Things to do & places to visit in State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

State of Rio de Janeiro #2 destination in Brazil 2023. The average rating score is 4.45 based on 663.3k traveler reviews, of 1.138 attractions. Timezone: America/Sao_Paulo, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 9:58.

Top things to do (26)

Top destinations in State of Rio de Janeiro 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia (6.112 reviews)
- Awesome view, white sand, blue water
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

You can get to this beach by boat (average R$ 10 per person) or walking(this option you will need to enter Pontal do Atalaia by taxi or R$ 20 per car). It can be really crowded, you better arrive early and avoid weekends. Tje san is brigjt white and the sea is really blue. The water is very cold though. ( in Arraial do Cabo all of the beaches have a really cold water). This is the beach where there is a famous stair that evertbody takes some pictures. Please follow us on instagram: @mapamunditravel See more..
5.0 Farol Beach (4.574 reviews)
- My favourite in Arraial
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

This was my favourite beach in Arraial do Cabo.You can only get to this beach by boat (average R$ 10 per person). It can get crowded so, you better arrive early and avoid weekends. There are no restaurants or sellers and you also cant bring food. Thensand is bright white and the sea is really blue. You have an amazing voew of fhe mountains , what make the landscape even more beautifil.The water is very cold though. ( in Arraial do Cabo all of the beaches have a really cold water) Please follow us on instagram: @mapamunditravel See more..
4.5 Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer (65.4k reviews) from $31.90
- Life changer experience in Brazil.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

In the top of the City is installed Christ the redeemer the most wanted touristic sides of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. Biggest and most famous scripture Art Deco of the world, the Christ statue started to be planned in 1921 and it was developed by the engineer Heitor da Silva Costa over 6 years of job, from 1925 to 1931, the opening year of the monument. Located at Parque Nacional da Tijuca, 710 meter above the sea level, where anybody can appreciate one of the most beautiful views of the city. Over all 220 steps that lead to the famous statue feet, it was elected one of the Seven Wonders of the World made by formal voting in 2007 by the Swiss Institution New 7 Wonders Foundation. The monument is accessible by train, van or car. To get into the monument, there’s a nice ride by train that, during 20 minutes, it crosses Mata Atlantica until Corcovado’s top. See more..
4.5 Sugarloaf Mountain (56.5k reviews) from $29.75
- Excellent option
Monday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Trams • Mountains • Lookouts

One of Brazil’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of Rio de Janeiro’s beautiful natural surroundings, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see attraction. To reach the mountain's peak, ride aboard the world’s third-oldest cable car, or hike through the Brazilian rainforest if you're up for a challenge. Once at the top of the 1300 feet high mountain, you’ll have panoramic views over the whole city and beyond, as well as a range of restaurants and historical exhibits to explore. Private tours of Sugarloaf Mountain give you a great overview of its geology and history, and are also available as part of full-day tours of the city. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Copacabana Beach (25.2k reviews)
- Not as 'local', but just as fun!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

For sunning, relaxing and people watching, join the thousands who flock each year to this lively, world-famous beach lined with shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. See more..
4.5 Botanical Garden (22.1k reviews)
- Stunning! Worth to visit!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Two 800-yard-long rows of towering royal palm trees are a highlight of this massive garden containing thousands of plants and trees, including every variety of palm tree imaginable. See more..
4.5 Ipanema Beach (19.1k reviews)
- Stay for the sunset!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

Popularized by the song "The Girl from Ipanema," this world-famous beach gives foreign visitors a sense of life in Rio, displaying a cross-section of different lifestyles, chic boutiques and eateries and luxurious apartment buildings. See more..
4.5 Rua das Pedras (16.1k reviews)
- Cozy street with lots to eat and buy
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This charming cobblestone street is lined with restaurants and shops selling resort wear, jewelry, handicrafts and artwork, and is known for its lively nightlife. See more..
4.5 Arpoador beach (16.0k reviews)
- Stunning view of both Ipanema and Leblon beaches. You should try the sunshine
Beaches

