Top 10 Things To Do & See in Rio
If you’re looking for the ultimate block party then Pedra do Sal is the place for you. Here travelers and locals dance to samba, Brazilian funk, and American/international pop music in the streets! Once you step onto the scene the smoke scent of barbecue hits you, and vendors line the streets selling caipirinhas and party accessories.
The party (aka bloco) usually kicks off around 9pm on Mondays, but this bloco has a mind of its own so gatherings can happen on Fridays and Saturdays too. I recommend taking an Uber to reach Pedra do Sal safely. Since it’s north of the South Zone (think copacabana), locals suggest leaving your valuables at home and avoiding the surrounding streets once the party ends. Pedra do Sal is a great way to dance and celebrate alongside Brazilians without the need for a favela tour.
One of the best ways to explore the nightlife of a destination is by joining a bar crawl. Bar crawls in Rio de Janeiro will take you to Lapa District, known for its endless stretch of bars and restaurants. Here you can meet other travelers, enjoy local cocktails, and dance until you can’t stand anymore! If you’re nervous about exploring Rio’s nightlife alone, this is a safe way to party with the guidance of a local Brazilian.
Discover the roots of Afro-Brazilian culture with the Little Africa Walking Tour. Brazil is home to the largest African diaspora outside of Africa, and its music, food and dance reflect those influences. The Little Africa walking tour guides you through the port region of Rio de Janeiro, also known as Centro. Skip the favela tours and consider this more ethical and meaningful way to explore the “real” Rio de Janeiro.
Get to know Rio de Janeiro beyond its beaches by hopping on the historic Santa Teresa Tram Tour. Santa Teresa’s streets are filled with beautiful artwork, intertwined with lush gardens, winding streets, and French-inspired architecture. The Santa Teresa tram is a historic line in Rio de Janeiro that has been in operation since 1877. The tram ride showcases a high-level view of the city between Carioca terminal and Rua Muratóri. This tram line is still used by locals for daily transportation so plan your tour outside of the peak business hours. I did my tour on a Monday around 10am and skipped the peak transport times.
Since locals advise against gringos(tourists) from wandering around Santa Teresa by foot, this tram tour is a safer option. This ride gave me a new appreciation for Santa Teresa’s architecture and how its neighborhoods blend nature with art!
While this beach isn’t considered a “hidden” gem, it’s still a gem worthwhile visiting! Unique to Copacabana and Ipanema beach because of its position at the edge of tall cliffs, Joatinga beach is a must visit when in Rio.
To get there, order an Uber or drive, unless you’re staying nearby. Even though Joatinga is situated inside a gated community, it’s a public beach open to all!
Be ready for the adventurous arrival! Since the beach is located at the bottom of a cliff, you’ll need to hike over some rocks and trek along a man-made cement path to get to this beach. Don’t let this discourage you! Brazilians and visitors trek this path daily, just take small and controlled steps.
If you want to unlock the magic of Joatinga, come at sunrise and enjoy the early morning waves with local surfers. Vendors start setting up by 9-10am with beach chairs, umbrellas, and fresh coconut water, so bring money for refreshments. What makes Joatinga differ from the other beaches near the south zone is the amount of food vendors available. Since this beach is smaller and harder to get to, you won’t find as many vendors selling grilled cheese or steamed corn. Still the views here are spectacular and well worth the visit!
After a day of tanning at the beach, finish off by watching the sunset from Arpoador rock! Every evening locals and visitors gather on the rocks waiting to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Along the way you may find street performers playing samba as a crowd of people dancing together. Of course, the food vendors are selling anything from açaí to steamed corn, so you can never truly go hungry.
The best way to get undisrupted views of Christ the Redeemer is by booking a helicopter tour. For even better views, book the doors off flight and stick your feet outside! It was so much fun to see all the places we’ve explored in Rio from above.
Booking a Christ the Redeemer helicopter tour is the best alternative to the huge crowds and long lines onsite. This helicopter tour gets you pretty close to Christ the Redeemer and other gorgeous spots around Rio de Janeiro.
There’s no better way to feel the energy of Brazilians than at a football (yes I called it football, not soccer) game. If you know anything about Brazilians, you know they love the game of football, so join in on the fun!
Rio is home to four major football clubs: Flamengo, Fluminense, Botofago, and Vasco de Gama. Check the game schedule and decide what teams you want to see. You can attend the games by buying a ticket at the club stores, stadium ticket booth or booking with a tour operator.
If you opt to buy tickets from a club store you must bring your passport to be able to purchase your tickets. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if it’s an important game since the lines in store tend to be long. For comfort, I recommend buying tickets from a tour operator.
Spend your Sunday at the Feira Livre da Glória market, a street market that sells produce, snacks, and handmade goods! The market runs every Sunday from 7am to 4pm. Follow this instagram page for information on the market’s location.
Home to over 6,500 plant species, Jardim Botânico is a must-see during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. I recommend reserving at least two hours to explore the grounds and get lost in its sprawling garden. You may even spot the adorable marmoset monkeys swinging from the branches.
Honorable mentions:
Escape the bustling city and enjoy the words largest urban jungle, Tijuca National Park. Located just 30 minutes from Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone, Tijuca National Park is home to
Visit the infamous steps in Rio de Janeiro! The “Papa Steps” are a tribute to Brazilians from the Chilean artist Jorge Selaron who started these steps in 1990.
Enjoy late evening Samba while indulging in refreshing cocktails!
