Rio de Janeiro is one the most unique, exotic and popular holiday destinations in the world.
In fact you would be hard pressed to find a city that is so captivating, so full of life and vibrancy in the world. Songs have been written about it, movies have based on its culture and people from all over the world flock here year after year.
So what is it that draws us to Rio? Is it the pristine beaches, the carefree nature of the people or the sheer beauty of it all?
We have put together a guide of all the must see things to do and see in Rio. To help you discover for yourself what it is that’s so fascinating about this little coastline pocket in Brazil.
#1 Christ the Redeemer
Listed as one of the 7 wonders of the world is the 120 foot high statue of Christ the Redeemer, standing with arms outstretched as a welcoming gesture to all who wish to visit.
The statue sits atop Corcovado Peak in the heart of Rio and can be seen from all around. Quite a welcoming sight when flying in for the first time.
To visit the statue, we recommend arriving very early. By mid-morning and afternoon the crowds can be quite large making it hard to get good photos and walk around as the viewing area isn’t overly spacious.
You can take a bus or taxi to the base of the mountain to purchase tickets. You will then get taken to the top of the mountain by a little red pully train that leaves every 30 minutes and is quite enjoyable in itself.
Once you reach the top, you can take in the sheer size of the statue while standing at the base pedestal. Enjoy the breath taking views across Rio as you step down to the platform.
#2 Copacabana Beach
Arguably one of the most famous beaches in the world is Copacabana Beach. Framed by the iconic ‘Portuguese Pattern’ pavement, the beach stretches 4km long. It is lined with open air beach cafes and kiosks, little market stalls and an abundance of locals and tourists alike.
What makes this beach so unique is the colourful mix of people. One side you have favela kids playing soccer. Another is filled with retirees that line the shore with fishing poles. The scantily dressed gay and cross-dressing crowd in the middle and scattered throughout are the tourists, soaking it all up.
You can easily hire a lounge chair and umbrella from anywhere on the beach for a very small fee. While you’re relaxing, the locals will offer to run to the nearest café and order food for you and even bring you drinks. Where else can you get that sort of service without paying ridiculous resort fees?
#3 Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is not to be missed. It offers some of the best views you could imagine as well as a bird’s eye view from not only one mountain but two.
First, you ascend in a cable car for 1km up to Urca Hill. There you will find restaurants, shopping and a small theatre which show informational videos. There are a lot of small trails and viewpoints to explore here so take your time and soak it all up.
Then you take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, be prepared for some top shelf postcard views across all of Rio. Our top tip is to head up right before sunset. You’ll get an amazing view of the city during the day, a phenomenal sunset and a view of Rio all lit up at night.
#4 Escadaria Selaron
The Escadaria Selaron, otherwise known as the Selaron Steps, are a world-famous set of steps designed by artist Jorge Selaron back in 1990.
There are 215 of these intricately tiled steps which have been collected from over 60 different countries around the globe. Among the 2000+ tiles, 300 are hand painted by the Jorge. He was so passionate about the project that you can actually feel the love that he poured into the project as you make your way to the top.
The steps have been featured in many magazines, documentaries and commercials and were even featured on the Amazing Race.
A challenge to our Aussie readers. Somewhere amongst the tiles, mirrors and art is one little tile depicting Australia, can you find it?
#5 Tour of the Favelas
The Favelas are densely packed slum areas that stretch out across the hillsides and are made up of the poorer citizens that live in Rio.
While the thought of walking through a slum doesn’t sound over appealing to most people, the favelas are some of the most colourful, vibrant parts of Rio. They are quite safe and are frequently visited by tourists.
We recommend you hire a tour guide to take you through the neighbourhoods as it is very easy to get lost in the winding streets and end up in the wrong place. You can do walking tours, night party tours, car tours or even temp fate and hire the local moto taxi. They will have you tearing through the streets at lightening speeds.
#6 Rio De Janeiro Cathedral
The Saint Sebastian Metropolitan Cathedral is located in downtown Rio and was built back in the 1960’s. From the outside, the church looks nothing like your typical church. It was actually inspired by the Mayan Pyramids and has come under a lot of criticism from the Catholic locals.
As you walk inside you will be amazed. I can guarantee it won’t look anything like you thought it would from the outside. The floor to ceiling windows are a brilliant stained glass that glows every colour under the sun, and measure 60m from top to bottom.
The cathedral itself can hold up to 20,000 worshipers and has a basement where they keep historical items dating back centuries.
#7 Tijuca National Park
The Tijuca National Park is said to be the world’s largest urban forest occupying over 32 square kms of land. It is entirely man made after deforestation occurred to make way for coffee and sugarcane fields. Now ten years on it is a thriving park for everyone to enjoy.
Inside the park you can hike on one of the many trails, lunch at one of the picnic areas or go exploring to find waterfalls, monkeys and rare birds.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can hire a jeep that will take you through the park. Go on a walking photography tour or just take some time out to relax in the urban forest that is Tijuca.
#8 Ipanema Beach
Often considered to be one of the main centres of activity in Rio, Ipanema Beach is where the wealthy locals live and come to relax. The water is clear and the sands are clean, perfect!
The beach is divided into different ‘tribes’ which are defined by the lifeguard towers or ‘postos’. Posto 10 is held for the sporty folk. Here you will find soccer, volleyball and the local sport frescobol which is like tennis on sand.
Posto 9 is where it all happens. Here you will find the colourful gay-friendly tribes and the beautiful tanned bodies. You can also hire deck chairs and umbrellas here for under $10 per day.
Finally, posto 8 is where you go to surf and also where you will find favela kids and families playing in the low tide.
#9 Maracanã Estadio
If you love sport and want to see where the best of the best play in Rio, then the Maracanã Stadium is worth a visit.
Games here are played on Wednesdays, Thursdays or on weekends and will really blow your mind. You will see, hear and feel the passion of the crazed fans. A true Brazilian experience.
If taking in a game is too much for you, there are tours of the stadium which run from 9 to 5 daily. They will take you through the locker rooms, media box, through the grand stand and then out onto the ground.
To see a schedule of upcoming events, check out the official website or to book a stadium tour when you visit Rio.
#10 Lapa Neighbourhood
Lapa is THE place to go in Rio for foodies, bars, nightlife, culture and architecture. It is also the hub for authentic Brazilian samba.
The Arcos da Lapa, or the Carioca Aqueduct, takes price of place and runs right through the neighbourhood. It is a roman style aqueduct that was built to solve the water shortage problem back in 1723. It consists of 42 arches, is 270 meters long and is quite impressive to see.
Another historical landmark in Lapa is the Sala Cercilia Meireles Theatre. Here you can catch live performances by well known artists as well as up and comers. The architecture in the auditorium alone is worth a look if passing by.
Finally, the nightlife, if you are looking for colourful, vibrant and authentic Brazilian music and dance, then head to the Rio Scenarium. The most popular bar in Rio and finish off with some good carioca cuisine at Carioca de Gema, one of the top restaurants for locals.
