Top 37 Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro 2019 - Best Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Pedra Bonita

Amazing city view and hiking

Pedra Bonita

8

Pedra Bonita offers one of the most beautiful city views in Rio. Is so beautiful! And the trail is amazing too and not too long, 30 minutes and you'll be there. A lot of cariocas go to pedra bonita at night to see the sunrise from the top, is a breath-taking experience! Read more ›

by Giovana

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CCBB

Things To Do 10 1

By Giovana

Free and amazing art museum!

CCBB

10

CCBB is one of the 100 most visited museums in the world. The building is beautiful by itself, it's a restored neoclassical building and it's huge. The CCBB houses three theaters, bookstore, cafe, tea salon, cinema and several exhibition halls. All the best exhibitions in town passed here, as Dalí, Infinite Obsession and Cai-Guo-Qiang. Read more ›

by Giovana

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Jardim Botânico

Things To Do 15 4

By Marina

Home for monkeys, toucans...

Jardim Botânico

15

The place is the home for a research institute and its alleys, bushes and lakes are an invitation to a lot of reading and contemplation. It's perfect after a quick bike ride or running around the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, followed by a cooling walk around trees that are maybe older than 100 years. Read more ›

by Marina

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Ipanema Beach

Things To Do 11 1

By Giovana

The coolest beach in town

Ipanema Beach

11

Ipanema is the beach where everybody goes. Despite of having a lot of tourists here, it's totally different from Copacabana. There are diferents zones in the beach. Posto 8 is gay-friendly, Posto 9 is 420-friendly and a little bit hippie and alternative too, and Posto 10 is more preppy but still laid-back. Read more ›

by Giovana

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Escadaria Selarón

Things To Do 17 2

By Francisco

A beautiful and hidden spot

Escadaria Selarón

17

It's a great place for taking pictures! You can spend hours going up and down the stairs, in awe by this delicate artwork. Also, this place isn't very known by foreigners, so many people come to Rio and never discover it. Read more ›

by Francisco

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Confeitaria Colombo

Things To Do 8 4

By Paula

120 Years of Pure Delight

Confeitaria Colombo

8

If you are in Centro visiting the old buildings or the Municipal Theater this is definitely a must. They serve amazing tea time menus. You can also go there for lunch, they have good sandwiches. It is not the cheapest place to eat but it is worth the visit. Read more ›

by Paula

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Arpoador

Things To Do 14 4

By Guilherme

The beauty of everyday sunset

Arpoador

14

Check the breaking waves on the left side and on Ipanema's side, you'll have a breathtaking view on the sunset. It's considered special as during the midsummer you are able to enjoy the sun setting over the sea (a rare event in the Brazilian coast) right next to the Two Brothers hill. Read more ›

by Guilherme

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Santa Teresa

Things To Do 9 2

By Giovana

Artistic and Bohemian neighborhood

Santa Teresa

9

Santa Teresa is a hidden gem in downtown. The locals just call it "Santa" and we come here to have a good beer, listen to a good samba and eat an amazing feijoada. There are a lot of artistic events on the weekend and an active night life. Read more ›

by Giovana

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Parque Lage

Things To Do 11 3

By Marina

Take a walk on the park

Parque Lage

11

We go there for a lot of reasons: to find shadow, to have breakfast, to do art courses – there are lots of them in the Parque – all that in a gorgeous mansion built by one of the most important families in Rio. And the place hosts some very interesting parties, intriguing art exhibitions of student’s works and an amazing garden as well. Read more ›

by Marina

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Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Things To Do 13 3

By Marina

Outdoor exercising in Rio

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

13

We go for a walk, for running or for riding a bike around the lake. It’s a great place for outdoor fitness. Unfortunately swimming is impossible – take a look at the water and you’ll see it’s far polluted. Well, it’s hard to meet a Carioca who doesn’t exercise, or at least, that assumes it. Read more ›

by Marina

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Pista Cláudio Coutinho

Things To Do 7 2

By Vinicius

Nice path along the base of Sugarloaf

Pista Cláudio Coutinho

7

Pista Cláudio Coutinho is a 1.25 km walking trail frequented by runners, climbers and people interested in see the amazing view of Praia Vermelha (Red Beach). It is a very beautiful place, with woods and animals like monkeys and lizards. There is also a hiking trail that leads to the first hump of the Sugarloaf cable car, the Morro da Urca. Read more ›

by Vinicius

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Grumari

Things To Do 5 1

By Giovana

Wild and wonderful beach!

