Amazing Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro (Perfect For Your First Time)

Posted 05/01/2025 | 5th January, 2025

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After ten months of slowly making my way through Latin America, it was time to tick a massive place off the bucket list. So, I threw every bit of Spanish I learned out of the window (just kidding… kind of), donned a pair of Haviana’s, and booked my bus to the world-famous Rio de Janeiro. 

And let me confirm: it really is every bit as mesmerising as you’ve heard. 

My first glimpse of Rio was a little chaotic. I managed to miss my bus from Paraty, meaning I arrived in Rio right in the heart of rush hour traffic. I also bagged an Uber driver who was more interested in updating his WhatsApp story than watching the road.

But, putting this crazy entrance aside, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most fantastic places I have ever visited. It has it all: nature, beaches, history, activities, and nightlife.

10 Amazing Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana, Ipanema & Leblon Beaches 

No list of things to do in Rio de Janeiro can start with anything other than its iconic beaches. 

Walking along Copacabana for the first time felt like I was in a movie! People working out, playing football and volleyball, and enjoying the sunshine. 

It’s absolutely magical. 

Copacabana is the busiest of the three mentioned above – but I wouldn’t let that put you off. You’re in Rio; you’ve got to spend at least one day here! 

Ipanema Beach is my favourite, with just the right balance of atmosphere and peace. Ipanema is the area I would recommend staying in, with great nightlife, restaurants, and bars. 

As you walk further along Ipanema (away from Copacabana), you will reach Leblon beach. It is equally as beautiful as the others but marginally quieter than Ipanema. 

You can rent chairs and an umbrella from one of the many vendors along the beach (expect to pay 30 – 40 BRL for two people). I would avoid buying cocktails from the vendors who walk up and down the sand (from the kiosks is fine). Otherwise, you might find the price to be somewhat different from what you initially agreed on. 

Go to a Football Game at the Maracanã Stadium

I am not a football fan (probably the biggest understatement of the year), but I was lucky enough to attend a Real Madrid game in Spain and loved it!

And there is one thing for certain: Brazilians love their football. So, the Maracanã became my second football experience abroad, and it did not disappoint. 

The atmosphere is electric! Everyone is on their feet, singing, dancing, drinking, having a wonderful time. It was friendly and welcoming, with many families, locals, and tourists enjoying the game. 

Purchasing Tickets for the Maracanã 

Obtaining tickets for a Flemgos game as a tourist wasn’t the most straightforward. You can’t buy them online without a CPF (a Brazilian social security number). Therefore, you have two options. 

The first is to purchase them through a tour operator or your hostel. However, please check the price before buying this. Our hostel wanted over five times the amount of the official ticket. 

The second option (and the one we chose) is to visit the Museu Flamengo. This is just a short Uber journey if you’re staying in the Ipanema/Leblon area. Head upstairs, and into the back of the shop, you will see a ticket desk. 

Here, you can purchase your tickets using cash or a card. Helpfully, the staff speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish. 

How to Get to the Maracanã 

Getting to the Maracanã couldn’t be easier (or cheaper). Just hop on the metro and get off at the conveniently named Maracanã station. I recommend getting there at least 90 minutes before the game starts to grab drinks and snacks, find your seats, and soak in the atmosphere. 

You don’t need to buy tickets for the metro. You can just tap on it with your bank card (as you would in London). However, we found these machines to be temperamental, so be sure to have a spare contactless card ready. 

Getting home from the stadium was unsurprising chaos. With tens of thousands of people all trying to get to the metro as quickly as possible, expect big crowds and lots of pushing. The police did a good job and filtering the crowd, but it was still very hectic. 

This being said, I wouldn’t recommend taking an Uber. When we left the stadium, the roads were completely gridlocked, and it didn’t look like they were going to let up anytime soon. You would undoubtedly spend hours in traffic if you could even get an Uber driver to accept the fair. 

Looking to see all of the best sights in Rio but short on time? This whistlestop one-day tour takes you to Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, the Selarón Steps and so much more.

Visit Sugarloaf Mountain 

Sugarloaf Mountain is my favourite attraction in Rio. The views over the city are absolutely unbeatable. I recommend prioritising this attraction when preparing your Rio de Janeiro Itinerary. 

