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Brazil
Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
355 attractions · Brazil
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Southeast, Brazil · -22.908, -43.196
About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is defined by its dramatic juxtaposition of steep granite mountains and expansive Atlantic coastline, serving as a primary cultural hub for Brazil. The city maintains a distinct urban layout where dense metropolitan neighborhoods like those near the Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro transition into lush, protected landscapes. Visitors can explore the scientific significance of the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro or witness the transformation of the waterfront via modern institutions like the Museu do Amanhã. This coastal capital balances its historical significance as a former colonial and imperial seat with an ongoing focus on urban revitalization.
Good to know
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Rio de Janeiro was the only European capital city located outside of Europe, serving as the seat of the Portuguese Empire from 1808 to 1821.
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The city's name, 'River of January,' is a misnomer; Portuguese explorers arriving in 1502 mistook the entrance of Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a river.
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Rio hosts the world's largest urban forest, Tijuca National Park, which was reforested by hand starting in the mid-19th century to protect the city's water supply.
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In 2012, parts of the city were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site specifically for the integration of the urban landscape with the surrounding natural mountain terrain.
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The city has a unique 'Carioca' identity, a term used for residents that originates from the Tupi language phrase 'white house' or 'house of the white man'.
Plan your visit to Rio de Janeiro
Best time to visit
September to November is ideal, as the weather is mild and dry, avoiding the extreme humidity of the summer peak and the heavy rainfall of the mid-year months.
How many days
4-5 days, allowing time to balance coastal relaxation with inland museum visits and mountain excursions.
Getting around
The city is served by an efficient metro system, extensive bus networks, and rideshare apps, though traffic congestion is common.
Where to stay
Stay in Ipanema or Leblon for safer, beach-adjacent access to public transit and local dining, or Botafogo for a central location with a local vibe.
Budget
Mid-range; while luxury accommodation and dining exist, local transit and street food are relatively affordable for international travelers.
Highlights of Rio de Janeiro
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Christ the Redeemer
This colossal Art Deco statue offers panoramic views of the entire city basin and bay.
Museu do Amanhã
This museum focuses on sustainable futures and climate change through interactive, data-driven exhibits.
Escadaria Selarón
The steps are covered in over 2,000 ceramic tiles collected from more than 60 countries.
AquaRio
This facility features a massive multi-tank aquarium system designed for marine research and public education.
Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro
The grounds contain a significant collection of over 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical flora.
Parque Lage
This historic mansion and park area is known for its distinctive neo-classical architecture and swimming pool courtyard.
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
The building is a prime example of eclectic architecture, modeled after the Opéra Garnier in Paris.
Rio Museum of Art
The museum occupies a restored building and houses a significant collection of contemporary Brazilian art.
Top things to do in Rio de Janeiro
The 355 most popular places in Rio de Janeiro.
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271
Temples Hidden gem
Universal Church of the Kingdom of God
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God located at Rua Conde de Bonfim in the Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro f...
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272
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Borel
Morro do Borel is a prominent hill and favela located in the Andaraí neighborhood of the Zona Norte in Rio de Janeiro, B...
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273
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Cantagalo
Morro do Cantagalo is a prominent hill situated between the neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, B...
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274
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro dos Prazeres
Morro dos Prazeres is a hillside community located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, known for its exp...
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275
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro dos Macacos
Morro dos Macacos is a prominent hillside community and geographic landmark located in the Sampaio neighborhood of Rio d...
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276
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Pavão
Morro do Pavão is a prominent hill situated between the neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazi...
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277
Temples Hidden gem
Evangelical Baptist Church Botafogo
The Evangelical Baptist Church Botafogo, locally known as Primeira Igreja Batista em Botafogo, is an active religious co...
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278
Temples Hidden gem
Primeira Igreja Batista Bíblica do Rio Janeiro
Primeira Igreja Batista Bíblica do Rio Janeiro is an active Baptist church located in the Vila Isabel neighborhood of Ri...
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279
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Mirante Morro da Penha
Mirante Morro da Penha is a vantage point located on the Ponta da Areia peninsula in Niterói, offering direct views of t...
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280
Museums Hidden gem
Casa da Marquesa de Santos / Museum of Brazilian Fashion
The Casa da Marquesa de Santos is a historic 19th-century neoclassical mansion located in the Imperial neighborhood of S...
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281
Museums Hidden gem
Morro da Conceição Fortress
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282
Places of interest Hidden gem
Cemetery San Francisco de Paula
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283
Places of interest Hidden gem
Monumento ao Visconde de Mauá
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284
Temples Hidden gem
Igreja Batista do Caminho
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285
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro da Quinta do Caj
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286
Places of interest Hidden gem
Praça da República
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287
Places of interest Hidden gem
Inside Beach - St. John Fortress
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288
Temples Hidden gem
Igreja Universal
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289
Places of interest Hidden gem
Praia Do Vidigal
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290
Temples Hidden gem
Primeira Igreja Batista do Anil
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291
Temples Hidden gem
Igreja Batista Grajaú
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292
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Dendê
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293
Beaches and ponds Hidden gem
Praia de São Bento
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294
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Andaraí
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295
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Sumaré
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296
Temples Hidden gem
Mount Zion Baptist Church
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297
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Amor
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298
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Amorim
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299
Natural attractions Hidden gem
Morro do Pinto
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300
Beaches and ponds Hidden gem
Praia de Icaraí 29
Around Rio de Janeiro
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Jump straight to what you're into.
Rio de Janeiro on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Rio de Janeiro?
Aventuro lists 355 curated attractions in and around Rio de Janeiro, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Rio de Janeiro?
Christ the Redeemer is the most popular place to visit in Rio de Janeiro right now.
What kind of attractions does Rio de Janeiro have?
The largest category is places of interest, with 66 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Manaus, Fortaleza, Brasília.
