The city of Rio de Janeiro is a place of beauty and chaos, with MANY things to do. Rio de Janeiro deserves a special itinerary to be enjoyed at your own pace, allowing you to experience both the calm and excitement of the city like a true local. As someone who was born and raised in this beautiful city, I have put together a perfect itinerary for you to enjoy Rio de Janeiro with things to do for 1 to 5 days of travel.
There is no shortage of things to do in Rio de Janeiro, the question is: how do you organize your itinerary? Ideally, you should group the attractions by region, as the city is large and offers diverse possibilities. A true carioca itinerary must include places for you to see the city from above, walks through traditional neighborhoods, and hikes in the city’s most beautiful settings. For this reason, we have included some lesser-known places that are often overlooked in traditional Rio de Janeiro itineraries, so that you can experience Rio like a local.
Before we get started, let’s talk about some important issues to ensure that your trip to Rio is a success. I will tell you how to safely explore Rio, the best neighborhoods and hotels for your stay, and how to get around. When you finish reading this article, be sure to check out the various texts on Além de Viagem about the Cidade Maravilhosa, which offer even more tips.
How to safely explore Rio?
It’s a fact: everyone from outside Rio that I talk to says they’re afraid of the city. Due to the constant violence in some parts of Rio, the media tends to focus on these events. However, there are places that are safer than others.
In general, the South Zone is one of the safest, especially as most tourist attractions are located there. The key is to avoid wearing jewelry and expensive-looking accessories, to use discreet bags without logos or famous brands displayed, and never to use your cellphone on the street. Whenever you need to consult a map, enter a store or establishment to look at whatever you need on your phone.
Another important tip is to avoid accommodations near favelas. Nothing against them, but it can happen that there is a police operation in the area, leading to serious conflicts between criminals and the police. Regardless, keep in mind that Rio faces the same violence problems as other cities in Brazil. Therefore, danger exists everywhere. Protect yourself as you would in a big city with high social inequality and low political support.
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro?
My recommendation is to stay in one of the neighborhoods in Zona Sul so you can be close to the main tourist spots and best attractions. Additionally, it’s best to stay near a metro station and main streets in the neighborhood for easy access to buses and a variety of transportation options.
The neighborhoods I suggest for staying in Rio de Janeiro are Botafogo, Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana. These areas offer a range of accommodations from affordable to luxurious, including Airbnb’s and major hotel chains. They are also well-connected to public transportation with many bus options and metro stops.
There are also other options to consider. Barra da Tijuca has a metro station at the beginning of the neighborhood, but it can be far from the main attractions. São Conrado may be an option depending on the location, and Catete, Glória, Lapa, and Centro may not be the most pleasant for walking at night as they can be deserted. Santa Teresa has many accommodation options, but be cautious about the location as it could be near a favela.
Here are some hotels worth checking out:
- Yoo2, Botafogo – starting at 693 reais per night
- Selina Hostel, Lapa e Copacabana – starting at 400 reais per night
- Hotel Nacional, São Conrado – starting at 500 reais per night
- Fairmont Rio de Janeiro, 5-star hotel in Copacabana – starting at 1,200 reais per night
- MGallery, 5-star hotel in Santa Teresa – starting at 1,200 reais per night
- Sheraton, 5-star hotel in Leblon – starting at 584 reais per night
Click here find out more hotels in Rio
How to Get Around Rio?
The best way to get around Rio is by combining public transportation with Uber and taxis. When you arrive in Rio, download the TaxiRio app to get discounted taxis and buy a RioCard, adding some credit, to use all public transportation.
TaxiRio is great for ordering discounted taxis and is organized by the city government itself. Depending on where you want to go, like favelas and places far from Zona Sul, it might be better to go by taxi instead of Uber because taxi drivers know the city better and won’t rely on GPS. The app doesn’t have as good an experience as other market leaders, but it works well.
When the option is bus, subway, VLT, and ferry, you should use RioCard. Except for VLT, you can still pay with cash, but if you want to walk around downtown with the ease of the carioca tram, you will need RioCard. You buy and recharge the pass at brand stores and recharge machines. Check out the purchase points here (PT). There’s also a specific subway pass, Giro, but it can only be used on this mode of transportation.
In general, I would say to prefer the subway during the day to avoid traffic. At night, there’s no way around it, it’s best to opt for a taxi or Uber.
Fares:
- Bus: R$4,30
- Subway: R$6,50
- Tram: R$3,80
- Ferry: R$7,70
When to Go to Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro is perfect to visit at any time of the year! Summer is REALLY hot and has the most beautiful sunset of the year. Watching the sunset at Arpoador is a must during this time. The biggest downside may be the rains, as precipitation can reach 180mm per month.
