Choose from 76 Fun Things to Do in Rio De Janeiro
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 76 listings.
Leme Beach (Praia do Leme)
Leme Beach is a natural extension of famous Copacabana, although unlike its popular, high profile neighbor, Leme Beach is a calm stretch of sand where fishermen, locals, and neighborhood residents enjoy the calming sound of the sea without the choking crowds. While technically located along the same stretch of sand as Copacabana Beach, Leme Beach is the final half mile of the northern stretch of the beach. Here, visitors will also find Leme Fort—an historic outpost used by the military that still houses collections of guns. For a view looking down on Copacabana Beach, make the climb up the forested hill on the northern end of the sand, where monkeys prance in the coastal treetops and a breeze rolls in off the sea. For another shot of the horseshoe shaped beach, follow the coastal walking trail around the rocky headland, where fishermen line the rocky shore and casually cast their lines. Looking south, the glitz and glamor of Copcabana is visible off in the distance—but the scene right here at Praia do Leme is tranquil and welcomingly calm.
Practical Info
Leme Beach is approximately a ten minute drive or thirty minute walk from the middle of Copacabana. To reach the beach, follow the Metro to Cardeal Arcoverde and transfer to bus 590, or save yourself time by taking a taxi before strolling out to the sand. The currents here can sometimes be strong, and pay attention to warning flags about info on current conditions.
Address: Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 120
Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)
Keeping a watchful eye over the people of Rio de Janeiro, the iconic Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) sits atop Corcovado Mountain at 2,300 feet (700 meters) above the city. Unveiled in 1931 and voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, this impressive monument is often credited as the most iconic site in Brazil.
The Basics
When to Get There
Opening hours vary seasonally, but the site is roughly open from 8am to 6 or 7pm. On a clear day, the views from the base of the statue include the beaches of Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Guanabara Bay. After dark, the statue is lit up and seems to hover over all of Rio. Expect heavy summer crowds; consider booking a skip-the-line ticket to save some time.
Visiting the Nearby Tijuca Rainforest
The Basics
The largest art deco statue in the world, Christ Redeemer is 130 feet (39 meters) tall with arms measuring 98 feet (30 meters) across. Just about every Rio city tour includes a stop here, with many combining a visit with other top attractions such as the Sugar Loaf Mountain cable car and Santa Teresa. Choose between hiking tours, city sightseeing tours, and half-day trips to the statue.
How to Get to the Statue of Christ the Redeemer
To reach the statue at the top of Corcovado, take the cog train or minibus from Santa Teresa. The train, which offers some spectacular views (especially if you sit on the right-hand side), leaves from the Cosme Velho train station at Rua Cosme Velho 513.
- Skip-the-line tickets and exclusive early-access tours allow you to beat the crowds to the top.
- Choose between a private tour and a small-group tour for an exclusive experience.
- Tours include either cog train tickets or vehicle transportation to the top of the mountain.
- The Corcovado cog train departs every 20 to 30 minutes and is wheelchair accessible.
To reach the statue at the top of Corcovado, take the cog train or minibus from Santa Teresa. The train, which offers some spectacular views (especially if you sit on the right-hand side), leaves from the Cosme Velho train station at Rua Cosme Velho 513.
When to Get There
Opening hours vary seasonally, but the site is roughly open from 8am to 6 or 7pm. On a clear day, the views from the base of the statue include the beaches of Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Guanabara Bay. After dark, the statue is lit up and seems to hover over all of Rio. Expect heavy summer crowds; consider booking a skip-the-line ticket to save some time.
Visiting the Nearby Tijuca Rainforest
Regardless of how you reach the top of Corcovado, you'll travel through the Tijuca Rainforest, or Floresta Tijuca. One of the world's largest urban rain forests at 12.4 square miles (3,212 hectares), Tijuca is home to a variety of endemic Brazilian plants and animals. Before or after your visit to the statue, plan to spend some time exploring the attractions here.