Arpoador is located at the end of Copacabana beach and the beginning of Ipanema beach. The beach is mostly a surfing one. However, it has a stunning panoramic view of Ipanema and Leblon The subshine with the panoramic view is really striking. See more..
4.5 Centro Histórico (14.3k reviews)
- Just do your research and enjoy this beautiful town for free
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A beautiful town best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the crowd are less and the sun is not as high in the sky. do your research and you can visit all the historic sites for free , there is plenty of information on line, its perfectly safe and there is no need for a guide. Find out when the high tides are and you can take some great photos of the flooded streets See more..
4.5 Maracanã (13.2k reviews) from $15.86
- Great experience with organised tour
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Arenas & Stadiums

World's biggest soccer stadium See more..
4.5 Cervejaria Bohemia (11.3k reviews)
- Enjoy the best brazilian beer!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Center of brewing experience, installed in the oldest brewery in Brazil (1853), with more than 20 environments that provide an interactive journey through the evolution of beer through the ages. Brings together entertainment, history, curiosities, rituals, linking the culture of beer production with the cuisine, customs and environment. Welcome to Bohemia Brewery! See more..
4.5 Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro (10.1k reviews) from $140.00
- The Architecture Takes Your Breath Away
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Whether to attend a show or take a tour, it’s worth seeing this lavish 1909 theater, filled with gilded mirrors, statues, murals, stained-glass windows and sparkling chandeliers. See more..
4.5 Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (9.722 reviews)
- Nice vibe
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

Primarily a recreation area for Cariocas, the 5-mile pathway circling the lake is popular for walkers, skaters, and cyclists. In the evening there may be live music, and kiosks serving drinks and food. See more..
4.5 Escadaria Selarón (9.717 reviews)
- Attraction 'by the way'
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

In my opinion, the attraction 'by the way' I visited the place on December 2 when the Brazilian football team had a match. So on the evening of my visit there were lots of young people drinking here. Probably better to go during the day. People are lazy and do pictures on the bottom. So the bottom of the stairs will probably always be more crowded than the top, but the view from the top isn't that great. The interesting thing about this attraction are the tiles - different types, different pictures, perhaps from different countries. See more..
4.5 Museu do Amanha (9.428 reviews)
- A futuristic look at our world
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums

The Museum of Tomorrow is a new kind of Science museum. Here you are invited to examine the past, understand today's global trends and envision possible scenarios for the next 50 years through immersive audiovisual environments, interactive installations and games available to public in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The museum has areas dedicated to temporary exhibitions, an auditorium for events, an inviting café, a restaurant and a museum shop. The museum also has three specific areas of programming: Education, Laboratory of Tomorrow and the Observatory of Tomorrow. See more..
4.5 Morro da Urca (9.317 reviews)
- The cable car ride alone makes it a must-visit!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Hiking Trails

This is the first hill up on the way to Rio's famous Sugar Loaf. It offers it's own marvelous view from the top (215 meters) but its base is also a good place for hiking. See more..
4.5 Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB Rio de Janeiro (8.659 reviews)
- The best cultural centre in Rio.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • Convention Centers • Art Museums

The CCBB is a cultural center that consists of exhibition rooms, three theaters, a library, cinema, and a video room. It is housed in an art deco style building located in what used to be the financial district of Rio de Janeiro. See more..
4.5 Imperial Museum (8.278 reviews)
- Great Visit during Carnaval
Monday: Speciality Museums

The Imperial Museum in Petrópolis, Brazil, is one of the most attractive cultural points of interest near Rio de Janeiro. Located in the town's historic center, the museum was once Emperor Pedro II's favorite residence. Today, it is one of the most visited museums in Brazil, with the annual average of 300.000 visitors. The exhibitions tell the Brazilian Empire history through furniture, objects, paintings, sculptures and other historic and artistic pieces that belonged to the imperial family or other people from the 19th century. See more..
4.5 Geriba Beach (7.260 reviews)
- Getting some rays
Beaches

The great waves at this large, open beach make it popular for surfing and windsurfing. See more..
4.5 Forno Beach (7.053 reviews)
- Beautiful beach
Beaches

Super nice perfect for all day boat trip so much fun at the boat the beach so much beautiful the water See more..
4.5 Orla Bardot Boardwalk (6.497 reviews)
- My brother’s birthday. Nice walk, specially to appreciate the sunset.
Piers & Boardwalks

