Itineraries for Your Trip to Rio de Janeiro
2 Days in Rio De Janeiro for First Timers
There’s a reason that Rio de Janeiro is known as the “Cidade Maravilhosa,” or “Marvelous City.” The first time I visited Rio, I was blown away by the Brazilian city’s otherworldly beauty: enchanted by sunsets on Ipanema Beach, by views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Açúcar) and Corcovado (home to the Christ the Redeemer Statue), and by vibrant street art in Santa Teresa. I was thoroughly won over by Rio’s vibrant sense of life. Even if you have only two days in Rio de Janeiro, this itinerary for first timers lets you make the most of your stay.
Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate, which means warm temperatures and humidity throughout the year—don’t forget your bikini or swim trunks!
If you only have time for one thing, make it a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Wondering what to do in Rio de Janeiro for first-time visitors? Simple: Dedicate your first morning in town to a time-saving city tour of Rio highlights. Look for a combination itinerary that covers several of the must-see attractions in Rio in just a few hours, from Sugarloaf Mountain to the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor). With transit included, traveling between the sights is made simple.
After stopping for a bite—whether your preferences lean more toward refreshing açai bowls or savory snacks like pão de queijo cheese bread or coxinha croquettes—swap the hustle and bustle for time on the water. Aboard a sunset cruise (vessels typically set sail in the mid-afternoon), chart the calm waters of Guanabara Bay, admiring an especially photogenic perspective on the scenery—and a beautifully relaxed way to sightsee.
If that fresh sea air has worked up an appetite, then all the better: One of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro for first timers is getting to experience vibrant and varied Brazilian cuisine. Book a dinnertime cooking class—some even include market shopping trips—and then learn how to make dishes ranging from moqueca (seafood stew) to picanha (a popular steak in Brazil).
After a busy first day, enjoy a relaxed start to your second morning in Rio when you explore the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. The 133-acre (54-hectare) garden is home to more than 6,500 plant species, making it one of the city’s most destination-worthy green spaces. On a guided tour of the botanical garden, learn more than you would alone—and even look out for toucans and other wildlife.
The highlight of any 2-day Rio de Janeiro itinerary is taking to the skies. Helicopter tours offer an impressive perspective on the city—but for adventurous travelers, nothing beats the adrenaline rush and unimpeded views of a hang-gliding experience. With certified instructors on hand, even first timers can proceed with confidence. Don’t worry: Any nerves will soon be rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime vistas.
After a hearty dinner (I recommend a classic churrascaria, or Brazilian barbecue), experience a different kind of adrenaline. Soccer (call it futebol) is less sport and more religion in Rio, and catching a game here is a must. Don’t worry about trying to figure out tickets on your own: Book an evening trip to see the local Flamengo team play at the legendary Maracanã Stadium, and enjoy the benefits of prebooked entry.
