Tourist Places to Visit in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil

Cool Things to Do and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Rio de Janeiro

Mustafa Natalwala 3886 Views

Rio de Janeiro, popularly known as just Rio, is the capital of the eponymous state in Brazil. It is perhaps Brazil’s most popular city for tourists. It is also considered to be the most happening cities in the world owing to its annual carnival. Located between mountains and the ocean, this city has much to offer all visitors. Owing to its unique geography there are several top things to do in Rio de Janeiro in line with outdoor activities and adventure sports. There are also a wide variety of places to visit in Rio de Janeiro ranging from party places, beaches, museums, art galleries, cultural centers, historical buildings and more. The city is home to several world-renowned monuments and places. Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions have been featured in numerous songs, tv shows, web series, song lyrics and music videos. This city and its places can be considered superstars in their own right. The city has a unique characteristic in terms of charm, vibe and charisma; which can be experienced during Rio de Janeiro sightseeing. The Brazilian flair of people, its culture and traditions is also reflected in Rio de Janeiro attractions. You have explored to feel it. Some things cannot be described, only experienced.

Owing to its location, you get incredible natural sights among things to see in Rio de Janeiro. The city is surrounded by forests, lakes, mountains and an ocean. There is much to expect from Rio de Janeiro travel in every aspect of the experience. If you are a city explorer, you should check out the classic and colorful neighborhoods of the city. If you are a film fanatic, you can make Rio de Janeiro itinerary of the places where different films were pictured. If you are an artist or an art admirer, you can explore the local art scene at several cultural centers or at art museums spread across the city. If you are here to party, well you must visit Rio de Janeiro during the carnival. It’s one of the biggest parties on earth.

Though one of the most popular reasons for Rio de Janeiro vacation has been the coastline. The beaches and the ocean have pulled several travelers to this Brazilian paradise. The best beaches of Rio de Janeiro are also some of the best beaches in the world. They have everything, great view, sandy coastline, beautiful people and a happening vibe. Even at night Rio de Janeiro beach seems to be alive. Water sports like jet skiing, surfing, kayaking, sailing, and beach football are all popular activities on Rio de Janeiro beaches.

If one is required to describe Rio de Janeiro vacation in one word, it would be fun, absolute and unbridled enjoyment for all kinds of travelers.

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Explore The Best Tourist Attractions of Rio de Janeiro in 4 Days

This section covers the majority of Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions which you can cover in 4 days. These places have been picked based on their popularity and their proximity to one another. This 4 day Rio de Janeiro itinerary lets you make the most of your time in Brazilian paradise.

Day 1

1. Corcovado / Christ the Redeemer

This mountain situated in Tijuca Forest is the spot for the most iconic Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions: Christ the Redeemer. This 125ft tall statue of Jesus Christ on top of the mountain is one of the most well-known monuments in the world. You will need about 2 hours at Corcovado.

I suggest you should get your admission ticket of Christ the Redeemer with Cog Train.

Corcovado

2. Parque Lage

This mansion is home to Visual Arts School located in the city Botanical Gardens. It is among the calmest and most pleasant places to visit in Rio de Janeiro. You will need an hour here.

Parque Lage

3. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)

These botanical gardens exhibit a wide range of flora native to Brazil. There are also several works of art in these gardens to admire. You will need 1 hour to explore these gardens.

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

4. Ipanema Beach

This is one of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Besides the incredible view and happening atmosphere, there are also several top things to do in Rio de Janeiro including water-based adventure sports to enjoy here. Keep aside an hour’s time for Ipanema Beach.

Ipanema Beach

5. Copacabana Fort

This museum is dedicated to the history of Brazil’s navy and naval exploration. This fort is also a very fascinating place to include for Rio de Janeiro sightseeing. Besides its historical significance, the fort has an amazing ocean view. You will need an hour and a half at this fort.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of The History of Rio’s Forts.

Copacabana Fort

6. Copacabana Beach

This is the most popular Rio de Janeiro beach. In fact, it is one of the most well-known beaches in the world. It has been featured films, song lyrics, television shows and music videos. This beach is a celebrity by itself. You should keep at least a couple of hours to spend here and maybe even more. There are so many popular and unique Rio de Janeiro activities here that you can never run out of things to do at Copacabana Beach.

