Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). The 30-meter Art Deco statue atop Corcovado Mountain (710 m) is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Rio's defining icon, with panoramic views stretching across the entire city, Guanabara Bay, and the Atlantic. Access is by the historic Corcovado rack railway through Tijuca Atlantic Forest, or by official…
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). Two successive cable-car rides lift visitors from Praia Vermelha up to the 396-meter granite monolith for sweeping views of the bay, beaches, and surrounding mountains — arguably the most dramatic city panorama in South America. The complex opens daily from 8 am to 9 pm.
Ipanema & Copacabana Beaches. Six-plus kilometers of continuous Atlantic shore define Rio's social heartbeat: Copacabana's buzzing crescent draws a lively mix of tourists and vendors, while Ipanema — immortalized by Bossa Nova — draws a hipper, more local crowd around Posto 9 and the iconic Arpoador sunset rock, where spectators applaud when the…
Tijuca National Park. The world's largest urban forest wraps around the city in 39,000 hectares of regenerated Atlantic rainforest, sheltering howler monkeys, ocelots, more than 300 bird species, and the Cascatinha Taunay waterfall. It also encompasses Corcovado and offers multi-day hikes including the ascent to Pico da Tijuca (1,021 m).
Lapa Nightlife & the Selarón Steps. Lapa's cobblestone streets roar to life on weekend nights with live samba, pagode, and forró spilling from dozens of clubs and bars beneath the 18th-century Arcos da Lapa aqueduct. The adjacent Escadaria Selarón — 215 mosaic-tiled steps assembled by artist Jorge Selarón from tiles donated by visitors from more than…
Pedra do Sal Monday Samba Roda. Every Monday evening from 7 pm the stone steps of Pedra do Sal in the Saúde port district become a free open-air samba session on the very site where enslaved Africans gathered to play in the 19th century — considered the birthplace of the genre. Cash-only vendors sell cold beer and street food while musicians play…
Santa Teresa Neighborhood. Perched on a hill above the city, this bohemian enclave of crumbling 19th-century mansions, mosaic-lined lanes, artists' studios, and viewpoints (mirantes) remains Rio's most atmospheric neighborhood. The vintage bonde streetcar crosses the Arcos da Lapa en route, and in October the Arte de Portas Abertas festival…
Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow). Designed by Santiago Calatrava and cantilevered over Guanabara Bay at Praça Mauá, this futuristic science museum explores climate, sustainability, and the Anthropocene through immersive interactive exhibits. It anchors the revitalized Porto Maravilha waterfront district and is easily reached by the VLT (light rail)…
Top-rated tours & activities in Rio de Janeiro
Half Day Hiking Tour Morro Dois Irmaos and Favela Vidigal — 5.0★ (123 reviews)
From the Past to the Present: A Historical Walking Tour of Rio — 5.0★ (117 reviews)
Private customized Tour of Rio de Janeiro — 5.0★ (87 reviews)
Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain — 5.0★ (70 reviews)
Rio Favela Tour — 5.0★ (65 reviews)
Tandemflyrio paragliding, Rio de Janeiro — 5.0★ (38 reviews)
Rocinha Favela Tour With Local Guide — 5.0★ (25 reviews)
Rio Your Way: Personalized Adventures in the Marvelous City — 5.0★ (25 reviews)
Half Day Hiking Tour Morro Dois Irmaos and Favela Vidigal — 5.0★ (123 reviews)
From the Past to the Present: A Historical Walking Tour of Rio — 5.0★ (117 reviews)
Private customized Tour of Rio de Janeiro — 5.0★ (87 reviews)
Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain — 5.0★ (70 reviews)
Rio Favela Tour — 5.0★ (65 reviews)
Tandemflyrio paragliding, Rio de Janeiro — 5.0★ (38 reviews)
Rocinha Favela Tour With Local Guide — 5.0★ (25 reviews)
Rio Your Way: Personalized Adventures in the Marvelous City — 5.0★ (25 reviews)