After spending three weeks exploring Rio de Janeiro, we’ve narrowed the city’s endless list of activities to the absolute best.
This guide to the top things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro is a mix of iconic sights that live up to the hype and local hotspots you might otherwise miss - from neighbourhood bars and beach kiosks to sunset spots and street markets.
You’ll find our top picks for getting the most out of your time, based on what stood out during our trip.
21 Must Do Things in Rio de Janeiro
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services we have used or that we believe will add value to our readers. Thank you for supporting us!1. Experience Rio’s live music scene like a local
Local hot spots in Rio for live music
On any given night, you’ll find Cariocas spilling out of neighbourhood bars, cold beers in hand, moving to the rhythms of samba and jazz.
These were our favourite spots for music with a lively local scene:
Samba dos Guimaraes
For a classic samba circle, head to Samba dos Guimarães on Saturdays at Mercado das Pulgas. This lively party in Santa Teresa draws a big local crowd who dance in circles around ice buckets of beer while singing and swaying to powerful samba beats.
It’s a very local event, but we felt welcome as visitors, and it’s easy to join right in.
The Maze
For a unique venue, check out the monthly jazz night at The Maze. Perched high in the Laranjeiras hills, this guesthouse-turned-venue combines sweeping city views with an atmosphere that feels like the best party in the city.
When we went, the music ensemble featured a vocalist, trumpet, sax, piano, and upright bass, keeping the crowd dancing into the early hours of the morning.
Check out their events on their IG page.
Armazem Cardosao
Another great spot is Armazém Cardosão, a former 1950s warehouse in Laranjeiras that’s become one of Rio’s best live music venues.
Tuesdays bring packed jazz sessions, Thursdays spill out onto the street with samba, and the glowing Christ the Redeemer in the distance sets the scene. Arrive early for a table, order petiscos, and settle in.
✔️ Top Tip: If you’re curious about samba but unsure of your steps, take a samba class with a local guide who’ll teach you the basics before bringing you to a samba club for the real thing.2. Watch the sunset from Arpoador Rock
Ipanema Beach may be forever tied to the bossa nova classic The Girl from Ipanema, but it’s also home to one of the best sunsets in Rio.
As the light softens, make your way to Arpoador Rock by Posto 7 on Ipanema Beach. From here, you’ll have sweeping views of Ipanema’s golden sand, the city skyline, and the silhouette of the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) mountains in the distance.
It’s one of Rio’s most photogenic scenes.
3. See a Bossa Nova performance at Beco das Garrafas
Whenever you hear bossa nova, it’s hard not to picture dreamy afternoons on Ipanema Beach.
The genre’s most famous song, The Girl from Ipanema, was inspired by a real Carioca who used to stroll past composer Tom Jobim and lyricist Vinícius de Moraes on her way to the beach.
One of the best places to hear classic bossa nova today is Beco das Garrafas in Copacabana, one of the first clubs where the style took off.
Back in the early ’60s, rising talents like Sérgio Mendes performed here during regular Sunday gigs, helping spread bossa nova around the world.
Today, the venue is home to two intimate spaces - Bottles Bar and Little Club - both keeping the bossa spirit alive with live performances several nights a week.
Check the schedule before you go, and if Flavia Dantas is on the lineup, don’t miss it. Her voice will transport you straight to the golden age of bossa nova.
🎶 To dive deeper into the genre’s history, join a bossa nova tour with a local musician who’ll walk you through the same streets where The Girl from Ipanema was born.4. Spend the day at Leblon Beach
If you want a local beach experience in Rio, head to Leblon Beach. This stretch of sand is quieter than Copacabana or Ipanema, with fewer vendors and a relaxed feel.
Start by renting an umbrella and two chairs (about USD $7 for the whole day) from one of the kiosks. You can order fresh coconuts and snacks right from your stand, or from vendors who stroll by - it’s all part of the beach culture here.
We couldn’t help but notice that this stretch of sand attracts some of the most beautiful people in Rio. The people-watching was just as good as the sunbathing!
See our full list of non-touristy things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
5. Enjoy a long lunch at a beachside kiosk
Clockwise from top left: La Carioca en La Playa, Quiosque Mureta do Leme, La Guapa Empanadas
We used to think Rio’s beach kiosks were just tourist traps, but they’re not.
While some touristy spots exist (especially in Copacabana), they’re a beloved part of local life, where Cariocas gather for drinks, meals, and long, sandy afternoons by the sea.
These were our favourite beach kiosks:
In Leblon
Leblon is home to our favourite beach kiosk, La Carioca en La Playa. We love their fresh Peruvian fusion dishes. Grab a table in the sand, order the classic ceviche with a chilled coconut, and soak up the relaxed beach atmosphere.
In Ipanema
Make your way to Posto 9 for the legendary Barraca do Uruguai, a no-frills sandwich stand featured on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. We shared a chicken sandwich with chimichurri and immediately wished we had ordered two.
Another great spot nearby is La Guapa Empanadas, perfect for a quick, satisfying snack.
In Copacabana
While we usually spend our beach time at Ipanema or Leblon, there’s a Copacabana kiosk worth seeking out: Quiosque Mureta do Leme.
