Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant coastal city in Brazil, famous for its stunning natural settings, carnival celebrations, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer.

Overview

Rio de Janeiro, often called the 'Marvelous City,' is known for its breathtaking landscapes, which include mountains, beaches, and rainforests. It is also a cultural hub, famous for its annual Carnival, samba music, and diverse culinary scene. The city offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top places to visit

30 places
Christ the Redeemer
Historic Sites

Christ the Redeemer

An iconic Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ overlooking Rio de Janeiro from Corcovado mountain, a symbol of Brazil.

Sugarloaf Mountain
Nature & Parks

Sugarloaf Mountain

A landmark peak accessible by cable car, offering panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay.

Ipanema Beach
Nature & Parks

Ipanema Beach

A world-renowned beach known for its beauty, lively atmosphere, and views of Dois Irmãos mountains.

Copacabana Beach
Nature & Parks

Copacabana Beach

A legendary crescent-shaped beach famous for its vibrant atmosphere and New Year's Eve celebrations.

Tijuca National Park
Nature & Parks

Tijuca National Park

One of the world's largest urban rainforests, offering trails, waterfalls, and panoramic city views.

Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa)
Historic Sites

Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa)

An iconic 18th-century aqueduct in Lapa, now a viaduct for the Santa Teresa Tram and a nightlife hotspot.

Santa Teresa
Historic Sites

Santa Teresa

A bohemian hillside neighborhood known for its historic charm, art studios, and panoramic views.

Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)
Arts & Culture

Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)

A world-famous, colorful staircase adorned with thousands of tiles by artist Jorge Selarón.

Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)
Nature & Parks

Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)

A stunning and historic botanical garden boasting diverse tropical flora and peaceful landscapes.

Parque Lage
Nature & Parks

Parque Lage

A picturesque park featuring an historic mansion, art school, tropical gardens, and a view of Christ the Redeemer.

Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã)
Museum

Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã)

An architecturally stunning and interactive science museum focused on sustainability and the future.

Maracanã Stadium
Sports & Adventure

Maracanã Stadium

A legendary football stadium, host to World Cups and Olympic ceremonies, offering guided tours.

São Conrado Beach
Nature & Parks

São Conrado Beach

A scenic beach known as a landing spot for hang gliders and paragliders, with stunning mountain backdrops.

Lage Park
Nature & Parks

Lage Park

A romantic park with an historic mansion, art school, and lush gardens, offering a unique view of Christ the Redeemer.

National Library of Brazil (Biblioteca Nacional)
Arts & Culture

National Library of Brazil (Biblioteca Nacional)

The largest library in Latin America, housed in a grand Beaux-Arts building with millions of historical items.

Municipal Theatre (Theatro Municipal)
Arts & Culture

Municipal Theatre (Theatro Municipal)

An opulent, historic opera house inspired by the Paris Opéra, hosting ballets, operas, and concerts.

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Nature & Parks

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

A large freshwater lagoon in the city's South Zone, perfect for outdoor activities and offering scenic views.

Escadaria das Artes (Stairway of Arts)
Arts & Culture

Escadaria das Artes (Stairway of Arts)

A vibrant staircase in Lapa adorned with local street art and graffiti, showcasing contemporary urban culture.

Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)
Museum

Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)

Brazil's premier art museum, housing an extensive collection of Brazilian art from various periods in a grand building.

Quinta da Boa Vista
Nature & Parks

Quinta da Boa Vista

A large historic park and former imperial residence, featuring gardens, lakes, and the RioZoo.

Niterói Contemporary Art Museum
Museum

Niterói Contemporary Art Museum

An iconic saucer-shaped museum by Oscar Niemeyer, featuring contemporary art and panoramic views of Rio.

São Bento Monastery
Historic Sites

São Bento Monastery

A magnificent Benedictine monastery celebrated for its exquisitely ornate, gilded Baroque interior.

Santa Cruz Fort
Historic Sites

Santa Cruz Fort

A historical 16th-century military fortress guarding Guanabara Bay, offering panoramic views and historical insights.

Rio de Janeiro Cathedral (Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian)
Historic Sites

Rio de Janeiro Cathedral (Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian)

A modernist conical cathedral with stunning stained-glass windows, a unique architectural marvel.

Feira Hippie de Ipanema (Hippie Fair of Ipanema)
Shopping

Feira Hippie de Ipanema (Hippie Fair of Ipanema)

A lively Sunday open-air market in Ipanema offering local arts, crafts, clothing, and street food.

Barra da Tijuca
Nature & Parks

Barra da Tijuca

A modern, rapidly developing neighborhood with long, clean beaches and extensive shopping and dining options.

Pedra do Sal
Arts & Culture

Pedra do Sal

A historic site and the birthplace of samba, hosting vibrant samba circles on Monday nights.

Vista Chinesa
Nature & Parks

Vista Chinesa

A pagoda-style gazebo in Tijuca National Park offering spectacular panoramic views of Rio's landmarks.

Ilha Fiscal
Historic Sites

Ilha Fiscal

A beautiful Gothic Revival castle on an island in Guanabara Bay, site of the last imperial ball.

Parque da Catacumba
Nature & Parks

Parque da Catacumba

An ecological park by Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon with nature trails, outdoor art, and adventure sports.

Sources & inspiration

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On the map

30 saved places-22.907, -43.173

Community photos

Photos shared by travelers who visited Rio de Janeiro.