Discover Rio de Janeiro

Greer Ransom
Mar 8, 2024
8 min read

Updated: Jun 8

One of the things I love about Brazil is how the people are always boisterous and full of life, singing in the streets, laughing, dancing, and greeting you with such enthusiasm! Everytime I visit I become so much happier and full of life. Rio is a city that is so full of life and things to do and is another place I will always continue to go back to. I have a few Brazilian friends that I have traveled to Rio with. The first time I visited back in 2015 I was with a friend and we met a couple of locals that took us around as well. This is what makes this city one of my favorites to write about because my experience is more from locals' experience with their recommendations which always makes things so much more authentic. As good as my research and my ability to get lost in a city and stumbleupon hidden gems is, having the ability to sit back and let a true expert take the wheel is so nice.

When to visit…

High season for tourism is around Jan-March because this is summer holidays and is when the biggest event Carnival is taking place. Keep that in mind when traveling. Summers are very hot and winters are (for me) a comfortable 70-80s usually. I prefer going in the winter to avoid lines.

Before you go…

Before you unleash yourself on the beautiful city please read: Rio Travel Hacks, for all the things you need to know about visiting Rio, transportation, money exchange and all the boring logistics that DO matter 😀.

Also here is you currency converter for your reference: Currency exchange rate

Getting around…

The best way to navigate Rio is by bike. With traffic renting a car or getting a taxi can mean hours in traffic and the driving rules differ a lot from other countries (lots of unspoken rules) The city is walkable but riding through the parks and by the sea and lakes is beautiful and a more efficient way to spend your time. Rio has a city wide bike rental system called Bike Rio, where you can download a mobile app, find a parking station near you (there are tons everywhere) and pay per ride by entering the bike code to unlock the bike. You can also make an account and do monthly plans if you plan to use this system a lot.

Alright let's get into it, here is my guide to exploring the city.

#1 Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)

Yes this goes without saying when you go to Rio, seeing Christ the Redeemer should be the first thing you book. This extraordinary Statue was built over the course of 9 years from 1922-1931 and is a symbol of the redemption of man by jesus. Standing 30 meters tall (38 if you include the pedestal) this massive monument is located at the top of Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. Not only can you see the monumental statue up close but from the vantage point you can see the city, ocean, the famous sugarloaf mountain, and Rio’s many beaches. By far the best way to book is by taking the iconic cogwheel train through Tijuca Forest National Park. This scenic train ride takes you through the amazon where you get to see a monkey! The best way to book the train ticket is here or skip the line ticket, which is worth paying for because the que for the train can be very long, The view is breathtaking! For more informations and booking options check out my travel guide: Christ the Redeemer: The Ultimate Travel Guide

#2 Cable Car Ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain

I have never experienced anything like this. In my humble opinion, I enjoyed this more than Christ the Redeemer. Please don't come for me. Not only is this gondola ride unforgettable and gives you some of the most amazing views of the city, there are shops, dining, and activities at each stop. This to me was a lot more interactive, fun and full of really interesting information about the construction of the gondola, city facts, and tons more. At the top of the mountain they have a sunset restaurant where you can enjoy the breathtaking sunset as you eat a delicious dinner. Booking is very easy too. You can book the cable car tickets online here (recommended) or buy tickets at the gate here. There are also opportunities to hike and rock climb up the mountain. I have not done this but if you want to learn more about hiking, climbing, or general information check out The Armchair Engineer. This is by far the most extensive blog post full of great information about Sugarloaf mountain.

#3 Beach Hop

Rio is famously known for its beaches. In 2022 there were a total of 99 beaches listed. In my opinion, to understand Rio you need to look at the beaches and their neighborhoods. That is why I dedicated an entire article to exploring Rio by its beaches. So if you want to take a deeper dive into Rio’s beaches and everything that makes them unique check out my guide; Life's a Beach in Rio de Janeiro. But from private and calm to right in the middle of the action there is a beach for every kind of beacher. As a lover of beach life, I can say being in Rio is like heaven. N matter what vibe I'm feeling, there is Rio has got just what I need.

Ipanema

Arguably the most famous beach in Rio, Ipanema beach is full of activity, with families, food trucks, beach volleyball, performers and so much more. Belonging to the neighborhood Ipanema with some of the best boutiques, restaurant, bars and nightclubs, along with the better accommodations from high end hotels to fun group hostels. This neighborhood would be my recommendation to stay when you visit Rio because it is in the heart of all the life in Rio de Janeiro. Not to mention it has by far the best views of the mountains in my opinion.