Address: Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil, Brazil
Hours: Daily. Trains leave every half hour 8:30am–7pm
Admission: Train ticket: R$36
From $ 16
Morro da Urca
Sitting in the shadow of big brother and Rio de Janeiro icon, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Morro da Urca is just as important if only because the cable car trip up to Sugar Loaf includes a stop atop this turtle shell-shaped rock. Not to be outdone by its better-known neighbor, the 720-foot hill, a little more than half Sugar Loaf’s height of 1,300 feet, still offers spectacular panoramic views of Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Guanabara Bay, downtown Rio, and Sugar Loaf itself (something you can’t see when you’re actually on it).
At the top of the Morro da Urca, the visitors’ center provides elevators for special needs guests, restrooms, and souvenir and food concessions. Hiking trails skirt the Morro, starting at Praia Vermelho, but one of the most exhilarating options available, if not exactly popular or cheap, is a helicopter ride around Sugar Loaf and over nearby Copacabana. Make sure to plan your visit on a cloudless day, or you might be squinting into the cumulus. Also, don’t forget the Morro’s namesake, the tiny and historic district of Urca, sits squeezed between the mountains and the bay, offering restaurants and bars with gorgeous views of the water and an intoxicating tropical ambiance.
At the top of the Morro da Urca, the visitors’ center provides elevators for special needs guests, restrooms, and souvenir and food concessions. Hiking trails skirt the Morro, starting at Praia Vermelho, but one of the most exhilarating options available, if not exactly popular or cheap, is a helicopter ride around Sugar Loaf and over nearby Copacabana. Make sure to plan your visit on a cloudless day, or you might be squinting into the cumulus. Also, don’t forget the Morro’s namesake, the tiny and historic district of Urca, sits squeezed between the mountains and the bay, offering restaurants and bars with gorgeous views of the water and an intoxicating tropical ambiance.
Address: Brazil
From $ 30
National Library
Holding over 9 million volumes within its stacks and archives, Brazil’s extensive National Library (Biblioteca Nacional) is the largest library in Latin America and remains one of the first institutions established during Rio’s reign as imperial capital of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves. Founded in 1810 and relocated to its current handsome Greek Revival-style setting in 1910, the library has maintained an archive of the country’s most important publications, periodicals, photographs, films, and music through the present—its collection of Brazilian popular music is unmatched, with over 200,000 pieces, from samba to sertanejo (a genre from the dry backlands of the northeast akin to American country music).
The library is open for public use and wows visitors with its elegant red-carpeted staircase and eclectic interior flourishes. One of the most valuable holdings inside is the late-19th century photography collection of Empress Theresa Christina Maria, Naples-born wife of Brazil’s second emperor, Pedro II, which was recognized by UNESCO for its historical significance and given to the library after her death by Pedro on the condition that the collection would be named for her. Despite moving the national capital to Brasília in 1960, a branch of the National Library didn’t open there until 2006.
The library is open for public use and wows visitors with its elegant red-carpeted staircase and eclectic interior flourishes. One of the most valuable holdings inside is the late-19th century photography collection of Empress Theresa Christina Maria, Naples-born wife of Brazil’s second emperor, Pedro II, which was recognized by UNESCO for its historical significance and given to the library after her death by Pedro on the condition that the collection would be named for her. Despite moving the national capital to Brasília in 1960, a branch of the National Library didn’t open there until 2006.
Address: Avenida Rio Branco, 219 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20040-009, Brazil
Hours: Weekdays - Monday to Friday - 10 am to 5 pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays - 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
From $ 36
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Situated at the heart of Zona Sul and all but completely separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the upscale district of Ipanema, Rodrigo de Freitas Lake has been among Rio’s most distinguishing natural landmarks since the city was first established in the 16th century. In the shadow of Corcovado and covering nearly a square mile in surface area, the lagoon lends its name to the adjacent garden district of Lagoa and serves as a recreational area and beauty spot for local residents, with nearly 3 miles of bike and jogging trails, boathouses for rowing, and several exclusive social clubs located along the edge of the lagoon.
