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Best landmarks in Rio de Janeiro

23 places from 16 Rio de Janeiro travel vlogs, most-mentioned first. The play button jumps to that moment in the video.

23 places

  1. Christ the Redeemer

    Landmark · Corcovado

    World-famous statue of Christ with outstretched arms atop Corcovado mountain, overlooking all of Rio from the waterfront to the hillside favelas.

    6:53· Leesh Brockin 15 vlogs

  2. Ipanema Beach

    Landmark · Ipanema

    Lively beach known for people-watching, volleyball and sunsets seen from the rocks at its end, with street parties around Carnaval and New Year.

    29:16· Love Always, M+Ein 14 vlogs

  3. Selarón Steps

    Landmark · Lapa

    Colorful mosaic staircase by artist Jorge Selarón, with tiles from around the world, linking bohemian Santa Teresa to Lapa. Crowded by day, so go early.

    16:05· Love Always, M+Ein 14 vlogs

  4. Sugarloaf Mountain

    Landmark · Urca

    Rio's most iconic peak, reached by cable car and popular at sunset, with panoramic views over the city, bay and beaches.

    4:02· Juan Marcel & Rhylanin 13 vlogs

  5. Copacabana Beach

    Landmark · Copacabana

    Rio's most talked-about beach, drawing people from all walks of life to its sand and promenade, and host of a huge New Year's Eve party.

    15:19· Chews to Explorein 12 vlogs

  6. Maracanã Stadium

    Landmark · Maracanã

    Rio's legendary football stadium, a monument to Brazil's national obsession with the sport.

    15:09· Before You Goin 7 vlogs

  7. Dois Irmãos

    Landmark · Vidigal

    Twin peaks rising at the end of Ipanema Beach that define its skyline, with a hiking trail reached through Vidigal.

    14:26· Before You Goin 5 vlogs

  8. Barra da Tijuca Beach

    Landmark · Barra da Tijuca

    Long beach popular for people-watching and games of beach volleyball with locals.

    0:52· touropiain 4 vlogs

  9. Leblon Beach

    Landmark · Leblon

    A lively upscale beach in Leblon lined with mosaic-tiled promenades, crowded with locals and beach umbrellas.

    1:45· Chews to Explorein 4 vlogs

  10. Theatro Municipal

    Landmark · Centro

    Eclectic-style municipal theater on the historic Cinelândia square.

    7:09· Samuel and Audrey - Travel and Food Videosin 3 vlogs

  11. Mirante Dona Marta

    Landmark · Botafogo

    A hilltop viewpoint known as one of Rio's best sunrise spots, looking over mountains, lagoon and Christ the Redeemer.

    7:01· Chews to Explorein 3 vlogs

  12. Copacabana and Ipanema Boardwalks (Calçadão)

    Landmark · Copacabana

    Iconic seaside promenades along Copacabana and Ipanema, tied to the rich musical heritage that grew up along these shores.

    9:23· touropiain 3 vlogs

  13. Arpoador Beach

    Landmark · Arpoador

    Surfer-favourite beach separating Ipanema from Copacabana, with a popular sunset spot on the rocks.

    2:00· Jumping Placesin 3 vlogs

  14. Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí

    Landmark · Cidade Nova

    Purpose-built parade venue hosting Rio Carnival's main samba school parades with elaborate floats and costumed dancers.

    7:00· Go Places with Tati & Brennanin 3 vlogs

  15. Guanabara Bay

    Landmark · Guanabara Bay

    The large bay Rio is built around, known for spectacular sunsets.

    5:44· Expediain 2 vlogs

Mentioned once

8 more picks, each from a single vlog, so not ranked.

  1. Prainha

    Landmark · Recreio dos Bandeirantes

    Surf beach inside a protected ecological park, free of high-rise hotels and a contrast to Rio's urban beaches.

    2:58· Expedia1 vlog

  2. Cascatinha Taunay

    Landmark · Tijuca

    A waterfall in Tijuca National Park that cascades down a series of rocks. A tunnel leads to the viewing spot.

    2:53· Chews to Explore1 vlog

  3. Praça Mauá

    Landmark · Centro

    A plaza in central Rio on the edge of Guanabara Bay with street performers, food stands and live music.

    13:59· Samuel and Audrey - Travel and Food Videos1 vlog

  4. São Conrado Beach

    Landmark · São Conrado

    Beach where hang gliders land, with clear blue water and fewer crowds than Ipanema or Copacabana.

    1:40· Mark and Asya1 vlog

  5. Etnias Mural by Eduardo Kobra

    Landmark · Centro

    Eduardo Kobra's enormous mural on the Olympic Boulevard, created for the 2016 Olympics and billed as the world's largest street-art mural.

    12:04· Before You Go1 vlog

  6. Mirante do Leblon

    Landmark · Leblon

    Lookout at the end of Leblon offering a beautiful view down over Leblon beach and the Zona Sul coastline.

    5:15· Island Hopper TV1 vlog

  7. Ilhas Cagarras

    Landmark · Ipanema

    Uninhabited islands visible offshore from Ipanema Beach.

    7:17· Island Hopper TV1 vlog

  8. Grumari

    Landmark · Grumari

    Protected area of untouched beaches in Rio's far west, some reachable only by boat or nature trail, along a scenic coastal road.

    10:21· Jumping Places1 vlog