What to do in Rio de Janeiro? Our Top 5 Picks
- Alana Imaizumi
- 17 de dez. de 2025
- 5 min de leitura
There is a song from Gilberto Gil that says "O Rio de Janeiro continua lindo..." (Rio de Janeiro is still beautiful - listen here). And it's no wonder, because the city is truly beautiful, displaying a rich diversity that goes far beyond its beaches. This unique beauty is shaped by its peculiar geological formation, often revealed in breathtaking rocky shores and natural viewpoints. In this post, we aim to cover must-see spots that make this city so marvelous, including not only the best beaches but also historical sites and must-do tours.
The Beaches: A Must-Have Rio Experience
Yes, the beaches are an essential experience in Rio de Janeiro! Beyond being naturally stunning, they are a unique social phenomenon — you won't find a more creative or dynamic beach commerce anywhere else in the world. Be prepared for intense sun (wear plenty of sunscreen), cool ocean water, and lots of incredible treats to eat and drink. Make sure you don't leave without trying the iconic and uniquely Carioca mate com limão (iced mate with lime juice), a perfect refreshment found only on Rio's shores. Every beach will be amazing here, but I would recommend Leblon and Ipanema if you are around the South region, or you can try the extensive Praia da Barra da Tijuca, which is a bit away from the center, but can be reached by the subway.
Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain: Rio's Main Attractions
Two must-see attractions in Rio are, without a doubt, the Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain, iconic landmarks recognized all over the world. Because of this popularity, for both locations, I recommend going early to avoid the biggest crowds of tourists.
Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer)
To get to Corcovado, the coolest way is to take the train (Corcovado Rack Railway) to enjoy the views of the Atlantic Forest along the way. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and tickets can be bought on the official website. Tip: Sit on the right side for the best views. If you prefer, there is also the option of vans that follow the same route up to Corcovado. They leave from several points in the city, including Copacabana. This is a more convenient way to reach Christ the Redeemer if you don't want to deal with the train option. More information is available on the official website.
The experience of getting close to Christ the Redeemer is unique, and you truly start to understand why Rio is often called a land sculpted by God. And, obviously, the view from the top is breathtaking. The only hard thing about it is to take a picture without people standing on the back! :)
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
Another incredibly famous postcard of Rio is composed of those towering rocky mountains, geologically known as inselbergs (or 'island mountains'). They are characterized by a steep slope and a rounded summit. It’s beautiful to admire them from afar, but having the chance to climb up and see the city from above is a truly unforgettable experience! The most conventional way to get to Sugarloaf Mountain is to take the cable car (bondinho), which leaves from Urca. The trip is divided into two stages:
First stop at Morro da Urca: This hill offers an incredible view, along with shops and restaurants.
Second stop at the top of Sugarloaf: Here, you get a 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro’s coastline, seeing Copacabana Beach, Santa Cruz Fortress, and Guanabara Bay.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance on the website to avoid long queues.
There is another way to go up to the first stop: Hiking! We have done it once and it is truly amazing! It is possible to reach Morro da Urca by taking a trail that starts near the cable car entrance. It's about 1.5km with a 200 meter climb, on a marked and easily accessible path. To access it, enter Praia Vermelha and, instead of heading to the cable car station, walk to the right (facing the sea) until the end of the paved road. The trail entrance will be marked there. You can hike up and then return by cable car, or you can continue to Sugarloaf Mountain by taking the second cable car.
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
The Lagoon is situated right behind the Leblon and Ipanema neighborhoods and is easily one of Rio’s most iconic postcards, offering views of the Corcovado and several other surrounding mountains. Beyond its natural beauty, the Lagoon acts as a popular spot for leisure and water sports like rowing, stand-up paddle boarding, and cycling around its edge. For those who enjoy running, it’s a great place for a workout, covering a circuit of about 7.8 kilometers. If you're into physical exercise, I’d say it's definitely a spot worth checking out and enjoying while you’re here.
Jardim Botânico
The Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) is considered one of the most important in the world, boasting over 200 years of history. Its history is pretty interesting! It was founded by the King D. João VI in 1808 when the Portuguese Crown was living in Brazil, after leaving Europe fleeing from Napoleon's attacks. The park is a peaceful refuge and a great spot for a relaxed walk, a picnic, or just for unwinding. Among the park's main attractions, it’s definitely worth checking out the Avenue of Royal Palms (Aleia das Palmeiras Imperiais), a grand avenue lined with hundreds of palms, and the Victoria Amazonica water lily lake (Lago das Vitórias Régias).
Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow)
Located in the renovated Port Zone (Porto Maravilha), the Museum of Tomorrow is famous for its futuristic architecture, designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The museum is highly interactive, following a multimedia narrative divided into five stages. It is an applied science museum focused on sustainability, coexistence, and the possibilities for building the future. Beyond the interior, the external area and the architecture are just as important. The museum is projected over the sea with a surrounding reflecting pool.
The museum offers free entry every Tuesday, though reservations are required beforehand on the official website. If you wish to purchase tickets in advance for other days, you can also do so online.
There is a lot more to do in Rio, but those are, in my opinion, the biggest highlights from the Marvelous city. I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you need more ideas and feel like you need a more planned guide, don't hesitate to contact us! We will be thrilled to help you in your trip!
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