (where you lie on the floor. It's basic evolution of life video. The other displays have English. lots of visual exhibits about sustainability , environment, population growth etc.... On your way back there are lots of hands on exhibits. Good place to kill a few hrs. It's an Architectual marvel. The best part was if you are over 60 yr its FREE (need passport or ID). Students are only 15 Reals. So it was a very cheap attraction for us. To get there just take a uber there or if doing downtown RIO (steps, cathedral, reading room, mkt) then its an easy walk to the harbor. Note the worlds largest murals are 8 min walk afterwards. Don't miss Downtown RIO (most people only do beach and cristo sugarloaf.
    Written 17 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • מוטי ל
    Karmiel, Israel614 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    very impressive building which hosts many interesting exhibitions, not only from brazil, but also from other countries. we saw exhibition about the inca of peru.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beatriz
    Mesquita, RJ12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I've been twice, the first time I only went to the main point and didn't know how to explore much, but the second time I discovered places I had no idea I could go. It's free (which is good) and very interesting to explore.
    Written 31 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beatriz
    Mesquita, RJ12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the best destinations in Rio de Janeiro because there are thousands of things to do. I visited the coldest waterfalls there and the caves too, the Gruta do Morcego is one that you can enter and the low temperature is a delight.
    Written 31 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nrmlodik14
    Cincinnati, OH246 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a treat to see these stairs, they went higher than I expected!
    It was raining the day we went…which helped keep tourism down a bit.
    Take your time, checking out all the varieties of tiles.
    There are some really cool wall murals to check out nearby. Afterwards grab a beer & lunch at Antonio’s, nearby.
    Written 4 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • namabeer
    Toronto, Canada549 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Save your REALs rather than taking cable car up to SUGARLOAF. save $$$$ and time is to hike the first part. Fun exciting scenic and pretty easy up URCA mountain. Just walk towards past the roundabout towards the beach and the path starts there (arch and part of the National Park). It is safe to walk there. Lots of people and locals esp during day. On the hike was fun esp listening to all locals play or sing Justin Beiber (not sure why Brazilans love JB - baby baby). People go up to first level as lots of shops/restaruant and lookout and mini DJ raves esp on the weekend. Carry some water and have some good shoes when walking. Best deal is when at first level you can buy ticket up to final leg of Sugarloaf via Kiosk for discount and NO LINE UP. You can buy to go up and all the way down. Not students 1/2 price and seniors >60 are 1/2 price (65 Real). Hikers get a break too. The hike up is like 30 mins so i'd rather walk than wait in line at the bottom.

    Sunset is nice at the first level. Not much diff from top of sugarloaf other than you can see Coppacabana

    Sat night has tons of kids go there to hang and get their instagram shots (all dressed up).

    Save your money on Sugarloaf as you will have similar higher views at Cristo de Demeer.
    Written 17 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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