21 Epic Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil’s PR team is booked and busy. If your feed hasn’t already been hit with clips of people dancing in sequins at Carnaval, sipping coconut water on Copacabana, or hang gliding over Rio’s wild skyline… give it a minute. I can confirm that Rio lives up to every bit of hype.
This Rio travel guide is for my fellow Black travelers who want more than just a beach pic. I’m talking cultural depth, local flavor, and experiences that feed the soul (and the camera roll). I’ve done Rio solo, and I’ve gone back to document a Carnaval trip as a videographer for the Packs Light x Intrepid Solo Not Solo Grant—so trust me, I’ve got you covered.
So grab your sunscreen, put on your walking shoes, and let’s explore everything you need to know and the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
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Starting April 2025, if you’re from the US, Canada, or Australia, you’ll need an e-visa to travel to Brazil. This start date has been pushed back 3 times since 2024, so check government websites for the most up-to-date information.
The visa costs $81 and is valid for ten years for U.S. citizens and five years for Canadians, allowing multiple entries within that time frame. Processing time should only take five business days, but the Brazilian government recommends applying two months in advance to be on the safe side. The entire application process can be done online.
PORTUGUESE, not Spanish. Although Brazil is in South America, the official language is Portuguese. I don’t speak Portuguese and could navigate fine, but it was a bit difficult. Download Google Translate, and download Portuguese offline so it can still be used even if you lose service.
I highly recommend learning some basic phrases like “Obrigado/a” (thank you), “Bom dia” (good morning), and “fala inglês?” (do you speak English?).
Rio is blessed with a tropical climate that stays pretty delightful year-round, but because the country is in the southern hemisphere, summer falls between December and March, while “winter” runs from June through September.
- December-March: Summer in Rio means hot temperatures (80-90°F), afternoon rain showers, packed beaches, and higher prices. But it also means Carnival in February/March, which is bucket-list worthy.
- April-June & August-October: These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and better prices. My personal favorite!
- July: Winter in Rio is mild (70s°F) but can be rainy and slightly cooler.
I’ve gone in September and in February and y’all all it was hot both times. There wasn’t a day under 70 degrees, but it did rain a bit in Rio.
I traveled solo in Rio and had a fantastic experience, but I also stayed vigilant. Catcalling happens (sigh), but I rarely felt physically unsafe during daylight hours. At night, I used rideshare apps instead of walking alone and kept to well-lit, populated areas. Like any major city, awareness is your best defense.
As a Black traveler, I felt extremely comfortable. Brazil has the largest Black population outside of Africa, so seeing Black and brown faces everywhere was refreshing! That said, colorism exists in Brazil just like everywhere else.
The important distinction: in Rio, I wasn’t particularly targeted as a tourist because of my race—I blended in until I opened my mouth and my terrible Portuguese gave me away. Your experience may vary depending on your appearance and how well you can blend in culturally.
Yes, it is widely available and cheap, coming from the U.S. dollar.
The heavy hitters are Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, and the Selarón Steps. But don’t sleep on less-famous spots like the Botanical Gardens, Pedra do Arpoador (the most gorgeous sunset), and the Museum of Tomorrow.
21 Epic Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Go During Carnaval (Or At Least Try To)
If you’ve never seen thousands of people dancing in sequins and feathers with more energy at 3 AM than you have on your best day after three espressos, then you haven’t experienced Carnival in Rio. This cultural phenomenon transforms the city into the world’s greatest celebration.
The parades at the Sambadrome showcase Brazil’s legendary samba schools competing with elaborate floats, hundreds of percussionists, and costumes that defy both gravity and imagination. Meanwhile, street parties called “blocos” pop up across the city, each with its own theme, music, and crowd.
Want the full scoop on navigating this spectacular chaos? Read Carnival Rio de Janeiro 2026: Your Guide to the World’s Largest Party for everything from securing tickets to finding the best blocos!
Can’t Make Carnival? The Next Best Thing Is The Carnaval Experience
This behind-the-scenes tour was honestly one of my trip highlights. You’ll walk through massive warehouses where the Carnival floats and costumes are designed and built. The detail work is INSANE—I watched artisans hand-gluing thousands of sequins onto costumes while others carved giant sculptures that would later become parade floats.