Spring and fall already have milder temperatures and it’s more comfortable to do tours than in summer. Winter also has mild temperatures, the chances of cold – is 18º cold? hehe – are higher, and rain almost doesn’t show up.
Insider tip: To get the traditional photo of the Arpoador sunset with the sun in the sea next to Morro Dois Irmãos, you should go to Rio de Janeiro between mid-October and mid-February.
Itinerary for 3 to 5 days in Rio de Janeiro with many things to do
Day 1 – Live like a Carioca: Parque da Catacumba + Walk around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas + Beach + Sunset at Arpoador + Nightlife in Ipanema
Let’s start our travel itinerary with a day that will make you feel like a local! We will go on a hike, take a walk, relax at the beach, and watch the sunset. And, to top off the day, you can enjoy the nightlife at one of the bars in Ipanema or Leblon neighborhoods.
Hike and Scenic View at Parque da Catacumba
We’ll kick off the day with a hike in a park that even locals of Rio are not familiar with: the Parque da Catacumba. The park is situated on the slopes of Pedras Urutau and Maroca, overlooking the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. It has a lower part with green lawns and plazas, an adventure park for kids, and many sculptures along the way.
The goal here is for you to experience the park through the trail, but don’t worry because it’s a very easy one. It’s only a 600m trail that leads from the base to the Sacopã viewpoint, with a beautiful view of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer. Along the way, you’ll come across an observation point a few minutes after starting the trail and another viewpoint overlooking the sea.
Walking around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
After enjoying the park, you’ll head to the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The Lagoon has some attractions, such as paddle boats, some restaurants, parks, a bike path, and food stalls. If you get hungry, take advantage of the stalls or restaurants nearby.
Don’t forget to take lots of photos! The most beautiful spot for a photo is right at the Paddle Boat Park, where you’ll arrive after the Catacumba Park. When you’re done, walk towards Ipanema. It’s time to enjoy the beach!
The neighborhood of Ipanema
Ipanema is a residential neighborhood with squares, a main street where the shops are located, great restaurants, and a street fair. On Sundays, for example, you can check out the famous Hippie Fair at General Osório Square.
Ipanema Beach (or Leblon – whichever you prefer)
What can I say about this beach that I love? Ipanema Beach (and Leblon) attracts different groups that spread out according to the lifeguard post or the street that starts on the shoreline. So if you go to the beach with a carioca, they’ll probably say they’re at Posto 9 or in front of Garcia d’Ávila street, for example. Now, to know the exact spot, you’ll need to ask for some landmarks hehe (building, color of the tent, if it’s close to the water or the volleyball courts…).
An important point for you to know is that the sea in Ipanema is not calm. It has waves for most of the year, with some periods having strong currents and others with very calm waters. So, be careful if you don’t know how to swim, okay?
Ipanema Beach is also very photogenic, starting with the Dois Irmãos Hill. Unlike the view from Leblon Beach, in Ipanema, you get a greater distance to frame the Hill with other elements. If you prefer a closer photo, you can walk to the neighboring beach. In addition to the Hill, you have the Portuguese cobblestone beach promenade, which has a different pattern than Copacabana.
Mate Leão and Biscoito Globo
A trip to the beach is not complete if you don’t buy a mate with lemon and a Biscoito Globo! This is practically the carioca’s lunch on the beach – on any beach in Rio. Not trying these symbols of the city means that you didn’t really experience Rio de Janeiro, you know?
Sunset at arpoador
If you’re looking for things to do in Rio de Janeiro, one of the top attractions in the city is watching the sunset at Arpoador. As a travel blogger who knows Rio well, I can confidently say that it’s the most beautiful sunset in the world (in my humble opinion, of course). The best time to watch it is between mid-October and early February, when the sun sets over the ocean.
When the moment arrives, you’ll see locals applauding this natural spectacle. And I think it will be impossible for you not to do the same.
Security tip: As with any tourist destination, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings. The Arpoador area can be crowded with tourists, making it a prime target for pickpocketing. So, be cautious and alert when visiting.
Bars and restaurants at ipanema
After watching the sunset, head over to Ipanema, where you’ll find some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. In 2022, the most popular bars are Belmonte, located on the corner of Rua Vinícius de Moraes and Av. Vieira Souto, and Boteco Boa Praça, both facing the beach. The surrounding streets are also home to some excellent restaurants, including Zazá Bistrô for contemporary cuisine, Cozi Bistrô + Bar for contemporary fusion, Pici Trattoria for Italian cuisine, Oia for Greek cuisine, and Venga for Spanish cuisine.