Perched on a rocky bluff at the far end of the beach, it has views that stretch across the entire Copacabana curve. Snap a wide-angle shot, then settle in for lunch, a fresh coconut, or a refreshing caipirinha.
This stretch, known as Leme Beach, feels far more local than the busier parts of Copacabana.
6. Shop Brazil's Contemporary Designers
Nannacay | Haight
Brazil is home to some unique designers who combine sustainability with a contemporary, artisanal approach.
These were our favourite shops in Rio:
Haight: For minimalist, sculptural swimwear in earthy tones. I bought two swimsuits and a beach dress here.
Handred: A unisex label with relaxed tailoring and bold prints. Ari bought two patterned button up shirts and linen pants here.
Nannacay: Specializes in handwoven bags and accessories made by artisans in South America. I'm in love with the purse I bought here!
Osklen: Sustainable clothing brand inspired by nature and city life. Ari bought black shorts here.
7. Cool off with an açaí bowl
Açaí bowls are part refreshing snack, part local ritual. Made from frozen, blended açaí berries, this superfood treat is naturally sweet and packed with energy, perfect for cooling off after the beach or starting your day.
For one of the best in the city, head to Tapí Tapioca, where the bowls are pure açaí with no added syrups or fillers.
You can get them topped with fresh banana, strawberries, chia seeds, Brazil nuts, granola, and honey.
8. Spend a night out in Botafogo
Quartinho Bar in Botafogo
Botafogo has emerged as one of Rio’s best nightlife areas, attracting a young, creative crowd with its mix of intimate cocktail bars and cool eateries.
Stroll down Rua Fernandes Guimarães and Rua Arnaldo Quintela to find a lively strip of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Our favourite bar is Quartinho Bar, tucked between two streets and blending mismatched chairs, erotic art, and an edgy crowd. It’s where we found the best cocktails in Rio.
Order the crispy tuna bites and soak in the atmosphere, or come on a Thursday when the resident DJ plays to a packed dance floor.
Check out our full list of the best bars in Rio de Janeiro.
9. Climb the colourful Escadaria Selarón
Escadaria Selarón
The Escadaria Selarón was the lifelong project of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who fell in love with Rio and spent more than 20 years covering the staircase with over 2,000 colourful tiles, turning it into a work of art.
You might recognize it from the Beautiful music video by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams. Grab a seat on one of the vibrant steps for an iconic Rio photo.
See our list of the most photogenic places in Rio.
10. Explore the bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood
Bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Santa Teresa was once a retreat for Rio’s wealthy elite in the late 19th century. Today, it’s known for its colonial mansions, street art, and a creative, bohemian energy.
⬅️ At the top of Escadaria Selarón, hang a left to start your walk into Santa Teresa.
🍺 Make your first stop at Bar do Serginho, a quirky bodega with graffiti-covered walls and plastic tables spilling onto the street. It's the perfect place for a caipirinha or a cold beer.
🏘️ As you make your way down Rua Almirante Alexandrino, you’ll pass funky cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops along the winding street.
☕🖼️ For coffee in an artistic setting, pop into Indecente Cafe in the heart of the neighbourhood.
🍕🎷 For dinner, head to Zola Pizza for Neapolitan-style pizza made with Italian tomatoes - it's the best pizza we had in Rio. If you’re visiting on a Monday, stick around for their live jazz night. The atmosphere here is very cool.
🎶🍹 Our favourite bar was Bar Novooeste, with its lively, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, fun music, and a crowd that spills onto the sidewalk. The burgers here are great for a late-night snack.
11. Cruise Rio’s beaches by electric scooter
Quiosque Mureta do Leme | Walking path on left and bike path on right
A fun way to see Rio’s famous coastline is on an electric scooter. You’ll see yellow scooters parked along the strip, ready to rent through the Whoosh app.
Pick up a scooter in Leblon, follow the beachfront bike path and zip past the golden sands of Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana. The smooth, car-free lane runs right beside the pedestrian walkway.
End your ride at the far tip of Copacabana at Leme Beach, a quieter, more local stretch of sand.
Here, Quiosque Mureta do Leme perches on a rocky bluff with panoramic views across the entire curve of Copacabana Beach. Snap a wide-angle shot, then settle in for lunch, a chilled coconut, or a caipirinha.
12. Shop the Feira Hippie de Ipanema sunday market
Feira Hippie de Ipanema
Since the 1960s, the Ipanema sunday market at Praça General Osório has been a fixture for local artisans, originally showcasing the work of Rio’s hippie community.
Today, it’s packed with stalls selling handmade jewellery, colourful crafts, and unique souvenirs. We picked up jewellery, carved tropical birds made from stone, and small wooden musical instruments.
The vendors here weren’t pushy and let us browse their stalls at our own pace.
13. Cheer with the crowd at a Maracanã football match
Few experiences capture Rio’s passion like a night at Maracanã Stadium. We watched rivals Flamengo and Fluminense face off, with more than 70,000 fans turning the arena into a roaring sea of colour and sound.
Flamengo lit red flares and chanted at full volume, while Fluminense answered with pounding drums and full-on songs. The energy was crazy!
