This is a post about the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro: Must-See Landmarks, Beaches, and Local Food
A few days ago one of my colleagues mentioned she wanted some recommendations on what to do in Rio as she’s heading that way soon… so I started putting together a list and got so excited I thought I’d share it here! After all, summer is fast approaching the Southern Hemisphere and two of the most popular times for gringos to visit: Rio’s iconic New Year’s Eve party on Copacabana and Carnaval (taking place between 13-21 Feb in 2026). So here’s my list, as an ex-local, of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. (spoiler: a lot has to do with food!)
Rio de Janeiro is one of those places that steals your heart the second you see it — a city of mountains, beaches, samba, and impossibly good food. Whether you’re coming for summer holidays, New Year’s fireworks or Carnaval, here’s everything you should do, eat and see in just a few days.
Now, my colleague is only spending a couple of nights there but, if you find yourself with extra time, here’s also a list of some of the best day trips from Rio de Janeiro if you want to explore more of Brazil.
Iconic Landmarks You Can’t Skip
You can’t come to Rio and not visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. I’m usually the first one to spot a tourist trap, but those aren’t. They’re touristy, but they’re iconic for a reason. The views from both are spectacular! Go early to beat the crowds or aim for sunset for golden light across the bay.
Both are easy to visit independently or with a guided tour. Sugarloaf sits in Urca, a peaceful neighbourhood worth wandering afterwards.
Hang Out Like a Local in Urca
After taking the cable car, walk down to the waterfront for a drink at Mureta da Urca, a laid-back wall overlooking the sea where locals gather in the late afternoon. Grab an ice-cold beer, order a few snacks and enjoy the music, laughter and golden light bouncing off the water. It’s peak Rio! (well, bougie Rio…)
Relax at the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage
Rio’s Jardim Botânico is one of the city’s most beautiful corners! Full of towering palm trees, tropical plants and shaded pathways. Nearby Parque Lage combines lush gardens, art exhibitions and a café set in a restored mansion with views of Christ the Redeemer towering above. Both are perfect for a slow morning before heading to the beach.
If it’s your thing, Parque Lage is highly instagrammable.
Beach Hop Between Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon
A walk from Copacabana to Ipanema and Leblon is the perfect way to witness the beauty of Rio. Start with a dip in Copacabana, stroll along the promenade to Arpoador (the rocky point between the beaches) and stay for sunset. The sky turns pink and orange over the mountains.
At the beach, you don’t need to bring anything. Vendors will rent you a chair and umbrella, serve you caipirinhas or coconut water and sell everything from grilled cheese to shrimp skewers. Don’t miss the classic mate and biscoito Globo combo, classic Rio!
Experience Rio’s Nightlife in Lapa and Santa Teresa
These two neighbourhoods are Rio’s soul after dark. Lapa is all about live samba, dancing in the streets and open-air bars serving icy beers and plates to share. Santa Teresa, just above, has a more bohemian energy with cobbled streets, art studios and beautiful old mansions.
Stop by the colourful Escadaria Selarón, one of Rio’s most famous landmarks, then settle in at a bar terrace for drinks and Brazilian snacks. Just keep an eye on your belongings.
Explore the Local Food Scene
Food is woven into every part of Rio life (well, Brazilian. I’ve mentioned in other posts…food is at the centre of our lives). Start with a churrascaria like Fogo de Chão, where waiters carve endless cuts of grilled meat at your table. Once you’ve recovered, hunt down Bar do Adão, a casual bar serving incredible pastel (crispy fried pastries) with every filling you can imagine. Pastel is one of the greatest joys in life for a Brazilian.
Even in small bars, food is the main event! Order portions to share, sip cold beer and enjoy how social eating is here. Brazilians don’t rush meals; they turn them into celebrations.
Here’s a list of the very best Brazilian street food I highly recommend (as a crazy foodie!).
Sunday Street Markets
Weekends are for chill vibes, slow mornings and street food. The Feira Hippie in Ipanema mixes food, art and handmade goods, perfect for souvenirs and people-watching and it’s on Saturdays and Sundays. Feira da Glória on Sundays focuses purely on food and is a must for trying traditional Brazilian dishes, fresh fruit juices and sweets. Make sure to try a caldo de cana with your pastel! (sugar cane juice)
Explore Botafogo — Rio’s Coolest Neighbourhood
Once under the radar, Botafogo has become one of the coolest spots in the city. The other day I read it was on the list of 25 coolest neighbourhoods in the world and, you know what?! I get it! It’s filled with small bars, record shops and cafés tucked between old houses and tree-lined streets. Perfect for a casual evening of food and drinks without the crowds of Ipanema.
