Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Rio de Janeiro Attractions
Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Rio de Janeiro.
Full-day Toursfromper adult$146
Full-day Toursfromper adult$80- fromper adult$84
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$83
Full-day Toursfromper adult$95
Historical Toursfromper group (up to 3)$278- fromper adult$85
Parasailingfromper adult$175
Theater Showsfromper adult$60
Day Cruisesfromper adult$68
Other Top Attractions around Rio de Janeiro
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Irene EngNew York City, New York1,697 contributionsThis 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 March 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MsikilizaAfrica365 contributionsIt is a beautiful place to visit and an iconic site. However, be mentally prepared as it can get quite busy. The Christ the Redeemer monument is located on Corcovado Hill and can be reached through three main ways: hiking, driving up a narrow and steep road, or taking a train. On my visit, I chose to take the super busy train that day, resulting in a lot of queueing and waiting. Nevertheless, it was worth the wait.
The view from the monument is breathtaking, and the monument itself is truly remarkable. The history behind it is intriguing.Certain sections of the monument can be reached easily through the use of lifts and escalators. However, it's advisable to verify in advance if you require this kind of access. Unfortunately, the restrooms can only be accessed by climbing up or down stairs. In addition, there are prayer chapels available for those who prefer to pray or meditate. The restroom facilities that I used were clean.
While visiting the monument tree gardens, I observed some conservationists tending to a spotted sloth or monkey (I cannot recall which one) perched on one of the trees. They were sharing their knowledge with tourists who were happily taking photos of the animal. This is not surprising, as the monument is situated within Tijuca National Park, an urban park located within Rio de Janeiro's mountainous terrain that boasts of a diverse range of flora and fauna. Upon reading up, I discovered that it is a reforested park. Forests around Rio de Janeiro were cleared in the 1700s for fuel, coffee growing, and livestock, leading to water shortages and flash floods due to the destruction of small streams that once served as the city's water source. In the mid 1800’s the Emperor used slaves to re-plant trees to rewild and restore the former forest.
The souvenir shops at the top of the building were surprisingly disappointing. They were selling the same limited variety of items at overpriced rates, in my opinion. However, the gift shop one located on the ground floor at the train station platform had a better variety of items and a friendly team to assist with your needs.Written May 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - djdavid1Sanderstead, UK29 contributionsIpanema 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 April 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CheshireChat5 contributionsLovely 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 May 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - מוטי לKarmiel, Israel549 contributionsvery 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 March 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- hbhakhRoanoke, VA2,318 contributionsThis 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 February 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mkohan00Carmel, NY4 contributionsWe 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 May 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lorraine B8 contributionsPlan 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 July 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- מוטי לKarmiel, Israel549 contributionsvery 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 March 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VickiLondon, UK606 contributionsOn 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 March 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Annemarie KYpsilanti, MI33 contributionsThis museum will change your perspective on the immediate future, let’s say the next ten to twenty years. Through interactive stations, you can engage with saving water and earth resources and test your knowledge of how aware you are about pollution and the shrinking resources the earth can provide. I was there for well over two hours but would go back anytime soon again.
The building itself is a truly fantastic work of art, built to resemble a spear in horizontal position that’s surrounded by and presumably floating on water. The white of the building itself and clean water surrounding the building is the apotheosis of peace and cosmic unity. Truly a place to meditate on our own place and responsibility toward one another and this earth.Written April 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - hbhakhRoanoke, VA2,318 contributionsWe 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 February 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio de Janeiro
- The top attractions to visit in Rio de Janeiro are:
- Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car
- Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer
- Botanical Garden
- Morro da Urca
- Ipanema Beach
- The best outdoor activities in Rio de Janeiro according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Rio de Janeiro on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Rio de Janeiro according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande
- Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Lunch and Small Group City Tour
- Private Custom Full-Day Highlights in Rio: Only the best sights!
- A day in Arraial do Cabo the Brazilian Caribbean
- Full-Day Private Tour of Rio with Pick Up
- The most popular things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car
- Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer
- Arpoador beach
- Ipanema Beach
- Botanical Garden