The best part is you get to try on some costumes from previous years (yes, they’re as heavy as they look) and learn basic samba steps from actual performers.
Tour the Little Africa Neighborhood
To truly understand Rio, you need to understand its Black history. The Pequena África (Little Africa) neighborhood offers a powerful glimpse into the African diaspora’s profound influence on Brazilian culture.
This area near the port was where many enslaved Africans first arrived in Brazil, which later became the birthplace of samba. I took a walking tour that explored sites like Pedra do Sal (the “Salt Rock”), where early samba gatherings occurred, and the Instituto dos Pretos Novos, a memorial located at the site of a former cemetery for enslaved Africans.
The tour connected so many dots for me about how African traditions survived and evolved in Brazil, from religion to food to music. As a Black traveler, this experience gave me valuable context for everything else I saw in Rio. I highly recommend doing this early on your trip!
BOOK: Afro-Brazilian History & Immersion Walking Tour
Doors-Off Helicopter Ride
Y’all, I did something that I still can’t believe I had the guts to do: a DOORS-OFF helicopter ride over Rio with Vertical Rio. And when I say doors-off, I mean your feet are dangling over the edge of the helicopter as you soar above one of the most beautiful cities on earth.
Trust me, it’s not as scary as it looks—the safety harnesses are extremely secure. The views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the coastline from above are absolutely worth the momentary terror.
Pro tip: Don’t be like me and remember to wear matching socks! Those feet-dangling shots are mandatory, and nobody wants to see that mismatched Monday/Friday sock situation on Instagram.
The price tag isn’t cheap (around $250 USD for a 30-minute flight), but can you really put a price on those once-in-a-lifetime experiences? I think not.
Eat Rio Food Tour
I thought I knew Brazilian food before this tour. I was WRONG. So very wrong.
The Eat Rio food tour took me through local markets I would’ve never found on my own. I tried Brazilian staples like crispy tapioca pancakes filled with guava and cheese and discovered Suco de Cupuaçú, a juice made from an Amazonian fruit that literally changes flavors as you drink it!
Fun fact: In the Amazon, people traditionally eat açaí—yes, the same açaí in your overpriced smoothie bowl— with fish. Yeah, I was today years old when I learned that too.
Book: Eat Rio Food Tour
Take a 2-3 Day Trip to Salvador da Bahia
If you have extra time, PLEASE do yourself a favor and hop on the 2-hour flight to Salvador da Bahia. Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture and feels like a completely different Brazil than Rio.
Best Things to Do In Salvador da Bahia
- Balé Folclórico da Bahia: This dance performance showcases Afro-Brazilian traditions, including capoeira and dances honoring the orixás (deities in Candomblé). The precision, power, and beauty of the dancers left me speechless.
- Carnival Museum: Even if you miss the actual Carnival, this interactive museum lets you experience the unique Bahian version through costumes, music, and multimedia exhibits. Free entry on Wednesdays
- Black Salvador Immersion Tour: This deep dive into Salvador’s African heritage explores everything from religious practices to resistance movements. We visited terreiros (Candomblé temples), sampled traditional foods, and learned about important historical figures in Black Brazilian history.
Salvador deserves its own blog post, but trust me—if you’re a Black traveler interested in diaspora connections, Salvador is non-negotiable.
Take a Samba Dance Class
Nothing will make you appreciate professional samba dancers more than trying it yourself! I took a class and discovered muscles I didn’t know existed as I attempted to move my feet at seemingly impossible speeds. There are different styles of samba, and one of them really felt like a fast version of the heel-toe lol.
The class was filled with travelers from around the world, all equally terrible at first, which made for a fun, judgment-free zone.
Party at Pedra do Sal
If you want to experience authentic Rio nightlife with a strong connection to the city’s African roots, head to Pedra do Sal on Monday or Friday nights. This historic site in Little Africa—literally the “Salt Stone”—was where enslaved Africans were once brought ashore and later became the birthplace of samba.
