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Top 20 Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro
Discover Rio de Janeiro's must-see attractions and highly-rated experiences. Our expertly curated guide helps you plan the perfect visit with insider recommendations and traveler favorites.
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Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide
Rio de Janeiro enchants visitors as one of the world's most breathtaking cities, where dramatic granite peaks, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture create an intoxicating tropical metropolis. Ascend Corcovado Mountain to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, and soak up the sun on world-famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema where locals play beach volleyball and sip caipirinhas at sunset. Rio's infectious energy comes alive during Carnival, the world's biggest party, but the city's spirit is evident year-round through samba music in local bars, vibrant street art in Santa Teresa, and the warmth of Carioca (Rio local) hospitality. Experience traditional Brazilian cuisine like feijoada and fresh açaí, explore the historic Lapa neighborhood with its famous arches, and take in the stunning natural beauty that makes Rio truly the 'Cidade Maravilhosa' (Marvelous City).
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Top 20 Ranked
Best Attractions in Rio de Janeiro
Our expertly curated list of the top experiences, tours, and attractions based on traveler reviews and ratings.
#1
Top Rated
Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps and Sunset at Sugarloaf
4.9130435 (46)
The best tour without extending all your time and effort, focusing on what really matters, with professional guide and all the attention you deserve. Have an unforgettable experience on this customizable 5-hour tour focusing on main attractions and history!
#2
Top Rated
Rio DE Janeiro SUV Private City Tour : avoiding crowds and clouds
5 (48)
The best strategy to avoid crowds and clouds. Embark on a personalized adventure through Rio DE Janeiro with this highly-rated private 4x4 city tour. Travel in comfort and style in a spacious, air-conditioned Land Cruiser with on-board Wi-Fi, perfect for up to 7 passengers. This customizable experience allows you to explore Rio's iconic sights at your own pace for approximately 5 to 6 hours. Enjoy free snacks, soda, and fruits, with special child seats available for younger travelers. Please note that entrance fees to attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain are not included. Discover the best of Rio with a local expert, available in Portuguese and other languages.
#3
Top Rated
Excursion: Cristo Redentor, Tijuca National Forest and City Tour in 7 hours
5 (35)
The ideal tour to enjoy the main sights of Rio de Janeiro. In this 7-hour tour you will get to know a little of the South Zone and the beach of São Conrado (main landing zone of Hang gliding and Paragliding, Tijuca National Forest, Corcovado, we go through Santa Teresa known as the traditional neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro and the Selarón Steps in Lapa where Snoop Dogg filmed his famous video “Beautiful”.
#4
Top Rated
Corcovado Express: Morning Tour in Rio de Janeiro
4.948718 (39)
Be one of the first visitors to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue, the most famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro, on top of the Corcovado Hill, without the usual crowd early in the morning. Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
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#5
Top Rated
Private Tour: Rio de Janeiro Experience with Christ & Sugar Loaf
5 (28)
Uncover the wonders of Rio with a private tour that embraces the heights of Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, the artistic allure of Santa Teresa, the colors of the Selaron Steps, and the spiritual aura of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
#6
Top Rated
Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience
5 (18)
An opportunity to be closer to the Carioca people in their everyday life. You will for a moment participate in their experiences, customs and routine passing through the streets, alleys and contemplating one of the most beautiful views of Brazil. And from there came all the Brazilian culture, because but favelas came Capoeira; Samba; Brazilian Funk; Axé music; typical foods; girias...In Rocinha you can also have contact with a good part of northeastern culture, as 80% of the residents there are migrants or descendants of people from the northeast of the country. Although located between two traditional neighborhoods of the southern area of the Rio de Jaineiro, the community is part of the Tijuca forest. Come have this unique experience with a local guide and in the biggest favela in Brazil.