The city of Buzios is a beautiful beach place situated near Rio de Janeiro with excellent hotels restaurant bars. Very crowded during summer vacation. If you avoid this period you will be able to appreciate all city center plainly. See more..
4.5 Praia do Forte (6.150 reviews)
- 2nd best beach in all of rio
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

the beach itself is hugh..hugh..and in high seen it is packed. i just back from rio and found it very hard to put my towel in the sand. people were on top of us in all directions. the sand it a soft powder white....so it really doesn't get to hot on the feet (almost like mexico). the water is usually a bright blue with medium waves constantly flowing. there are lots of people selling everything on the beach from food to bikinis. there are also banana boat rides ( which is when like 10 to 15 people get on a long raft and are taken like 200 feet out and pulled around ocean ( did it once lots of fun). this is great beach....we actually spend an entire day....don't forget the sunblock See more..
4.5 Barra da Tijuca Beach (6.108 reviews)
- Favorite Beach in Rio
Beaches

I was looking forward to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and was mildly disappointed with both (Copacabana is too big and commercial). So when we set out for this beach I had low expectations... I was in for a lovely surprise it is perfect! Lively with all the families enjoying themselves. You hire an umbrella and chairs and are brought a bucket filled with ice to keep coldrinks / beers cold. Vendors walk up and down selling food, drinks, sunglasses, hats, food and drink and will only approach you if you call them over - if you don’t buy anything they don’t mind. The sea had a strong side wash so be careful. It was so great we went back the next day. See more..
4.5 Parque Lage (5.792 reviews)
- Good place
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Parks

A very nicely arranged park, with nice greenery, a piece of history and additional attractions. It's free! In the park you will find a Palace with a garden and a coffeehouse, the ruins of a castle tower, an artificial grotto, a building with aquariums, a pond, a playground for children, and there is also an entrance to the hiking trail to the top of Corcovado. Each of these places has received or will soon receive a separate review with photos. In my opinion, it's worth planning a few hours here. The most difficult to get to the palace, you need a ticket, which is free, but there is a limited number of visitors. Palacete + Plage Café Torre do castelinho / Ruínas Grutas Aquário Lago das Fadas Trilha Parque Lage - Corcovado See more..
4.5 Lopes Mendes Beach (5.759 reviews)
- Stunning-Well worth a visit
Beaches

One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to. You can get a taxi boat out from Abroaa to Pousa ( 25 real) and from there it’s a 15 minute walk through the jungle to get here. White sandy beaches and crystal blue water will greet you on arrival! Be prepared it gets quite busy but you can walk much further down the beach to get a quiet spot. They also have lifeguards working. They don’t have any facilities on the beach so make sure you pack a picnic and some beers. See more..
4.5 Prainha Beach (4.429 reviews)
- pristine clean beach away from crowds
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Prainha Beach is a secluded half-moon-shaped beach, bordered on each side by rocks and high cliffs. It is one of the best surfing spots in Rio, and may be reached by car or by the orange "surf bus" that passes through Copacabana and Ipanema. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional da Tijuca (4.258 reviews)
- Waterfall hike
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Forests

You’ll find historical spots, spectacular views, a beautiful waterfall, a small chapel and unusual trees in this dense, tropical national park, probably best explored by jeep tour. See more..
4.5 Museu Casa de Santos Dumont (4.186 reviews)
- House of a great inventor
Monday: Speciality Museums

This museum, in the former summer residence of Alberto Santos Dumont, father of Brazilian aviation, is devoted to his life and career. See more..
4.5 Ferradurinha Beach (4.132 reviews)
- Perfect for Snorkeling, delicious drinks
Beaches

My husband and I love snorkeling, and Praia Ferradurinha was the best we found in Buzios. Water was very clear, and we were able to ser several Sea Turtles and Baiacus. Water is not so cold as Geriba, and waves are pretty much unexisting. View from the beach is great, and we enjoyed delicious drinks from “Barraca da Ceni” at reasonable prices. The Beach is rather small, and can get busy quite easily- therefore, I recommend that you arrive early to get a good spot at the beach. See more..