Best Rio de Janeiro Hidden Gem Attractions
THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Rio de Janeiro
Best Rio de Janeiro Hidden Gem Attractions
Category types
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
67 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Zona Oeste (West Zone)
Military Bases & Facilities
Zona Sul (South Zone)
Architectural Buildings • Islands
Centro
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Santa Teresa
Speciality Museums
Zona Oeste (West Zone)
Parks
Zona Sul (South Zone)
Military Museums
Centro
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Botafogo
What travellers are saying
- BeatrizMesquita, RJ12 contributionsOne 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jonas GunnarssonStockholm, Sweden676 contributionsIf 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Eileen108Mount Shasta, CA5,613 contributionsWe 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lovin' it on Phuket1,288 contributionsThis is a lovely beach to visit if it isn't crowded. I found it to be less of a headache than Copacabana and less busy than Ipanema. It is one of the areas you should check out and explore when you first arrive in Rio so it stands out a bit in your memory.Written 31 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tom GSan Diego, CA243 contributionsRio has dozens of neighborhoods worth visiting to get a feeling for local culture, character, and color. Santa Teresa is nestled on a hillside overlooking central Rio. Known for its colonial charm and bohemian vibe, it attracts artists, musicians, and intellectuals. The narrow, winding, cobblestone streets are lined with beautifully preserved colonial houses, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
We visited the Selarón Steps, an iconic work of art created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, showcasing a vibrant mosaic of tiles. A mix of tourists, artists, photographers, and locals wend their way up and around to get the best angles for photographing the most interesting (religious, humorous, outrageous cartoons). Many get to this area from the city center on the Santa Teresa Tram, a historic tramway system that has been operating since 1877.Written 23 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sid O2 contributionsChilled-out, secluded beach spot. The only drawback is that cell phone reception is very bad so it's hard to get an Uber when it's time to leave. The restaurant near the entrance will let you use their internet though.Written 26 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jack MillerCzech Republic24 contributionsA 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 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SimonestWindhoek, Namibia870 contributionsMy first time there and we were just amazed by the vibrant and colorful Rio de Janeiro. That was what I was looking for as local experience. But be close to the group who is playing because of the crowds and noise you almost can’t not listen it perfectly. We went there around 11 pm and it was still going on. The band played till 1 am and after the party goes through the streets and bars!Written 12 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Christian DBrasilia, DF67 contributionsAlmost private beach not known to many people, is mainly used by locals , so excellent to feel like a Carioca !Written 10 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Valentina G1 contributionwonderful place and very well managed. I recomand everyone who goes to Rio to visit this place! It's a real paradise on earth!Written 13 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- graemerkBrisbane, Australia169 contributionsExcellent 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Annemarie KYpsilanti, MI33 contributionsThis 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mark BNew Philadelphia, PA33 contributionsA phenomena hike through the rain Forrest to the top of Lapa Rock. It is a somewhat steep hike over a cobbestone walkway affording spectacular views. From the to you get a beautiful view of Copacabana Beach all the way to Fort Copacabana. Enjoy!Written 28 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alex GLightwater, UK92 contributionsOur 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wombling_Free_7548Bristol, UK2,176 contributionsIf you go to the Naval Museum, you get a good view from the destroyer ship which is part of the museum. We didn’t go any closer than that.Written 4 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