Grumari

5

This is almost the only wild beach close to the city. It's just wonderful. A true paradise in Rio. And the best surf spot ever. There is some bars with finger food and drinks in a very laid-back vibe. This is the beach where Jack Johnson goes when he is in Rio, and a lot of famous surfers as well. Read more ›

by Giovana

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Praia vermelha

Things To Do 8 2

By Marina

A very special beach

Praia vermelha

8

Enjoy a paradise in the first hours of the day while swimming or practicing outdoor sports. Praia Vermelha is located within a military area, so it's very safe. It's a great way to exercise and start your day. The sea is very calm and the beach is small, good for children too. Read more ›

by Marina

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Horto waterfall

Things To Do 6 0

By Giovana

Waterfall in the city!

Horto waterfall

6

It's a beautiful waterfall and just 15 minutes from botafogo. Perfect to go after a beach's day and clean up the salt water while enjoying the nature and the fresh air. The trail is short, about 10 minutes and requires some attention cuz there is some spots that you need to climb a little bit, but it's easy and totally worth it. Read more ›

by Giovana

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MAR (Rio Art Museum)

Things To Do 7 0

By Marina

Art with a view

MAR (Rio Art Museum)

7

This brand new museum was the first step to make an old dream of the cariocas come true: bring – cultural and economic - life back to the docks area in Rio de Janeiro. The sights from the rooftop of the museum - access is free of charges- are amazing. Read more ›

by Marina

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Praia da Joatinga

Things To Do 8 2

By Gisele

Joatinga beach

Praia da Joatinga

8

This is a beach you can go if you want to avoid the most popular (and crowded) ones. The beach suffers a great influence of the tide: with the high tide the sea leaves almost no space for people on the sand, but when the tide is low, the little strip of sand becomes a paradise with both human and nature beautys. Read more ›

by Gisele

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Morro da Conceição

Things To Do 5 1

By Marina

Little houses up hill in old port area

Morro da Conceição

5

Though for quite a long time lots of ancient buildings were abandoned and brought down by new enterprises, cariocas are usually interested in our own architecture. And one of the best places to see this iconic heritage is downtown, just a few blocks from the port, up hill, in Morro da Conceição. Read more ›

by Marina

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Mureta da Urca

Things To Do 6 3

By Lauren

Oldest Neighborhood in Rio

Mureta da Urca

6

Preserved Architecture from Colonial Days. Fabulous Cafés. Great Restaurants. Overall, a lovely place to spend the entire afternoon combing the back streets, stopping for a beer and enjoying conversation with locals along the famous bay facing rock wall. Read more ›

by Lauren

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Pedra do Sal

Things To Do 6 2

By Gisele

Pedra do Sal

6

It was known as 'Little Africa' and now a days is a place you can go if you wanna hear some samba roots, black music, 'chorinho' and jazz. Each day one of this rhythms is played live and a lot of people get toghether to hear some nice music. Read more ›

by Gisele

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Morro da Urca Trail

Things To Do 8 2

By Marina

Sugarloaf from a different point of view

Morro da Urca Trail

8

Cariocas know and appreciate trails. Some of them take you to few of the most important and touristic spots in town. The trail for Morro da Urca is one of them.With a beautiful view and easy trekking this urban hike is perfect for exercising. And as Urca is a Military area, it's a pretty safe zone to walk. Read more ›

by Marina

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Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS)

Things To Do 4 3

By Lauren

Free Photo Gallery in Jungle Mansion

Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS)

