16 unmissable things in Rio

1. Christ the Redeemer

Firstly, we need to start the list with Rio’s main postcard. The imposing statue of Christ the Redeemer located at the top of the Corcovado Hill is one of the seven wonders of the modern world and should certainly be on your list of unmissable places to visit at least once.

Aerial view of the side of Christ the Redeemer

2. Sugarloaf Cable Car Park – Urca

Just like the first, still talking about the main postcards of Rio, we need to talk about the great Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar. Formed by the hills of Urca and Pão de Açúcar which, connected by a cable car, allow for breathtaking experiences, at a height of up to 396 meters above sea level. After this high-altitude experience, head towards Red Beach and admire the mountain you just climbed. Furthermore, enjoy your visit to Urca and discover the Cláudio Coutinho track, on the beach side, and the Mureta da Urca.

Aerial view of the side of the cable car at Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar

3. Selarón Staircase

Built by Chilean Jorge Selarón in 1990, the Selarón Escadaria joins the Santa Teresa and Lapa neighborhoods and is world-renowned. Famous for its colors as well as the unique art of tiles from more than 60 countries, it is undoubtedly a unique staircase. Furthermore, it has been the setting for artists’ music videos and receives countless visitors daily for iconic photographs.

4. Arcos da Lapa

Then, go left and at the end of the street you will find the famous Arcos da Lapa. The old Carioca Aqueduct is the most representative symbol of Rio Antigo preserved in the bohemian region of Lapa. The Romanesque style structure is made up of 42 double arches and was created to transport portable water to the region during the colonial period. Furthermore, enjoy the trip and just behind it see the Circo Voador, an important concert venue in the history of national music. And of course, don’t forget to enjoy a beer in one of the bars spread across this bohemian neighborhood.

5. Santa Teresa

The neighborhood enchants with its bohemian atmosphere, flowery cobblestone streets full of urban art and colonial architecture, with colorful buildings. Furthermore, it offers a unique mix of culture, gastronomy and stunning views, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking authenticity and historical charm. So, whether on foot or via the historic Bondinho, enjoy the best that Santa Teresa has to offer.

Front of the Santa Teresa Cable Car with the Metropolitan Cathedral in the background

6. Beaches

Spread across almost the entire city of Rio, certainly the most famous way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty is by visiting Rio’s paradisiacal beaches. Whether in the South Zone (Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, etc.) or West (Barra, Recreio, Grumari, Prainha, etc.) diving in Rio’s sea is certainly an unmissable activity on your visit.

Copacabana Beach

7. Copacabana Fort

Then, located at the tip of the city’s most famous beach: Copacabana Beach, is the Copacabana Fort, a Historical and Cultural Heritage Site that today houses the Army Historical Museum. Here you learn a lot about the history of Rio and Brazil. In addition, it has a stunning panoramic view of the beach and other iconic tourist attractions in the city, such as Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar.

Make the most of your visit and have a snack/breakfast or afternoon on the wall at Confeitaria Colombo in Copacabana, one of the most traditional pastry shops in the city.

8. Lage Park and Botanical Garden

Still thinking about how to enjoy Rio’s natural beauty, visit the bicentennial Botanical Garden. With countless flowers, artworks and historic trees, it is considered one of the richest and most important in the world. Enjoy the walk in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood and also enjoy the Parque Lage. Known mainly for its “Instagramable” palace, Parque Lage has different gardens and caves with free access.

Front view of the palace with Christ the Redeemer in the background, Parque Lage

9. Rio Boat Tour

To learn about the history of the city you need to visit the Guanabara Bay. And certainly the best way to do this is through a relaxing boat trip. On the Rio Boat Tour you will pass by the main tourist attractions of the city of Rio and Niterói with a privileged view.

If you’ve read other posts here on the blog, you’re already familiar with the Rio Boat Tour. If you haven’t already, I invite you to find out more about this tour here.

View from aboard the catamaran to Sugarloaf Mountain

10. São Bento Monastery

Still thinking about the city’s history, another unmissable neighborhood is the Center of Rio. Many historical events took place in this part of the city, which marked important periods for the country. You can tell by the buildings from the colonial period. and one of the main ones is the São Bento Monastery. Founded in 1590 by two monks from Bahia, it was the second religious Order to establish a home in Rio de Janeiro. Its interior covered in gold as well as the art nouveau iron gate are an unmissable charm.

*The visit is restricted to the Church of Our Lady of Montserrat, attached to the Monastery.

Internal view of Our Lady of Montserrat Church

11. Museum of Tomorrow

Also strolling through the Center of Rio you will discover numerous museums, from the most traditional to the most modern. The most modern and unmissable is the Museum of Tomorrow, located in Praça Mauá. Known for its unique architecture, lined with solar panels, the content inside also doesn’t lose anything. Here you will be invited to reflect on current social and environmental issues and how they will affect the future!

Front external view of the Museum of Tomorrow

12. Maracanã Stadium

The most important football stadium in Brazil cannot be left off the list. The famous Maracanã has been the stage for major sporting and artistic events and can be visited in two main ways: behind-the-scenes tour and event/game. On the behind-the-scenes tour you will see the collection of historical objects and exclusive access to the internal spaces, as well as the field area (including the bench and fans area). On the other hand, watching a game of your favorite team or a supporter has a different and special energy.

If you are interested in taking a behind-the-scenes tour and getting to know the Flamengo club and Museum, click here.

Aerial view of Maracanã

13. Carnival: Sapucaí or street block

If you thought that the greatest show on earth would be left out of this list, you are very wrong! At the beginning of the year, Rio de Janeiro is covered in glitter, colors, smiles and of course, lots of samba with the arrival of Carnival. Among the main ways to enjoy this unmissable event are: the parades at the Sambódromo Marquês de Sapucaí and the street blocks. So, if you like to party, plan your trip to Rio during this period.

Aerial view of Sapucaí

14. Quinta da Boa Vista – BioParque do Rio

Located in the historic neighborhood of São Cristóvão, an area where the Royal Family lived in the 19th century. XIX, the Quinta da Boa Vista is a large leisure area. Considered one of the largest urban parks in Rio, with around 155 thousand square meters, it is the perfect space for outdoor activities. In addition, it houses the new zoo concept: the BioParque do Rio. Here you will meet more than a thousand animals of 140 different species in 51 enclosures completely focused and planned for your well-being.

Aerial view of Rio’s BioParque

15. Pedra do Telégrafo ou Pedra Bonita

Finally, for adventurous visitors, a way to fall even more in love with Rio’s natural beauty is through the trails. Certainly, amidst so many mountains, there is no shortage of options. Therefore, we selected two quieter ones that are worth it: Pedra do Telégrafo – Barra de Guaratiba and Pedra Bonita – Tijuca National Park.

View from the top of Pedra do Telégrafo

16. Arraial do Cabo

On the other hand, escaping the city, how about a day trip to a paradise neighboring Rio? Known as the Brazilian Caribbean, Arraial do Cabo has one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil: the Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia and next to it you can discover other paradisiacal beaches on a boat trip. So, to make your visit easier, how about a complete tour with boat ride, round-trip transportation, tour guide and lunch included? Find out more here.

Find out more about this tour here.

Side view of Pontal do Atalaia beach

So, which of these places have you visited? Come explore Rio with us!