Named for a young Portuguese army official who lived in the area in the early 1700s, the history behind the glassy lagoon wasn’t always placid. The first Portuguese settler in the area, Rio governor Antonio Salema, slaughtered the indigenous Temoio Indians with smallpox-infected clothing when he arrived on the scene in 1575 to build a sugar mill. Subsequent conquests have been as recent as the 1960s, when residents of a favela built on a neighboring hillside were forcibly removed and the hill, along with the ramshackle dwellings, was flattened to make way for some of the high-class high-rises that exist today.
Named for a young Portuguese army official who lived in the area in the early 1700s, the history behind the glassy lagoon wasn’t always placid. The first Portuguese settler in the area, Rio governor Antonio Salema, slaughtered the indigenous Temoio Indians with smallpox-infected clothing when he arrived on the scene in 1575 to build a sugar mill. Subsequent conquests have been as recent as the 1960s, when residents of a favela built on a neighboring hillside were forcibly removed and the hill, along with the ramshackle dwellings, was flattened to make way for some of the high-class high-rises that exist today.
Address: Brazil
From $ 32
Lapa Neighborhood
The most bohemian of Rio de Janeiro’s neighborhoods, vibrant Lapa is best known for its eclectic music scene, with an abundance of bars, clubs and venues hosting local samba and forró bands. After dark, the main streets of Rua da Lapa or Rua Joaquim Silva come alive, with dancers spilling onto the streets and top clubs like the Rio Scenarium, Arco Iris and Asa Branca teeming with locals and in-the-know tourists.
Even in the daylight hours, Lapa is a colorful district to explore, with the striking colonial buildings now home to a string of vintage shops and cafés frequented by Rio’s creative types. The area is also home to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks, most notably the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), an enormous 18th-century aqueduct that towers 64 meters over the central square. With the 42 grand arches dramatically lit at night, the arches make a popular meeting place for cariocas, as do the brightly painted steps of the Selaron Ladder, a short walk away. The masterpiece of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, the 215 steps of the Selaron Ladder are richly decorated with over 2,000 tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag and mark the way into the neighboring district of Santa Teresa.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 16
Ipanema Beach (Praia de Ipanema)
Although less famous than its nextdoor neighbor Copacabana Beach, Ipanema holds its own with quiet charm and considerably cleaner surroundings, and it does it without skimping on any of the white sands, blue waters, or local character that give Rio de Janeiro’s beaches their claim to fame.
The Basics
Ipanema Beach (Praia de Ipanema) is on the ritzy side of Rio, backing onto an upper-class neighborhood full of high-end hotels and classy dining establishments. Although it’s easy to spend a day lounging on the sand (chair and umbrella rentals are available), those looking for a more immersive experience will find it on a guided city tour that combines a stop at Ipanema with other top Rio attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), the Lapa neighborhood, or the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Bike tours offer a popular way to cover more ground in less time, while private tours ensure that you see everything on your list in comfort.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ipanema is divided into various postos, or sections, each with its own vibe—some are best for sunset barbecues and others are especially gay-friendly or suited to sunbathers.
- Vendors walk the beach selling everything from snacks to hammocks, so you can stay put all day.
- If you’re not sure which Rio beach is right for you, take a guided beach tour of the favorites such as Arpoador and Leblon before you commit to a full day.
- Ipanema means “bad, dangerous waters” in the local indigenous language—a good reminder to only swim in designated areas, as the waves can be big and the undertow strong.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Ipanema is on a guided tour, many of which include door-to-door transportation from your hotel. Otherwise, catch the metro to Ipanema/General Osorio or take any of the buses marked “Ipanema” from Centro.
When to Get There
The beach is open and crowded year-round, but plan your visit during Rio’s warm season—December to March—to enjoy the water. Visit in the morning for smaller crowds and less heat, or head to the beach in the evening to watch the sun set over the Atlantic.