Today, it hosts the best open-air street party in Rio. Local vendors sell cheap and potent caipirinhas, and the crowd is a perfect mix of tourists and locals. Entry is free, drinks are cheap, and the vibes are immaculate. Just keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd.
If you are solo traveling, I recommend booking a tour to party at Pedra do Sal at night to ensure your safety.
Walk Escadaria Selarón (Selarón Steps)
These world-famous steps are covered in over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, creating a beautiful mosaic that captures Rio’s colorful spirit. Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón dedicated 23 years of his life to this project, calling it his “tribute to the Brazilian people.”
The steps connect the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods and have appeared in countless music videos, most famously Snoop Dogg and Pharrell’s “Beautiful.” Arrive before 8 AM for the best photos without crowds.
*Read: Escadaria Selarón-Visiting the Colorful Stairs in Rio
Take the Cable Car Up to Sugarloaf Mountain
The two-stage cable car journey to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain gives you 360-degree views that will make you audibly gasp. No, seriously—I heard at least three different languages all saying their version of “OH MY GOD” as our cable car crested the final hill.
Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the often lengthy queue. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy both viewing platforms. Also, buy the express pass if you’re going during peak hours!
See Christ the Redeemer, a Seven Wonder of the World
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. But Christ the Redeemer is one of the Seven Wonders of the World for a reason.
Insider tip: If you don’t want to spend a bunch of time at some of the top landmarks in Rio, just 10-20 minutes to get photos, book this tour. I went on it, and it was perfect because we made stops at Christ the Redeemer, Escadaria Selarón, Tijuca National Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, and a few other places in 8 hours. If you try to go to all these places yourself, the Ubers alone will cost more than the tour.
Visit Tijuca National Park
A rainforest inside a city? Only in Rio. Tijuca National Park covers nearly 8,300 acres and is a miracle of environmental restoration—the entire forest was replanted by hand in the late 19th century after being cleared for coffee plantations.
Highlights include the cascading Taunay Waterfall, the Vista Chinesa lookout point, and several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Hike Pedra do Telégrafo
Another Instagram favorite, you’ve definitely seen those “death-defying” photos of people hanging off a cliff edge in Rio. Welcome to Pedra do Telégrafo, home of the most famous optical illusion hike in Brazil!
The trail itself is moderately challenging—about 30-40 minutes of uphill hiking through beautiful coastal scenery. The local photographers hanging around will help you nail the perfect pose for a small tip.
Stroll the Jardim Botânico
This lush botanical garden is a calm escape from the city. It features giant palms, orchids, and monkeys—yes, monkeys.
Tour Favela Rocinha
There’s a lot of discussion on whether taking favela tours is ethical, but I think if you choose a tour run by actual favela residents that puts money back into the community and is helping local businesses, why shouldn’t they also benefit from tourism dollars?
Taking a responsible tour of Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela, offers insight into a side of Rio that most tourists never see. These communities are complex places with their own economies, cultures, and incredible resilience.
I recommend booking with Favela Brothers Tours or Brazilan Real Tour. Both are Afro-Brazilian owned and operated.
Chill at Copacabana & Ipanema Beach
Rent a chair, order a coconut, and soak up the sun like a local. The people-watching here is elite.
Ride Bikes Along Copacabana & Ipanema Beach
Cruise the beach boardwalks with ease using the city’s rental bikes. Great for morning rides. You’ll need to download the Bike Itaú app to ride.
Sunday is great for cycling when the beach road closes to cars, and locals come out in full force to enjoy their city—joggers, skaters, families, and street performers create a festive atmosphere.
Go Shopping! Especially If You Love Farm Rio
If you’ve ever drooled over Farm Rio’s vibrant, tropical prints online, visiting their hometown stores in Rio is a colorful fever dream come true. This Brazilian brand embodies Rio’s exuberant energy, and their flagship stores offer pieces you can’t find internationally.
And don’t skip Rio’s open-air markets for colorful dresses, handmade jewelry, and souvenirs with soul.