4

The location itself is gorgeous! A wealthy family donated their former estate to be converted into a photography gallery in a local neighborhood known for its rain forest backdrop. Above all it has an incredible café! Read more ›

by Lauren

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Prainha

Things To Do 5 1

By Vinicius

One of the best beaches in Rio

Prainha

5

Prainha is one of the more beautiful places in Rio, located inside a protected area. The locals like to go there to get away of all the Copacabana/Ipanema/Barra crowd and be in a more relaxing place with an outstanding landscape. Prainha is also frequented by surfers. Read more ›

by Vinicius

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MAM (Museum of Modern Art)

Things To Do 4 0

By Marina

Best museum in the City

MAM (Museum of Modern Art)

4

An amazing modernist building made in concrete by one the most importants Brazilian architects of the mid 20th century, Carlos Reidy, which is located 500 meters away from the heart of Rio’s business and economic center, would be a nice place for a short escape during work hours or to visit anyway. Read more ›

by Marina

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São Salvador

Lounges 4 0

By Giovana

Great nightlife and handcraft fair!

São Salvador

4

It's a square where a lot of free events and concerts use to happen. On Tuesdays, by night, there are workshops for people who wants to learn juggling. On Saturdays afternoon, there’s a samba gathering. On Sunday mornings It's time to listen to some chorinho. On weekends nights, it gets crowded with people chatting and drinking beer. Read more ›

by Giovana

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Tijuca National Forest

Things To Do 4 3

By Claudia

Be in the woods in minutes

Tijuca National Forest

4

Located between the south and north zones, Rio locals can easily reach the forest in a few minutes. There the options are diverse and suitable to all visitors. You can trek for hours, reach peaks, go to waterfalls or do the whole tour by car. Read more ›

by Claudia

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Fábrica Bhering

Things To Do 4 0

By Marina

Art space

Fábrica Bhering

4

It's a rustic but trendy and stylish old chocolate factory turned into a workplace for artists by artists themselves. It's also a cool to place to hangout when the artists are hosting some of the numerous vernissages. There's also a cozy little restaurant downstairs and a good vintage furniture store. Read more ›

by Marina

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Estação Botafogo

Things To Do 3 1

By Marina

Cult Movies

Estação Botafogo

3

Over the years, Rio has lost many of its street cinemas while the shopping centers have increased their big screens with the hollywood blockbusters. Estação has 3 little charming screens with a great selection of independent films. Read more ›

by Marina

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Feira do Lavradio

Things To Do 3 0

By Giovana

Antiques fair, great music and cool stuf

Feira do Lavradio

3

It's like a tradition. Every first saturday of each month cariocas go to feira do lavradio to buy some stuff as cool clothes, antique articles (from furniture to clothes), craftwork, vinyl records, hand-made bags and shoes, and a lot of another different and alternative things. Normally there is a live roda de samba in afternoon. Read more ›

by Giovana

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A Gentil Carioca

Things To Do 3 0

By Marina

Contemporary Art Gallery

A Gentil Carioca

3

it's not a typical art gallery. Located in the historic center of Rio de Janeiro, in the region called Saara, the largest outdoor market in Latin America, housed in an old building from the 1920s, the gallery is a prominent cultural center and social hub in Rio. Read more ›

by Marina

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Feira da General Glicerio

Things To Do 5 1

By Marina

Farmers market next to Corcovado

Feira da General Glicerio

5

It's the most lively farmers market in town. Besides fruits, vegetables and snacks you can hear some "chorinho" right outside in the middle of the market for free! You may also find clothes, gifts and beautiful flowers. Read more ›

by Marina

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Prosa na Cozinha

Things To Do 0 0

By Marina

Cooking Class

Prosa na Cozinha

0

It's more like an evening in a friend's kitchen than a formal cooking class. Chef Manu Zappa is a great hostess and usually her students turn up into her friends. Every week there are several classes about different cuisines. Read more ›

by Marina

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Espaço Pura Vida

Things To Do 2 0

By Giovana

Best place for water sports!