While exploring Ipanema, be sure to check out some of the nearby streets, such as Rua dos Jangadeiros, Rua Farme de Amoedo, Rua Garcia d’Ávila, and Rua Aníbal de Mendonça, for even more dining options. With so many great things to do and attractions in Rio de Janeiro, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip.
Day 2 – Rio’s History: Tour in Downtown Rio + Praça Mauá + Night in Lapa
After a super Carioca day, enjoying exercising in Rio’s urban nature, enjoying the beach, and watching the sunset, it’s time to get to know the city’s history. I’ll take you to discover the historic streets of the city, visit a super cute and hidden spot in the center, pass by the famous Praça Mauá, and end the day in Santa Teresa (but you can also end in Lapa).
Safety tips: This itinerary is recommended for weekdays or Saturdays. Downtown Rio is a neighborhood with a lot of movement during the week, from 9am to 6pm, because it’s a popular business and commerce area. On weekends, this movement drops, especially on Sundays when the streets are very deserted. Saturday mornings until about 2pm, there is still movement, especially in commercial streets. After 2pm, I recommend that you only stay in crowded tourist spots. Another important point: be extra careful with your belongings, avoid using your cell phone and wearing accessories that look valuable.
Discovering Downtown Rio de Janeiro
You can explore downtown Rio with a walking tour (guided tours) or on your own. There are several options for tours, free-based tips or paid. The positive side of taking a tour is that you’ll be with a group, making it a little safer to take photos. However, if you prefer to be independent, follow the route I propose because it will probably be very similar to the guided tours.
On this route, you’ll pass by the main points of downtown Rio de Janeiro, including:
- Theatro Municipal
- Arcos da Lapa
- Escadaria Selarón
- Catedral Metropolitana + Sede da Petrobras
- Praça Tiradentes
- Real Gabinete de Cultura
- Rua Uruguaiana
- Confeitaria Colombo + Casa Cavé
- Rua do Ouvidor
- Paço Imperial
- Igreja da Candelária
- Praça Mauá
Night in Rio: Lapa
End the second day of the Rio de Janeiro itinerary in Lapa! The neighborhood offers a variety of options for bars, restaurants, and music venues. The most famous places are:
- Circo Voador
- Leviano Bar
- Carioca da Gema
- Rio Scenarium
- Fundição Progresso
Day 3 – Beach vibes: Forte do Leme + Copacabana Beach + Forte de Copacabana + night in Botafogo
As a travel blogger who knows Rio de Janeiro well, I have some great recommendations for things to do in Rio de Janeiro and attractions in Rio de Janeiro that will make your trip unforgettable. On Day 3, we will have a beach day and visit some of the most stunning views in Rio.
Forte do Leme ou Forte Duque de Caxias
Our first stop will be Forte do Leme or Forte Duque de Caxias. This fort boasts one of the most beautiful views in Rio de Janeiro, in my humble opinion. The scenery is perfect for taking pictures or videos. To get there, head to the beginning of the Leme neighborhood, to Praça Alm. Júlio de Noronha. Then, enter the restricted area of the fort and climb the cobblestone trail. It’s a steep climb of about 20 minutes, but there’s plenty of shade along the way.
Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Copacabana Beach, Pedra da Gávea, and Morro Dois Irmãos, perfectly framed for stunning photos. At the entrance of the fort, you can also see the Christ the Redeemer statue, Corcovado, and the Rio de Janeiro mountain range with the Brazilian flag. For more photos and details of Forte do Leme, click here.
Copacabana beach: the main attraction from Rio
After spending time at Forte do Leme, it’s time to relax on the most famous beach in Brazil, Copacabana Beach. You can choose between the beach at Leme or Copacabana.
Leme is usually more family-friendly, and the sea is calmer, while Copacabana is broader, and the waves can be bigger and the sea more agitated. Near Forte de Copacabana, the water is calmer, and it’s possible to do stand-up paddle.
Regardless of which beach you choose, be mindful of your belongings and suspicious activity. Since it’s a very touristy location, thefts can occur on the boardwalk. Whenever possible, enjoy the scenery close to policing.
