Location: Rio de Janeiro
Top Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
With its plentiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and backdrop of samba and bossa nova rhythms, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro. Made famous in song, Ipanema Beach is still the place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, beckons visitors to Corcovado Mountain. Rio’s annual Carnaval celebrations are bacchanalian extravaganzas of feasting, music, dance, and costumed revelry.
Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro
1. Pedra Bonita
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,743 reviews
Reviewed By 210canae
This was my first time hang gliding, and I could not think of a better location to have done it! Between the views the adrenaline, I cannot describe how amazing this experience was. Well worth the money! As a first time jumper, I was admittedly overrun with adrenaline, but Ricardo was very professional, calm, and clear in his instructions. This made the experience smooth and free of any issues. Highly recommend you check this off your bucket list, if you make it down to Rio.
2. Parque Nacional da Tijuca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,259 reviews
You’ll find historical spots, spectacular views, a beautiful waterfall, a small chapel and unusual trees in this dense, tropical national park, probably best explored by jeep tour.
Reviewed By EvanBocaFL - Boca Raton, United States
If you can't go to the Amazon, enjoy one of Rio's jewels, an authentic tropical forest, nicely preserved in a mountain setting, with ponds, waterfalls, and small animals like monkeys and birds.
3. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB Rio de Janeiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,635 reviews
The CCBB is a cultural center that consists of exhibition rooms, three theaters, a library, cinema, and a video room. It is housed in an art deco style building located in what used to be the financial district of Rio de Janeiro.
Reviewed By JodoRio
Amazing neoclassic building, great exhibitions, theater, cinema, nice facilities and a wonderful library on the fifth floor.This is a very important and complete cultural center.There is a small café and a book store.
4. Parque Lage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,662 reviews
Reviewed By vanwilder_za - Cape Town, South Africa
One of the best places to have a morning brunch with a "wow" view when in Rio de Janeiro. Other places I can think of is Confeitaria Colombo in Copacabana, Hotel Fasano and Copacabana Palace, to name just a few. What makes this place so unique is its really old architecture with Tijuca forrest, Corcovado mountain and Cristo Redento as a backdrop. Food (breakfast options) is exquisite and you definitely feel like you're rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. Speaking of which, the place has been made famous by Pharrell Williams and Snoop Dogg as its where they recorded their famous no1 hit, Beautiful.
5. Copacabana Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,943 reviews
For sunning, relaxing and people watching, join the thousands who flock each year to this lively, world-famous beach lined with shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.
Reviewed By MissHolders - Accrington, United Kingdom
Our hotel was opposite Copacabana beach so we were well within reach of all the sights and sounds. It seemed to be busy all times day and night, with beach sellers and beach front bars & cafes all along the promenade. The sellers didn't hassle us (even the ones pretending to sell handbags but really offering drugs!), a simple 'no thank you' and they went on their way. Similarly, there are ALOT of homeless people, but again they never troubled us for money or anything. We never saw anyone begging. The beach is floodlit at night, but it's still advisable not to walk on the actual beach after dark. Copacabana beach slopes down towards the sea so there is always a blind spot from the main road/promenade. Considering the amount of people who visit the beach, its relatively clean; though there are people who litter pick, possibly as a means of income. There are various sand sculptures along the beach front, it is etiquette to give the sculptors a little money if you want to take photos; they have a tendency to be quite gruff if you don't. Generally, we felt quite safe walking along the promenade, but always be aware of your surroundings and don't go out flashing expensive items, just in case.
6. Ipanema Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,967 reviews
Popularized by the song "The Girl from Ipanema," this world-famous beach gives foreign visitors a sense of life in Rio, displaying a cross-section of different lifestyles, chic boutiques and eateries and luxurious apartment buildings.
Reviewed By vonvoyageButterfly - Sao Paulo, Brazil
There are lots of selling drinks caipirinha , coconut,there's a lots of people so extra careful of your belongings, and yes the beach so beautiful to swim ???? just big waves ???? beautiful beach indeed ????
7. Sao Bento Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,600 reviews
Gregorian chants are performed on Sundays at this Benedictine complex, which was completed in 1641 and contains a spectacular church altar.
Reviewed By CJW913 - De Pere, United States
Benedictine monks from Bahia founded the Sao Bento Monastery in 1590, which is located in the hills of Sao Bento. Built between 1617 and 1641, the simple white exterior of the building reflects the simplicity of the time, but gives no hint of the opulence of the gilded Baroque interior. Stepping inside, and seeing the carvings, paintings, statues, and gilding literally takes your breath away. It is such a sensory overload that my brain could not take it all in! This is by far one of the most splendorous church interiors that I have ever seen--and I have seen many while visiting 140 countries. A number of the works on display were carved by one of the monks, Frei Domingos da Conceicao (1643-1718), including the main altar, and the statues of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica. One needs more time than my husband were given on our private tour of Rio to take in all the riches of this abbey church.
8. Leblon Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,679 reviews
Reviewed By kapaniris - Athens, Greece
This is maybe the best beach in Rio, amazing people, wonderful bars, breathtaking with superb beach volley fields !!
9. Arpoador beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,934 reviews
Reviewed By Delanuit11 - Geneva, Switzerland
Arpoador has 2 sides before to reach a small peninsula which is a rocky hill. It certainly has the most beautiful sunset in town. The north beach with its wild waves is the paradise for surfers. The south beach also has its surfers along the usual beach public. Said to be dangerous, avoid to climb the beautiful green park. Have a fresh coconut and enjoy the view.
10. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,706 reviews
Primarily a recreation area for Cariocas, the 5-mile pathway circling the lake is popular for walkers, skaters, and cyclists. In the evening there may be live music, and kiosks serving drinks and food.
Reviewed By ZarinS_13 - Mumbai, India
This is the lagoon which is connected to the Atlantic Ocean. Its a very pretty sight. You can just sit and watch the beauty of nature.