Address: Avenue Vieira Souto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Daily
From $ 32
Morro Dois Irmaos
Named for its double peaks, Rio de Janeiro’s Morro Dois Irmaos translates to the “Hill of Two Brothers.” The city is famous for its views, especially from above, and from the top of the two peaks it is possible to see Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Arpoador, São Conrado and the Tijuca Forest. Sweeping vistas provide a near 360-degree view of the scenic surroundings. With the Vidigal favela located just below, it is also a fascinating place to view the expansive communities of the city from above.
The hills have become a symbol of Rio and are great at any time of day, but most recommended in the golden light of sunset.
Practical Info
Morro Dois Irmaos is located in the Vidigal neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro in Zona Sul. To hike to the top is a moderate, one-hour journey on foot.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 44
Saara Shopping District
Like every paradise for bargain hunters, the Saara Shopping District is a maze where you can find anything and everything. Be it T-shirts with witty print, colorful accessories, soccer jerseys or the iconic Brazilian flip flops: the Havaianas. The Saara Shopping District consists of a myriad of shops along the streets of Passos, Andradas, Buenos Aires, Alfandega as well as the Praça da República square.
The atmosphere within Saara is very authentic and couldn’t be further from the polished, air conditioned malls of the more upscale neighborhoods of Rio. People from all walks of life can be seen shopping and enjoying a day out with friends and family. Since the diverse market is popular with the locals and often overlooked by tourists, prices are reasonable and bargains can still be found everywhere. Just as varied as the shoppers are the sellers. Among the merchants are many immigrants from the Middle East, Turkey, Portugal, Greece, Spain and Argentina and especially during carnival when everyone is doing their last minute costume shopping, the bazaar shines in an explosion of colors with many multicultural elements. If you are lucky, you might even see an impromptu Samba presentation in the streets.
Practical Info
The Saara Shopping District covers 11 streets in total within the old downtown of Rio de Janeiro, among them Buenos Aires, Passos and Andradas. The shops are open throughout the year but usually close on Sundays and on holidays. Opening hours are generally from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to roughly 3pm on Saturdays.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Weekdays 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-3pm
From $ 75
Pepino Beach
Located on the southwest end of Sao Conrado Beach, Pepino Beach rounds into a picturesque cove, with lush vegetation and the granite mountains of Pedra da Gavea and Pedra Bonita rising behind it.
But besides being a lovely strip of sand, Pepino Beach is most commonly known as the landing spot for Rio’s hang-gliders and paragliders. Adrenaline-seekers jump from a platform atop Pedra Bonita before gracefully landing at Pepino Beach, and those interested in watching these daredevils in flight can get a perfect view on the water.
Wedged between Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, Sao Conrado and Pepino beaches are usually less crowded alternatives to the famous shores of Copacabana and Ipanema. With plenty of white sand, gorgeous views and crashing waves sometimes suitable for surfing and boogie boarding, Pepino Beach is a great place to kick back and enjoy a day on the shore.
But besides being a lovely strip of sand, Pepino Beach is most commonly known as the landing spot for Rio’s hang-gliders and paragliders. Adrenaline-seekers jump from a platform atop Pedra Bonita before gracefully landing at Pepino Beach, and those interested in watching these daredevils in flight can get a perfect view on the water.
Wedged between Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, Sao Conrado and Pepino beaches are usually less crowded alternatives to the famous shores of Copacabana and Ipanema. With plenty of white sand, gorgeous views and crashing waves sometimes suitable for surfing and boogie boarding, Pepino Beach is a great place to kick back and enjoy a day on the shore.
Practical Info
Pepino Beach is located on the southwest end of Sao Conrado Beach on Estrada de Sao Conrado. Street parking is available, but usually fills up in the morning.
Address: Brazil
From $ 66
Ruins Park
Don’t let the name fool you—Ruins Park, or Parque das Ruinas in Portuguese—isn’t just some abandoned relic of a bygone era. Well, the venue had been the mansion of a well-known Rio socialite, Laurinda Santos Lobo, whose early 20th-century balls were legendary. After her death in 1946, the house fell into disrepair, only to be salvaged by the city government in the 1990s and turned into this increasingly popular exhibition space and live music venue, complete with an al fresco café and one of the best views in the city.