For lunch, we’ll have a late afternoon snack at the best breakfast café in Rio (I’ll explain later why we’re having an afternoon snack instead of breakfast). Finally, we’ll end our day in Botafogo, one of the city’s most bohemian neighborhoods. With these recommendations for things to do and attractions to visit in Rio de Janeiro, your trip is sure to be amazing.
the History of Copacabana
If you’re looking for attractions in Rio de Janeiro, a visit to the neighborhood of Copacabana is a must. Not only does it have a beautiful beach, but it also has a rich history. Did you know that Copacabana used to be a sandy plain until the late 19th century? It wasn’t until the early 20th century when the famous Hotel Copacabana Palace was built for the Brazilian Independence Centennial Exhibition that the area began to develop. The city’s infrastructure grew along with the influx of immigrants fleeing wars. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Copacabana, check out this article.
Forte de Copacabana
One of the main attractions in Copacabana is the Forte de Copacabana. This fort, which was built in 1908, played a role in several historic events. It’s now open to visitors, and for just 6 reais (or 3 reais for students and free on Tuesdays), you can tour the fortification and visit the old rooms where strategic protection decisions were made. But that’s not all!
The fort is also home to two famous restaurants, Café 18 do Forte and Confeitaria Colombo, which offer delicious afternoon tea. To avoid long waits, it’s best to arrive at around 3:30 p.m. If you miss the breakfast hours (served until 1p.m.), don’t worry, they start serving breakfast dishes again at 4 p.m.
In summary, if you’re looking for things to do in Rio de Janeiro, exploring the history of Copacabana and visiting the Forte de Copacabana are excellent options. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn more about this iconic neighborhood and enjoy some tasty treats while you’re at it!
Dica: aproveite muito o visual da área externa enquanto estiver na fila. O museu dentro da fortificação é pequeno, mas pode te tirar minutos preciosos do dia clara caso você queira tirar fotos.
Exploring Botafogo – the bohemian neighborhood
Botafogo is a vibrant and accessible neighborhood that has become a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists. It offers an array of dining and nightlife options that have flourished with its revitalization. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your visit:
Botafogo has micro-regions that offer a wide variety of options for food and drinks. Here are some streets to keep an eye on:
- Nelson Mandela Street: Offers mid-to-high priced options with cafes, pizzerias, bars, and traditional and Japanese restaurants. Some options include The Boua, TT Burger, and Boteco Colarinho.
- End of Voluntários da Pátria Street: Offers more affordable bars and “botecos” (typical Brazilian bars). Some options include Marchezinho and Void House Of Food.
- Streets Arnaldo Quintela and Álvaro Guimarães: Offers young and hip bars, ranging from alternative to trendy. Some options include Ferro e Farinha, Canastra Rose, Macuna Bar, and Bar Bukowski.
- Visconde de Caravelas Street and Conde de Irajá Street: Offers more classic and contemporary dining options. Some examples include Lima Cocina Peruana, Meza Bar, Tragga, and Bottega Gastrobar.
Find more things to do in rio
Day 4 – The charm of Urca: breakfast at Parque Lage + walking around Urca + the Sugar Loaf
O quarto dia do roteiro será com café da manhã, passeio por um dos bairros menos aproveitados pelos turistas e pôr do sol em um lindo ponto turístico.
Breakfast in Jardim Botânico
Start your day with breakfast in Jardim Botânico. The main attractions of the neighborhood are the Parque Lage and the Jardim Botânico, both of which offer their own breakfast options.
The most popular breakfast spot is the PLage Café in Parque Lage. The park’s entrance is free, but it’s crucial to arrive early, before 9 am on weekends, to secure a table at PLage, as it’s quite popular on social media.
The less popular, but still worth exploring option is the Garden Café, located in the open area of Jardim Botânico. Nearby, you can also find La Biciclette, which is frequented by famous Brazilian celebrities, as there’s a Rede Globo studio across the street, and Empório Jardim.
Exploring Urca
Urca is one of Rio’s most charming neighborhoods, and it’s where Roberto Carlos, a famous Brazilian singer, lives. It’s also home to three renowned institutions of higher education, IME, Unirio, and UFRJ. Most tourists visit the neighborhood just to go to the Pão de Açúcar cable car, the nearby Praia Vermelha beach, or the restaurants. However, there’s much more to explore in this beautiful neighborhood.
Take advantage of the morning to explore Urca. Start your walk on Avenida Portugal and enjoy the view of the Botafogo Bay, with the mountains and Corcovado with the Cristo Redentor statue in the background. Feel free to walk along the mureta (a low wall) or get lost in the neighborhood’s streets. Don’t worry, Urca is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, as it’s a military area.
