THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro - 2024 (with Photos)
Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Top Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro - Rio de Janeiro Must-See Attractions

Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro


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Top Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Other Top Attractions around Rio de Janeiro

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What travellers are saying

  • Irene Eng
    New York City, New York2,316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a must go: high atop the Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar), which is the small hill on the western side of the ocean/bay mouth. The mouth is nearly a mile wide mouth, the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the Guanabara Bay to the north.

    To the west, under the Cristo Redentor / Christ the Redeemer’s feet, is the city of Rio. SDU airport, light colored buildings, shanty towns on the dark green hills, white beaches, little islands – the Bay is dotted by more than 130 islands. All are surrounded by gleaming waters, making it picturesquely enchanting.

    The cable car has two stops: the first one is at Morro da Urca (elevation 722′ or 220m), and the second/last stop is at the summit, Sugarloaf mountain (not sure mountain is fitting here), with 1,299′ (396m) elevation.

    The cable car operation opened in 1912. The four gondolas we were in, have no a/c.

    The cafes at both stops have great views as well.

    We left our hotel at 8:30, and again, seeing dressed up (or early dressed) crowds – the carnival is raging on. Many roads were closed. Heavy traffic jam made the drive an hour long ordeal.

    We finally arrived at Praça General Tibúrcio / General Tibúrcio Square, where the entrance to the cablecar is at. There wasn’t any lines, both to the gondola and ticket window. But ticket pick up was a long affair, when they demanded our ID. For Pete’s sake, why selling online but not issuing digital ticket? Secondly, on the ticket site there wasn’t any warning that ID is needed for ticket pick up.

    Once the physical tickets in hand, we got up quickly.
    Written 29 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Glenn D
    120 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wanted to be one of the first to see the Christ the Redeamer in the morning...we ubered up to the Paineiras Visitor Center and was there by 7am...there was already a long line on Brazilian tour groups so by the time we got to the Christ by opening at 8am it was packed...also, the tour groups were taking up both sides of the promenade and the stairs to take photos . That being said, the views were amazing and loved seeing all the monkey's
    Written 18 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • djdavid1
    Sanderstead, UK29 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ipanema Beach is the little sister to Copacabana but is within easy walking distance.

    While Copacabana is lined with hotel Ipanema is lined with Apartments and residences.

    When we were there the beach was less crowded but still a large corniche to walk along although far less beach bars to frequent.

    Ipanema does have a vibrant restaurant and bar scene a few blocks off the seafront and we ended up eating and drinking there most nights despite our hotel being on Copacabana.
    Written 4 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CheshireChat
    10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely gardens. Pleasant walks and some interesting fauna and flora.
    Well worth a visit if you have half a day to spare. Plenty of weird and wonderful plants, many of which those from cooler climates will recognise as cultivated house plants,

    Make sure you take cash - cards not accepted and its around £12/$15 pp to enter.
    Written 10 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • מוטי ל
    Karmiel, Israel545 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    very nice spot which presents the border between ipanema beach and copacabana beach. we missed the sunset which is predicted to be beautiful. also very close to jobim's statue.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hbhakh
    Roanoke, VA2,216 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the first stop on the cable car on the way to Sugarloaf. It has several viewing areas, shops, and food/beverage outlets. It's nice but Sugarloaf is the main attraction.
    Written 16 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • מוטי ל
    Karmiel, Israel545 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    very impressive building which hosts many interesting exhibitions, not only from brazil, but also from other countries. we saw exhibition about the inca of peru.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mkohan00
    Carmel, NY7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent a few days in Rio prior to our cruise and had a great time! We stayed at Miramar by Windsor Copacabana where the hotel and service were exceptional. It was on Copacabana Beach which was a nice strip for an evening walk after dinner. Some bars had music on the beach and there were venders that sold souvenirs. We took the day tour of Rio with Viator which was awesome. We went to Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, the Selaron Steps and a buffet lunch which was very good. I highly recommend Copacabana Beach.
    Written 11 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lorraine B
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Plan ahead so you get to tour the Threatro Municipal - it's so beautiful! We saved it for our last day in Rio, not realizing the tours didn't start until 11 a.m. (too late for us)! Better yet, see a production there. It's supposed to be one of the best theatres in the world. It anchors one end of a long plaza and has other buildings of interest around it. Also easily accessible by VLT (public transit light rail) or subway. We ended up at this plaza a lot as our hotel was one street away. Many choices for dining and the people-watching was great. Lots of homeless people and police everywhere. My 14-year-old & I felt quite safe.
    Written 4 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vicki
    London, UK634 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    On a recent visit to Rio with my son, managed to get tickets for the semi finals of the Carioca Cup! The Brazilians really know how to support their teams!! The atmosphere was electric, fans very entertaining, chanting, singing and mostly on their feet during the match. They were changing roles btw fans, referees, cheerleaders, VAR analysts etc. I really enjoyed the match (1st time to watch any football match) even though it was poring with rain. The Stadium is massive from what I saw on the day!
    Written 21 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kph
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent museum, you will definitely need time for this visit. I went with 2 young children and with 2 elderly people, everyone enjoyed it. If visiting with someone with mobility issues, wheelchairs are available.
    Written 15 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hbhakh
    Roanoke, VA2,216 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We toured this park with a guide in a car. We stopped at a number of view points with very nice views of Rio. It's a very luch forest/jungle particularly considering it's in the middle of a huge city. There are quite a few places to hike/bike for those inclined to do so.
    Written 16 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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