Botafogo Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro Top Attractions

Jardim Botânico

The Botanical Garden is in a quiet neighborhood and offers a peaceful respite from the bustling activity that defines much of Rio. For those who love gardens, this is a must see! The garden is ...more »

  • Location: Jardim Botânico
  • Type: Parks and Gardens
  • Tel: +55 (21) 3874-1808

Copacabana Beach

Copacabana is perhaps the world's most famous beach. With the iconic view of Sugar Loaf mountain and the wide expanse of 2.2 miles (4km) of white sand, the beach is a favorite of locals and millions ...more »

  • Location: Copacabana
  • Type: Beaches

Barra Beach

Barra Beach (including Pepe Beach at the start) is the longest beach in Rio de Janeiro measuring nearly 9 miles (14.4 km) and boasts the new trendy location of Barra da Tijuca. Residents and smart ...more »

  • Location: Barra da Tijuca
  • Type: Beaches

Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach has been rated the sexiest beach in the world by the Travel Channel and for good reason. It is the place "to see and be seen" as this is the favorite gathering spot for visiting ...more »

  • Location: Ipanema
  • Type: Beaches

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, or more simply Lagoa, is a scenic neighborhood centered around a large body of water and it's perfect for family fun and relaxation. The water, sometimes called a lake, is ...more »

  • Location: Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
  • Type: Top Attractions

Sugar Loaf Mountain

(Pão de Açúcar) A visit to Rio de Janeiro would not be complete without a trip to one of the world's most popular attractions. Inaugurated in 1912, the Cable Cars of Sugar Loaf Mountain have been prov ...more »

  • Location: Urca
  • Type: Sugar Loaf Mountain
  • Tel: +55 (21) 2546-8400

Christ the Redeemer Statue

October 12th, 1931 - The Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) Statue is inaugurated atop Corcovado Mountain and after eighty years still reigns supreme in the hearts and imagination of millions acros ...more »

  • Location: Cosme Velho
  • Type: Christ the Redeemer
  • Tel: +55 (21) 2558-1329

Walking, Jogging and Biking

There are beautiful walking, jogging and biking paths throughout Rio. It’s natural to take a long walk along the beaches but there are also special paths set aside for this activity. And at last coun ...more »

  • Location: Rio de Janeiro - Multiple Areas
  • Type: Sports

Helisight Helicopter Tours

Helisight Helicopter Tours have been operating in the clouds over Rio since 1991. With all the natural beauty in the city, it is no wonder that a helicopter tour is considered an ideal way to discover ...more »

  • Location: Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
  • Type: Top Attractions
  • Tel: +55 (21) 2511-2141

Tandem Hang Gliding

Embark on one of the most thrilling adventures of your life as you glide 1700 feet (520 meters) over the Tijuca Forest National Park and land on São Conrado’s "Pepino" Beach. ...more »

  • Location: Gávea
  • Type: Sports

All Rio de Janeiro Things To Do

Our Local Experts say:

With so many things to do and see, it’s hard to list Rio’s Top Attractions. But . . . we’ve taken a couple of shots at it. The 'What’s Hot' list below ranks Rio’s top attractions as selected by our website visitors over the last 90 days.

An alternate ranking of Rio’s Top Ten Attractions  is humbly offered by your MyDestination team. We believe our choices are both current and also stand the test of time. However, the fun is that you get to decide – so take a look and after your visit to Rio, let us know what you think. (Write a Review or send us a note).

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Norman

"The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time" - Bill Bryson