The streets of Urca are full of classic-style houses, and most of them are well-maintained. You’ll notice that the streets are calm and silent, with few cars. So, be mindful of making noise and not disturbing the residents.
Snacking at Mureta da Urca
When you’re feeling hungry, you can grab a pastel or empada at the Mureta da Urca. There are two points in the neighborhood: the official Mureta at the end of Av. João Luiz Alves, and the “pobreta” at the beginning of the Av. Portugal promenade. The reason for the name “pobreta” is that beer prices are cheaper there than at the official Mureta, where the minimum price for beer is 10 reais.
Another important thing to note is that these places are literally a small wall on the edge of Guanabara Bay. At the Pobreta, you have some bars to buy food and drinks because it is a more commercial part of the neighborhood. On the other hand, the Mureta is only served by Bar Urca, which is relatively expensive, and the street vendors who sell beer at the same price as the bar. The view from either point is beautiful, so that’s something not to worry about.
the sugar loaf
It’s time for the most awaited tour! Plan to go up to Pão de Açúcar (the Sugar Loaf) near sunset. The Bondinho is a park with spaces on Morro da Urca and Pão de Açúcar. You take the cable car at Praia Vermelha, it’s best to buy your ticket online to avoid the queue. Keep an eye on the official website, as there are always promotions.
The view is truly breathtaking because you can see the city in front of you. Both spaces have places to enjoy the scenery, bars, snack bars, and restaurants. The big downside here is the price because it’s quite expensive.
Important note: It used to be possible to climb Morro da Urca by trail and take the Bondinho down in the late afternoon for free, but this is no longer possible.
Day 5 – Very Touristy: Corcovado and Cristo Redentor + Santa Teresa
Today you’ll wake up early to take that perfect photo with Christ, then we’ll visit the former capital of Brazil, ride bikes in Aterro, and end the day in Santa Teresa.
Corcovado mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Arrive early at Corcovado to enjoy the empty Christ the Redeemer space and perfect light for photos, without that ugly shadow. The view from the Christ the Redeemer is 360º for the entire city of Rio. Since this is Rio’s main tourist spot, it gets very crowded. Therefore, take advantage of taking photos with the statue as soon as you arrive and only then enjoy the landscape.
How to get to and how much does it cost to go up to Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer?
You have two possibilities to climb the Christ: by train, the most touristy and fun option, or van, departing from some points in the city. Since the train is the most popular option, it’s best to buy your ticket in advance through the website or app. The downside of the train is the price, starting at 69.50 reais for a full ticket. The van is more affordable, with tickets starting at 12.50 reais. You can also buy in advance through the site, choosing the boarding in Copacabana, Largo do Machado, or Paineiras Corcovado complex.
For this Rio de Janeiro itinerary, I recommend that you take the train because the experience is much more enjoyable. There comes a point where you see the city diagonally because of how steep the climb is. Additionally, near the Corcovado train station, there is the Largo do Boticário, a beautiful place to take pictures that will soon be a hotel.
exploring Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is the most beloved neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro among tourists, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a hilltop neighborhood with a beautiful view of the city and a small-town feel, despite being surrounded by bustling neighborhoods.
You can get to Santa Teresa by car, Uber, taxi, or take the tram, which is a much more fun option. If you choose to take the tram, head to the Carioca metro station on Rua Lélio Gama to buy a 20-real ticket, which includes a round trip.
The top attractions to visit in Santa Teresa include:
- Parque das Ruínas
- Museu Chácara do Céu
- Ateliês de arte e lojas de artesanato
- Largo do Curvelo
- Mirante do Rato Molhado
- Largo dos Guimarães
- Largo das Neves
Take advantage of the clear sky to explore the neighborhood, but be careful on deserted streets close to favelas. As night falls, enjoy one of the bars or restaurants to wrap up your day and trip to Rio de Janeiro.
With plenty of things to do in Rio de Janeiro, exploring the off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods like Santa Teresa is a must. These attractions in Rio de Janeiro offer a unique perspective on the city and its culture.
Rio de Janeiro – What to do in 5 days?
I hope you enjoy the Marvelous City with this guide. The itinerary was carefully crafted for you to experience Rio de Janeiro like a local with time to enjoy everything as a carioca. If you can’t stay for the full 5 days in Rio de Janeiro, consider days 1, 2, and 5 of this itinerary. This way, you will see the main tourist attractions, get to know the city and still have an authentic carioca experience.
There are plenty of other attractions and hidden gems to explore in Rio de Janeiro, so make sure to check out our Instagram @alemdeviagem for more travel inspiration.
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