Copacabana Beach

Day 2

1. Santa Teresa

This vibrant and colorful neighborhood is among the most popular things to see in Rio de Janeiro for its art studios, hill mansions, tram tracks and its general quirky vibe. You will need about 2 hours to explore this neighborhood and the attractions within it.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Santa Teresa with Tram Ride in advance.

Santa Teresa

2. Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas)

The Ruins Park is a well known art center in the city. You will find some of the most beautiful things to see in Rio de Janeiro in terms of artworks at Ruins Park. You will need an hour here.

Ruins Park

3. Chacara do Ceu Museum (Museu da Chácara do Céu)

This edgy art museum is one of its kind Rio de Janeiro attractions. There are several local and international pieces of art exhibited here. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

Chacara do Ceu Museum

4. Selaron Steps (Escadaria Selarón)

These brightly colored steps are one of the best places to take creative pictures on Rio de Janeiro vacation. You would need about 30 minutes here.

Selaron Steps

5. Rio de Janeiro Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro)

This church is dedicated to Saint Sebastian and is also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. You would need 30 minutes for this vast church.

Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

6. Municipal Theatre

This 20th century structure is one of the most well-known theaters in Brazil. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this theatre.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the Municipal Theatre with the National Library of Brazil.

Municipal Theatre

7. National Museum of Fine Arts (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes)

This museum is one the best places to be in Rio de Janeiro and exhibits several national and international works of art. It also exhibits part of the Portuguese Royal Collection, which was shipped to Brazil in the early 19th century. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

National Museum of Fine Arts

8. National Library of Brazil (Fundação Biblioteca Nacional)

This is the largest library in Brazil and the seventh largest in the world. The library is home to over 9 million items. Unless you plan to spend time reading here, you would need about 30 minutes to explore this library.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the National Library of Brazil with Municipal Theater in advance.

National Library of Brazil

Day 3

1. Morro da Urca

This Turtle shaped mountain is associated with some of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro including hiking and cable car. Either way you take to reach the top, keep at least an hour to spend exploring the attractions of this mountain.

Morro da Urca

2. Sugarloaf Mountain

This is the elder brother of Morro da Urca mountain. The cable car can take you to the top and you can also follow the hike trail to the summit. You would need a few hours of time to explore this mountain.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Round Trip Cable Car Ticket for Sugarloaf Mountain in advance.

Sugarloaf Mountain

3. Maracana Stadium

This stadium hosted 1950 FIFA World Cup which took place in Brazil. You will need about 2 hours to explore this stadium.

I suggest you should book a Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket to Maracana Stadium in advance.

Maracana Stadium

4. Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói – MAC)

This huge art museum is one of the most popular things to see in Rio de Janeiro for the city’s art scene. This museum exhibits works by several renowned national and international artists. You would need 2 hours to explore it.

I suggest you should book a half-day Niteroi City Tour and with that, you can also visit Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum.

Niterói Contemporary Art Museum

Day 4

1. Ilha Fiscal

This Neo-Gothic palace looks like a fairy tale location. It is considered to be the symbol of Brazil’s royalty. It is one of the most beautiful buildings among Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions. You will need about 2 hours at this palace.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Ilha Fiscal in advance.

Ilha Fiscal

2. Candelária Church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária)

This church took a long time to build. Its construction life spans between 1775 all the way till later part of 19th century. The baroque interiors of this church are its prominent features. You would need about an hour for this Church.

Candelária Church

3. Centro Cultural Banco do Brazil (CCBB RJ)

Also known as the Bank of Brazil Cultural Center, this is one of the most visited art museums in the world. You will need about 2 hours for this cultural center.

Centro Cultural Banco do Brazil

4. National Historical Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional)

This museum tells the story of Brazil. The Santiago Fort itself is among top historical Rio de Janeiro attractions, having the national museum makes it all the more historic. There are more than 350,000 pieces exhibited here and you would need at least 2 hours here.

National Historical Museum

5. Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro)

Situated in Flamengo Park, this museum exhibits some of the most outstanding works of modern and contemporary art created by some of the most renowned artists from across the world. You will need 2 hours to explore the museum and admire the pieces of art here.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the Museum of Modern Art with Admission Ticket in advance.

