Top 10 Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Visiting Rio de Janeiro is a special experience to anyone. From the beautiful nature and modern architecture to the famous favelas, every sight is quite unique and you will not be able to see it anywhere else in the world. Add to it a very energetic personalities of Brazilian people and you are sure to have a time to remember.
Here is our list of the top things to do in Rio de Janeiro. As always, we strongly suggest taking at least one guided tour to get to know the basics and to have an opportunity to ask the guide of what is the best way to experience Rio de Janeiro depending on your personal wishes and affinities.
1.
Visit the Corcovado mountain and the Christ statue
The most iconic monument of Rio, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is open for visits on the Corcovado Mountain. An interesting story about the statue: it got on the list New 7 Wonders of the World, but, it got there by the support of the telecommunication companies in Brazil by making all calls for voting completely free. Here more about it by taking a guided tour to the Christ statue.
2.
Take the cable-car to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain
Everyone loves cable-cars. When people decide to make a cable car, they sure choose the best possible location, and Sugar Loaf Mountain is no exception. A breathtaking panoramic view of the whole Rio de Janeiro and the Guanabara Bay awaits on the top. A must see. It came second on our list only because how could we put the most famous statue of Brazil anywhere else then the first place. View all tours to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
3.
Climb the Selaron Steps
We always try to pick the most unique sights for our top 10 lists, so Selaron Steps came high on the 3rd place for Rio. These uniquely decorated 215 steps, spreading over 125 meters are the work of a single man, who dedicated about 20 years of his life to them. Jorge Selarón died in 2013. View all the tours taking you to the Selaron Steps.
4.
Experience the traditional Samba dance
Returning home without a picture with a Samba dancer?? Did you even visit Rio? Or if you are a really into it, take a crash course of Samba dancing and then head to the nearest Samba club. Take me to Samba.
5.
Go hiking on nearby mountains
One of the first things you notice when you arrive to Rio is the very high and steep mountains surrounding the downtown, and you just have to wonder how the view from up there is. And if you are in good shape, we highly recommend taking a walk on these mountains. Depending on the tour, you can pass through the famous favelas or breathtaking natural parks to reach the tops. View all hiking tours in Rio.
6.
Take a boat tour around the coast
Taking a boat tour is also a great idea. It will give you a chance to view the beautiful costal line surrounding Rio and the beautiful beaches such as the world famous Copacabana. View all boat tours from Rio.
7.
Visit the surroundings of Rio de Janeiro
Like any country, you can’t judge the whole country by visiting just one city. Visiting other parts of Brazil while you are in Rio might be a good idea as well if you are staying for more than a few days. View all day tours from Rio.
8.
Take a panoramic flight over Rio
If you don’t have the money, climb the mountains for the panoramic views. Otherwise, take a panoramic flight for an even more amazing experience. Highly recommended! View all panoramic flight tours in Rio
9.
Drive a Jeep around Rio
Driving a Jeep and going around Rio is a great way to experience the city. Some tours drive you to see the rainforest, other take you to see the favelas. Whatever is your pick, a great time is guaranteed! View all Jeep tours in Rio
10.
Explore Rio on a bike
Cycling around Rio. Of course, first you need to like cycling, but if you do, Rio is highly bike friendly and some of the tours take you places which you will not see on regular tours. If you like bikes and like to visit the not so common sights, then these tours are for you! View all bike tours in Rio
View Tours