Things to Do
in
Rio de Janeiro
Here are some fun things to do while in Rio de Janeiro, each heading is linked to the Google Maps location for your convenience.
Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)
An Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, overlooking the city from atop Corcovado Mountain. Completed in 1931, it stands as an icon of faith, a symbol of Brazil, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The massive reinforced concrete statue, covered in a mosaic of soapstone, was designed by French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa.
Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)
Sugarloaf Mountain, which gives its name to a complex of hills, is located next to Urca Mountain and is 396 meters high. Access to the top of the hill is only via the Sugarloaf Cable Car (Bondinho) for R$195 however, mountaineers can climb the face of the hill. Along with Urca Mountain , there are over 150 climbing routes. At its summit are a Sugarloaf Cable Car station, a snack bar, some shops, and one of the best sunset views of Rio ever.
Copacabana Beach is famous for its crescent-shaped, 4km long golden sand, its iconic black & white mosaic boardwalk designed by Roberto Burle Marx. The beach's location between lush, jungle-clad mountains and the Atlantic Ocean creates a picturesque and iconic backdrop. The beach is a vibrant hub for locals and tourists, known for its lively atmosphere and cultural events.
A world-famous, cultural hotspot in Rio, known for its soft white sands, rolling waves, and the iconic backdrop of the Dois Irmãos (two brothers) mountains. The beach is segmented by lifeguard posts that attract diverse crowds, from Posto 9's fashionable scene to Posto 8's younger demographic and Posto 10's sports enthusiasts. Enjoy water sports, volleyball or the local footvolley, and relax at kiosks and restaurants along the iconic boardwalk, which becomes a lively street fair on Sundays.
Locally known as the “Lapa Steps”, these world famous steps in Rio hold hundreds of unique mosaic pieces created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón who claimed it as "my tribute to the Brazilian people". It has been featured in numerous music videos such as Snoop Dogg and Pharrell’s "Beautiful”. It is considered an iconic tourist attraction of Rio with international visitors it every day.
The limestone structure in a Romantic style features 42 large double arcs and seeing glasses in the superior area. The Lapa Arches are considered the architectural piece in Brazil built during the colonial period. Around it are two of the most important music hall of the city: Fundição Progresso e Circo Voador.
a romantic oasis nestled at the foot of Corcovado Mountain hosts a public park and in the center, a magnificent Roman-style mansion, whose stunning courtyard pool perfectly frames the Christ the Redeemer statue above. With a lush, winding garden, hidden grottos, and Plage Café where you can dine where breathtaking nature and classical art intertwine.
Tijuca National Park is all that's left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio and is home to a diverse range of animals, including capuchin monkeys, coatis, agoutis, and various birds like toucans, hummingbirds, and thrushes. The park is also part of a rewilding effort, reintroducing species like howler monkeys and yellow-footed tortoises to restore ecological functions. This 39-sq-km tropical-jungle preserve is an exuberant green, with beautiful trees, creeks and waterfalls, mountainous terrain and high peaks.
