What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Activities, attractions and tours

A statue with outstretched arms against a blue sky.
A cityscape with a prominent mountain range, a dense urban area, and a body of water with numerous boats.
A cable car over Rio de Janeiro's mountains, the cityscape, and Guanabara Bay.
A coastal city with a prominent mountain, a bay filled with boats, and a dense urban area.
A panoramic view of a coastal city with a cable car system, mountains, and a bay filled with boats.

Activities

Tijuca Forest and Botanical Garden

Tijuca Forest and Botanical Garden

NZ$110
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Tijuca Forest and Botanical Garden
Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

NZ$96
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar
Daylong Excursion to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour

NZ$140
per adult
From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour
Full-Day Rio de Janeiro Tour with Lunch, Christ & Sugarloaf

Full-Day Rio de Janeiro Tour with Lunch, Christ & Sugarloaf

NZ$220
per adult
Full-Day Rio de Janeiro Tour with Lunch, Christ & Sugarloaf
Guanabara Bay view

Entrance to the Giant Roda of Rio de Janeiro

NZ$21
per adult
Entrance to the Giant Roda of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Top Tour with Local Guide

Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Top Tour with Local Guide

NZ$66
per adult
Rio de Janeiro: Favela Santa Marta Top Tour with Local Guide
Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro

Sailing Tour with Open Bar

NZ$98
per adult
Sailing Tour with Open Bar
Plaza Premium Lounge at RIOgaleao-Tom Jobim Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)

NZ$56
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Taste local flavors, one by one

Home Food Tasting in Rio with 33 Local Bites + Supermarket Tour

NZ$114
per adult
Home Food Tasting in Rio with 33 Local Bites + Supermarket Tour
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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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A beach with a road running parallel to it, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

2. Ipanema Beach

Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Ipanema Beach is located in one of the most exclusive parts of the city. Its reputation reached far and wide with the release of the track “The Girl from Ipanema” in the 1960s, sparking many a daydream of sand, sea and beautiful people.
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A beach with palm trees, ocean waves, and mountains in the background.

3. 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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A cobblestone street at dusk with illuminated storefronts and outdoor seating.

4. Christ the Redeemer

The distinctive silhouette of Corcovado, or “hunchback” in Portuguese, is clearly visible from all over Rio. This peak stands in the Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world. Visitors from all over the world flock to see the famous statue of Jesus that crowns this mountain, but the scenic ascent is a breath-taking experience in itself, and the national park has a wealth of natural treasures just waiting to be discovered.
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The Christ the Redeemer statue on a mountain peak, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

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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A sandy beach with waves, a flag, and a crepe stand.

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.
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An empty stadium with blue and yellow seats and a central walkway.

7. 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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A beach with palm trees, umbrellas, and people.

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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A sandy beach with waves, a lifeguard stand, and buildings in the background.

9. Ferradura Beach

Praia Ferradura, or Ferradura Beach, is an idyllic crescent of sand on Búzios’ least busy coast, to the southwest. Located in one of the resort town’s wealthiest and most stylish neighborhoods, this glamorous beach is rumored to be a favorite with celebrities. It’s also an excellent place for a family day out. Bring or rent snorkeling masks and spend hours exploring the calm turquoise waters of this lovely cove.
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A beach with clear blue water, boats, and hills in the background.

10. 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.
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A city square with cobblestone patterns, palm trees, and modern buildings.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Stay near popular Rio de Janeiro State attractions

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Copacabana Beach

9.0/10 (5,319 reviews)
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.
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Our guide on where to stay in Rio de Janeiro State

Find the best Rio de Janeiro State areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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Copacabana

Copacabana Beach and Bairro Peixoto are top sights in Copacabana, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station to see more sights in the area.

A beach with a patterned walkway, ocean, and mountains in the background.

Ipanema

Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.

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Barra da Tijuca

If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.

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Botafogo

Discover Botafogo, memorable for its beaches. Popular attractions in Botafogo include Botafogo Praia Shopping and Praia de Botafogo, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Botafogo Station.

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Leblon

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.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rio de Janeiro State

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Rio de Janeiro

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Niteroi

A church with a clock tower and a golden dome.

Nova Iguaçu

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São João de Meriti

A tropical beach with large rocks, clear turquoise water, and palm trees.

Angra dos Reis

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, turquoise waters, and a large cargo ship in the distance.

Mangaratiba

A bridge with blue lights at night, reflecting on the water.

Volta Redonda

A coastal street with bicycles, palm trees, boats, and a clear blue sky.

Búzios