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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Full Day in Rio Christ Sugarloaf Selaron and Barbecue Lunch

Most booked tours and tickets in Rio de Janeiro

Full Day in Rio Christ Sugarloaf Selaron and Barbecue Lunch

Full Day in Rio Christ Sugarloaf Selaron and Barbecue Lunch

4.73,406 reviews8h
Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

4.93,033 reviews6h
Hang gliding Hang gliding Experience Rotorfly

Hang gliding Hang gliding Experience Rotorfly

5.02,259 reviews1h 30m
The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

4.81,619 reviews5h
Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves

Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves

4.91,481 reviews5h
Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls

Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls

4.91,195 reviews5h
Cooking Class in Rio with 9 Recipes & Unlimited Caipirinhas

Cooking Class in Rio with 9 Recipes & Unlimited Caipirinhas

4.91,170 reviews3h 30m

Tickets and tours by attraction

The best options for each of Rio de Janeiro's top sights, compared.

Top sights in Rio de Janeiro

  1. 1Christ the Redeemer
  2. 2Copacabana Beach
  3. 3Sugarloaf Mountain
  4. 4Ipanema
  5. 5Selaron Steps
  6. 6Tijuca National Park
  • Iconic Landscapes & Urban Nature: Witness the city's breathtaking geography from the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car and stand beneath the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado. Explore the trails and waterfalls of the vast Tijuca National Park, a rainforest within the city limits.
  • World-Famous Beach Culture: Experience the social theater of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, each with its own postos (lifeguard towers) defining the local scene—from family-friendly areas to LGBTQ+ friendly stretches. Join a game of footvolley or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • The Unrivaled Energy of Carnival: Immerse yourself in the world's greatest party, where samba schools parade in a dazzling spectacle of costumes and floats at the Sambadrome. The city-wide street parties, or blocos, offer a more accessible, equally euphoric celebration.

Tickets and passes in Rio de Janeiro

Entrance to the Giant Roda of Rio de Janeiro

Entrance to the Giant Roda of Rio de Janeiro

4.81,649 reviews20m
Skip-the-Line: Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Ticket

Skip-the-Line: Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Ticket

4.5558 reviews2h
More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio

More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio

4.6339 reviews4h
Ginga Tropical - Brazilian Samba and Folklore Show

Ginga Tropical - Brazilian Samba and Folklore Show

4.4224 reviews1h 30m

Food and drink experiences in Rio de Janeiro

Home Food Tasting in Rio with 33 Local Bites + Supermarket Tour

Home Food Tasting in Rio with 33 Local Bites + Supermarket Tour

4.9247 reviews3h
Brazilian BBQ Class in Rio (3.5h): 10 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

Brazilian BBQ Class in Rio (3.5h): 10 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

4.9196 reviews3h 30m

Day trips and outdoor activities from Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Sunset Sailing Tour with Drinks

Rio de Janeiro Sunset Sailing Tour with Drinks

4.91,025 reviews3h
Rio’s Best_Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Selaron, Cathedral and more

Rio’s Best_Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Selaron, Cathedral and more

4.8942 reviews8h
Rio de Janeiro: 35 Min Helicopter Tour Christ the Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro: 35 Min Helicopter Tour Christ the Redeemer

4.9614 reviews35m

Hidden gems in Rio de Janeiro

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

Parque Lage

A beautiful public park at the foot of Corcovado, featuring a stunning Italianate mansion (now an art school), tropical gardens, and a café in the courtyard.

Pedra do Sal

A historic rocky outcrop in the Saúde neighborhood, considered the birthplace of samba in Rio.

Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow)

A stunning science museum in the revitalized Porto Maravilha district, designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Prainha Beach

A small, secluded beach surrounded by rainforest, located far to the west of the main tourist zones.

Feira de São Cristóvão

A massive indoor market and cultural center dedicated to the music, food, and crafts of Northeast Brazil.

Day trips from Rio de Janeiro

Paraty

4 hours by bus or private transfer

A stunningly preserved Portuguese colonial town, a UNESCO site, nestled between emerald-green mountains and a bay dotted with islands. Its car-free historic center is a maze of cobblestone streets and whitewashed churches.

Ilha Grande

2.5 hours (bus + ferry) from Rio

A car-free tropical paradise with over 100 pristine beaches, hiking trails through the Atlantic rainforest, and crystal-clear waters. The main village, Abraão, is charmingly laid-back.

Petrópolis

1.5 hours by bus or car

The former summer retreat of Brazilian emperors in the cool, forested mountains. Known as the 'Imperial City,' it's filled with 19th-century palaces, museums, and beautiful gardens.

Plan your Rio de Janeiro trip

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?+

Top sights include Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and Ipanema. Away from the crowds, try Parque Lage and Pedra do Sal.

What are the most popular tours in Rio de Janeiro?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Full Day in Rio Christ Sugarloaf Selaron and Barbecue Lunch (4.7 stars, 3,406 reviews); Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included (4.9 stars, 3,033 reviews); Hang gliding Hang gliding Experience Rotorfly (5.0 stars, 2,259 reviews).

How much do tours in Rio de Janeiro cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €11 and €309 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.