Perched high atop one of the quieter hillsides of Santa Teresa, the restored complex features a beguiling mash-up of 19th- and 20th-century architecture, with an exposed brick façade and colonnaded veranda standing warmly next to Modernist metal and glass accents. During the summer, the outdoor concert series includes local jazz and samba bands, as well as children’s performances that add a decidedly familial air to an otherwise romantic ambiance. Be sure not to miss the marvelous weekend brunch served up with a stunning panorama of the marvelous city.
Perched high atop one of the quieter hillsides of Santa Teresa, the restored complex features a beguiling mash-up of 19th- and 20th-century architecture, with an exposed brick façade and colonnaded veranda standing warmly next to Modernist metal and glass accents. During the summer, the outdoor concert series includes local jazz and samba bands, as well as children’s performances that add a decidedly familial air to an otherwise romantic ambiance. Be sure not to miss the marvelous weekend brunch served up with a stunning panorama of the marvelous city.
Practical Info
Admission to the complex—and the concerts—is free and the center is open every day of the week except Mondays.
Address: R. Murtinho Nobre, 169 - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro 20241-050, Brazil
Hours: Open Tuesdays - Sundays, closed on Mondays
From $ 43
Petropolis
Petropolis was the mountain getaway for the imperial court, popular in summer when the coast became hot and muggy. Nestled 3,000ft (800m) high in the Serra dos Órgãos it is a few degrees cooler than at sea level.
It’s a kooky place as the rainforest is filled with European alpine architecture and the gorgeous Museu Imperial would not be out of place in Austria. Other buildings of note include the cathedral, which offers excellent views from the steps and the glasshouse (Palacio Cristal) imported from France for Princesa Isabela’s orchids.
Along Rue 16 de Marco there are lots of eateries and Rua Theresa is known for clothes shopping. If you’re after more strenuous activities you can also hike and mountain bike in the surrounding mountains.
It’s a kooky place as the rainforest is filled with European alpine architecture and the gorgeous Museu Imperial would not be out of place in Austria. Other buildings of note include the cathedral, which offers excellent views from the steps and the glasshouse (Palacio Cristal) imported from France for Princesa Isabela’s orchids.
Along Rue 16 de Marco there are lots of eateries and Rua Theresa is known for clothes shopping. If you’re after more strenuous activities you can also hike and mountain bike in the surrounding mountains.
Practical Info
Buses leave hourly from Rio de Janeiro and the trip takes about 1.5 hours. Once in town there are buses although it is easy to visit most of the highlights on foot in under 4 hours.
Address: Petropolis 25600, Brazil
From $ 59
Rocinha
Pouring down a hillside in Rio’s South Zone, the one-square-mile (2.6-square-kilometer) Rocinha favela is crammed with a colorful maze of cement buildings, tin roofs, and upwards of 180,000 residents living in challenging socioeconomic conditions. The district is considered the largest favela in Brazil, complete with a culture and history of its own, and has entered a period of renaissance, with urban gardens, community art projects, and educational services revitalizing the neighborhood little by little.
The Basics
The best way to visit Rocinha is on an organized tour with a local guide who is familiar with the daily challenges of neighborhood residents, as well as various sustainable development efforts and empowering grassroots actions being taken in the favela. Educational walking tours offer insight into daily life for Rocinha residents while leading visitors to spots they’d be unlikely to find on their own, such as craft shops, community centers, and well-situated viewpoints. Private tours offer more personalized experiences and cultural exchanges.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some tours donate a portion of proceeds to Rochina nonprofits or employ local tour guides to give back to the community.
- A guided tour led by a local is the safest way to visit Rocinha.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces, or book a tour by bike or vehicle to stay off your feet.
