What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Activities, attractions and tours

Ipanema Beach
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Copacabana Beach which includes mist or fog, a sandy beach and a sunset
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 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.
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Rua das Pedras showing night scenes and a small town or village

5. 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.
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Geriba Beach featuring a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

6. João Fernandes Beach

Praia de João Fernandes, or João Fernandes Beach, is one of the best-loved stretches of sand in the resort town of Búzios. Choose your spot here on the golden sand beneath a brightly colored beach umbrella. Prepare for a day of basking in golden sunlight, swimming in clear blue waters and taking photo after photo.
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Joao Fernandes Beach showing general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing as well as a couple

7. 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.
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2 beaches is better than 1! Breathtaking view of Copacabana Beach and Praia Vermelha in Rio de Janeiro! #LifeAtExpedia

8. Forte Beach

Long, scenic Forte Beach is the main strand of Cabo Frio. The busy bay, which takes its name from its historic fort, is packed with huts, lodgings and stores. Come here to enjoy stunning views of the verdant promontories overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Forte Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Popular places to visit

Copacabana Beach featuring a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views

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.

Copacabana Beach
Ipanema Beach showing a sandy beach and mountains as well as a large group of people

Ipanema Beach

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

Ipanema 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.

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

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.

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

Geriba Beach

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

Geriba Beach
Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach

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.

Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Joao Fernandes Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views

João Fernandes Beach

Lose track of time on this picturesque beach, where the waters are calm, the views are glorious and everything you could possibly need is close by.

João Fernandes Beach
Flamengo Beach

Flamengo Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Flamengo Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Take in the art scene and sunsets in the area.

Flamengo Beach
Sugar Loaf Mountain which includes mountains and a sunset

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.

Sugar Loaf Mountain

Explore areas of Rio de Janeiro State

Copacabana

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.

Copacabana
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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.

Barra da Tijuca
Ipanema featuring markets as well as a large group of people

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.

Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro

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.

Rio de Janeiro Centro
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Penedo

Travellers like the parks in Penedo, and Tres Cachoeiras is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Penedo
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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.

Leblon

Day trip destinations from Rio de Janeiro State

Rio de Janeiro featuring general coastal views, mountains and a sunset

Rio de Janeiro

Angra dos Reis showing a sunset, boating and a bay or harbour

Angra dos Reis

Nova Friburgo

Nova Friburgo

Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara

Petrópolis

Ranch Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

Trindade

Photo by Paulo Sergio

Cachoeiras de Macacu