Historic Rio and Classic Cafés
Downtown Rio has had its ups and downs, but it’s worth visiting for its architecture and two legendary cafés: Casa Cavé, known for old-school pastries and Confeitaria Colombo, a Belle Époque gem that feels like a mix between Vienna and Lisbon. Order coffee and a slice of cake and take in the mirrored walls and chandeliers.
Rio’s downtown and port area tell the story of the city’s evolution, from colonial architecture to bold modern design. Start at Praça XV and wander past the old palaces and churches that date back to the city’s founding. Then head toward the Port Zone (Zona Portuária), recently revitalised as part of the city’s urban renewal project.
Here you’ll find Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), a striking, futuristic building jutting out over Guanabara Bay. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it focuses on sustainability, science and humanity’s future. Next door is the Museu de Arte do Rio, which highlights the city’s diverse art and culture scene in a beautiful restored palace-meets-modern-glass-space.
The area is also home to the Boulevard Olímpico, a scenic waterfront promenade filled with murals, street performers and food stalls. Don’t miss the enormous Etnias mural by artist Eduardo Kobra, one of the largest in the world and a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity.
Together, the Port Zone and its museums show how Rio blends history, art and innovation, the perfect contrast to its beaches and samba bars.
Experience the Iconic Samba Rhythms at Pedra do Sal
If you want to experience samba the way locals do, skip the tourist bars and head to Pedra do Sal in the Saúde neighbourhood, the birthplace of samba and one of Rio’s most authentic gatherings. Every Monday and Friday night, musicians set up at the base of the stone steps and people spill out onto the street with beers in hand, singing and dancing under the open sky. It’s free, raw, loud and unforgettable. Arrive early to grab a spot on the slope, keep your belongings close and enjoy!
Hike Rio’s Mountains for Sunrise Views
If you think Rio looks good from the beach, wait until you see it from above. The city’s surrounded by lush jungle and dramatic peaks that make for some of the most stunning hikes in South America. Trails wind through the Tijuca National Forest, one of the largest urban rainforest in the world, and end at panoramic viewpoints where the city, beaches and ocean unfold beneath you.
One of the most popular routes is Pedra Bonita, which offers an unforgettable sunrise over São Conrado and Pedra da Gávea. The light hits the water, the mist rolls over the jungle and for a few minutes the whole city glows gold. It’s genuinely magical.
Because trails can be steep and conditions change quickly, it’s best to go with a local guide or small group tour. You’ll get transport, safety tips and someone who knows the best times for light (and when monkeys show up). Many tours start before dawn so you reach the summit just as the sun rises. An early wake-up that’s totally worth it!
Top guided hikes in Rio:
- Pedra Bonita sunrise hike (moderate, 1.5–2 hrs)
- Morro Dois Irmãos (short but steep, 45 mins–1 hr)
- Pico da Tijuca (longer trek, panoramic city views)
- Pedra da Gávea (advanced, go guided only!)
Pack water, insect repellent, sunscreen and sturdy trainers and prepare to see Rio from a completely different angle.
Experience Brazilian Football
If you’re a football fan, visit Maracanã Stadium for a guided tour and museum or catch a match if one’s on.
Should I do a favela tour?
Personally, I don’t like those. I find it weird af that people treat favelas like a safari. Remember kids, poverty is not entertainment!
There’s a travel influencer I love (and she loves Brazil!) who’s done a great video talking about it:
Practical Tips for Visiting Rio
- Getting Around: Uber is cheap and safe; the metro is clean, easy to use.
- Safety: Leave jewellery and flashy gear at home. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March for beach weather and events; June to August for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Day Trips: Niterói (for modern architecture and views) or the beach town of Búzios if you have extra time.
- Tours: You can find excellent guided hikes, cultural tours and food walks on GetYourGuide. (affiliate link disclaimer if you want to add it here).
Final Thoughts
Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts — glamorous yet gritty, wild yet welcoming. You can go from rainforest hikes to samba nights in a single day. Whether you’re here for three days or a week, make time for both the icons and the everyday moments: sunsets at Arpoador, beers on the Mureta, and the sounds of samba drifting through warm evening air.
You’ll leave with sand in your shoes, salt on your skin, and a strong urge to come back — because once you’ve been to Rio, nowhere else feels quite the same.
This is a post about the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