#7
Top Rated
Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic
5 (20)
Hike through Tijuca National Park's rainforest on a 6-hour eco-tour contemplating one of the most splendid views of Rio contrasting with the greatest urban forest in the world. Accompanied by an expert guide, expect a trilling tour full of nature with waterfalls, springs, small lakes, viewpoints, and historic sites. Animals, particularly monkeys, coatis and birds, can be seen all around during walks in the lush landscape and falls. The walking distance is about 7 km, round trip, is mostly in the shade, ranging from light to medium level of difficulty. The hiking time is about 4 hrs at a slow pace. Visit the calm and beautiful waterfalls where we stop for bath and pictures. Bring swimsuits along so that you can splash around. We then continue on for more 10 min up to the scenic weir called “Açude da Solidão”. Take a break at the edge of it and enjoy snacks picnic style. After having such an adventurous day, relax on the journey back to your hotel.
#8
Top Rated
Private Niterói City Tour- MAC Art Museum,Santa Cruz Fortress Parque da Cidade
5 (16)
Niterói is one of the most beautiful tours that can be done during your visit to Rio de Janeiro. The view of the city park, the visit to the museum and all the history involved in the fortress of Santa Cruz are simply marvelous and enchanting.
#9
Top Rated
6-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro
5 (21)
Enjoy having a private tour guide and a vehicle at your disposal for 6 hours! Talk to the tour guide to set up a tailor-made tour that will introduce you to the most interesting places in the city. It can be a walk through the Tijuca Forest, stroll through Copacabana or a visit to the historic center of Rio. Listen to the tips given by the experienced tour guide who knows the city very well.
#10
Top Rated
Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio
5 (14)
Enjoy a half-day tour through the architectural landmarks in Rio. Rio de Janeiro was recently named the first World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO. The city has constructions of the colonial period, buildings in the art-deco style and modernist buildings. Our walking tour starts from the Carioca’s Square in the Downtown area, where we see a group of constructions of the XVII century: the Church and the Convent of St. Anthony. Then we proceed towards the Rio Branco Avenue, the first avenue to be opened in our city. Then, we go to the Cinelandia Square to see its Art Deco Constructions before we make another time jump towards the modernist architecture. The tour ends at the Museum of Modern Art.
#11
Top Rated
Full day sightseeing Rio de Janeiro
4.9411764 (17)
Visit Rio de Janeiro's main sights with local guides who have preferential access to Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. Together we will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral whose architecture is inspired by a pyramid, the Selaron Staircase in the Historic Center of Rio de Janeiro and we will visit the Rio de Janeiro Carnival catchway. Embark on a wonderful tour with a team prepared to give you the best experience with comfort, responsibility and safety!!!
#12
Top Rated
Sunrise in the Telegraph Stone - photos and expert guide
5 (11)
Pedra do Telégrafo is certainly one of the most beautiful and most visited trails in Rio de Janeiro. Having an expert guide also makes all the difference and offers more security in the natural environment.
#13
From Rio de Janeiro: shuttle from airports to Paraty
4.6153846 (13)
Take the worries when you arrive at Rio de Janeiro Airports, don't stressed after a public transport or high-value taxis, in the last minute. This shared transport service allows you to divide the costs,making your trip into an economical experience, interacting with other travelers from different cultures. The transport is carried out in new and modern vehicles, vans or minibuses, controlled via satellite, monitored in real time and fully reviewed. Choosing this service guarantees a safe and comfortable trip, with the support of the largest company in the region, accompanied by experienced, qualified and trained drivers, and you will have trilingual support 365 days a year.
#14
Top Rated
Rio de Janeiro Private Day Tour with Sugarloaf and Corcovado
4.827586 (29)
Enjoy a private full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, taking in 2 of its iconic landmarks at the Christ The Redeemer statue on Corcovado, and ride the cable car up the Sugarloaf mountain. See the Maracanã and Sambódromo stadiums and more. The tour includes free time for lunch in local restaurants (meal not included / drinks not included).
#15
Top Rated
BEST BEACHES - Arraial do Cabo - Day Tour (Boat Tour + Buffet)
5 (7)
Highly recommended tour for those with a lot of energy and great expectations to discover the best of the “Brazilian Caribbean”. Only the best of Arraial do Cabo on a super complete Day Tour! Trail to Forno beach, Boat Tour on the best beaches in the Region, Free Buffet Lunch and Sunset at Praia Grande. Free digital photographs! Satisfaction Guaranteed.