Explore Santa Teresa Neighborhood
If Rio had a Brooklyn, it would be Santa Teresa—a hilltop bohemian neighborhood filled with artists, musicians, and the kind of effortlessly cool vibes that make you wonder if you should just cancel your return ticket and move in. Great for cafes, galleries, and murals.
Watch Sunset at Arpoador Rock (Pedra do Arpoador)
Prepare to audibly gasp at how absolutely stunning this sunset is! It’s a top two and not two. Located at the point where Ipanema meets Copacabana, Arpoador Rock offers what I consider the perfect Rio sunset experience. This massive rock formation juts out into the ocean, providing a natural viewing platform that fills with locals and tourists every evening for the daily sunset ritual.
What makes it special? The vantage point lets you see the sun setting between the Two Brothers (Dois Irmãos) mountains at the end of Ipanema Beach, creating a postcard-perfect silhouette. And unlike many tourist spots, locals actually outnumber visitors here—Cariocas (Rio natives) gather nightly to applaud the sunset, a charming tradition that speaks to how Rio’s residents appreciate the natural beauty of their city.
Hang Glide Over Rio
Launch from a mountain and fly over the city and beaches. Scary? A little. Worth it? Absolutely.
FYI: This has a weight limit of 200 lbs, so it’s not plus-size friendly.
Where to Stay in Rio
Choosing the right neighborhood in Rio can make or break your experience, as each area has its own distinct personality. Here’s my breakdown of the best places to stay:
Copacabana
Best for: First-time visitors, iconic beachfront, accessibility | Vibe: Touristy, energetic, never sleeps
Why it works: The most famous beach in Brazil offers convenient access to tourist attractions and endless dining options.
Recommended stays: Luxury: Belmond Copacabana Palace (the grande dame of Rio hotels) | Mid-range: Arena Hotel | Budget: Selina Copacabana
Ipanema
Best for: Beach lovers, upscale shopping, dining scene | Vibe: Trendy, upscale, beautiful people everywhere
Recommended stays: Luxury: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro (where celebrities stay during Carnival) | Mid-range: Ipanema Inn | Budget: El Misti Hostel Ipanema
Santa Teresa
Best for: Bohemian vibes, artistic scene, historic architecture | Vibe: Quirky, creative, laid-back
Why it’s special: Perched on a hill, this neighborhood offers an entirely different Rio experience with cobblestone streets, artistic boutiques, and incredible city views. It feels like a village within the city. But it is hilly and a bit out of the way! For example the beach is very far away.
Recommended stays: Luxury: Hotel Santa Teresa Rio MGallery | Mid-range: Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro | Budget: Casa Geranio
Lapa
Best for: Nightlife enthusiasts, budget travelers, cultural immersion | Vibe: Gritty but authentic, party central, historically rich
Why consider it: As Rio’s nightlife hub, Lapa puts you right in the center of the action with countless samba clubs, bars, and the famous Selarón Steps nearby. It’s more affordable than beachfront areas but has a bit more edge.
Recommended stays: Mid-range: Selina Lapa | Budget: Villa25 Hostel & Suites | Note: Luxury options are limited in Lapa
Leblon
Best for: Families, upscale experience, local vibes | Vibe: Residential, affluent, refined
Why consider it: Adjacent to Ipanema but more residential, Leblon offers a glimpse into how wealthy Cariocas live. It’s a big expat area. Next to good beaches but not central to other activities.
Recommended stays: Luxury: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort | Mid-range: Ritz Leblon | Budget: Leblon Spot Design Hostel
Safety tip: Regardless of where you stay, research the specific street and surrounding blocks. In Rio, safety can vary dramatically from one street to the next, even in good neighborhoods.
Black-Owned Restaurants in Rio de Janiero
As a Black traveler, I love supporting Black-owned businesses wherever I go. Brazil has the largest population of people of African descent outside of Africa, which is beautifully expressed through food. Here are some amazing Black-owned restaurants in Rio that deserve your attention and appetite:
Yayá Comidaria Pop Brasileira
This Afro-Brazilian-owned gem celebrates Brazil’s culinary diversity with dishes highlighting African influences. Chef Yayá’s menu changes regularly but always features fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The moqueca (seafood stew with palm oil and coconut milk) here will make you want to lick the bowl clean!