Arpoador

Known as the birthplace of surfing, this bolder beach is one of my favorites. It is nestled between Copacabana and Ipanema beach and is boulders where surfers from all over the world come to compete in tournaments. Though my surfing skills don’t exist, it's a beautiful scenic area to watch surfers and also has an outdoor gym for those who want a spectacular view with their workout.

Copacabana

Another beach that is the life of the city. Named after the forested mountain rising from the ocean, Copacabana beach and known as the Princess of the Sea. This iconic beach is always full of activity and people dancing, singing, selling, relaxing, playing sports you name it. and its neighborhood is known for its eclectic, romantic and glamorous vibes. Fun fact, this sport loving beach was the host of the summer world cup beach volleyball competition.

Botafogo Beach

Featured in the iconic photo from Christ the Redeemer of Sugarloaf mountain and known for its calm waters, wide open spaces and beautiful scenery, this is a great place to have a refreshing dip in the water and very kid friendly because of its calm waters. Tons of sport is always being played on the large spread of sand. The surrounding neighborhood has some of the best rooftop restaurants, shopping and has a massive park.

Leblon

If you are looking for something glamorous, Leblon is the beach to go to. Because it's one of the more affluent and expensive neighborhoods, this beach is quieter and more relaxing. It is surrounded by many gourmet restaurants, sophisticated shops, and luxury shopping malls.

Abrico

A secluded hidden gem, this beach is very relaxing as only locals tend to go there so the crowds will be smaller and there won’t be many merchants selling on the beach, which is nice. If you want a nice place to read or a safer, more manageable place to take the kids to the beach. Definitely give Abrico a visit, and bring a cooler for food or drinks because there won't be a lot of options to buy around here.

Praia do Secreto

I honestly just wanted to put pictures up of this beach. Words can't describe how cool the spot is. All I will say is it's worth a visit if you want something beautiful, secluded and different to explore.

#4 Carnival

One of the biggest carnivals in the world with over 4 million people flooding the streets of Rio, this iconic event occurs between Feb and March right before lent.

People are dancing, singing, parading and partying 24/7. The absolute life and character and celebration of this festival should be on the world wingers list. I could sit here and write for hours about carnival but you have to try it yourself. And if you want some very solid information to help you build your experience at carnival please reach out. This is definitely a phone conversation and I'd be happy to help. Book a Call or check out my guide: The Ultimate Guide to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

#5 Enjoy Samba at Pedra do Sal

One hidden gem that often gets overlooked by tourists is Pedra do Sal, also known as Little Africa, in Rio de Janeiro. This historic and religious site is located in the neighborhood of Saúde and offers a unique glimpse into Brazilian history. Originally a quilombo village, Pedra do Sal was a refuge for those escaping slavery in Africa. Today, the Community Descendents of the Quilombos of Pedra de Sal still reside there, keeping the rich history alive.

This site is not just a place to visit, but an experience that immerses you in the culture and heritage of Brazil. As you walk through the cobblestone streets and listen to the stories of the locals, you can feel the spirit of resilience and strength that has shaped this community.

Pedra do Sal was rediscovered during the preparations for the 2016 Olympic games, and since then, it has been revitalized as a must-see destination for those eager to learn about Brazil's past. So, if you're looking for a truly authentic and enlightening experience, make sure to add Pedra do Sal to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed!

How to book:

As always I love to do my own tours and not pay so if that is your thing then here is the walking guide you can follow on your own: Day trip to Pedro do Sal

If you want to do a guided one that is very worth doing is

#6 Walk the Rio Stairs

Escadaria Selarón also known as the Selarón steps are a must see when visiting Rio de Janeiro. The tale of Escadaria Selarón begins with a Chilean adventurer who made the bold decision to relocate to Brazil. Right outside his home, he encountered a simple, unassuming staircase. But this visionary artist, Jorge Selarón, saw potential where others saw only drabness. With a stroke of genius, he embarked on a mission to transform the steps into a vibrant masterpiece, adorning them with tiles in the colors of Brazil - yellow, green, and blue - and a nod to his homeland with the color red.

As word of Selarón's stunning creation spread, travelers from far and wide were inspired to contribute tiles from their own countries, resulting in a mesmerizing mosaic of cultural diversity. Each step tells a unique story, showcasing a kaleidoscope of images from around the globe. So, next time you find yourself at Escadaria Selarón, take a moment to marvel at the intricate details that make this staircase a true work of art.

Location

And there you have it, the best way to get started on your adventure in Rio! I did find a great resource for those who love this info but want a guided tour. The tour is private and curated to you so you get to pick the spots in advance you want to see, have lunch and tapas, hotel pick-up and drop-off, with really good information about each area you visit. Honestly, I'm not a tour person but this one is definitely worth it. Full Day Private Tour.