What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

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Visit Rio de Janeiro State

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Rio de Janeiro State travel guide

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

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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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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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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.

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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.

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Geriba Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

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.

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

6. 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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Sao Conrado Beach featuring a sandy beach

7. 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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Maracana Stadium featuring modern architecture and interior views

8. 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.

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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.

Aerial View of Recreio dos Bandeirantes Region in Rio de Janeiro City

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.

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.

Avenida Atlantica

Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue.

Maracanã Stadium

To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums.

Sugar Loaf Mountain

Enjoy stunning views of Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and landmarks as you ascend this iconic mountain peak.

Explore areas of Rio de Janeiro State

Copacabana

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.

Ipanema

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

Barra da Tijuca

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.

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.

Rio de Janeiro Centro

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.

Botafogo

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.

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