Christ the Redeemer

The most famous tourist site of Rio, it is the biggest Art Déco sculpture in the world. Make sure not to skip Mirante Dona Marta for what is possibly the best view of the city.

Tijuca National Park

The Tijuca Forest is considered the largest urban forest in the world. It represents 7% of Rio’s territory, and it is called the lungs of Rio. You’ll be greeted by beautiful trees, creeks and waterfalls, mountainous terrain and high peaks.

Sugarloaf Mountain

One of the most beautiful postcards of Rio. You will get to the top of the mountain by riding a glass-walled cable car (ranked amongst the safest worldwide), and get to see the city from 395m above.

Parque Lage

This beautiful park lies at the base of the Tijuca Forest, about 1km from the Botanical Garden. It has English-style gardens, little lakes, and a mansion that houses the School of Visual Arts, which hosts free art exhibitions and occasional performances. 

Botanical Garden

Created in 1808 by D. João VI of Portugal, it is famous for its exuberance and the scientific importance of its plant collection. Visitors can walk around or rent an electric car to see plants from all over the world, the greenhouses and a thematic collections and gardens.

Ipanema Beach

Ipanema sands mark the history of Bossa Nova. Among the favorite beaches of Rio, it is world-renowned for the song “The Girl from Ipanema” by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes.

Museu do Amanhã

Museum of Tomorrow is an applied sciences museum which explores the opportunities and challenges that humanity will be forced to tackle in the coming decades from the perspective of sustainability and conviviality.

Real Gabinete Português de Leitura

Considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Built in the 19th century, it houses the largest and most valuable collection of Portuguese literature outside Portugal. Its Neo-Manueline architecture evokes the exuberant Gothic-Renaissance at the time of the Portuguese Discoveries. 

Mosteiro de São Bento

A Benedictine abbey located on the Morro de São Bento in downtown Rio, it was founded by Benedictine monks coming from the state of Bahia. The Mannerist style church is a primary example of Portuguese colonial architecture in Rio and the country.

Sambódromo

A purpose built stadium designed to host the annual parade of Rio’s samba schools during Carnival. Off season, you can visit the backstage for a Carnival experience.

Maracanã Stadium

Among the largest soccer grounds in the world, Maracanã is a hallowed ground among soccer lovers. For a quasi-psychedelic experience, go to a football match, or take a behind the scenes tour to visit the field, locker rooms and bench areas.

Pedra da Gávea

If you are a fitness and/or hike enthusiast, you may want to add Pedra da Gávea, a monolithic Mountain composed of granite and gneiss, to your itinerary. It’s one of the world’s highest mountains to end directly at the ocean and after hiking to the top, you’ll sit at 844 meters or about 2,769 feet. 

Búzios

Sitting on a peninsula scalloped by 17 pristine beaches, it is now one of Brazil’s most upscale seaside resorts, littered with boutiques, fine restaurants, villas, bars and posh pousadas. With lots to do and see, it’s been dubbed Brazil’s St Tropez for a reason.

Angra dos Reis

365 islands, 2000 beaches and eight bays, at a 160 km from Rio. Surrounded by the Atlantic Forest and bathed by the emerald green sea, it offers luxury resorts and hotels. Considered one of the best diving spots of the southeastern coast, even for rookies.

Paraty

One of the most enchanting cities of the state. Founded in the 1800s, it’s squeezed between the sea and the mountain, it offers charming inns, lively bars and restaurants commanded by renowned chefs. Beaches and amazing neighboring islands are a must-see.

Niterói

This Rio’s neighbor sits on the other side of Guanabara bay. You can get there through Uber/taxi, which will have you cross the Rio-Niterói 8 miles long bridge, or by ferry. Good restaurants, fantastic beaches (check Itacoatiara and Camboinhas), cool hikes – and so close to Rio (capital).

Petrópolis

With its forested peaks and waterfalls, it’s known as a mountain retreat for Rio residents. It features landmarks like the Crystal Palace, the Imperial Museum and the burial place of Dom Pedro II.

Teresópolis

A cool climate and picturesque setting amid mountain peaks such as the Dedo de Deus (“Finger of God”) make the city a popular summer resort. Scenic waterfalls are located nearby.