Museum of Modern Art

If you plan to visit Rio de Janeiro for more than 4 days, do check out the section below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of Rio de Janeiro attractions. It also includes a section of numerous outdoor activities in Rio de Janeiro and adventure sports.

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Christ the Redeemer
  2. Escadaria Selaron
  3. Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum
  4. Museu do Amanha
  5. Carioca Aqueduct
  6. Copacabana Fort
  7. Cathedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao de Rio
  8. Royal Portuguese Reading Room
  9. Museu Nacional de Belas Artes
  10. Museum of Modern Art
  11. Rio Art Museum
  12. Nossa Senhora do Monserrate do Rio de Janeiro
  13. Ilha Fiscal
  14. National Museum of Brazil
  15. Imperial Museum
  16. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria
  17. Catete Palace – Museum of the Republic
  18. Fundacao Biblioteca Nacional
  19. Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra
  20. Plaza Maua
  21. Imperial Palace Cultural Center
  22. Duke of Caxias Fort
  23. Sitio Roberto Burle Marx
  24. Instituto Moreiro Salles
  25. Basilica of the Archdiocesan Marian
  26. Guanabara Palace
  27. Cidade das Artes

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Sugarloaf Mountain
  2. Corcovado Mountain
  3. Tijuca National Park
  4. Pedra da Gavea Mountain
  5. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
  6. Pedra Bonita
  7. Vista Chinesa
  8. Morro da Urca
  9. Morro Dois Irmaos
  10. Pico da Tijuca
  11. Pedra Bonita Trail
  12. Cachoeira do Horto
  13. Marapendi Lagoon
  14. Trilha do Morro da Urca
  15. Bico do Papagaio
  16. Senderos de Rio de Janeiro

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Maracana Stadiums
  2. Parque Lage
  3. Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro
  4. Sambadrome Marques de Sapucai
  5. Flamengo Park
  6. Aquario Marinho do Rio de Janeiro
  7. Rio de Janeiro Zoological Garden
  8. Rio Star
  9. Favela Walking Tour
  10. Parque Madureira
  11. Pedra Branca State Park
  12. Parque Natural Municipal da Catacumba
  13. Paineiras Corcovado
  14. Ilhas das Cobras
  15. Pista Claudio Coutinho

Shopping in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Santa Teresa
  2. Rio Sul Shopping Center
  3. Bazar Centro do Saara
  4. Gavea Mall
  5. Feira Nordestina de Sao Cristovao
  6. Cidade Copacabana Shopping Center
  7. Bumbum Ipanema
  8. Fashion Mall
  9. Atelier Chamego Bonzolandia
  10. Village Mall
  11. Ipanema Hippie Fair
  12. Barra Shopping Center
  13. Feira do Rio Antigo

Beaches & Island in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Copacabana Beach
  2. Arpoador Beach
  3. Red Beach
  4. Ipanema Beach
  5. Paqueta Island
  6. Praia da Barra da Tijuca
  7. Prainha Beach
  8. Joatinga Beach
  9. Praia do Abrico
  10. Ilhas Cagarras
  11. Reserve Beach
  12. Ilha de Gigoia
  13. Grumari Beach
  14. Praia de Icarai
  15. Praia do Recreio
  16. Praia do Leblon
  17. Praia do Sossego
  18. Praia da Batata
  19. Posto 9
  20. Praia da Joatinga
  21. Macumba Beach
  22. Praia do Secreto
  23. Praias Selvagens
  24. Praia do Pepe
  25. Praia de Piratiniga

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Sugarloaf Cable Car
  2. Corcovado Railway Trip
  3. Boat Cruise
  4. Surfing
  5. Water Ski
  6. Paragliding
  7. Hiking
  8. Mountaineering
  9. Swimming
  10. Rock Climbing
  11. Snorkeling
  12. Scuba Diving
  13. Windsurfing
  14. Sailing
  15. Kayaking
  16. Helicopter Ride

Sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Cinelandia Square
  2. Parque das Ruinas
  3. Rio Niterio Bridge
  4. Mirante Dona Marta
  5. Quinta da Boa Vista
  6. Boulevard Olimpico
  7. Pedra do Sal
  8. Corcovado Point
  9. Pedra do Arpoador
  10. Niterio City Park
  11. Cais do Valongo
  12. Mirante do Leblon
  13. Mureta da Urca
  14. Parque Prefeito Ferraz

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Oro
  2. Urca Bar & Restaurant
  3. Feira Nordestina
  4. CT Boucherie
  5. Braseiro
  6. Palaphita Kitch
  7. Gurume
  8. Gourmet Tropical
  9. Confeitaria Colombo
  10. San Remo Lagoon
  11. Olympe
  12. Zaza Bistro
  13. Estrelas da Babilonia
  14. Roberta Sudbrack
  15. Aprazivel
  16. Prana Vegetariano
  17. Fogo de Chao
  18. Lasai
  19. Satyricon
  20. Bazzar ao Mar
  21. Miam Miam
  22. Bar do Arnaudo

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Rio de Janeiro. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Rio de Janeiro.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
  2. LSH By OWN
  3. Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
  4. Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro
  5. Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
  6. PortoBay Rio de Janeiro Hotel
  7. Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
  8. Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
  9. Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro
  10. Sol Ipanema Hotel
  11. Hotel Arpoador
  12. Ipanema Inn

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Rio Othon Palace Hotel
  2. Novotel Rio de Janeiro Leme
  3. Miramar Hotel by Windsor
  4. Orla Copacabana Hotel
  5. Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
  6. Windsor California Hotel
  7. Radisson Hotel Barra Rio de Janeiro
  8. CDesign Hotel
  9. Windsor Oceanico
  10. Royal Rio Palace Hotel
  11. Hotel Laghetto Stilo Barra Rio
  12. Prodigy Santos Dumont

Budget Hotels

  1. Riale Brisa Barra Hotel
  2. Ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont
  3. Americas Copacabana Hotel
  4. Vila Gale Rio de Janeiro
  5. Novotel RJ Porto Atlantico
  6. Windsor Marapendi
  7. Windsor Copa Hotel
  8. Hotel Granada
  9. Hotel Atlantico Business
  10. ibis Copacabana Posto 5
  11. Ibis Rio de Janeiro Botafogo Hotel
  12. Hotel Monte Alegre

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Rio de Janeiro

How to Reach Rio de Janeiro?

By Air

The fastest option for Rio de Janeiro travel is via Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. The airport is also known as Galeao International Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Rio de Janeiro from several continents across the globe. Direct flights from European cities include Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and London. From the Middle East, you can get Rio de Janeiro travel options from Dubai and Luanda. North American cities with direct flights to visit Rio de Janeiro include New York City, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Miami. You can also get flights from several South American cities including Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Caracas, Asuncion, Montevideo, Santiago, Bogota, Lima and Panama City. Galeao airport is fully facilitated to welcome tourists. For convenience, you can also get Rio de Janeiro itinerary from the airport and arrange a tour accordingly.

Once you reach the airport, you have the option of buses and cabs to reach any of the places to visit in Rio de Janeiro. There are different types of buses available to take you around the city. You can choose from premium buses, public buses and shuttle buses. You can also take day tour buses of Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions directly from the airport. You can also take cabs, but they are quite expensive compared to buses. You can also use the cab-hailing app uber to get a taxi and go on Rio de Janeiro sightseeing. Some of the yellow taxi drivers do intentionally overcharge, so uber is a safer and more reliable option.

By Road

The city’s central train station is only locally connected, so there is no scope for International travel to Rio de Janeiro via a train. You can get buses to visit Rio de Janeiro from all over Brazil. There are several cities offering day trip buses for things to see in Rio de Janeiro.

If you are traveling by road, there are 3 major routes you can follow to reach the city. These include: BR-116, BR-101 and BR-040. You can also enjoy some of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro situated a little outside the city which fall on these routes.

By Water

The port of Rio de Janeiro is used by many cruise ships as a stop and even starting and culminating point. The stops usually last a day or two and you get to explore the city as you please. Some cruise ships have a fixed Rio de Janeiro itinerary for you to follow during the stop. If you are traveling with cruise ships, you also get a great view of Rio de Janeiro beach as you approach the city.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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