Rio de Janeiro attractions

Pouring down a hillside in Rio’s South Zone, the 1-square-mile (2.6-square-kilometer) Rocinha favela is crammed with a colorful maze of cement buildings, tin roofs, and upwards of 180,000 residents living in challenging socioeconomic conditions. The district is considered the largest favela in Brazil, complete with a culture and history of its own, and has entered a period of renaissance, with urban gardens, community art projects, and educational services revitalizing the neighborhood little by little.

Miles of white-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, and a backdrop of forested mountains help to make Angra dos Reis, or Bay of Kings, one of the top attractions of Brazil’s Costa Verde (Green Coast). Come to chill out, soak up the sun, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Situated on Guanabara Bay, just a few miles opposite Rio de Janeiro, Niteroi offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Nicknamed “The Smile City,” it fulfills expectations with its unrivaled viewpoints, vibrant art scene, and landmarks like the Contemporary Art Museum.

Fronting one of Rio de Janeiro’s wealthiest and most exclusive neighborhoods, Leblon Beach (Praia do Leblon) is one of the city’s cleanest and safest beaches and a slightly quieter alternative to Ipanema. Separated from Ipanema by a canal, the beach is particularly popular with families, as it offers a play area with beach toys and playground equipment.

Situated at the heart of Zona Sul in the shadow of Corcovado, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon serves as a recreational area and beauty spot for local residents. It boasts more than 4 miles (7 kilometers) of bike and jogging trails, boathouses for rowing, and sometimes hosts live music.

Mirante Dona Marta offers some of the best views of Rio de Janeiro, usually with smaller crowds than the city’s better-known viewpoints. From its lookout point, you can take in Rio’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers), Maracanã Stadium, and Pedra da Gavea.

Nestled in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Floriano Peixoto Square, commonly known as Cinelandia, is a historic public space and meeting point surrounded by architectural gems like the Municipal Theater and National Library. Its landmarks reflect Rio’s 20th-century modernization and play a central role in Brazil's cultural life.

Housed in an ultra-modern structure designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) uses interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art simulators to explore the ecology, sustainability, and the future of our planet.

Barra da Tijuca (Barra) is one of Rio de Janeiro’s newest neighborhoods. It earned its nickname as the Brazilian Miami for its gorgeous sandy beaches and palm-fringed boulevards, which are flanked by mega malls and glass-fronted skyscrapers.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, fitness lover, or seeking a tranquil escape, Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengo Park (Aterro do Flamengo) is the place to be. Spanning a long stretch of Guanabara Bay, the sprawling urban green space has 300 acres (121 hectares) to enjoy and explore.

The stunning Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theater) is intricately designed, with golden rooftop statues and stately neoclassical columns that buttress the facade. Inside, grand spectator suites and elegant balconies offer superb views of the stage where Sarah Bernhardt, Maria Callas, and Igor Stravinsky once captivated audiences.

Boasting incredible views of Ipanema Beach and across the city, the trail to the summit of Morro Dois Irmaos is one of the best hikes in Rio de Janeiro. Named for its double peaks, Morro Dois Irmaos translates to the “Hill of Two Brothers,” and hiking to the top is a great way to get a feel for the city’s geography.

A small beach that earned its name for the russet tint of its sand, Rio de Janeiro’s Red Beach (Praia Vermelha) is an under-the-radar but beautiful place for swimming, sunbathing, and admiring spectacular waterfront views. Located in the city’s Urca neighborhood, the beach is just a short trip from Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar).

The Rio–Niterói Bridge—also known officially as the President Costa e Silva Bridge—crosses the vast expanse of Guanabara Bay, connecting Rio de Janeiro to the town of Niterói (the previous capital of the federal state of Guanabara, which has since merged with the state of Rio). At roughly 8.26 miles (13.29 kilometers) long and 232 feet (70.7 meters) high at its peak, the Rio–Niterói Bridge remains one of Brazil's engineering marvels.

A serene, verdant oasis in the midst of bustling Rio de Janeiro, the city’s Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) offers a chance to see and learn about both Amazonian and imported plants. There are over 6,500 species of plant contained in the 133-acre (54-hectare) plot, as well as an important research facility and botanical library.