- Favelas provide a stark contrast to Rio’s ritzy neighborhoods, such as Ipanema, and an educational tour of Rocinha can offer a well-rounded understanding of Rio’s varying socioeconomic environments.
How to Get There
The best way to visit Rocinha is on a guided tour, most of which include stress-free, door-to-door transportation from your Rio hotel. While it’s possible to see the area on your own, it’s preferable to visit with a local tour guide to make your visit as educational and noninvasive as possible.
When to Get There
Rio’s climate is warm year-round, with the hottest months being December through March.
A Note on the Ethics of Slum Tourism
We are sensitive to the issues and concerns surrounding slums, and we understand that tours of them may not be suitable for everyone. We strongly believe that these tours are educational and allow for a better understanding of life inside Rocinha.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 32
Pedra da Gavea
When Portuguese sailors entered Guanabara Bay in January 1502, they spotted Pedra da Gavea and thought its shape resembled a topsail of a ship, giving the now famous mountain its name. The granite peak rises 2,769 feet (844 meters) above sea level and plummets almost directly down toward the sea.
Under the administration of Tijuca National Park, Pedra da Gavea has a challenging but well-marked hiking trail to the top, where the views rival those from Sugarloaf and Corcovado. The entire hike takes about six hours to complete.
Practical Info
Guided hiking tours are a great way to trek Pedra da Gavea, as there is a short and steep ascent near the end of the trail that is easier with ropes and harnesses.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 22451-261, Brazil
From $ 74
Ipanema Hippie Fair (Feira Hippie de Ipanema)
Each Sunday General Osório Square in Ipanema transforms into one of Rio’s most popular open-air markets, the Ipanema Hippie Fair (Feira Hippie de Ipanema). This particular market began in 1968 when a group of hippies hanging out in Rio got together to sell and swap their belongings.
Today, the market comprises more than 700 vendors selling Brazilian folk art, jewelry, clothing and souvenirs. It’s one of the best places in town to find bargains on authentic Brazilian crafts and souvenir items, especially embroidered items, lace and ceramic figurines.
Hungry shoppers will find food stalls at the corners of the market selling local favorites like bacalhau (an omelet made from salted codfish), acarajé (mashed black-eyed pea croquettes stuffed with shrimp) and coconut candy.
Practical Info
The Ipanema Hippie Fair takes place each Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Address: Praça General Osório, s/n - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Sunday 9am to 5pm
From $ 58
Itaipu Beach
Travelers say this once pristine beach used to be known for its easy access to eclectic Rio de Janeiro and was a paradise for travelers looking to escape the hustle of the city and relax on calm and quiet beaches. Unfortunately, pollution has made swimming conditions less than ideal and visitors say the sandy strips of coast are now jam-packed with people. Itaipu Beach’s once chill vibe has been erased as this tropical spot has shifted into an overrun destination. Despite this recent change, the shores remain a great stop for travelers looking to experience the beauty of life in beachside Brazil, thanks to a thriving local scene that includes seafood restaurants serving up the fresh daily catch, markets and waves that are still ideal for surfing and paddleboarding.
Practical Info
The beach is located about 30 minutes from Rio by boat.
Address: Niterói, Brazil
From $ 1,500
Ilha Grande
Located just over 100 kilometers from Rio, Ilha Grande is a piece of paradise in the warm waters of the Costa Verde (the lush, coastal region between Rio and São Paulo). Ilha Grande, the ‘Big Island,’ is sparsely populated with small villages with fishermen and small B&Bs. The island’s main village is Abraão, on the western shore, where passenger ferries land daily. With no cars allowed and mostly untouched by developers, Ilha Grande is the ideal island escape. Most of Ilha Grande is pristine Atlantic Rainforest, with endless options for hikes, panoramic viewpoints, hidden coves, and long white-sand beaches that seldom have crowds. The waters of Ilha Grande are warm and turquoise, making it a great place for snorkeling, swimming and other water sports. On the coast facing the open-ocean, waves can be large and attract surfers, and on the coast facing land, waters are usually calm and perfect for a dip.
