Visiting Rio de Janeiro for the First Time? Here's What To See and Do

It’s hard to think of Rio without picturing the Christ the Redeemer monument. Visit this new wonder of the world by taking a van or train up Corcovado mountain or by hiking through the Tijuca Forest to the entrance instead. Whichever route you take, book a tour or tickets in advance to avoid lines. You can fit in the Selarón Steps and the Maracanã stadium on the same day.

Insider tip: Head to the Christ the Redeemer statue in the morning and pick a late entry for Sugarloaf Mountain to catch the sunset.

Much of Rio’s cultural heritage, from samba to Carnival, is heavily shaped by its history of slavery. Discover these roots by taking a tour of the downtown region known as Little Africa and visit the Memorial of the New Blacks, a mass grave for thousands of enslaved Africans from the 18th century; the Valongo Wharf port where they first arrived; and Pedra do Sal, where Rio’s samba originated. Nowadays, Pedra do Sal is one of the city’s most famous and liveliest outdoor parties where locals and tourists alike mingle and sip caipirinhas to the animated sound of live samba.

If there’s one thing Rio isn’t short on, it’s views. Catch the sunrise from the Mirante Dona Marta viewpoint or hike to the top of the Two Brothers Mountain and stop to visit the Vidigal favela. For ocean views without a building in sight, opt for viewpoints just outside the city, such as at Pedra do Telégrafo. For the best views of all, you’ll need to go even higher. Thrillseekers can hang glide from Pedra Bonita or take a helicopter ride over Rio.

No trip to Rio is complete without a visit to the iconic Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the black and white promenade, watch lively games of football on the sand, and take a dip in the sea. Later, head to the sands of Arpoador next to Ipanema Beach for crystal clear waters and one of the city’s best sunsets. For a taste of paradise, visit picturesque beaches just outside Rio’s bustling city, such as Joatinga and Grumari. If surfing is more your thing, try your luck at Barra da Tijuca or at Prainha Beach, Rio’s best hotspots for catching a wave.

Explore Ipanema’s outdoor Ipanema Hippie Fair every Sunday to shop for local paintings, ornaments, accessories, and a whole lot more. Head to the indoor São Cristóvão Fair, known for Brazilian handicrafts and live music, and to the Saara open-air shopping district to pick up items like clothes and makeup or electronics and souvenirs (it’s the ideal spot to shop for Carnival costumes and accessories). Explore the wide range of fruits and vegetables at the local daily street markets throughout the city and try a classic Brazilian combination of a deep-fried pastel paired with cold sugarcane juice.

In a city with one of the world’s extensive urban forests, you can find nature around every corner. Cycle around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon while keeping an eye out for different birds and capybaras before heading to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, home to an extensive collection of native and exotic flora that attracts wild toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife. For a peaceful retreat, visit the Parque Lage mansion at the foot of Corcovado mountain for lunch, followed by a wander around its lush, forest-covered gardens. Nature lovers can take a bird-watching day trip to Rio’s nearby mountain range to spot dozens of species.

Rio’s hilly peaks and swaths of forest have earned it the nickname the Marvelous City. Nature lovers can explore the Tijuca Forest waterfalls, visit a series of caves, or be rewarded with sweeping views at the top of the city’s highest peaks, Pico da Tijuca and Pedra da Gavea, in the Tijuca National Park. Depending on the time of year, avid hikers can take a Petropolis-Teresopolis Travessia camping trip or a hiking nature adventure through the Saco de Mamanguá fjord and visit the colonial town of Paraty.

From all-you-can-eat barbecues to street food classics, Brazilian cuisine is rich in flavors and variety. Foodies can opt for a home cooking experience that includes a market stroll to learn more about Brazilian stables and a hands-on lesson on famous dishes in the kitchen of an experienced local host and cook. Sample a Brazilian classic, the bean-based feijoada, on a food tour while learning about its rich history, or try a little bit of everything from sweets to savory by visiting a variety of food establishments throughout the city.

Rio is a rich cultural capital if you know where to look. Spend a few hours observing the impressive art displays and temporary exhibitions at the Rio Museum of Art, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Bank of Brazil Cultural Center. But Rio’s creativity isn’t all confined to galleries—check out the city’s street art scene or consider a cultural tour. Learn more about Brazil’s history at the Catete Palace and Museum of the Republic, discover the intriguing world of Carnival at the Brazilian Handicrafts Center, and admire hundreds of gemstones at the Museum of Earth Science.

No matter your level, everyone can try dancing samba. Learn a few moves in a samba class with a Carnival queen from Rio before heading out to a local club with a live samba band to test out your moves. If you’re in Rio for Carnival, you can watch the biggest samba event in the world—the extravagant parades at Sapucaí Avenue. Outside of the Carnival period, you can watch the samba schools’ parade rehearsals with a real show, lots of samba, and pulsating drum beats.