#16
Top Rated
Sail in Rio - Private Sailing Tour
5 (10)
Go exclusive! Get your own group together and experience the beauty of Rio from a different angle! Whether you desire to celebrate a special date or just celebrate life with your partners, family or a group of friends, a private sail will make your memories last a lifetime! Come join us aboard our 40-footer sailing yacht on a 3-hour tour under sail in the protected bay or open ocean waters of Rio. Departing from MARINA DA GLORIA, this sailing experience unveils, right from the start, the two most iconic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro: the statue of Christ The Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. As the sailing proceeds, the Captain will help guests understand the magic of sailing and respond to questions about Rio's history, while guests relax, enjoy our welcome drinks, snacks and appreciate the great views!
#17
Top Rated
Rio's Secluded Beaches: Prainha & Grumari Hike and Swim (small group or private)
5 (8)
The tour visits the West part of Rio de Janeiro, that remains untouched with a lot of nature and secluded beaches. We'll follow the coastline, passing by 5 different beaches (São Conrado, Barra, Reserva, Recreio and Macumba). We first stop at Prainha, a small and protected beach considered the surf spot in Rio where you'll hike 1,5h to Caeté Summit (253m=830ft) that ofers a great view of the coast and other mountains of Rio. From Prainha, in a 5 more min. drive we reach Grumari, our last stop and where we stay to enjoy the beach for about 3h. Grumari it´s also a protected area and you'll enjoy an amazing and paradisiac tropical beach with white and fine grain sands, green mountains and clear waters (bring towel and bathing suit).
#18
Top Rated
Two-day tour to discover Rio de Janeiro
5 (7)
Two days to spend discovering many places that make this city the "Cidade Maravilhosa". Rio de Janeiro is extraordinary because it offers tourists an immense natural and landscape treasure that blends with a great historical and artistic heritage. I want to guide you to discover Rio de Janeiro during this tour which, I am sure, will remain unforgettable. I am a professional tourism guide, I love to tell, not just present, the city in all its uniqueness and I do so with pleasure both in my native language, Italian, and in French, Portuguese, Spanish and English.
#19
Top Rated
Ilha Grande Hiking Tour
5 (7)
This amazing hiking tour takes around 14 hs round trip, Would you like to visit the most beautiful beaches of Ilha Grande by foot? If you have the adventurer spirit in you, this is it ! Spend a full day exploring awesome beaches, including Pouso, Palmas and Lopes Mendes, known as one of the most beautiful beaches of Brazil. Forget about the usual boat trips and put your feet on the ground ! Highlights Visit the most beautiful beaches of Ilha Grande and its clear waters by foot Be amazed with the beauty of Palmas, Pouso and Lopes Mendes beach, known as one of the best in Brazil Get off the beaten track and hike along the coast of Ilha Grande Private tour, groups from 3 to 12 people only
#20
Little Africa And The City Of Samba: Where Dreams Come True
4.3333335 (6)
Visit the most typical places of the first African cultural manifestations in the Americas. Take a new look at the two cultures, African and European, and its legacy in the arts, cuisine, dance and music, highlighting the Carnival. • Visit the City of Samba, or City of Dreams, an area where the Samba Schools develop the floats that will parade in the Sambodrome • Understand how celebrations of Catholic and African merged its cultural manifestations and producing the most famous Carnival in the world. • Visit the current region of the Port, which for decades received thousands of Africans from different ethnic groups, nations, and cultures. • Visit Pedra do Sal (Salt Stone), where the Community of Remnants of Quilombos is located and considered as Cultural Heritage. • Get to know Valongo Wharf, the largest African point of entry in the Americas. It has been submitted to UNESCO to become World Heritage.
Review counts and ratings based on Viator and Tripadvisor data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tours cost in Rio de Janeiro?
Tours in Rio de Janeiro range from $49 to $2261, with an average price of $506. The highest-rated tour is "Rio DE Janeiro SUV Private City Tour : avoiding crowds and clouds" at 5 stars.
What are the best experiences in Rio de Janeiro?
Our guide features 20 top experiences in Rio de Janeiro, averaging 4.9 stars across 400 reviews. The top-rated is "Rio DE Janeiro SUV Private City Tour : avoiding crowds and clouds".
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
The ideal time to visit Rio de Janeiro depends on your preferences. Plan your trip with Plan Harmony to organize all your activities and make the most of your visit.
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