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Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach, samba, carnival, and football galore; the reasons to visit are endless.

Our most recommended things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

1. Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

2. From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

Visit the islands of Angra do Reis on this boat trip from Rio de Janeiro. Sail through the archipelago of Ilha Grande. Disembark on the small islands to explore the beaches, browse the markets, and snorkel in the deep blue waters. Savor lunch on board and enjoy round-trip transfers from Rio hotels. Relax on the 3-hour drive to the city of Angra dos Reis. A quick pit-stop on the road will be made to use bathroom facilities and buy a snack. Upon arrival in the docks, enjoy a schooner ride through the hundreds of islands of Angra dos Reis.  Marvel at the beauty of the most famous island of it all: Ilha Grande. Revel at the crystal clear water and rent a snorkel on the spot to see the different species of fish. After, devour the buffet lunch in a fishermen’s village. Explore different stops during the day in places such as the Blue Lagoon, Cataguases beach, and Japariz or Araçá beaches. The captain will choose the best spots depending on crowds and weather conditions.

Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train

3. Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train

Go all the way up to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer by the Corcovado Train. The train rides through a railway inside Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, making a unique view over Rio de Janeiro city. Enjoy an amazing ride on a train that takes you right up to the foot of the statue of The Christ, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and one of the most famous sights in Brazil. Besides admiring one of the most beautiful landscapes of the city, you will take a walk through Brazil's history. The Corcovado Railroad was the first electrified railroad in Brazil. Inaugurated in 1884 by D. Pedro II, it is older than Christ the Redeemer itself. In fact, it was the train that, during four consecutive years, transported pieces for monument’s construction. Your visit starts on the century-old electric locomotive, riding across the preserved Atlantic Forest, part of the Tijuca National Park. At the foot of the statue of Christ, you'll be able to take in the most beautiful view over the city, and see from above what makes Rio de Janeiro so special.

Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket

4. Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket

Discover the world-famous Sugarloaf Mountain with prebooked official tickets for the cable car, and explore one of Brazil's most popular attractions. Admire stunning views of Rio de Janeiro as you ride the cable car to the summit. Take incredible photos from the lookout point as you enjoy the panorama of the city and the ocean below. Make your own way to the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain, and head directly to the ticket office to exchange your printed voucher. Board the next cable car up the mountain, riding in the fully-enclosed cabin as you take in panoramic views of the city, Copacabana Beach, and Guanabara Bay.  Disembark at the top, where you can spend as much time as you wish. There is a food court and restaurant at the summit where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Once you have finished exploring the summit, your ticket is valid for any returning cable car.

Rio: Maracanã Stadium Official Entrance Ticket

5. Rio: Maracanã Stadium Official Entrance Ticket

Relive Maracanã Stadium’s greatest moments on a fascinating 40-minute visit to one of Rio's most memorable landmarks. Explore the stadium and museum of one of Rio's most popular tourist attractions. Admire an exhibition bringing together important pieces of Brazilian football history. Get ready to take your place in the changing room, prepare yourself in the warm-up room, walk down the tunnel and imagine the roar of nearly 80,000 fans. Visit the press conference room and fell like a Brazilian Football star after a big match. Explore this historical stadium built in 1950 and re-vamped several times over history to host 1950 World Cup and some matches of the World championship 2014. Also, hosted the Confederations cup of 2013, opening and closing ceremonies of the pan American games of 2007 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in 2016. Besides the sport competitions, Maracanã has already been a stage for important events, like Madonna, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner shows and camp mass, of the Pope João Paulo II, in 1980 and 1997.

Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

6. Rio De Janeiro: Half-Day Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

Explore Rio’s largest favela on a half-day walking tour of Rocinha, the largest favela (shantytown) in South America. Organized by local, English speaking guides and favela hosts, the walking tour is respectful and non-intrusive to the residents. Subject of the movie "City of God," Rio’s favelas have fallen victim to unfortunate stereotypes. In order to correct this, and show you the true Rio de Janeiro, the favela tour will let you see and experience how daily life happens away from the sensationalist headlines. While other favela “zoo-tours” drive around in jeeps, you will get to walk the streets in small groups and meet the locals to hear their stories. Learn the history of the favela and its social and economic challenges. The tour cost also includes a monetary contribution to the favela community.

Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

7. Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch

Discover the landmarks of Rio on a full-day guided tour, including pickup and drop off at hotels in Rio. Start with a visit to Corcovado Mountain. Ride by van to the top or board the train, both through the Tijuca Forest. Then, marvel at the main monument of Brazil, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, as you take in panoramic views of Rio. Next, head towards the mythical Maracanã football stadium and observe its imposing façade. Continue to the legendary Sambódromo where the annual Carnival parade takes place. Visit the modern Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, influenced by Mayan pyramids. Check out the brightly colored tiles of the world-famous Selarón Steps at Lapa, before enjoying a typical Brazilian steakhouse lunch. After lunch, visit Sugar Loaf. Take the cable car to the top in two stages and see one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Rio.

Rio de Janeiro: Maracanã Stadium Football Match Tickets

8. Rio de Janeiro: Maracanã Stadium Football Match Tickets

Watch a live football match at the world-famous Maracanã stadium accompanied by an expert, bilingual guide who will ensure you have an exciting and safe experience. Live this passion that unites all Brazilians cheering and singing alongside thousands of fans. Maracanã is where Brazilians from all regions meet, driven by the inexplicable passion for their clubs. Watching the football match can be fun, but getting there can be stressful. Our planning lets you to focus on the experience hassle-free, with assistance on everything to keep you on pace of the event. With the tickets in hand, we set off by metro from Ipanema neighborhood towards the stadium. Once in the stadium, walk through the doors and quickly immerse yourself in the surrounding atmosphere, the energy of the crowd cheering as one, the live action and the opportunity to do “the wave”, among other things, will make your day memorable. In this experience, we will take you to witness the games of two of the most important football clubs in Brazil, Flamengo and Fluminense, playing national and international matches at Maracanã, a stadium where these rival clubs share their management. We will meet with the local fans, sing the chants, raise the flags, support the players and hear stories about the past and future heroes of these fields.

Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Guided Hike Tour

9. Rio de Janeiro: Pedra da Gávea Guided Hike Tour

Hike one of the most famous rock formations in this wonderful city, the Pedra da Gavea. Summit at 842 meters and take in the spectacular views of the Bay of Guanabara and some of the main beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Also, see majestic views of famous mountains in nearby Tijuca National Park, such as Pico da Tijuca, Bico do Papagaio, Pedra Bonita and Corcovado. During your adventure along the Pedra da Gavea trail, you may also spot some wild animals of the Carioca Atlantic Forest! There are many animal and bird species that live in the greater Tijuca National Park area. Bring your camera and capture the panoramic views this special spot has to offer.

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

10. Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

Marvel at the scenery of Rio de Janeiro, the Marvellous City, on a sunset sailing tour in Guanabara Bay. Admire the beautiful sunset, and savor all-inclusive drinks and snacks aboard your boat. Enjoy a small group tour or opt to splash out on a private tour to make your experience extra special. Set sail from Marina da Glória and pass by 3 fortresses — São José, Lage, and Santa Cruz — on your way to Boa Viagem Island in Niterói. Cruise past Oscar Niemeyer's striking Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art and enjoy the views in Guanabara Bay. Then, sit back and appreciate the sunset over the city of Rio de Janeiro. Delight in scenic views of the city's most famous landmarks, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, as the sun sets on the horizon. Throughout the tour, relax with drinks on board, such as the famous Brazilian cocktail Caipirinha, beer, and sparkling white wine. The tour concludes back at the marina in Glória. Hotel pickup and drop-off options are available.

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Frequently asked questions about Rio de Janeiro

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Other Sightseeing Options in Rio de Janeiro

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What people are saying about Rio de Janeiro

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 10,358 reviews

José was excellent guide! He shown us the favela, we felt secure and it was a massive experience for us! Rio looks wonderful from Santa Marta. It is absolutely worth seeing. And very important issue: remember about the dignity of these poor people. It is not a show, it is not the zoo, this is the real life. Respect these people, listen to the guide, respect the rules and you will have a wonderful experience. 100% satisfied

Felipe was a very knowledgeable guide, who explained in detail the sociopolitical origins of Favelas. This tour was probably the most meaningful and insightful part of my visit to Rio, as the propagandists obscure the brutal inequality/racism endemic in modern day Brazil.

Very good!! Carlos provided great information, what to expect of the tour, history behind favela’s and really appreciated his enthusiasm…and Bruno was very helpful too…. Really good to walk around the place and understand their community. Highly recommend this tour!

Mauricio was super smooth, seemed like one of the best gliders. He gave me clear simple instructions and we had a great flight. Very freeing. The only bad part was how short the flight itself was, under 10 minutes.

Amazing tour. We had a lovely day and saw everything we wanted to see. Very well organized and loved our guide Lavina. Lunch was very good as well, thanks!