Are you planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro and curious about the top places to visit? Rio is undoubtedly one of the most stunning cities worldwide. Once you go there, you’ll see what makes it so special. The city is famous for its incredible landscape featuring majestic hills, untouched jungles, peninsulas reaching into the Atlantic Ocean, and, of course, its famous beaches. Rio boasts some of the world’s most renowned beaches and is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer. If you enjoy nature and beach relaxation, Rio is a must-visit destination. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro!
For those who love hiking, Rio de Janeiro is a perfect destination. Its dramatic hills and lush jungles provide excellent hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints. These hills add to the city’s unique charm and offer numerous spots to explore on foot.
Rio is also well-known for its stunning beaches. The coastline is sprinkled with famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, but there’s much more to explore. As you venture further out, the beaches become more secluded and peaceful. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit these beaches early in the morning on a weekday. That’s when you’ll see locals running and walking along the shore, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Rio Botanical Garden, a must-see when visiting Rio. This beautiful park is home to over 6,000 species of plants and trees, as well as several historic monuments and colonial-style buildings. The park features the famous Avenue of Royal Palms, a 750-meter-long avenue lined with 134 palm trees leading into the gardens. You can also spot various bird species, including toucans, and even encounter monkeys and sloths if you’re lucky.
Rio’s downtown, also known as Centro, is the city’s bustling business district. It offers a fascinating mix of modern office buildings and historic colonial architecture. Apart from its contemporary side, Centro is rich in historical landmarks. The best time to explore downtown Rio is during the weekdays. It’s advisable to avoid the area late in the evening, at night, and on weekends when it tends to be deserted and potentially unsafe.
Another highlight is the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón), an artistic masterpiece by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. Known for their colorful tiles and captivating story, the steps have become famous worldwide. After traveling to over 50 countries, Selarón settled in Rio and began renovating the steps near his home. Initially, he used tiles from construction sites and dumps, but later, visitors from around the world contributed tiles. The steps now feature 215 steps covered with more than 2,000 tiles from 60 countries.
Lastly, the Christ the Redeemer Statue is a 30-meter tall statue of Jesus atop Corcovado mountain, and it’s one of the New Wonders of the World. Visiting this iconic landmark is a must when in Rio. There are three ways to reach the top of Corcovado mountain: you can take a train (Trem do Corcovado) from the base station at Cosme Velho, hop on a minivan that departs from various spots in the city, or hike up from Lage Park. Although there have been reports of muggings on the trail, the Rio government has improved security, and there is a guard at the trail entrance where you need to register before starting your hike.
Expect crowds at the top, as Christ the Redeemer is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Brazil. Weekdays are the best time to visit to avoid the larger crowds. While you’re there, don’t miss Lage Park at the foot of Corcovado. This public park was once the residence of Brazilian industrialist Henrique Lage and opera singer Gabriella Besanzoni. The former mansion now houses a lovely cafe, adding to its charm.