Rio de Janeiro is defined by contrast — dense city streets pressed against mountains, beaches framed by granite peaks, and everyday life unfolding in dramatic natural settings. Rio isn’t polished or predictable, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Planning matters here, especially when it comes to timing, safety, and location.

1. Top 10 Things to Do
2. Top 10 Adventurous Things to Do
3. Top 10 Free Things to Do
4. Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid (Very Rio-Specific)
5. Top 10 Things to Do When It Rains

Top 10 Things to Do

1. Visit Christ the Redeemer via Corcovado Mountain
   Take the official train through Tijuca Forest to reach Rio’s most famous landmark and panoramic city views.
2. Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
   Travel in two stages from Praia Vermelha for sweeping views over Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic coastline.
3. Spend time at Copacabana Beach
   Walk the iconic black-and-white promenade and experience one of the world’s most famous urban beaches.
4. Relax at Ipanema Beach
   Different sections (“postos”) attract different crowds, with Posto 9 being especially popular.
5. Explore Santa Teresa
   A hillside neighbourhood known for colonial houses, art studios, and quiet streets.
6. Visit the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)
   A colourful mosaic staircase created by artist Jorge Selarón, connecting Lapa and Santa Teresa.
7. Explore the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa)
   A historic aqueduct and central landmark, especially lively in the evenings.
8. Watch a sunset from Arpoador Rock
   A rocky peninsula between Copacabana and Ipanema where locals gather nightly.
9. Attend a Sambadrome parade during Carnival
   Buy tickets in advance to watch the official samba school parades at the Sambódromo Marquês de Sapucaí. Each night features multiple samba schools competing with elaborate floats, costumes, live percussion, and choreography. Tickets range from grandstand seating to premium boxes and sell out quickly.
10. Explore the Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)
    A peaceful escape filled with towering palms, orchids, and tropical plants.
    

Top 10 Adventurous Things to Do

1. Hang glide or paraglide from Pedra Bonita
   Soar above beaches and forests before landing near São Conrado.
2. Hike Pedra da Gávea
   One of Rio’s most challenging hikes, requiring scrambling and a head for heights.
3. Hike Morro Dois Irmãos
   A guided hike offering dramatic views over Vidigal, Leblon, and the coastline.
4. Explore Tijuca National Park trails
   Urban rainforest hikes with waterfalls and wildlife inside city limits.
5. Rock climb in Parque Nacional da Tijuca
   Rio is one of the few major cities with established climbing routes in a rainforest.
6. Surf at Prainha Beach
   A more remote beach west of the city known for strong waves.
7. Stand-up paddle in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
   A calm-water way to experience the city’s natural setting.
8. Take a favela walking tour with a local guide
   Learn about daily life, history, and community initiatives from residents.
9. Cycle along the coastline from Leblon to Flamengo
   Dedicated bike paths run parallel to beaches and bays. Rent a bike from Bike Itaú (Rio’s public bike-share system) using their app. Bike stations are located throughout Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Botafogo, and Flamengo, with dedicated cycling paths running parallel to the coast.
10. Boat tour around Guanabara Bay
    See Rio from the water, including islands and naval landmarks. Join a guided boat or schooner tour departing from Marina da Glória or Urca Pier. Tours typically circle Guanabara Bay, passing Sugarloaf Mountain, historic forts, and islands.

Top 10 Free Things to Do

1. Walk the Copacabana promenade
   Designed by Roberto Burle Marx, the wave-pattern sidewalk is iconic.
2. Visit São Bento Monastery
   A working monastery with ornate interiors and daily Gregorian chants.
3. Explore Parque das Ruínas (Santa Teresa)
   Open-air ruins offering city views and cultural events.
4. Attend a free samba rehearsal (seasonal)
   Many samba schools open rehearsals to the public before Carnival. Visit neighbourhood samba schools such as Mangueira, Portela, or Salgueiro, which often hold open rehearsals in their community halls or outdoor spaces leading up to Carnival. Dates vary, so check the school’s official social media pages or ask locally.
5. Relax at Flamengo Park
   A large waterfront park with walking paths and bay views.
6. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral interior
   A modernist cone-shaped cathedral with dramatic stained glass.
7. Explore Feira de São Cristóvão (entry-free areas)
   A cultural market celebrating northeastern Brazilian food and music.
8. Watch locals play beach volleyball or football
   Especially active along Copacabana and Ipanema.
9. Explore Praça XV and surrounding historic streets
   Colonial buildings near the city’s old port area.
10. Visit Mirante Dona Marta (on foot or public access)
    A roadside viewpoint with sweeping city views.

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid (Very Rio-Specific)

1. Wearing valuables openly
   Flashy items attract unwanted attention.
2. Assuming beaches are safe at night
   Stick to daylight hours for beach visits.
3. Ignoring local advice on neighbourhoods
   Ask hotel staff or locals before exploring new areas. Safety first!
4. Underestimating heat and humidity
   Hydration and sun protection are essential.
5. Relying only on taxis without apps
   Use taxi apps for transparency.
6. Visiting viewpoints in poor weather
   Cloud cover can block views entirely.
7. Trying to see too much in one day
   Distances and traffic slow everything down.
8. Skipping guided hikes
   Some trails require local knowledge for safety.
9. Not checking Carnival dates early
   Prices and availability change dramatically.
10. Assuming Rio is only beaches
    The city’s culture goes far beyond the coastline.

Top 10 Things to Do When It Rains

1. Visit Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow)
   A futuristic science museum focused on sustainability.
2. Explore MAR (Rio Art Museum)
   Exhibitions focused on Brazilian and Rio-specific history.
3. Visit the Royal Portuguese Reading Room
   An ornate historic library with dramatic interior architecture.
4. Tour a samba school warehouse
   Learn how floats and costumes are built year-round.
5. Explore indoor food halls and cafés
   Sample Brazilian dishes like feijoada and pão de queijo.
6. Visit CCBB Rio (Cultural Center Banco do Brasil)
   Rotating exhibitions, films, and performances indoors.
7. Attend a capoeira performance or class
   Cultural and interactive, often hosted indoors. Watch or join capoeira sessions at recognised academies such as Grupo Senzala, Capoeira Angola Center Mestre Moraes, or community-led rodas often held in Lapa or cultural centres. Many offer beginner-friendly classes.
8. Explore shopping galleries in Centro
   Historic commercial arcades offer shelter and atmosphere.
9. Visit AquaRio
   South America’s largest aquarium, fully indoors.
10. Take a cooking class focused on Brazilian cuisine
    Hands-on learning and a great rainy-day option. Book hands-on classes through local cooking schools or hosts offering experiences focused on dishes like feijoada, moqueca, and pão de queijo. Classes are typically small-group, indoor, and can be booked online in advance.