Tucked away near the base of the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain and overlooking the Guanabara Bay lies the intimate neighborhood of Urca. Known for its Brazilian celebrity sightings, restaurant scene, art deco and Spanish colonial-style homes, and affluent beach vibes, this tiny region is hidden in plain sight, and a great spot for a quiet beach day.

Pedra Bonita, a breathtaking granite peak situated in Rio de Janeiro’s lush Tijuca National Park, offers a mesmerizing escape into nature for paragliders and hikers alike. Translating to "Beautiful Rock," gentle inclines and strategically placed steps make Pedra Bonita a popular destination for casual hikers and people short on time.

Nestled at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, the compact Parque Lage is the former residence of rich industrialist Enrique Large and singer Gabriella Besanzoni. Surrounded by Atlantic rain forest that’s replete with monkeys and birds, it’s easy to see why the couple decided to settle in this oasis.

Flanked by the looming peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and Papagaio Peak and dotted with over 100 islands, Guanabara Bay provides a dramatic backdrop to the city of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil’s second-largest bay, Guanabara is home to the cities of Niteroi and São Gonçalo, the Port of Rio de Janeiro, and Rio’s two airports.

Unassuming from the outside, the simple facade of downtown Rio de Janeiro’s Sao Bento Monastery (Mosteiro de Sao Bento) belies its richly decorated and gold leaf-gilded baroque interiors. Built in 1671, it is one of Brazil’s most important monuments of colonial art. Among its treasures are a filigreed altar and rococo wooden carvings.

Not very well known by tourists, Grumari Beach offers an escape from the often busy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro. This stretch of nearly two miles (three km of white and red sand is on a nature reserve, and its consistent waves attract surfers from nearby Prainha.

Popular in summer when the coast became hot and muggy, Petrópolis was the mountain getaway for Brazil’s imperial court. Nestled about 3,000 feet (914 meters) high in the Serra dos Órgãos range, the city still serves as a heat-beating retreat for the nearby residents of Rio de Janeiro.

Praça Quinze de Novembro—also known as Praça XV—is a historic public square in Rio de Janeiro’s Centro neighborhood. Dating to the 16th century, the plaza is associated with many important episodes in Brazilian history and is named in honor of the date (November 15, 1822) when Brazil declared itself an independent republic.

Perched atop Santa Teresa Hill and set around the ruins of the 1920s Villa Lobos, Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas) is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most unique spots. A park, café, and cultural center all rolled into one, it’s a popular hangout for the city’s artistic crowd, and offers impressive views over the city.

Nestled along Rio de Janeiro’s coastline, Pepino Beach beckons visitors with its pristine shores and vibrant atmosphere. Whether seeking relaxation or beachside excitement, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and leisure activities. Keep your eyes peeled for paragliders, as Pepino Beach is a popular landing spot.

A sheltered strip of white-sand beach near Pedra Branca, Prainha Beach is surrounded by mountains and only reachable by a single access road. Although the 2,300-foot (701-meter) stretch of sand lies just outside Rio de Janeiro, it feels far away from the bustle of downtown.

Holding more than 9 million volumes, Brazil’s National Library (Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil) is the largest of its kind in Latin America. Founded in 1810 and relocated to its current Greek Revival-style building in 1910, the library maintains an archive of the country’s most important publications, periodicals, photographs, films, and music.

Housed in the historic, neoclassical headquarters of the Banco do Brasil, the Bank of Brazil Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil) was inaugurated in 1989. Now home to three theaters, a cinema, gallery spaces, a library, archives, and more, the center—also known as the CCBB—is one of Rio de Janeiro’s foremost arts destinations.

With its coast and mountain views, Glória Marina is a popular Rio de Janeiro waterfront destination. Nestled between the mountains of Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, the marina is an excellent place to take in the views while enjoying a meal alfresco at one of its restaurants. It’s also the departure point for cruises around the bay.

The swirling modern architecture of the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) looms over Boa Viagem Beach and Guanabara Bay. Inside you can find paintings, sculptures, and installations from Brazil and around the world—plus panoramic windows with views of the city skyline, Guanabara Bay, and Sugar Loaf Mountain.