Things to do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil go far beyond its famous beaches and postcard-perfect landmarks. Rio de Janeiro is also rich in culture, high-energy experiences and encounters that will make you want to come back, from the time you set foot in this vibrant city! Whether you’re traveling there for the first time for Rio’s Carnival or outside of the carnival season; or you are returning to Rio de Janeiro as part of a multi-city trip in Brazil, this guide will show you the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including iconic landmarks, hidden cultural experiences (that only locals know), and of course… Rio’s nightlife! Consider this a checklist for bucket list experiences to have in Rio de Janeiro, starting with… 

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor): Rio’s Most Iconic Landmark

I know the statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the 7th wonders of the world, and I already had that on my bucketlist going to Rio de Janeiro. Standing 98 feet tall atop Corcovado Mountain, this iconic statue overlooks the entire city. The statue itself is pretty impressive, but what I found even more amazing was the view of the city that you get from being that high up.

You can reach the site of the Christ the Redeemer statue by using the shuttle train through Tijuca National Park (which I recommend), or shuttle vans (available on site). I recommend using the shuttle train because it gives you a beautiful, scenic view of the Tijuca National Park, from the inside. Access to the shuttle train is also included in your Christ the Redeemer ticket when you purchase. The shuttle train to Christ the Redeemer leaves every 15 minutes, which gives you enough time to browse through the souvenir shop, purchase some items or just walk around. You can get your Christ the Redeemer tickets here or get them as part of a bundle tour that includes a visit to Sugarloaf mountain too!

Clem’s Gems to know before you go:

• The best time to visit is early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) to avoid crowds 
• Clear days (weather wise) offer the best views of the site, in my opinion 
• Tickets often sell out (especially during busy tourist seasons, so book online in advance (when booking, you will need to pick a day and time for your visit)
• Plan to get there at least 1 hour before your visit time: there is a lot of traffic in Rio, and you don’t want to be delayed or lose your ticket!

When I visited, I went with a group of friends following the Black Travel Summit, and we bought our tickets on site (we picked the next available slot). So, we arrived at the right time before the big crowds, and it worked out perfectly. 

The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most photographed things to see in Rio de Janeiro, so it is definitely worth checking out at least while you are there. 

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil #2: Visit Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)

People say the Sugarloaf mountain in Rio gives you sunset views you will never forget. So, because it’s so popular and so highly rated, I had to add it here. Sugarloaf mountain is accessible by a two-stage cable car ride. It is one of the best things to see in Rio de Janeiro especially for the night views of the city from that point. It is a great spot for photography lovers, and also something you can include in your Rio de Janeiro itinerary even if you are just there for a short visit (like 2-4 days in Rio de Janeiro). I recommend booking a tour to the Sugarloaf mountain especially if this is your first visit to Brazil! This tour also includes a visit to Christ the Redeemer. But if you only want to do the Sugarloaf mountain cable car experience, you should check it out here (and make sure you book ahead of time to get the tour for the dates and times you actually want – it sells out!)

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil #3: Pop in at one of Rio’s Famous Beaches Copacabana & Ipanema

Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are two of Rio’s famous beaches, and central to Rio’s lifestyle. Travelers love Copacabana beach because of its lively atmosphere, black and white sand promenade and the fact that it gives the perfect typical tourist vibe (which is not always a bad thing). Think “Miami South Beach”. Ipanema Beach is also pretty trendy, has great sunset views and is pretty popular with locals and visitors. Even though those two are pretty popular, I want to put Barra Beach on your radar. It is one of the top beaches in Rio de Janeiro, but a lot of tourists don’t know about it. Located in Barra de Tijuca, its long stretch faces the road, giving drivers a beautiful scenic view of Rio. The beach itself is easily accessible and makes for a great time getaway, right in the city. So if you like “people watching”, “sunbathing” or just being in a good body of water, add beach hopping to your list of things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and here you’ve got at least three amazing options!

Explore Tijuca National Park: Nature in the Heart of the City

Rio de Janeiro is pretty impressive in that it has a rainforest within the boundaries of the city. And not just any rainforest: one of the largest urban rainforests in the world: think waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife, and scenic viewpoints. I mean, the fact that this is located within the city (and not outside) makes it a lot easier to access, especially if you only have 2-3 days in Rio de Janeiro and want to maximize your time there! You might not have time to do everything at the Tijuca National park during your trip to Rio de Janeiro, but if you do, prioritize these: 

• Hike to Vista Chinesa 
• Visit Cascatinha Taunay waterfall 
• Spot monkeys and tropical birds
  

All these activities are included in this Tijuca National Park tour here (plan at least 5 hours). It’s perfect to kick off your day in Rio!

