What to do in Rio de Janeiro

Activities, attractions and tours

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Copacabana Beach which includes mist or fog, a sunset and a sandy beach
Copacabana Beach showing a beach
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro which includes a river or creek

Rio de Janeiro Tourist Attractions & Activities

Coming up: Rio de Janeiro! You’re ready to set course in a new direction. Perpetually prepared for inventive ways to get inspired and expand your horizons, you’re eager to investigate a new city like the savvy traveller you are. Find and book your activities now, and the only thing left to do is count the days until your trip and imagine all the places you'll go, because Expedia Australia can connect you with tons of things to do.

  • Book your favourite tours and excursions on Expedia Australia for significant savings, and you'll still have enough cash for a dream hotel or luxurious dinner while you’re in town. The activities in Rio de Janeiro are not only topnotch, but they won’t break the bank. We have 689 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$9.
  • Rio de Janeiro is a favourite among adventurers like you. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next holiday to this cityto check out local hot spots and explore the best things to do. The most booked activities can get the attention of even experienced explorers, and it's not hard to see why. Our collection includes an impressive range of historically based outings and opportunities for adventure. From Rio de Janeiro's most fun-filled attractions like the Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain Half-Day Tour to epicurean adventures like Plataforma Samba Show, there is a huge selection of opportunities to choose from when you review the activities list here at Expedia Australia.

You'll want a game plan to make the most of a trip to Rio de Janeiro, especially when you want to include trips to museums and outdoor activities. And it's evident that you don't want to hunker down in your hotel room—you're excited to get out and play. You're excited to sign up for the top activities around, and an afternoon walk through charming neighbourhoods is always time well spent. Our activities are the best way to organise your getaway. Book professional city tours on Expedia Australia, and there will be no need to worry about looking at a map.


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Top places to visit

1. Copacabana Beach

Gleaming hotels and forested hills line the perfectly curved 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Abutting one of Brazil’s highest density residential areas, this beach is nearly always filled to capacity, but that’s part of its charm. Swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic amongst thousands of other visitors, join in a game of soccer on the sand or just sit back on a beach chair and order snacks from a beach vendor and watch the passing parade.
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2. Ipanema Beach

When you visit Rio, set a day aside to spend on the beach. Vendors wander along the sand selling fresh coconut, beer and cachaca – Brazil’s national drink and an essential component of the caipirinha cocktail. Although Ipanema Beach is less busy than adjacent Copacabana, it is an excellent place to sip a drink and people watch. Ipanema is one of the most chic – and therefore most expensive – places in Brazil.
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Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro

3. Christ the Redeemer

Corcovado rises majestically out of the dense green rainforest that makes up Tijuca National Park, situated just west of central Rio. As the world’s largest urban forest, the national park itself is breathtaking, as is the 710-metre high granite mountain. It is the open arms of the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue at the mountain’s summit, however, that welcomes the 2 million visitors that travel here every year. Open to the public since 1931, the statue is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is an essential part of any trip to Rio.
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Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro city skyline in Brazil, Shutterstock ID 1033504918, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Faa Praharnpap, Other: Hcom budget

4. Maracanã Stadium

No arena is more central to the history of Brazilian soccer than Maracanã Stadium. The location of the final matches in both of Brazil’s FIFA World Cups, this stadium has hosted all the great names in Brazilian soccer. Watch one of Rio de Janeiro’s “Big Four” teams play a game, or take a guided tour of this iconic stadium and you’ll soon understand just how large soccer looms in the Brazilian psyche.
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Maracana Stadium featuring modern architecture and interior views

5. Sugar Loaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is named after the mounds of sugar produced by traders in the 16th century, during the boom of Brazil’s sugar cane industry. The mountain’s cone-like shape resembles the sugar loaves, fashioned before sugar was offered in the granulated or cube forms we know today. The mountain is, in fact, made of granite, and stretches 396 metres into the air.
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2 beaches is better than 1!
Breathtaking view of Copacabana Beach and Praia Vermelha in Rio de Janeiro!
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6. Avenida Atlantica

No Rio de Janeiro holiday is complete without a visit to Avenida Atlântica. This avenue is famous for its events year-round, including a massive New Year’s Eve celebration covering the entire avenue and Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the avenue’s promenade to experience Rio’s lively beach culture and oceanfront events.
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Sao Conrado Beach featuring a sandy beach

What to do in Rio de Janeiro


Discover the most popular places to visit in Rio de Janeiro

Explore areas of Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana

Copacabana

4/5(37 area reviews)

Mingle with the local residents on one of the world’s most famous beaches, admire art deco buildings and party until dawn in this effervescent neighborhood.

Copacabana
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Barra da Tijuca

5/5(2 area reviews)

Rio de Janeiro’s longest beach, a sprawling shopping mall and some of the city’s best seafood restaurants and bars await in this relaxed neighborhood.

Barra da Tijuca
Ipanema showing markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Relax on beautiful beaches, shop for fashion and revel in the nightlife of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most stylish areas.

Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Centro

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Rio de Janeiro Centro
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Leblon

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.

Leblon
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Botafogo

4/5(2 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travellers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.

Botafogo

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Rio de Janeiro

Frequently asked questions

Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Rio de Janeiro is explore Copacabana Beach. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's coastal beaches and views.
How do I spend a day in Rio de Janeiro?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer. Then, check out other areas of Rio de Janeiro for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro?
The top tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana Beach, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Rio de Janeiro?
Three days in Rio de Janeiro is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers spend four days on average. Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer and Ipanema Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Governador Island.
Is Rio de Janeiro a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Rio de Janeiro. Several key attractions, such as Flamengo Beach and Museum of Tomorrow, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Rio de Janeiro's neighbourhoods, Rio de Janeiro Centro is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Santa Teresa is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids?
Deciding what to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Rio de Janeiro, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Avenida Atlantica or Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí.
Are there free things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
In Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Beach is a must-see spot for anyone planning to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

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