There is a lot to do in Rio de Janeiro; really, many things to do. Most prospective tourists think that Rio de Janeiro is all about Copacabana, Sugar Loaf Hill, and Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain. Fortunately that’s not correct!
Of course, these three icons alone worth the trip all the way to Brazil. However, it is a pity to come this far and not enjoy all else you can do while visiting Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings.
Below is a list of what you can do in one of the most popular destinations in Latin America: Rio de Janeiro!
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► Sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro
Sightseeing is just one of the things you can do when visiting Rio de Janeiro. Besides the Christ statue, Sugar Loaf and Copacabana, you can visit the following attractions:
Maracana Stadium – The stadium was built for the first world cup in Brazil (1950), and will host the FIFA World Cup final in 2014, July 13th. What can you visit? The hall of fame, the small museum, and the souvenir shop. After its complete renovation visitors will be able to visit historic sites such as the turf, the dress room, and the grandstands.
Santa Teresa District – Santa Teresa is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. Some tourists expect a lot and get disappointed, other visitors expect nothing and fall in love. What do to in the neighborhood? In fact, there isn’t much, but at least a stroll, and a stop for lunch at one of the authentic restaurants should be in your schedule.
Sélaron Staircase – Sélaron is an artist who decided to cover in colored tiles an originally dull staircase; he has been obsessively doing that for more than 22 years. The ever evolving work of art became so attractive that the steps are now among the most visited attractions in Rio de Janeiro. The staircase will only be done the day the artist die as he keeps adding tiles tourists send him.
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Metropolitan Cathedral – What is most interesting about this modern church is that it does not look like a church at all. Besides, seen from far is not appealing, but seen from inside is quite impressive. Put this church in your to-do list when visiting Rio de Janeiro downtown.
International Museum of Naive Art – This is one of the most interesting museums in Rio de Janeiro. If there is one museum you should visit, this is the one.
Tijuca Forest – Tijuca is the largest urban forest in the world. Its main attraction is a 35-meter (115 feet) high waterfall. Besides, there are several trails you can do (warning: the trails are not a do-it-yourself type — you should ideally hire a guide or a specialized company).
Botanical Garden – This garden is one of the main highlights in Rio de Janeiro, and should definitely be in your to-do list. Bear in mind that the garden is rather green. Besides, your chances of seeing an animal (such as monkeys) are minimal. However, there are many birds flying around.
Colombo Café – What a place! This café, which was founded in 1894, is one of the must-visit places in Rio de Janeiro. Make sure you have time to have a sit down pastry, savory, or lunch.
Above are just but a few of the sites you can visit during your sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro. In fact, you could easily spend three or four full days visiting cool places. In Rio, it is not a matter of “what to do”, but whether or not you will have time to see all places of interest.
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► Eating & Drinking
Rio de Janeiro has dozens of great restaurants — mainly mid-range and upscale ones. Besides the traditional Brazilian cuisine, you can also eat at restaurants you may already be familiar with such as Italian, Arabic, French, Thai, Japanese, and others.
When it come to drinking Rio has also plenty to do. You can drink at any time as there is no curfew. For example, In Copacabana there are bars (and restaurants) that are open 24 hours.
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► Nightlife
Rio is not Ibiza. Nightlife starts early (10-11 p.m.) and finish early (3-4 a.m.). However, there are enough options to evoke the question “What to do tonight?”. There is something happening every night of the week, so it is unlikely that you will feel bored (as long as you know what’s up).
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► Boat Tours
Although Rio de Janeiro is on the coast there aren’t as many boat tours as you may think. But there are some you can do such as the Guanabara Bay 2-hour schooner tour. This is one of the most traditional boat tours in Rio. Do consider this tour when visiting the city as it offers a different perspective of Rio de Janeiro.
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► Hang gliding
If you want to do one single unforgettable adventure activity, hang gliding over Rio is it. You take off from a mountain 500 meters (1640 feet) above sea level; the flight lasts approximately 10 minutes. This is definitely a must-do in Rio de Janeiro, even if you are afraid of heights. Alternatively, you can do paragliding (you experience pretty much the same as hang gliding).
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► Off Rio de Janeiro
A few hours drive from Rio you can visit some great little towns such as:
Petrópolis
- ● What is it – The Imperial City
- ● Where is it – 65 km (40 miles) from Rio
- ● What to do – Visit the Imperial Museum
Paraty
- ● What is it – The Colonial City
- ● Where is it – 240 km (150 miles) away from Rio
- ● What to do – Go to the beach, shop, eat, drink, chill out
Búzios
- ● What is it – Beach town (more than 20 different beaches)
- ● Where is it – 180 km (110 miles) away from Rio
- ● What to do – Go to the beach, shop, eat, drink, chill out, and party (in the high season)
Planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro and want to do many of the things recommended above? Read all the practical how-to information in My Rio Travel Guide – The Essential How-To Visitor’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro.