Things To Do
RIO TOUR GUIDES
You can either explore the city’s main attractions on your own with your group or hire a local tour guide for a more personalized experience. For guided options, we recommend visiting Rio Cultural Secrets
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Take the famous cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views of Rio’s coastline. The best time to go is late afternoon, so you can enjoy the panoramic views in daylight and watch the sunset over the city. Tickets: We recommend buying your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Price: ~R$195 (≈ USD $35) per person Hiking Option: For those who enjoy adventure, there’s also a free hiking trail that takes you up the first part of Sugarloaf’s sister mountain, Morro da Urca. The trail is mainly stairs through the forest and takes about 30–40 minutes. Once at the top, you can either descend the same way or buy a one-way cable car ticket to continue up to Sugarloaf itself.
Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)
Experience one of Brazil’s most iconic landmarks atop Corcovado Mountain for unforgettable views of Rio de Janeiro. The best time to visit is either early morning or close to sunset—this is when the light is magical, and the crowds are thinner Book your tickets in advance through the official train website. Adult fare: R$128 per person (≈ USD $23)
Copacabana Fort for Brunch!
For a lovely brunch with ocean views, visit the Copacabana Fort, located at the end of Copacabana at Posto 6, right between Copacabana and Ipanema.
Pedra Bonita Hike | Trilha da Pedra Bonita
For the adventurous, Pedra Bonita offers one of the best hikes in Rio de Janeiro, with stunning panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains. From the top, you can even watch hang gliders taking off from the nearby ramp! Location: The trailhead is inside Tijuca National Park, about a 30–40 minute drive from Rio’s South Zone (Ipanema/Leblon).
Beaches of Rio de Janeiro
Rio’s beaches are world-famous, and they’re all part of the same stunning coastline — divided into stretches called “postos” (lifeguard stations), numbered from Leme (Posto 1–2) all the way to Leblon (Posto 11–12). Each one has its own vibe: Ipanema: Known for its lively energy, beautiful people, and unforgettable sunsets at Arpoador Rock. It’s the postcard-perfect Rio beach. Leblon: Right next to Ipanema but a bit more upscale and relaxed, with great restaurants and a more local feel. Copacabana: Perhaps Rio’s most famous beach, lined with its iconic black-and-white tiled promenade, always bustling with life. Leme (Raquel’s favorite!): At the far end of Copacabana, Leme is quieter and less crowded than Ipanema, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the beach in a more laid-back way. Tip: Each “posto” has its own scene — for example, Posto 9 in Ipanema is known for its young, trendy crowd, while Posto 11–12 in Leblon draws more families.
Praia da Joatinga (Rio's Hidden Gem)
If you’re looking for a more secluded and local beach experience, Praia da Joatinga is a true hidden gem. Tucked between São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, this small beach is surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery, giving it a secret, untouched feel. It’s popular with surfers and Cariocas (locals) who want to escape the big crowds of Copacabana and Ipanema. How to Get There: Joatinga is inside a gated residential community called Condomínio Joatinga. Don’t worry — visitors are allowed in. You’ll need to walk downhill from the gate to reach the beach. The walk is about 10 minutes, with a steep staircase leading down to the sand — wear comfortable shoes. The easiest way to get there is by Uber or taxi, since parking is very limited. Tips: Joatinga is a tidal beach — at high tide the sand can disappear completely, so check tide times before you go. Bring your own drinks and snacks, as there are no kiosks like on the bigger beaches.
Fairs and Markets!
Feira Hippie de Ipanema (Ipanema Hippie Fair) Every Sunday, Ipanema’s General Osório Square transforms into the Feira Hippie, one of Rio’s most famous open-air markets. Here you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs to paintings, clothing, and authentic Brazilian street food. It’s a wonderful spot to shop for unique keepsakes and gifts while soaking in Rio’s bohemian vibe. When: Sundays, from morning until late afternoon, at Praça General Osório (Ipanema) Feira da Glória (Glória Street Market) If you want to experience Rio like a local, don’t miss the Feira da Glória, a vibrant Sunday street market in the Glória neighborhood. It’s packed with stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, tropical juices, street food, and even artisanal goods. It’s the perfect place to taste authentic Brazilian flavors — from pastel with sugarcane juice to exotic Amazonian fruits you may have never tried before. When: Every Sunday morning until early afternoon
MAC – Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea)
A captivating architectural landmark designed by Oscar Niemeyer, often likened to a UFO perched over the sea. The building itself and its panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Rio are as impressive as the art inside.
Parque da Cidade
An environmental preserve atop Morro da Viração offering breathtaking 360° vistas of Niterói’s coast, Rio across the bay, and the iconic Rio–Niterói Bridge. A favorite spot for hang-gliding, peaceful strolls, and unforgettable sunsets.
Praia de Itacoatiara
One of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, Itacoatiara is famous for its dramatic rock formations, turquoise waters, and surfing scene. It’s a local favorite for both beach lovers and hikers — if you’re up for an adventure, hike up Costão de Itacoatiara for breathtaking views.
Praia de Camboinhas
A more relaxed option than Itacoatiara, Camboinhas is perfect for swimming and enjoying calm, clear waters. Lined with kiosks and restaurants right on the sand, it’s a wonderful place to spend the day, sip a caipirinha, and try fresh seafood.