Sugarloaf Mountain is a famous peak located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It rises about 396 meters above the harbour and offers stunning panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains.

The name “Sugarloaf” comes from the traditional shape of sugarloaf moulds used in the past.

I 100% reccomend buying your tickets online ahead of time. You select a specific day but no time. However, the tickets are actually valid for seven days, so if you are unlucky and get bad weather, you can always go another time. 

The queues for those who had not pre-booked were significantly longer. 

The initial cable car takes you to the first viewing platform, which has shops, restaurants, and bars. The view from here is absolutely amazing, and you will have a fantastic time soaking it in and taking many photographs. 

The second cable car gets even better. The views are completely breathtaking, and although a little busier, it’s worth waiting your turn and snapping some amazing photos. 

The view of the sunset from Sugarloaf Mountain is like no other. However, this is when the attraction is at its busiest. If you want to enjoy watching the sun melt into the horizon but don’t want the crowds, I recommend heading back down to Ipanema Beach and catching it there instead! 

Christ the Redeemer Statue 

Literally, no trip to Rio de Janerio is complete without a visit to Christ the Redeemer. I feel very lucky to say that this was my fifth wonder of the world! 

Christ the Redeemer is a massive statue of Jesus Christ located on the Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Standing about 30 meters tall, with its arms stretching 28 meters wide, it has become an iconic symbol of the city and Brazil as a whole.

The statue, made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, was completed in 1931. It is situated at an elevation of about 700 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the city, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean.

There are three main ways to visit Christ the Redeemer: by tram, bus, or hike. 

I do not recommend the hike, as although many people complete it and enjoy a wonderful and safe experience, many do not! There are many reports of people being robbed in this area, so I recommend taking one of the alternative routes. 

The first is to take a minibus to the monument. You can actually catch these from the Copacabana area, which is very convenient. In fact, taking the shared minivan is the most cost-effective and convenient way to visit Christ the Redeemer. 

However, in my humble opinion, the best way to visit Christo is on the tram. You get some incredible city views on the way up, and it’s a relaxing, fun experience. 

You can pre-book your tram tickets online, and you have to choose a specific time. We showed up a little early, though, and managed to squeeze onto a slightly earlier train, which was amazing! You don’t need to select a time to head back down; you can just queue and get on the next available train. 

My Thoughts on Christ the Redeemer 

The statue itself is absolutely incredible. However, the crowds are also unbelievable. As mentioned, we were on the second tram of the day (7.40 a.m.), and the number of people already at the top was overwhelming. 

This wasn’t about just getting ‘the Instagram shot’. It was almost impossible to stop and admire the monument without being shoulder-barged out of the way or pounded by someone’s backpack. 

If I’m being completely honest, my favourite part of visiting Christ the Redeemer was the incredible views over Rio de Janeiro. Although I do recommend visiting Christ the Redeemer when planning your things to do in Rio, I would advise going as early as possible. 

Visit the Botanical Gardens 

The botanical gardens are very expensive compared to other attractions, at 73 BRL per person. However, it’s a very nice few hours out, with a very calm and tranquil atmosphere. 

For me, there were two clear highlights of the Rio de Janeiro botanical gardens (and interestingly, neither are plants). The first was the wild monkeys (they were so much fun to observe and not intrusive or violent like the ones I experienced in Bali). The second highlight was seeing wild Tucans! 

Until this huge trip around Latin America, I never considered myself a twitcher, but after seeing the Condors in Peru and the Bird Sanctuary at Iguazu Falls, I think I might be converted! 

If you stay in the Ipanema/Leblon area, you can walk to the Botanical Gardens in around thirty minutes. However, I recommend getting an Uber. Ubers are extremely affordable, and the walk isn’t the most pleasant. 

Explore Santa Teresa 

Santa Teresa is a charming hilltop neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro known for its bohemian flair and old-world elegance. Perched above the city, it’s a place where narrow, winding streets are lined with colourful colonial mansions, art studios, and quirky cafes.

Santa Teresa has its own distinct laid back vibe, providing a completely different experience than the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. It’s a perfect spot to wander, discover unique shops, and enjoy live samba. 

