Rio De Janeiro Brazil: 24 Best Things to do in Rio De Janeiro

25 places in this vlog

In the order they appear. Tap a time to play it here, or ↗ to open YouTube at that second.

1. 0:15

   Christ the Redeemer

   🏢 Landmark · Corcovado

   Reach the top by train or hike up through Tijuca Forest.

2. 1:10

   Tijuca Forest

   🌳 Park · Tijuca

   Its waterfalls and rivers make it a good spot for a swim on a hot day.

3. 1:43

   Sugarloaf Mountain

   🏢 Landmark · Urca

   The cable car takes about three minutes to Morro da Urca and another three to the summit.

4. 2:28

   Selarón Steps

   🏢 Landmark · Lapa

   Selarón spent over 20 years collecting and installing the tiles.

5. 3:10

   Copacabana Beach

   🏢 Landmark · Copacabana

   Over 2 million people gather here for the New Year's Eve party.

6. 3:44

   Ipanema Beach

   🏢 Landmark · Ipanema

   The surrounding area is known for upscale shopping and dining.

7. 4:08

   Hang Gliding from Pedra Bonita

   🚡 Activity · São Conrado

   Flights are tandem with an experienced instructor, so no prior experience is needed.

8. 4:44

   Parque Lage

   🌳 Park · Jardim Botânico

   Relatively under-visited; music videos by Snoop Dogg, Pharrell and the Black Eyed Peas were filmed here.

9. 5:27

   Lapa

   🏘️ Neighborhood · Lapa

   Many murals address Brazilian culture, politics and social issues.

10. 6:04

    Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

    ⛩️ Temple · Centro

11. 6:33

    Royal Portuguese Reading Room

    🏛️ Historic site · Centro

    Holdings range from rare works of Portuguese literature to modern bestsellers.

12. 7:09

    Ilha Grande

    🚆 Day trip · Angra dos Reis

    An easy day trip from Rio.

13. 7:45

    Pedra da Gávea

    🥾 Hike · São Conrado

    A demanding, technical climb needing good fitness and some rock-climbing experience.

14. 8:27

    Ipanema Hippie Fair

    🛒 Market · Ipanema

    Open every Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

15. 9:11

    Rocinha

    🏘️ Neighborhood · Rocinha

    Tours led by local guides are recommended.

16. 10:00

    Santa Marta Favela

    🏘️ Neighborhood · Botafogo

    Considered one of Rio's safest favelas and a colourful photo spot.

17. 10:52

    Pedra do Telégrafo

    🥾 Hike · Barra de Guaratiba

    About a 90-minute drive from Rio.

18. 11:24

    AquaRio

    🏛️ Museum · Gamboa

    Overnight stays in the ocean-tank tunnel are possible.

19. 12:04

    Etnias Mural by Eduardo Kobra

    🏢 Landmark · Centro

    The mural covers over 12,000 square feet.

20. 12:46

    Museum of Tomorrow

    🏛️ Museum · Centro

    The rooftop terrace offers great views of the city and harbour.

21. 13:40

    Santa Teresa Tram (Bondinho)

    🚡 Activity · Santa Teresa

    Riders can hop off to explore the neighbourhood on foot.

22. 14:26

    Dois Irmãos

    🏢 Landmark · Vidigal

    The hike suits all levels; capuchin monkeys or toucans may be spotted along the way.

23. 15:09

    Maracanã Stadium

    🏢 Landmark · Maracanã

    Attending a match is recommended for the electric crowd atmosphere.

24. 16:05

    Rio Star

    🚡 Activity · Gamboa

25. 16:54

    Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí

    🏢 Landmark · Cidade Nova · brief mention