Rio de Janeiro is famous for its carnival, Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain and the amazing Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. While these attractions are entirely worth experiencing, there are lots of other things to see and do in this magnificent city, many of which can be enjoyed without spending a single real (the local currency, pronounced “hey-al”).

Giovana, our local Rio ambassador, has put together a list of her favourites. She also has a cool blog where she writes about her travels and experiences in Portuguese.

1. Enjoy the sunset at Arpoador Rock

Rio is blessed with beautiful beaches and breathtaking views, and sunset is the perfect time to enjoy them. Follow the crowd to Arpoador Rock for the best sunset view. It’s a tradition to clap when the sun has set.

Photo credit: Mathieu Bertrand Struck

2. Check out some exhibitions at the CCBB museum

The CCBB is one of the most visited museums in the world. Besides the art exhibitions, you can enjoy the building’s elegant neoclassical architecture. On the top floor there’s a great exhibition about Brazilian currency, with lots of historical notes and coins. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit in the mornings or evenings during the week. It’s closed on Tuesdays.

Photo credit: Leandro Ciuffo

3. Get active at Rio’s famous Lagoon

The Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is a great place for walking, running and biking. The area is quite big and there’s a trail that’s about 7.5 kilometres long. From here you can see many of Rio’s top tourist attractions, including the Christ the Redeemer statue, Dois Irmãos and Pedra da Gávea.

There are some great cafés and restaurants in the area too – Empório Jardim is a place that won’t disappoint. Enjoy getting active and then kick back with a refreshing coconut water while taking in the beautiful views.

Photo credit: Claudia Regina

4. Relax in the Parque Lage public park

Parque Lage is amazing – there’s a lot of greenery and it’s all well maintained. It’s a great place to stroll around and see some wildlife. There’s a trail that leads to the Christ the Redeemer statue, but be prepared, it’s around a three-hour walk. There’s also a cultural centre where various events are occasionally held.

Photo credit: Rodrigo Soldon

5. Take a refreshing shower in the Horto waterfall

Rio is always ready to surprise its guests. Imagine that just 15 minutes from the city there’s a wonderful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The Horto waterfall is where all the locals go when they’re tired of the beach and want to refresh themselves. It’s always crowded on weekends, so try to go on a weekday.

Photo credit: Rodrigo Soldon

6. Get lost in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a hidden gem right in the heart of the city. It’s a neighbourhood famous for its bohemian atmosphere and historical architecture. Take some time to lose yourself in the beauty of it all.

Be sure to notice (and ride) the old-fashioned tram; you can jump on at Largo dos Guimarães. Also keep an eye out for various artistic happenings and performances that usually take place on weekends.

Photo credit: Rogerio Zgiet

7. Take an alternative route to Sugarloaf Mountain

The Pista Cláudio Coutinho is a scenic trail that’s frequented by joggers, climbers and those interested in the incredible view. By taking this trail, you can hike to Morro da Urca – the first platform of Sugarloaf – for free. There are lots of scenic viewing points and it’s an excellent place to take photos. Go in the evening and enjoy the unobstructed panoramic view of Rio.

Photo credit: Juliana Lopes

8. Have a beach day

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Rio? Chances are, it’s the beach! Hanging out at the beach is a favourite local pastime and it’s something everyone can experience. Ipanema is the hippest beach in town and even though it attracts lots of tourists, it’s totally different to Copacabana. Be aware that there are different areas: Posto 8 (near Farme de Amoedo Street) is gay-friendly and Posto 9 (next to Maria Angélica street) is marijuana-friendly.

Photo credit: Xavier Donat

9. Get high on real samba at Pedra do Sal

Skip the gringos’ samba school parties and enjoy authentic local samba on the streets. There are lots of good free roda de samba (samba circles) in the city, but the absolute best and most traditional one can be found at Pedra do Sal. It’s said that samba was created here in times of slavery as a fun and informal pastime. The best days for samba are Mondays and Fridays, starting at 7 pm.

Photo credit: Luciana Batista

10. Meet Rio locals and enjoy local music at São Salvador

Brazilians love to meet up with friends for a chat and a drink. The special thing about São Salvador Square is that it’s where locals always gather to have a beer, hang out and enjoy live music. There’s always some kind of music or circus group practising here, and on weekends there’s an arts and crafts fair.

Photo credit: Riotravelblog.com

For more local recommendations read:
What locals like to do in Rio de Janeiro
Where locals like to eat in Rio de Janeiro
Where locals like to party in Rio de Janeiro

Special tip:
For a more authentic Rio de Janeiro experience, get the Like A Local mobile app

Opening photo credit: Hudsön