The best and most fun way to get to Santa Teresa is by taking the unique yellow tram. However, the queues for the tram are insane! So, if this is the route you want to take, ensure you get there early! If you arrive at lunchtime, expect to wait at least an hour to get on the tram.

Visit the Saleron Staircase 

The Selarón Staircase, or Escadaria Selarón, is a vibrant and colourful staircase located in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

It was created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who began the project in the early 1990s as a tribute to the Brazilian people.

The staircase has over 2000 brightly coloured tiles from various countries worldwide, giving it a unique and eclectic look.

Selarón continued to work on the stairs until he died in 2013. Since then, they have become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of creativity and artistic expression in Rio.

The Saleron staircase is one of the most popular things to do in Rio de Janeiro, and so it is crazily busy! You need to arrive just after sunrise if you want pictures without anyone in the background. 

Visit the Museum of Tomorrow 

The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a science and technology museum that explores the possibilities of the future and the impact of scientific advancements, environmental challenges, and human behaviour on the world.

It is known for its cutting-edge architecture, futuristic design, and interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to reflect on our choices today and how they shape tomorrow.

The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the latest advances in technology and science to pressing global issues like climate change, sustainability, and the future of human society.

I didn’t find that I learned a huge amount from this museum. However, it was great fun and the exhibits are very moden and interactive. The museum is also free on Tuesdays. 

Eat Açaí 

Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is a small, dark purple fruit that comes from the açaí palm tree, native to the Amazon rainforest. It resembles a grape and tastes like a mix of blackberry and unsweetened chocolate.

Packed with antioxidants, fibre, and healthy fats, açaí is often hailed as a superfood. It’s popular in smoothie bowls and juices, where it gives a refreshing, slightly earthy flavour.

There are Açaí spots all over Rio; you will not struggle to find one. The most popular toppings are banana and granola, but you will also find a variety of healthy (and unhealthy) accompaniments.

Take a Trip to Arraial do Cabo

If the beaches of Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema are not enough for you, then I would recommend visiting Arraial do Cabo. 

Arraial do Cabo has a very different vibe from Rio. It is much quieter, more relaxed, and informal. I must be honest; I was a little disappointed by the town. However, the main beach is absolutely incredible. 

I’ve been lucky enough to spend time at some incredible beaches, but the sand here is stunning. It is soft and perfectly white, and the ocean is crystal clear (albeit ice-cold). 

The journey between Rio de Janeiro and Arraial do Cabo is a little too long to allow for a day trip (our bus took around four hours). But if you have a few days spare in Rio, I would 100% recommend heading up the coast and relaxing on the white sands. 

Two Things NOT to Do in Rio de Janeiro 

The Downtown Walking Tour 

I have been a huge fan of walking tours throughout my year-long adventure in Latin America. I’ve had some amazing experiences in Medellin, Colombia, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, our free downtown walking tour in Rio de Janeiro was disappointing. 

It was a huge group (more than 25 people!), so following our guide’s information was difficult. We also didn’t really cover much ground, nor did we uncover any ‘hidden gems’. 

Also, I tend to take walking tours to orient myself in areas that are a little sketchy. However, the downtown area of Rio felt comfortable and easy to navigate (in the day), so I didn’t feel the tour was necessary. 

However, I recommend splashing the cash and booking a private tour if you are set on taking a tour. Although more expensive, I think you would hugely benefit from the intimate, personalised experience. 

Favela Tour 

Can I fevela tour ever be ethical? Maybe 

Do I think the risk is worth it? Absolutely not 

For me, a Fevela tour is nothing but poverty porn, prying on people in less fortunate situations than yourself to feel like an ‘authentic’ tourist. If you genuinely want to support the economy, then support local businesses, eat at local restaurants, and use local tour guides. 

Tips for Visiting  Rio de Janeiro 

💰 You don’t need any cash. Literally everyone accepts (and expects) card payments.

🚄 The metro is clean, efficient and affordable.  It’s a great way to explore the city. Again, you can simply tap through the barriers using your contactless bank card. 

☀ Expect an early rise. The sun rises very early here, and so do the locals. From 6 a.m., expect to see people running, working out, and enjoying the beach. 

👜Wear a cross-body bag. Unfortunately, pick-pocketing is extremely common in Rio. Using a cross-body bag will help keep your valuables secure. 

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