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro #5: Discover Santa Teresa, Rio’s Artistic Soul

If you want to experience Rio de Janeiro beyond the typical tourist trail, you need to go to Santa Teresa! The neighborhood of Santa Teresa is probably where I had my biggest Aha moment during my visit to Rio de Janeiro. Well, come to think of it, as I am typing this, another spot comes to mind but, this was pretty impressive. Walking around Santa Teresa feels like walking in any street in Cameroun, my home country: Cobblestone streets, street art everywhere, organized graffiti, gorgeous symbolic murals, and local shops with artisans selling their afro-brazilian products. Santa Teresa brought a lot of memories to me, especially as I saw murals of football legends, which reminded me of Cameroun’s world cup games (and other duels) with Brazil! And for you, it might trigger other emotions too! While you are in Santa Teresa, make sure you stop at the AGO Restaurant and try out their cocktails! And if you’re lucky, who knows.. you might catch a live performance that makes neighbors step out to dance in the street, and make you wish you would never leave. This is why this visiting Santa Teresa is one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Visiting Santa Teresa is better if you are doing it with a local guide, so I recommend this Afro-brazilian amazing tour that also includes local lunch as well as Christ the Redeemer tickets!

Visit Selarón Steps: Rio’s Iconic Cultural Steps 

The Escadaria Selarón is one of Rio’s most photographed landmarks and is definitely one of the best things to see in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The steps were created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón (hence the name). For the little history… Jorge created the steps in the early 1990s as a deeply personal art project and a tribute to Brazil, starting right outside his home between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro. His goal was to repair the broken steps in front of his home using tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag; and this slowly evolved into a massive, ever-changing mosaic made up of tiles from over 60 countries, many of them donated by visitors from around the world. Selarón saw the steps as a living work of art and famously said they would never be finished in his lifetime, turning the staircase into a powerful symbol of creativity, cultural exchange, and how one person’s vision can transform an ordinary space into something iconic. And this is why these steps are one of the best things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In fact, do not leave Rio without taking a photo by Escadaria Selarón! Yes, even if it is crowded.  While seeing the steps is free, you can also see them as part of a tour that includes other spots in the area. Here is the one that I did, and make sure you book your tickets before they sell out!

Clem’s Gems to know before you go:

• You can take an Uber to get there
• Visit early in the morning for photos without crowds (really, between 5-7 AM!)
• But if you come later in the afternoon, it’s a different vibe: lively atmosphere, street musicians and food vendors bringing more life to the neighborhood!

Experience Rio’s Food Scene through a Food and Culture Tour 

You haven’t really experienced Rio de Janeiro until you’ve explored it through food, culture, and lived history; and that’s exactly what the Zungu Food and Culture Tour by Etnias Turismo delivers. Etnias Turismo is a locally  Black-owned afrotourism company, which means by booking through them you are pouring back directly in the community (sustainable tourism). And this tour isn’t about ticking boxes for Instagram: it’s about understanding Rio through its people, its flavors, and the resistance that shaped its culture.

So, this Zungu Food and Culture tour takes you beyond the iconic sights and straight into the soul of the city, starting at Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba and a powerful center of Afro-Brazilian resistance. From there, you’re welcomed at Casa Omolokum, where the food is deeply rooted in ancestry and spirituality, with dishes like acarajé, xinxim de galinha, and other flavors that carry generations of meaning. The tour continues through spaces where the African diaspora meets on a plate, offering tastes inspired by Angola, Nigeria, Mozambique, South Africa, and Brazil, before ending at Agô (in Santa Teresa), a modern gastropub where Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions meet bold, contemporary cooking. Every stop is intentional: each dish tells a story of memory, survival, joy, and identity, while also spotlighting Black-owned businesses and cultural preservation. Make sure you book your tour tickets for your preferred dates here!

Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro at Night: Samba Nights 

If you love line dancing or street parties, then you’re probably going to love Rio at night! And trust me, there are multiple options for things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at night! 

Live Shows and Afrobeat Nights at Casa Savana

If I had left Rio de Janeiro on this first visit without stopping at Casa Savana, I would have missed out, and I wouldn’t even have known! People say “you can’t miss what you don’t have/don’t know”, but in this case, I know I would have missed it. This is the one club/bar/lounge in Rio de Janeiro where I felt the Afrobeat energy come alive: with the music, the hype, the dance, and we ended up going there on a night where they had a fashion show! The night at Casa Savana was (without a doubt) the highlight of my Brazilian nights, and of all the things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night, this is the best. Especially if you love (not like) to dance. So, when you travel to Rio de Janeiro, make sure you check out what programming Casa Savana has and plan accordingly! 

Street Parties in Pequena Africa 

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night, especially if this is your first visit. Seeing Little Africa in the daytime vs the night time on a Friday is completely different. What I loved about it was seeing both locals and tourists having a good time, to a live band playing classic brazilian tunes. And the fact that we did not know them did not keep us from actually enjoying ourselves. We stopped at a few outside bars trying out different caipirinhas, eating our way to fried street foods and jumping with total strangers who I could instantly bond with talking about football! And I will never forget stopping at one stand and trying to name every single country based on its flag. It was epic, you should see it! You can book your tickets for this experience here!