Besides hiking, the best way to get around to the many beaches of Ilha Grande is by boat. Water-taxis and day excursions bring visitors to the island’s best beaches, coves and snorkel spots. Most of the island’s accommodations are in Arbaão, but there are other guesthouses on the island’s more remote beaches, as well as campgrounds.
Practical Info
Visiting Ilha Grande on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro is possible by boat. To spend the night there, visitors can drive or take the bus to the ferry terminal in Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis, where ferries depart daily for Abraão.
Address: Ilha Grande, Brazil
From $ 83
Vista Chinesa
With iconic landmarks like Sugar Loaf and Corcovado mountains, Rio de Janeiro has no shortage of famous lookouts, but if you’re looking for a unique view away from the masses, head to the Vista Chinesa. An oriental style pavilion perched at 380 meters on the Alto da Boa Vista, the Vista Chinesa (literally ‘the Chinese View’) is one of the most striking monuments of the Tijuca Forest, erected in 1903 to honor Rio’s Chinese immigrants.
Regarded as one of the grandest Chinese monuments in South America, the award-winning gazebo offers spectacular views over the city, spanning the coastal lagoons and mountaintops, including the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches and Leblon. The easiest way to reach the Vista Chinesa is by taxi or tour bus, but adventurous types can also tackle the climb on foot or mountain bike - a steep yet scenic 6km trek that’s not for the faint hearted.
Address: Estrada da Vista Chinesa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 50
Leblon Beach
Fronting one of Rio’s wealthiest and most exclusive neighborhoods, Leblon Beach is a slightly quieter alternative to its neighbor Ipanema. Separated from Ipanema by a canal, the beach is popular with families with young children, as it offers a play area equipped with beach toys and playground equipment, collectively called Baixo Baby.
While calmer and less crowded than Copacabana and even Ipanema, the sandy stretch still offers beautiful views of the mountains, a string of beach bars serving caiparinhas and all the usual amenities, like chairs, umbrellas, showers and food stalls. While it’s also one of Rio’s safest and cleanest beaches, it’s still a good idea to leave valuables at the hotel and keep an eye on your belongings.
Practical Info
After you’ve worked up an appetite on the beach, nearby Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon has some of Rio’s top restaurants. Drinks on the beach can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget, buy them at a local store and bring them with you.
Address: Avenida Delfim Moreira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 40
Urca
Squeezed on a curved slice of land at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain and its shorter, wider companion at the other end of the cable car, tiny Urca remains one of Rio’s most unique neighborhoods in that it has retained its intimate feel and close-knit character for decades, despite rapid and unrestrained development in other sections of the city. Facing west across an inlet of Guanabara Bay and overlooking the stately districts of Botafogo and Flamengo, Urca is home to several restaurants and bars that make the trip from other parts of town worthwhile if only for the ambiance.
The site of a Portuguese fort erected in 1565 to fend off the nascent city from French colonial ambitions, Urca developed as a neighborhood much more recently. In the 1920s, the amount of buildable land in the area was expanded with landfill and the first housing developments sprung up. By the end of the decade, the district was a thriving commercial and residential community with its own casino, built to compete against the luxe but barely-accessible Copacabana Palace Hotel. Much of the architecture in the area reflects the development of the 30s and 40s, with a mix of faux Spanish and Tudor-style stucco houses and apartment buildings that render the entire neighborhood a historical treasure.
The site of a Portuguese fort erected in 1565 to fend off the nascent city from French colonial ambitions, Urca developed as a neighborhood much more recently. In the 1920s, the amount of buildable land in the area was expanded with landfill and the first housing developments sprung up. By the end of the decade, the district was a thriving commercial and residential community with its own casino, built to compete against the luxe but barely-accessible Copacabana Palace Hotel. Much of the architecture in the area reflects the development of the 30s and 40s, with a mix of faux Spanish and Tudor-style stucco houses and apartment buildings that render the entire neighborhood a historical treasure.
Address: Brazil
From $ 36