Espaço Pura Vida

2

It's so cool here. This place is quite new but it has been a huge success and it's becoming a reference for water sports, vegan food, healthy life-style, and yoga/meditation in Barra. If you like water sports and have a great time with nature this place is a must! They have sup boards, single and double kayaks, and surf class upon request. Read more ›

by Giovana

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Jongo da Lapa

Lounges 2 0

By Giovana

Roots brazilian circle dance

Jongo da Lapa

2

Jongo and Coco are two very traditional dances in brazil, probably the most root ones. Not even all the cariocas know it. Jongo is a dance and musical genre of black communities from southeast Brazil and Coco comes from a mix of the native and black communities culture. A way before all the samba appeared. Read more ›

by Giovana

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Farmer's Market at Glória

Things To Do 3 0

By Giovana

Organic Farmer's Market in Rio!

Farmer's Market at Glória

3

The Gloria's Farmer's Market was the first organic farmer's market in town. It just completed 10 years in 2014 and it's being a model for others farmer's market in the city. With a lot of fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheeses, bread, juices and also some grains too. All organic and natural. The best program for a healthy saturday morning. Read more ›

by Giovana

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Circuito Gastronomico Tiradentes Cultural

Things To Do 2 0

By Gisele

Every first Saturday of the month

Circuito Gastronomico Tiradentes Cultural

2

It costs nothing to join, you can drink and eat for a small costs. They have food for all kind of people, vegan, meals, sandwiches, cachaça... There are many activities for all ages, food, music, drinks, art. Last month there was a workshop for the kids, for example, who was taught how to make artesanal dolls and toys. Read more ›

by Gisele

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Choro da Glória

Lounges 0 0

By Juliana

Good vibes and Chorinho

Choro da Glória

0

The Choro (that brazilians nicknamed as Chorinho) is a soft and great music that promotes the perfect vibe to have some beers and chat with friends. At Choro da Glória you’ll experience a true Carioca’s lifestyle. Read more ›

by Juliana

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Bar da Cachaça

Things To Do 0 0

By Le

Beginning of every great night in Lapa

Bar da Cachaça

0

To know cachaca, to heat-up the night and for save some money when enter in one of the famous houses of Lapa. Read more ›

by Le

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Escadaria Selarón

Jardim Botânico

Arpoador

Foodie Tour of Rio de Janeiro

Full-Day Tailored Tour of R...

Easy Rainforest Hike in Rio...

Braseiro da Gavea

Bar do Mineiro

Talho Capixaba

Bar do Mineiro

Comuna

Bar Urca

Livraria da Travessa

Granado

Feira da General Glicerio

Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro

Browse popular tours and discover 37 tips recommended by our locals

The coolest beach in town

Ipanema Beach

Outdoor exercising in Rio

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

The beauty of everyday sunset

Arpoador

A beautiful and hidden spot

Escadaria Selarón

Free and amazing art museum!

CCBB

Home for monkeys, toucans...

Jardim Botânico

Take a walk on the park

Parque Lage

Great nightlife and handcraft fair!

São Salvador

One of the best beaches in Rio

Prainha

Amazing city view and hiking

Pedra Bonita

Pedra do Sal

Pedra do Sal

Be in the woods in minutes

Tijuca National Forest

Nice path along the base of Sugarloaf

Pista Cláudio Coutinho

Pedra Bonita

CCBB

Jardim Botânico

Full-Day Tailored Tour of Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema Beach

Escadaria Selarón

Confeitaria Colombo

Arpoador

Easy Rainforest Hike in Rio’s Tijuca National Park

Santa Teresa

Parque Lage

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Become an influencer!

Pista Cláudio Coutinho

Advanced Rainforest Hike in Rio’s Tijuca National Park

Grumari

Praia vermelha

Horto waterfall

MAR (Rio Art Museum)

Rio One Day Tour

Praia da Joatinga

Morro da Conceição

Mureta da Urca

Pedra do Sal

Walking Tour Rio Old Town

Morro da Urca Trail

Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS)

Prainha

MAM (Museum of Modern Art)

Walking Tour Lapa

São Salvador

Tijuca National Forest

Fábrica Bhering

Estação Botafogo

Feira do Lavradio

A Gentil Carioca

Feira da General Glicerio