What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Rio de Janeiro State

Types of activities

Where to stay

Rio de Janeiro State travel guide

Copacabana Beach which includes mist or fog, a sunset and a sandy beach

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro

3. 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.

Learn more

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. 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.

Learn more

Geriba Beach which includes waves, surfing and general coastal views

5. 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.

Learn more

Rua das Pedras which includes a small town or village and night scenes

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.

Learn more

Joao Fernandes Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach

7. Sugar Loaf Mountain

The unmistakable conical silhouette of Sugarloaf Mountain, or Pão de Açúcar, rises up from the mouth of the Guanabara Bay, on the south-eastern corner of Rio de Janeiro. The origins of its name lie in Brazil’s long history in the sugar cane trade, with the shape of this mountain resembling a block of refined sugar. At 396 metres high, the panoramic views from its peak draw crowds of visitors every day.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Forte Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rio de Janeiro State

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.

Ipanema Beach

Join the crowds of sun-worshippers at this world-famous beach, the epitome of Rio’s outdoor lifestyle.

Corcovado featuring a statue or sculpture, religious elements and a sunset

Christ the Redeemer

Famous the world over for the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer at its summit, this mountain peak is one of the top attractions in Rio.

Geriba Beach

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Forte Beach

Visit a quaint 17th-century island fort, take a banana boat out on the ocean and fill up on tasty snacks from the stalls.

Explore areas of Rio de Janeiro State

Copacabana

4/5(37 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.

Barra da Tijuca

5/5(2 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.

Ipanema

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Relax on beautiful beaches, shop for fashion and revel in the nightlife of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most stylish areas.

Rio de Janeiro Centro

4.5/5(4 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.

Penedo

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

Botafogo

4/5(2 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travellers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.

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.