Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a huge seaside city in Brazil, famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, 38m Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas (shanty towns). Its raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers, is considered the world’s largest.
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Top attractions in Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer
1. Christ the Redeemer
4.8
(127508)
Cultural landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Giant, 30-m-tall mountaintop statue of Jesus Christ, accessed by train & offering city views.
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Absolutely stunning. From the tram to the top, walking up the rest of the way and enjoying the incredible views at the top. Yes it is very busy and it probably will be all day every day, so just be prepared! It is still well worth the trip. Everything about it was so much fun. Be prepared to lie down on the floor to get good photos!! You also get to see monkeys, helicopters, paragliders and much more. Also the ice cream is delicious at the top. Obviously everything is well over priced whilst up there!
Visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is one of those magical experiences that touch your heart. The moment you see the statue standing high above the city, surrounded by clouds and sunlight, it feels truly special. The view from the top of Corcovado is breathtaking the ocean, the mountains, and the city below all blend into one stunning panorama. There’s something peaceful and spiritual about being up there. Even with many visitors around, you can still feel a deep sense of calm and awe. The train ride through the lush forest adds to the experience, making the journey as beautiful as the destination. It’s a place that makes you feel grateful, inspired, and connected to nature, to faith, and to life itself. An absolute must-visit when in Rio.
Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is an iconic statue of Jesus Christ located atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This colossal Art Deco statue stands 98 feet tall, with arms outstretched spanning 92 feet, making it one of the largest statues of Jesus in the world and a symbol both of Rio and Brazil.The idea for the statue was first proposed in the 1850s but was only realized starting in 1922, with construction completed in 1931. Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa designed the statue, with sculptor Paul Landowski creating the statue’s detailed features. The statue is constructed of reinforced concrete and clad in durable soapstone, chosen for its ability to withstand the elements.Christ the Redeemer was built by the Catholic Church and local supporters to symbolize peace and welcome, standing prominently on Corcovado Mountain so it is visible from across Rio. Over the years, it has become a global cultural landmark and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The site includes panoramic views of Rio’s cityscape, beaches, and surrounding mountains. It also has facilities such as an elevator and motorized stairs for accessibility.Visitors appreciate not only the religious and cultural significance of the statue but also the stunning views and the impressive engineering feat behind its design and preservation. It represents a unifying symbol with spiritual, historical, and architectural importance in Brazil.Christ the Redeemer continues to undergo maintenance and preservation efforts to protect its structure, ensuring it can be enjoyed by generations to come
A fullfilment of one of my traveling dreams was to visit the statue and admire the views over the city. Might be crowded from time to time but with some spare time you'll get to experience everything easily with one visit. Pre-purchased tickets recommended and can be changed for instance due to weather conditions.
It’s unthinkable to visit Rio without getting up close to this iconic statue. Access via the inclined tramway, a few steps and an escalator is easy. It was very misty when I visited and so not too crowded. Thankfully the mist lifted enough to see this beautiful statue, although views of the city remained really limited. The little chapel built into the rear of the statue was a pleasant surprise. I can’t begin to imagine how crowded it must get on a clear day, but you must visit.
There’s literally nothing to say about this attraction other than wow. The feeling you get seeing something in person after seeing it so many times on TV is amazing. I’m surprised how organised they are. They have lift an escalators on top of the mountain. They are plenty of shops and food court. They do daily shows like Samba dancing.
It's worth it. Visiting what's Rio famous for. You can see Rio from the top. The journey to the top was amazing, great views and weather. It's bigger than I thought. Sometimes it's crowded and sometimes you can take photos or ask someone to take it for you. Beautiful memories. Go early and book online there is a website for the train and tickets flr the Redeemer on site. When you arrive There will be a short line and a gift store.
You can't visit Rio without visiting Christo. It's way up in the national park but visits are well organised and comfortable to all, including those with mobility issues! And the views are spectacular too!
Sugarloaf Mountain
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
4.8
(8335)
Mountain peak
Sights & Landmarks
This 396m-tall peak on a peninsula jutting out into the ocean features a cableway & sweeping views.
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One of the places you must visit as a tourist in Rio. The journey to the peak is in two stages, both via cable cars. The queues move quickly and the journeys are smooth. Preferential access is available for wheelchair users. The primary reason for visiting is the views, although my visit was on a very misty day and opportunities were limited. There are plenty of toilets and places for refreshments. Also upmarket souvenir stalls. Still worth visiting on a misty day!
Very good attraction. It gets really busy so be prepared to be pushing and shoving. Everybody is trying to get the best spot to record the videos. They do have nice foods and souvenir shop on top of the mountain. There is always entertainment going on like live music.
Sugarloaf in Rio offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, beaches, and mountains, absolutely worth the visit. The cable car ride is smooth and scenic. It can get very crowded, especially during peak hours, so try to go early or on a weekday. There are a few shops and places to grab a snack at the top, but prices are a bit high. Still, the overall experience is unforgettable and a must-do while in Rio!
We came here early to avoid the long line. A glass cable car carried us to the top of iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, actually expect to ride second cable car to real mountain top, which is a symbol of the city, in ideal conditions, I supposed to see the stunning panorama of the beaches, Corcovado Mountain, downtown Rio, and Guanabara Bay, etc. actually what you can see is by chance, the mist of cloud always come across to make you wonder, and it's hard to take a good picture of the stunning panoramic view of bay. There are squirrel-like primates called marmosets which can be spotted near the cable car stations and trails on the mountain , a species native to eastern Brazil. The tourists are discouraged to feed them.
A world class experience. Preferable to book the cable car tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. There are queues to board and alight from the cable cars. The 2 levels of the cable car stations provide varied views of the city of Rio from the top. The vistas are breathtaking. It can get a little cold at the top, so dress accordingly. The Christ Redeemer statue can be seen from the top. There a few expensive stores and good cafés at the top. Toilet and drinking water facilities are good. Best time to visit is around the sunset time to get the night views of the city.
Beautiful! It’s a stop you cannot miss in Rio. I loved it!
A definite must do while you are here. The views are great and there’s heaps of little shops and restaurants on top. The history of the build is also really interesting
A must place to visit if visiting Rio. Usual problems of crowds. Really busy mid morning with cruise ship tours etc. Go early or later also mid day was quiet
Copacabana Beach
3. Copacabana Beach
4.7
(8582)
Beach
Nature & Parks
Iconic, 2.2-mile beach features a wide, sandy expanse, bustling promenade, food kiosks & hotels.
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By far the best beach in the refion. It's lively both at day and night. Free showers are also up for grabs and there are several spots where you can rent an umbrella and/or chairs for a fair price.
The beach is beautiful. It was a bit wavy given I visited in the end of September and the water was a bit cold but it was really enjoyable and refreshing on hot days. There are many retailers that occasionally can try hard to sell whatever they have. It should also be known that this is not the safest place to be. One has to be very careful with his belongings and where to sit to avoid
Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is everything you imagine it to be — and more! The moment you step onto the soft golden sand, you can feel the vibrant energy that makes this beach world-famous. The stunning curve of the coastline, framed by lush green hills and the rhythmic sound of the Atlantic waves, creates a picture-perfect scene that feels straight out of a postcard. What makes Copacabana so special is the unique blend of relaxation and excitement. In the mornings, it’s peaceful and ideal for a refreshing swim or a quiet walk along the promenade. As the day goes on, the beach comes alive with locals playing volleyball and football, vendors selling refreshing coconut water, and musicians adding a joyful samba rhythm to the air. The iconic black-and-white wave-patterned boardwalk is another highlight — perfect for strolling, cycling, or simply soaking in the view of the sea and city skyline. There are plenty of beachfront cafés and kiosks where you can enjoy delicious Brazilian snacks and fresh juices while watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink. Copacabana Beach isn’t just a place — it’s an experience of Rio’s soul: warm, lively, and unforgettable. Whether you go to relax, meet people, or simply admire the breathtaking scenery, it’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Rio — Copacabana is pure magic. 🇧🇷✨
Sept.25: We went to the famous Copacabana Beach. We taught it would be crowded as it was weekend, however this wasn't the case. There were a lot of local vendors selling all kinds of stuff & many different food, icecreams & drinks. Some brought a complete umbrella with bikinis & thongs as well as really nice looking grilled big scampis (we didn't try as we didn't know how long they were exposed to sun, etc.) & many more. As we need to get the Copacabana beach vipe, we bought a 700ML freshly pressed lime caipirinha. Delicious, but with the sun & almost on an empty stomach; I got hit very fast. In the far we saw Christ the Redeemer (big, famous Jezus statue of 30 m height on a hill), we hope to visit one of these days.
Here's a good review of Copacabana beach: Copacabana is more than just a beach; it's the vibrant, beating heart of Rio de Janeiro. The moment you step onto its famous wave-patterned promenade, you feel an electric energy. The 4km stretch of sand is a democratic playground for everyone—you'll see intense games of footvolley, locals sunbathing, and tourists sipping água de coco from the countless kiosks. The view is spectacular, with the curving bay framed by Sugarloaf Mountain on one end. It’s a must-see for its sheer iconic status and incredible people-watching, capturing the city's lively spirit perfectly.
One of the famous beaches in the world was worth visiting. A fairly clean that has many things to offer - from food stalls to watching people play volleyball, soccer and other games, enjoying a nice drink, snacks and food. A good place to get your morning or afternoon walk/run as well. A safe place compared to some parts of Rio. From good to excellent hotels across the beach.
Loved this beach, it is great for long walks, it’s clean enough, it’s possible to see a beautiful sunset there. Really liked the fact that it was possible to pay by card for sunbeds, umbrellas and drinks. It’s often very busy there and I loved that vibe.
🔟 / 🔟 Hello, we were here. I have to say right from the start, this is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been, simply paradise. I really, really enjoyed my time here. There are a lot of interesting people here. Feel free to come here with your friends, family, partners or alone. Enjoy this paradise. We'd love to come back. See you next time. ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
Museu do Jardim Botânico
4. Museu do Jardim Botânico
4.7
(719)
Museum
Nature & Parks
In the Botanical Gardens, this museum features exhibits on environmental & sustainability issues.
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Beautiful exhibits, worth a stop. Has bathrooms and AC for hot days! We loved the room with floor pillows to relax and watch the Amazon presentation projected on the walls around us.
Very nice museum. It's more an ethnic museum, where your can find handicrafts made by different ethnicities around Brazil. It's small but with an excellent and new discursive narrative
Small, free and enchanting. Lovely museum ❤️
Free entrance and sympathetic museum. Quite compact and aimed at kids. Like!
Love this place, especially when there are expositions from Instituto MarAdentro!
Was closed during the day
Ipanema Beach
5. Ipanema Beach
4.7
(5621)
Beach
Nature & Parks
Long, popular stretch of beach known for sunbathing, along with soccer & volleyball.
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Cannot recommend this beach enough, it has a cool, laid back vibe and the sand is white with a deep blue sea. As the sun is setting the music begins to blare and the beach area and promenade come alive. Absolutely worth a visit to soak in the charm of Rio.
Great beach stunning views of the mountains. Come with a group that preferably speaks Portuguese, people come up to you constantly trying to sell things and also ask for selfies. Beautiful people and great water, but with only two people it did feel very vulnerable.
The beach is spectacular and really good for people watching and sunbathing. It is never boring to stroll along the beach and notice all the happenings. Plenty of vendors to dine and entertain.
Beautiful beach to walk all the way through, got the opportunity to see the sunset here and it was stunning. They have exercise stations and a beach gym to get a nice workout
Probably the most beautiful beach in Rio, much better than Copacabana due to the view. There are vendors and people who rent umbrellas and such, but they were never too pushy like some people say. Overall a very chill vibe. I recommend buying the street corner as a snack, it’s very good!
