Rio de Janeiro is a city that captivates its visitors with its natural beauty, vibrant culture and relaxed lifestyle. Known worldwide for its stunning beaches, majestic mountains and lively carnival, Rio offers a variety of unique experiences for travelers. If you are planning a trip to the “Cidade Maravilhosa”, here is an unmissable itinerary to explore what to do in Rio de Janeiro:
1. Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
Start your journey with two of Rio’s most iconic attractions. Visit Christ the Redeemer, the famous monument with panoramic views of the city, located at the top of Corcovado Mountain. Next, head to Sugarloaf Mountain, where you can take in stunning views of Guanabara Bay and Rio’s cityscape.
About values:
They depend on the chosen form of transport and the place of departure. Prices may vary depending on the season but are around:
Corcovado Train: The train is a popular option to get to Christ the Redeemer. The price of a return ticket for the Corcovado train used to vary between R$77.00 and R$94.00 for adults, depending on the season and time of year. For children and seniors, there were usually discounts.
Van Paineiras: Another option is to use official vans that depart from the Paineiras Visitors Center, located in the Tijuca National Park. The approximate price of the round trip ticket for the vans used to vary between R$34.00 and R$68.00 for adults.
Hiking: If you like hiking and adventure, you can go up to Christ the Redeemer on foot along trails that depart from Parque Lage or Estrada das Paineiras. Entrance to Parque Lage is free, but it is necessary to pay a fee to access the Paineiras trail.
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2. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
Discover the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, where you can relax on the golden sand, take a dip in the blue sea and enjoy spectacular sunsets. Take the opportunity to walk along the boardwalk, where you will find kiosks, bars and restaurants.
3. Botanical Garden
Explore the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, a verdant oasis that is home to a vast collection of native and exotic plants. Stroll through the manicured gardens and visit the famous imperial palm grove.
4. Lapa and Selarón Staircase
Discover the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa, famous for its bustling nightlife and historic arches. Be sure to visit Escadaria Selarón, a colorful and unique work of art by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.
5. Tijuca Forest
Take a hike or drive through the Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world. Enjoy the exuberant nature, waterfalls and panoramic views of the city.
6. Museums and Culture
Explore the rich history and culture of Rio de Janeiro by visiting some of its important museums, such as the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR), the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes and the Museu do Amanhã.
7. Food and Drink
Experience delicious Rio de Janeiro cuisine at local restaurants, bars and pubs. Be sure to try typical dishes such as feijoada, moqueca and seafood snacks.
8. Carnival and Samba
If you visit Rio during Carnival, immerse yourself in the contagious energy of the samba parades and street blocks. Otherwise, take advantage of the opportunity to experience a traditional samba circle to experience typical Rio music and dance.
What to do in Rio de Janeiro with Rain
If you are in Rio de Janeiro during rainy days, don’t worry! The city offers a variety of indoor activities and attractions to enjoy even when the weather is not favorable for outdoor activities. Here are some itineraries for you to explore during rainy days:
Cultural Route
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- Museums: Take the opportunity to visit some of the interesting museums in Rio de Janeiro, such as the Rio Art Museum (MAR), the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Tomorrow. These museums offer fascinating art, science and history exhibits.
- National Library: Explore the National Library, one of the largest libraries in the world and an important cultural center in Brazil. In addition to the impressive collection, the library has an imposing architecture.
- Theatro Municipal: Watch a performance at the Municipal Theater in Rio de Janeiro. This historic theater is known for its sumptuous architecture and for hosting dance, opera and classical music performances.
Gastronomic Route
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- Feira de São Cristóvão: Visit the Feira de São Cristóvão, also known as “Feira dos Nordestinos”. There you will find a variety of typical northeastern foods, live music and a lively atmosphere.
- Pastry Shops and Cafés: Take advantage of the rainy weather to explore some of Rio de Janeiro’s charming pastry shops and cafés. Try brigadeiros, cakes, specialty coffees and other delicacies from Rio de Janeiro’s cuisine.
- Municipal Market: Visit Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Market, known as “Cadeg”. There you will find a wide variety of fresh products, cheeses, wines, spices and other items to taste and buy.
Shopping Guide
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- Shopping Centers: Explore some of the modern shopping centers in Rio de Janeiro, such as Shopping Rio Sul, BarraShopping and VillageMall. In addition to stores, these shopping centers offer entertainment options such as cinemas and restaurants.
- Handicraft Fairs: Visit some of the handicraft fairs in the city, such as the Ipanema Handicraft Fair and the Hippie Fair in Copacabana. There you will find handcrafted products, souvenirs and unique souvenirs from Rio.
- Rua da Alfândega: Explore Rua da Alfândega, known for its affordable imported goods and electronics stores.
Regardless of the weather, Rio de Janeiro offers a wide variety of activities for all tastes and interests. Take the opportunity to get to know the city’s culture, cuisine and indoor attractions during rainy days.
These are just some of the many fascinating experiences that Rio de Janeiro has to offer. The city is a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture and warm hospitality, making it an unforgettable destination for all types of travellers. So, put on your best beachwear, get ready to dance to the sound of samba and immerse yourself in the magic of Rio de Janeiro!