What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Rio de Janeiro State

Types of activities

Where to stay

Rio de Janeiro State travel guide

Copacabana Beach which includes mist or fog, a sandy beach and a sunset

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Copacabana Beach

Gleaming hotels and forested hills line the perfectly curved 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Abutting one of Brazil’s highest density residential areas, this beach is nearly always filled to capacity, but that’s part of its charm. Swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic amongst thousands of other visitors, join in a game of soccer on the sand or just sit back on a beach chair and order snacks from a beach vendor and watch the passing parade.

Learn more

2. Ipanema Beach

Located in one of the wealthiest areas in Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach is between Leblon and Arpoador, adjacent to the famed Copacabana Beach. Although the word Ipanema literally translates to “stinky lake” in the Tupi language, this description doesn’t fit what you’ll find along this stretch of white-sand beach where the rich and chic come to worship the sun. Beyond the western limit of the beach, there is a beautiful view of the two mountains, Dois Irmãos.

Learn more

Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro

3. Christ the Redeemer

Corcovado, which means “hunchback” in Portuguese, is a mountain in the Tijuca National Park in central Rio. The mountain offers three attractions in the one place. Although the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue may be the highlight, you can also see the world’s largest urban forest that is Tijuca National Park, and experience a scenic journey on the historic Corcovado Train, the country’s oldest tourist attraction.

Learn more

Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro city skyline in Brazil, Shutterstock ID 1033504918, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Faa Praharnpap, Other: Hcom budget

4. Geriba Beach

Geriba Beach is a large stretch of golden sand with bars serving shrimp and empanadas. The tranquil sandy haven has warm water and fairly large waves that lure surfers to its shores. Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to join your fellow watersports enthusiasts on the waves.

Learn more

Geriba Beach which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

5. Rua das Pedras

Rua das Pedras is the most famous street in the picturesque resort town of Búzios. Come here to shop for souvenirs in independent stores and galleries, sip coffee outside pretty cafés and experience Búzios’ lively nightlife.

Learn more

Rua das Pedras showing night scenes and a small town or village

6. Maracanã Stadium

No arena is more central to the history of Brazilian soccer than Maracanã Stadium. The location of the final matches in both of Brazil’s FIFA World Cups, this stadium has hosted all the great names in Brazilian soccer. Watch one of Rio de Janeiro’s “Big Four” teams play a game, or take a guided tour of this iconic stadium and you’ll soon understand just how large soccer looms in the Brazilian psyche.

Learn more

Maracana Stadium featuring modern architecture and interior views

7. Avenida Atlantica

No Rio de Janeiro holiday is complete without a visit to Avenida Atlântica. This avenue is famous for its events year-round, including a massive New Year’s Eve celebration covering the entire avenue and Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the avenue’s promenade to experience Rio’s lively beach culture and oceanfront events.

Learn more

Sao Conrado Beach featuring a sandy beach

8. Sugar Loaf Mountain

Located on the coast of the southeastern corner of Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) resides within forests, water and hills at the edge of Guanabara Bay. Rock climbers conquer the mountain using appropriate gear, but most visitors take the glass-sided cable car to the top. Originally built in 1912, the cable car transports 65 visitors per trip and offers panoramic views the entire way.

Learn more

What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Popular places to visit

Copacabana Beach

More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.

Ipanema Beach

See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.

Corcovado which includes religious aspects, a sunset and a statue or sculpture

Christ the Redeemer

This mountain rising out of the city center is most well known as the home of Rio’s iconic skyscraper-sized Jesus statue.

Geriba Beach

Revel in the lively ambiance of the bars and restaurants of one of the most popular beaches in the Búzios region.

Rua das Pedras

Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the charming stores, galleries and cafés of this busy and colorful street, or head to one of the bars here that come alive after dark.

Aerial View of Recreio dos Bandeirantes Region in Rio de Janeiro City

Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Maracanã Stadium

To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.

Avenida Atlantica

Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue.

Sugar Loaf Mountain

Scale this mountain on foot or by cable car to see impressive views of Rio’s beaches, rain forests and its most famous statue.

Explore areas of Rio de Janeiro State

Copacabana

4/5(169 area reviews)

Mingle with the local residents on one of the world’s most famous beaches, admire art deco buildings and party until dawn in this effervescent neighborhood.

Ipanema

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Relax on beautiful beaches, shop for fashion and revel in the nightlife of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most stylish areas.

Barra da Tijuca

4/5(12 area reviews)

Rio de Janeiro’s longest beach, a sprawling shopping mall and some of the city’s best seafood restaurants and bars await in this relaxed neighborhood.

Leblon

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.

Rio de Janeiro Centro

4/5(19 area reviews)

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Botafogo

4/5(6 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travellers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.