For safety (and to really understand what’s going on), we recommend booking a guided tour - they’ll handle tickets, transport, and get you into the right section so you can just focus on having fun.14. Watch the sunset at Bar Urca along the seawall
In the quiet neighbourhood of Urca, Bar Urca has been a beloved gathering spot since the 1930s. Locals and visitors come here to watch the sun sink behind the mountains across Guanabara Bay.
Skip the formal tables and head to the takeout window for a brain-freezing-cold beer and some seafood snacks, then grab a seat along the low seawall to watch the sunset.
15. Eat Brazilian cuisine among the treetops at Aprazível
Perched high in Santa Teresa, Aprazivel quickly became one of our favourite meals in Rio.
Family-run and set on a lush hillside, it feels like a sprawling wooden treehouse with open-air terraces looking out over the lush neighbourhood.
It features Brazilian specialties made with organic and biodynamic ingredients.
Book your table in advance since it's a popular spot.
😋 Must try: Porco das Gerais (pork from Gerais) and the Pão de Queijo (cheese bread).
16. Take a coffee break in a historic mansion at Parque Lage
Set inside a beautifully restored mansion in Parque Lage, Plage Cafe is one of Rio’s most atmospheric spots for a coffee break.
In the 1920s, industrialist Henrique Lage and his wife, Italian opera singer Gabriella Besanzoni, redesigned the mansion in a romantic Roman style and made it their home.
Today, the courtyard, with its reflecting pool, forest backdrop, and distant view of Christ the Redeemer, is a picture-perfect place to relax with a coffee and a light bite.
You might also recognize it from Snoop Dogg’s Beautiful music video.
17. Take the cog train to Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the most famous sight in Rio.
The most scenic way to reach the summit of Corcovado Mountain is on the cog train, which winds through the forest as it climbs to 680 metres above sea level.
You can also take a van or hike, but in Rio’s heat, we were happy to sit back and enjoy the ride.
At the top, you’ll get a close-up look at the 30-metre-tall Art Deco statue, plus sweeping views of Rio’s beaches, mountains, and coastline.
🚞 You can easily purchase tickets for the cog train with GetYourGuide.📸 Best time for photos: Go early in the morning to have the sun hitting the front of the statue, or in the afternoon for golden light over the city.
18. Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
Hop on the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for some of the most spectacular views in Rio. The journey happens in two stages, gliding above the city and bay before you reach the summit.
✔️ Top Tip: Once at the top, head down the stairs at the back to find Classico Sunset Club Urca, a bar with incredible views over Copacabana Beach and the city below. Settle into a comfy chair with a fresh juice, cocktail or appies as you take it all in.
🚡 You can easily purchase cable car tickets for Sugarloaf Mountain with GetYourGuide. We like how you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.19. Escape to Ocya Ilha for a lagoon-side lunch
Ocya Ilha in Barra da Tijuca
For a unique break from the city, take an Uber to Ocya Ilha, a Michelin-recognized seafood spot set on a tranquil lagoon lined with colourful bars and eateries.
Fresh catches and an on-site smoker make their fish dishes stand out. We shared the shrimp bread and a deboned whole fish. It was delicious!
How to get to Ocyla Ilha: From the Pier Para Embarcações - Acesso Para Ilhas drop off point, it’s a quick R$7 boat ride (per person) to the restaurant’s dock. Just tell the boat driver you’re going to Ocya Restaurant.
Book ahead and go early to snag a coveted lagoon-side table.
20. Try Brazil's national cocktail
Nothing says Rio like sipping a caipirinha on a hot day. The zesty blend of lime, sugar and cachaça (Brazil’s sugarcane spirit) is the ultimate refresher on a sweltering afternoon.
You’ll spot it on menus all over the city, from beach kiosks to bodegas. They are so satisfying that we make them at home!
Don't miss our list of things to avoid in Rio de Janeiro.
21. Bite into a mortadella sandwich at Armazém São Thiago
If there’s one sandwich worth crossing town for, it’s the mortadella at Armazém São Thiago. This Santa Teresa institution, housed in a century-old former warehouse, oozes vintage charm.
The star of the menu is their famous mile-high mortadella sandwich, stacked on a fresh Italian roll with a smear of mustard.
Pair it with an ice-cold draught beer (um chope), and you’ll understand why this place has been a neighbourhood favourite for generations.
We hope you enjoyed these top things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro!
Bonus: Where to Stay in Rio De Janeiro
We recommend basing yourself in Ipanema - it’s less touristy than Copacabana and has a lively local scene, plus some of Rio’s best beaches, bars, and restaurants.
Choose a spot close to the beach so you can leave your valuables behind and enjoy the sand and sea without worry.
Our top hotel picks close to Ipanema Beach:
- Hotel Arpoador - modern rooms and a rooftop bar right next to the beach.
- Ipanema Inn Hotel - a cute boutique just half a block from the beach.
Get started on planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🚆 Cog Train: Reserve your train ticket to see Christ the Redeemer
- 🚡 Cable Car: Reserve your cable car ticket for Sugarloaf Mountain
- 🛫 Flights: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however)
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Save and pin these top things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro for later:
