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Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Rio de Janeiro

THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro on a Rainy Day

Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Rio de Janeiro

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283 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Showing results 1-30 of 283

What travellers are saying

  • namabeer
    Toronto, Canada530 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.
  • gregsf11
    San Francisco, CA845 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ranks with the great theaters of the world, like Paris and Buenos Aires. But just try and get a tour reservation! There's a method to reserving, but there's a madness to the method.

    There are no online reservations, and no one seems to know how it's done. My favela guide finally said you have to go in the morning in person. I did that, and it was closed. Apparently the magic hour is 10:00, preferably on a day they have tours. Not 9:00. They will be closed and the gates will be locked. Not anytime after 10:00; they will sell out very quickly.

    So at 9:50, I got there and joined the queue forming in front of the locked gates, my only hint that I came at the right time. As we waited, we were at least treated to some sidewalk entertainment of a local getting into a fistfight with one of the local homeless guys, with a policeman working to diffuse the situation.

    Oh and btw, some days they have tours once a day, and some days thrice. Thursday worked the best when I was there, but that could change on a dime. But whenever you go, know your Portuguese, because there is no English tour. ...except once on Saturday.
    Written 20 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jonas Gunnarsson
    Stockholm, Sweden676 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are in the area, it's worthwhile to swing by this library.
    It is simply astonishing, and you can just stand in awe for a few minutes and watch what the colonialists would do to bring some culture to this newfound land.
    Written 13 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eileen108
    Mount Shasta, CA5,618 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went into the church and there is gorgeous gold plated artwork inside, definitely worth a visit, it doesn't take long. Unfortunately we only had a few minutes, would have liked to stay a little longer.
    Written 24 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeanette N
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We decided to head to the aquario to get out of the heat. Overall it was nice! We paid R180 each for tickets to both the aquarium and the mirror activity. The mirrors were a lot of fun! As the for aquarium, we were mainly excited for the tunnel. Some of those fish are huge! Overall the aquarium was smaller than I thought it would be, so I’m glad we got the mirror experience to round things out. For both, we spent around 2 hours (we stopped twice for beer- otherwise it could have been shorter).
    Written 12 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zanderzaidan
    East Sussex, UK534 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visiting The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian in Rio de Janeiro was a unique and impressive experience. This isn't your typical cathedral – its modern, pyramid-like structure sets it apart from traditional church architecture, making it a standout in the cityscape.

    The first thing that strikes you is the sheer scale of the building. From the outside, its concrete facade might seem a bit stark, but once you step inside, it’s a whole different story. The vast interior is awe-inspiring, with its towering ceilings and a sense of space that really makes you feel the grandeur of the place.

    The real highlight, though, is the stained glass windows. They run from floor to ceiling, casting beautiful, colorful light throughout the interior. Each of the four massive panels has a different theme, adding to the spiritual and artistic ambiance of the cathedral. It’s a perfect spot to take a moment and reflect, regardless of your religious beliefs.
    Written 26 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jack Miller
    Czech Republic24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A tour of ancient Jerusalem, a well-designed model, rich in detail and having your own very friendly and knowledgeable local guide to history, this place is worth visiting, it exudes incredible peace and learning.
    Written 16 June 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 534virginiat
    Cape Town, South Africa95 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The first week we stayed at the Penthouse Botafogo. This apartment was central to all the attractions. I communicated with the owner, Walter via WhatsApp . There is a washing machine in the apartment so u could wash your clothes if necessary.

    We could see the Christ the Redeemer statue from all the rooms as well as the Sugarloaf mountain . The beach was within walking distance, but not suitable for swimming. People are very fitness conscious so there were always activities on the beach as well as on the beachside of the road. We felt safe walking along the beach road. The apartment was close to the supermarket which was just at the bottom of the apartment. The Botafogo shopping mall was also within walking distance. We went to the hairdresser in the mall and they did a very good job.. Also quite close to the metro station if u wanted to take the train. The train system was very easy you just buy a card which u need to load to take a trip on the train. You just follow the color lines for where you want to go. Hundreds of people make use of the train on a daily basis.

    The apartment had 3 bedrooms. The two were for couples and the one was a single bedroom but it had an extra bed that could be used if you were more people. Each bedroom was en-suite with a shower and toilet. The shower in the single room was not as functional. It has a big sitting room area as well as a big kitchen where we had our dinners.

    There was only a coffee maker but no kettle. All other essentials were there. The stove were gas.

    The apartment also had a terrace, where there was a Brazilian area as well as a jacuzzi which functioned as a dip pool.

    We did a city tour which included the Christ the Redeemer entrance, the park next to the statue, Seleron steps and we had lunch close to the Seleron steps. Rice and black beans are part of almost every meal u order. As the apartment is in the main road there we many taxis going by which u could stop if u needed one. The Uber was cheaper than the taxis but unfortunately the app didn’t allow me to book as it asked for a cpf number which only Brazilians have.

    Page only thing that was a bit frustrating was that people did not speak English so communication was a bit of an issue. I had the du lingo app but that was not sufficient to have a conversation, but it helped a bit.

    Rio was a lovely place and would definitely go back there if I am able to.
    Written 11 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kalawakan60
    Mandaluyong, Philippines218 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bought a Balenciaga designer bag. While busy buying the bag, I, again, accidentally dropped my Fendi bucket hat. Although, it was difficult to converse as I dont have a portugues knowledge, was able to go to cuatomer service. And lo and behold, my hat was there. Thank you so much.
    Written 10 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • graemerk
    Brisbane, Australia169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent exhibition of the history of Brazil, with good English language signs at key exhibits. The exhibition portrays the complex and difficult history with the very lengthy legacy of slavery and injustice in a professional manner. It works well at explaining the role and process of decolonising the telling of history. At the same time, it portrays some of the significant progress that has been made in development of Brazil.

    We did not visit some exhibits of the museum, including the carriage room and historical paintings but appreciated and were impressed by the main exhibition. Fully recommend including the museum in visits to Rio de Janeiro.
    Written 1 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Annemarie K
    Ypsilanti, MI33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This chapel is actually part of the museum and I almost missed it because the church itself is wide open. Be sure to buy a ticket to the museum, then tour the church with its guided gold rush of Baroque extravagance and look around the museum displays. Most interesting to me was also a separate confessional room, a large room with benches where people wait their turn while being able to see the priest and the penitent in conversation and confession. This church is very active and was crowded at midday mass.
    Written 23 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eileen108
    Mount Shasta, CA5,618 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    To be honest, I was expecting artwork from all over the country or maybe only Rio, but it is all about African-influence art in Brazil. Still, the displays are complex ad beautiful, sometimes crazy but worth a visit if you are interested in that aspect of art.
    Written 24 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alex G
    Lightwater, UK92 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our kids always enjoy visiting historical houses, stately homes etc, mainly due to the grandeur... this did not disappoint them. Well worth an hour or two. The audio guides are only R$5 and well worth it.
    Written 31 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Florencia A
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything was very organized and on time. All children enjoyed the game very much.
    We celebrated my son’s 12th birthday.
    Written 2 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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