Line Dancing at the Arcos da Lapa

The Lapa Neighborhood is famous for samba clubs and live music. The Arcos da Lapa aqueduct is nearby, and this is where people go for line dancing (it gives an effect of “dancing under a bridge”). You can easily get there alone or with your crew by taking an Uber, or if you prefer going with a group (of other tourists), then you can book this experience as a tour. During my trip to Rio de Janeiro, I only found out about this because I connected with locals – so I encourage you to ask around (hotel and restaurant staff might know other amazing things to do in Rio at night!) 

Bar Hopping through Rio 

You don’t need an excuse to go bar hopping in Rio de Janeiro at night, but if you want one, just say that you are looking for the best Capirinha in town! Rio truly comes alive with locals and tourists after hours, and when it comes to bar hopping, there is no “real” itinerary. The best places are the Lapa Neighborhood, Pedro do Sal and Little Africa. Once you are in those areas, just check out the bars that are there. 

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Take a Heritage Tour of Little Africa

One of the most powerful things to do in Rio de Janeiro is taking a heritage tour of Little Africa (Pequena África), an area that holds the deepest roots of Afro-Brazilian history and resistance. Walking through this neighborhood isn’t just sightseeing: it’s a history lesson that connects Rio to the wider African diaspora. You’ll explore places like Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba, and the surrounding streets where formerly enslaved Africans built community, culture, and spiritual life after abolition. Through stories of resilience, religion, music, and migration, the tour reveals how African traditions shaped Brazil’s identity in ways that are often overlooked by mainstream tourism. If you truly want to see the real side of Rio, this experience grounds you in the people, struggles, and cultural legacy that continue to influence the city today. Make sure you book your tickets here!

Other things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Explore Rio’s Museums & Cultural Institutions

If you love history and culture and want a bit of a more traditional experience when it comes to diving into those, then add the following museums to your list: 

• Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã): with a futuristic design and sustainability themes 
• MAR (Museum of Art of Rio): this museum features Brazilian art and history 
• National History Museum: gives you more Insight into Brazil’s past

Now that you have a full list of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, here are some practical tips to help you plan your trip to Rio!

Practical Travel Tips for Rio de Janeiro

Before your trip, here are some important things to know:

• Best time to visit: February: for Rio’s Carnival. May–November (drier and cooler)
  
• Getting around: Uber is widely used and safe. This is what I used during my entire trip to Brazil. However, if you are staying longer than 3-4 days, you should consider renting a car for your Rio de Janeiro trip. 
• Safety: Rio de Janeiro is safe, and you need to follow basic precautions you would when visiting any other tourist city: stick to well-known (and well lit) areas day and night, avoid flashing valuables, and whenever possible, use a certified tour guide for your activities (especially if you are traveling alone). 
• Language: Portuguese is essential, so learn a few words. Most hotels have English speaking staff, but drivers (and locals) might not be as fluent. So, download Google Translate and make sure you have mobile data at all times. I used Airalo as my e-sim of choice for this trip, and it worked perfectly fine. 

Final Thoughts: Why Rio de Janeiro Should Be on Your Bucket List

Rio de Janeiro is really a city that has something for everyone. And if this is your first introduction to Brazil as a country, you really need to hit the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro from this article, to get a pretty good appreciation of the country. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, culture, or music, there are a variety of things to do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil enough to make you want to extend your stay!

And speaking of stay… picking the right hotel in Rio de Janeiro is just as important as what you do when you are in the city. I recommend the Radisson Barra Hotel if you are on a budget but still want good value, and the Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro if you want to splurge on luxury with a view!

And while you’re here, these are my best resources to make your trip to Brazil even more amazing: 

• Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: What to Know Before Your First Trip
• Visiting Christ the Redeemer, Rio: Everything you Need to Know
• Solo Brazil Travel Guide: How to Plan Your First Trip
• Is Brazil Safe for Female Travelers?
• Inside the Radisson Barra in Rio de Janeiro
• Inside the Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro

You’ve Probably Asked Yourself:

Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists?
Yes, with precautions and staying in well-known areas.

How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?
At least 4–6 days to experience major highlights.

What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night?
Samba in Lapa, sunset views from Sugarloaf, and live music shows.

Is Rio de Janeiro expensive?
In my opinion, no. However, based on what you want to do, costs vary, but budget-friendly options are widely available.

Do you need Portuguese to visit Rio?
Basic Portuguese helps, as English is limited outside tourist areas. I recommend downloading Google translate on your phone and having an e-sim with a mobile data plan so you can use Google Translate on the go.