Amazing beach, but NEVER buy anything from the walking sellers. I paied 1000$ for one caipirinha😢 They hacked the paymemt terminal , even applepay doesn’ help. So be careful
Ipanema Beach is absolutely stunning! The golden sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking view of the Dois Irmãos mountains make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The atmosphere is lively, with beach vendors, music, and people playing footvolley. The sunset here is unforgettable! It's a great spot to relax, but also perfect if you're looking for a more social beach experience. Just be mindful of your belongings, as petty theft can be an issue. Overall, a must-visit when in Rio! 🌊☀️🏖️
The beach itself is lovely but the beach vendor paraiso tropical 96 ruined the day. If you go to the beach avoid Paraiso Tropical 96!!!!!!Completely over charged us. €141 (850 Brazil Real) for two chairs, an umbrella and two waters.
Arpoador
6. Arpoador
4.8
(5517)
Beach
Nature & Parks
Swimming beach popular with photographers for its dramatic sunset views & landscape.
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Praia do Arpoador is a unique beach with amazing views in Rio de Janeiro. The beach itself borders the famous Leblon beach, which is considered one of the safest places in the famous Rio de Janeiro. Right next to the beach itself is the famous Pedra do Arpoador lookout point from where we can also enjoy the amazing views, as well as the waves crashing on the rocks there. The beach itself is very narrow, but its shape and the views in the background are electrifyingly impressive. Definitely a place worth recommending.
Famous beach, chill and safe. Can walk
Arpoador Beach is beautiful! 🌅 A perfect spot to enjoy the view and relax.
Loved this beach so much, great for surfers too, it’s big and friendly, if you come to Rio you definitely should visit it❤️
Fantastic views, location, and service! The room was good size, modern, clean, and our balcony had a hammock which I enjoyed. Breakfast was included and amazing every day. The front desk staff was super helpful and spoke English. I would stay there again in a heartbeat!
A beautiful place to take photos and videos and to chill in the sun. You can also find a lot of activities like an improvised beach gym, surfing, table tennis and others
Go up the rocks and enjoy another great view of Rio. You can see the beaches of Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon on your right and maybe you can get a quick view of the Christ statue if you look behind the buildings. If you are there, just wait until the sunset, and enjoy the view.
Absolutely love this place. Go here often during my 3-month stay.
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Other notable attractions

Maracanã
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Legendary home of Brazilian soccer hosting Olympic games, plus the opening & closing ceremonies.
Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro
Performing arts theater
Nature & Parks
Storied, Parisian-style theater from 1909 offering ballet & classical-music performances plus tours.
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Lake
Nature & Parks
Seawater lagoon that is the site of several OIympic & Paralympic rowing & canoeing events.
Morro da Urca
Mountain peak
Sights & Landmarks
A short hike leads to this 220-m. summit with an aerial tram station to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Escadaria Selarón
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Landmark public stairway adorned by artist Jorge Selarón with colorful & hand-painted tiles.
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)
Cultural center
Sights & Landmarks
Art galleries, cinema & theater in a 1906 neoclassical building, managed by the Bank of Brazil.
Museu do Amanhã
Science museum
Museums
Waterfront applied science museum exploring humanity's future challenges & opportunities.
Praia da Barra da Tijuca
Beach
Nature & Parks
Wide, bustling stretch of sand lined with food kiosks, open sea views & a relaxing vibe.
Parque Lage
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Park with wooded trails, Christ the Redeemer statue views & a cafe & art school in an old mansion.
Arcos da Lapa
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
18th-century aqueduct with 2 rows of arches, now serving as a bridge for a tram.

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Q&A about Rio de Janeiro

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Hey! Congrats and how exciting for you! I think the thing is people can't tell you which to do because we and the companies are all diff. I have a blog post comparing the companies so you can see which might suit your vibe the best if you'd like to see.
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Greg McKenzie
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Hello anyone??? Still waiting to hear suggestions a s tips for hitting Carnival in Rio!!!
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Emelia Towne
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Weather in Rio de Janeiro

Here's the historical average temperature in Rio de Janeiro over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Rio de Janeiro in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Rio de Janeiro
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