Dida’s Bar e Restaurante
A pillar in Rio’s dining scene founded by Dida Nascimento, this restaurant is known for African dishes served every Wednesday and a packed Saturday brunch. It’s also a hub for live samba and Black community gatherings.
Kaza 123
Júlia Ferreira’s cultural hub combines a restaurant, bookstore, gallery, and shop, specializing in angu, a historically significant corn-based porridge that sustained generations of Afro-Brazilians. The walls feature stunning collages of famous Black Brazilians.
G&G Gourmet
Founded by Georgia Gomes, a former samba dancer turned chef, G&G offers African-inspired dishes like Bobo de Camarão. Located in Morro da Conceição, it’s a favorite for post-Pedra do Sal hangouts.
Where: Rua Sacadura Cabral, n°55 – RJ | Must try: Her famous Bobó de Camarão (shrimp, palm oil, and cassava stew)
Afro Ancestral Cusines
Run by Dandara Batista, this award-winning spot focuses on African diasporic dishes from Brazil, Cape Verde, and Congo.
Agô Bar da Encruza
A concept bar and restaurant in Santa Teresa founded by Kananda Soares, this space honors Afro-Brazilian religions through decor, music, and dishes like acarajé and vatapá. The symbol of Exu (Candomblé god of crossroads) is engraved at the entrance, and all artwork comes from Black artists.
Safety Measures as a Solo Woman Traveler
Traveling solo as a woman in Rio requires awareness but shouldn’t inspire fear. I spent nine days exploring the city on my own and had an overwhelmingly positive experience by following these precautions:
- Use rideshare apps like Uber rather than hailing street taxis, especially at night.
- Don’t walk around with your phone in your hand!
- Walking after dark should be limited to well-lit, populated areas like Ipanema and Leblon beachfronts.
- Airport transfers are worth pre-arranging, especially for late-night arrivals.
- Travel light to the beach—bring only what you need for the day.
- Never leave belongings unattended while swimming (ask a neighboring beachgoer to watch your things or take turns if with friends).
- Don’t wear gold jewelry.
- Download offline maps before your trip.
- Share your itinerary with someone back home.
- Use a dummy wallet with just enough cash for the day.
- Choose properties with 24-hour reception or security.
- Avoid ground-floor rooms when possible.
- Double-lock doors and use any additional security features provided.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.
- Make friends at hostels or on tours if you want company for certain activities.
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases. Locals appreciate the effort and may be more likely to help if needed.
Remember: most negative incidents targeting tourists in Rio are opportunistic, not violent. Awareness, not paranoia, is your best protection.
How Many Days to Spend in Rio
The eternal question: how long is long enough in Rio? No time is enough time, lol. You’ll end up wanting to move there.
The Essential Rio (4-5 Days)
In 4-5 days, you can hit the must-sees: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana/Ipanema beaches, Selarón Steps, and maybe a guided tour of a favela or the Botanical Gardens. This is enough time to get a taste of Rio but will keep you moving at a fairly brisk pace.
The Comfortable Experience (7-8 Days)
A week allows you to see the essentials plus explore neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Lapa more thoroughly, enjoy some beach relaxation time, and maybe take a day trip to nearby Niterói or Ilha Grande. This is my recommended timeframe for first-time visitors who want to experience Rio without rushing.
The Deep Dive (10-14 Days)
Two weeks gives you time to live like a local. You can explore lesser-known beaches like Prainha, take multiple-day trips, join cooking classes or samba lessons, and really get a feel for different neighborhoods. Add the side trip to Salvador mentioned earlier, and you’ve got the perfect introduction to Brazilian culture.
My Recommendation
If possible, aim for at least 6 days in Rio itself, plus 2-3 additional days if you want to include Salvador.
Avoid the common mistake of trying to see “all of Brazil” in one trip. The country is continental in size! Better to experience Rio thoroughly than to spend half your vacation in transit between distant destinations.
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