Things to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Activities, attractions and tours

A crowded beach with numerous umbrellas and people enjoying the sand and water.
A pathway lined with tall palm trees under a clear sky.
A beach with people walking along the shore and some in the water.
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A cityscape with tall buildings, a pedestrian plaza, and people walking.

Things to do

Christ the Redeemer & Rio de Janeiro Half-Day City Tour

Christ the Redeemer & Rio de Janeiro Half-Day City Tour

€62
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Christ the Redeemer & Rio de Janeiro Half-Day City Tour
Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

€25
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail
Museum of Tomorrow Guided Tour Admission & Transfer

Museum of Tomorrow Guided Tour Admission & Transfer

€43
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Museum of Tomorrow Guided Tour Admission & Transfer
Shared Speedboat Tour - Paradise Island Tour

Shared Speedboat Tour - Paradise Island Tour

€29
per adult
Shared Speedboat Tour - Paradise Island Tour
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari

Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari

€34
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari
Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

€54
per adult
Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island
Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight

Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight

€248
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Tandem Flight
Picture 1 for Activity From Paraty: Full Day to Trindade - Nature and Sea

Day Tour to Trindade: Nature and Sea Adventure from Paraty

€32
per adult
Day Tour to Trindade: Nature and Sea Adventure from Paraty
Rio de Janeiro: Yup Star Observation Wheel Ticket

Rio de Janeiro: Yup Star Observation Wheel Ticket

€14
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rio de Janeiro: Yup Star Observation Wheel Ticket
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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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A beach with a road running parallel to it, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

2. Ipanema Beach

Located in one of the wealthiest areas in Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach is between Leblon and Arpoador, adjacent to the famed Copacabana Beach. Although the word Ipanema literally translates to “stinky lake” in the Tupi language, this description doesn’t fit what you’ll find along this stretch of white-sand beach where the rich and chic come to worship the sun. Beyond the western limit of the beach, there is a beautiful view of the two mountains, Dois Irmãos.
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A beach with palm trees, ocean waves, and mountains in the background.

3. Rua das Pedras

Rua das Pedras is the most famous street in the picturesque resort town of Búzios. Come here to shop for souvenirs in independent stores and galleries, sip coffee outside pretty cafés and experience Búzios’ lively nightlife.
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A cobblestone street lined with outdoor seating at a restaurant named Parvati.

4. Geriba Beach

Geriba Beach is a large stretch of golden sand with bars serving shrimp and empanadas. The tranquil sandy haven has warm water and fairly large waves that lure surfers to its shores. Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to join your fellow watersports enthusiasts on the waves.
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A sandy beach with waves, a flag, and a crepe stand.

5. Christ the Redeemer

Corcovado, which means “hunchback” in Portuguese, is a mountain in the Tijuca National Park in central Rio. The mountain offers three attractions in the one place. Although the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue may be the highlight, you can also see the world’s largest urban forest that is Tijuca National Park, and experience a scenic journey on the historic Corcovado Train, the country’s oldest tourist attraction.
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The Christ the Redeemer statue on a mountain peak, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

6. 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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A large, empty stadium with blue and yellow seats and a green field.

7. Forte Beach

Long, scenic Forte Beach is the main strand of Cabo Frio. The busy bay, which takes its name from its historic fort, is packed with huts, lodgings and stores. Come here to enjoy stunning views of the verdant promontories overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
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A sandy beach with waves, a lifeguard stand, and buildings in the background.

8. 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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A beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and buildings in the background.

9. João Fernandes Beach

Praia de João Fernandes, or João Fernandes Beach, is one of the best-loved stretches of sand in the resort town of Búzios. Choose your spot here on the golden sand beneath a brightly colored beach umbrella. Prepare for a day of basking in golden sunlight, swimming in clear blue waters and taking photo after photo.
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A beach with palm trees, umbrellas, and people.

10. Ferradura Beach

Praia Ferradura, or Ferradura Beach, is an idyllic crescent of sand on Búzios’ least busy coast, to the southwest. Located in one of the resort town’s wealthiest and most stylish neighborhoods, this glamorous beach is rumored to be a favorite with celebrities. It’s also an excellent place for a family day out. Bring or rent snorkeling masks and spend hours exploring the calm turquoise waters of this lovely cove.
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A beach with clear blue water, boats, and hills in the background.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Stay near popular Rio de Janeiro State attractions

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Copacabana Beach

9.0/10 (5,319 reviews)
More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.
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Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro State

Find the best Rio de Janeiro State areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rio de Janeiro State
Learn more about Rio de Janeiro State
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Copacabana

Copacabana Beach and Rua Barata Ribeiro are top sights in Copacabana, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station to see more sights in the area.

A beach with a patterned walkway, ocean, and mountains in the background.

Ipanema

Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.

A beach with people, umbrellas, and a large mountain in the background.

Barra da Tijuca

If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Reserve Beach. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.

A cityscape with a prominent mountain silhouette, a waterfront, and a bridge.

Botafogo

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.

A modern architectural structure with a unique design, a pool, and a waterfront setting.

Rio de Janeiro Centro

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

A panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro at sunset, featuring the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the cityscape with cable cars.

Rio de Janeiro

A boat on calm water with a sunset sky and hills in the background.

Angra dos Reis

A beach with clear turquoise water, colorful buildings, and a sandy shore with yellow chairs and an umbrella.

Búzios

A prominent rock formation with a balanced boulder atop, surrounded by lush green forest and distant mountain ranges under a clear sky.

Nova Friburgo

A beach with clear turquoise water, rocky outcrops, and lush green vegetation.

Paraty

A beach with gentle waves, a clear sky, and distant islands.

Ubatuba

A Gothic-style church with a tall spire, surrounded by lush greenery and a red bridge.

Petrópolis

A sandy beach with waves crashing onto the shore, a clear sky, and distant hills.

Macaé